Pioneer Spotlight is a monthly feature highlighting Nashville’s long-lasting, leading establishments. As Nashville grows and new restaurants snag headlines, there’s a long list of attention-deserving businesses that built the foundation. While we welcome the newcomers, we believe it’s important to support the businesses that started it all. This month we put the Pioneer Spotlight on: Virago.
Pioneer Spotlight: Virago
Inspired by the restaurant scene in California, Founder Chris Hyndman was determined to open one of Nashville’s first “big city” independent restaurants. His Asian fusion concept, Virago, opened at its original location in Midtown in 2000, garnering deserved attention for its contemporary design, progressive ambience, and unparalleled dining experience. Hyndman’s vision for the Nashville culinary scene raised the bar for restauranteurs.
In 2010, Virago relocated to McGavock Street in the Gulch neighborhood. Hyndman and a group of investing partners capitalized on other vacancies on McGavock Street as they became available. Between 2009 and 2014, The “M Street” team opened Whiskey Kitchen, Citizen, The Rosewall, Kayne Prime, Saint Anejo, and Moto, making McGavock Street a dining destination.
Today, Virago remains one of Nashville’s most popular restaurants.
Virago’s Interior
Virago’s vibe is modern and chic with low-lighting, vibrant colors, and stylish design. When you walk in, you feel like you just stepped through the doors of an L.A. hotspot.
Virago’s Exterior & Rooftop Patio
Virago is home to one of the first rooftop patios in Nashville. The patio is covered with comfortable booth seating, a bar, and high-top tables. Guests have beautiful views of downtown and Union Station while enjoying renowned maki.
Virago’s Menu
While sushi is the star of Virago’s menu, there are plenty of other highlights, including sashimi, wagyu striploin, southern ramen, robatayaki, and starters like blackened ahi and duck confit eggrolls. Make sure to check out Maki Sake Monday for half-priced maki and 2-for-1 select cocktails and sake. The Raw Deal is worth checking out, too.
Virago Details
- Address: 1126 McGavock Street, Nashville, TN 37203 (Map)
- Phone: (615) 254-1902 (Call)
- Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 5pm – Midnight
Sunday: 5pm – 10pm
For more information about Virago, visit their official website.
