Locust is a fine-dining restaurant in 12 South, part of the Strategic Hospitality group. The kitchen works in a Modern American register, plating dishes that reviewers keep coming back to: dumplings, dover sole, beef tartare, caviar, oysters, and a shaved ice dessert that shows up often in conversation.
The recognition has piled up quickly. Michelin awarded Locust one star in 2025, the same year it landed on North America's 50 Best Restaurants list and the James Beard Foundation named it a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur. Its kitchen has also been a two-time James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast, in 2023 and 2024. Robb Report included Locust among its Best New Restaurants for 2026, StarChefs named it to its 2026 Rising Stars class, and Eater has listed it on the Essential 38 for Nashville.
The recognition has piled up quickly. Michelin awarded Locust one star in 2025, the same year it landed on North America's 50 Best Restaurants list and the James Beard Foundation named it a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur. Its kitchen has also been a two-time James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast, in 2023 and 2024. Robb Report included Locust among its Best New Restaurants for 2026, StarChefs named it to its 2026 Rising Stars class, and Eater has listed it on the Essential 38 for Nashville.