With its vibey decor and vibrant flavors, Lona is a chic Mexican oasis in downtown Nashville.

Lona’s bold and vibrant interiors

In Spanish, “lona” means canvas. It’s a fitting name for the buzzy new resto that opened its doors on the first level of Noelle, a blank canvas on which chef collaborators Richard Sandoval and Pablo Salas are creating a culinary masterpiece that pays tribute to Mexican culture and cuisine.

An award-winning Mexican concept with roots in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, Lona Nashville has gained a reputation for bold flavors, creative dishes and a lively atmosphere. Lona is the result of a unique partnership between three key collaborators: Rockbridge, a hospitality-centered investment firm serving as the owner and investor; Makeready, the operator and hospitality brand behind Nashville favorites Noelle, Rare Bird and Hidden Bar; and Richard Sandoval Hospitality, the culinary innovator behind the restaurant’s vibrant concept.

Perfectly positioned to kick off a night downtown, the stunning 2,900-square-foot space just steps from Printer’s Alley has been transformed to reflect the colors and flavors of Mexico City—just like the menu.

the signature Mercado Margarita bursting with flavor

“The flavors are very real,” says Sandoval. “If you went to a market in Mexico, you’d get the same thing. The flavors and the ingredients are very authentic.”

Start with lump crab guacamole, made with lime, cilantro, tomato, onion and a hint of chipotle, or the tuna tostada, featuring salsa macha, sun-dried chili mayo and avocado. Then, move on to entrées including the Baja-style fish tacos, filled with beer-battered mahi mahi with chipotle slaw and pico de Gallo and Carne Asada tacos with grilled skirt steak, white onion and cilantro cooked in a corn tortilla wrapped in melted Oaxaca cheese. And don’t sleep on the quesadillas. The mushroom option is a slice of heaven with onion, cilantro and queso fresco. It sounds simple, but the flavors are rich and complex.

Just like the menu, the space is designed to reflect a modern meets traditional vibe. Tuck into a cozy honey-colored leather banquette accented with colorful pillows or pull up a stool at the lively bar where cocktails like the passion picante (Blanco tequila, mezcal, Cointreau, passionfruit and Morita chili) and the Lona red tequila sangria (red wine, Blanco tequila, grapefruit, orange, hibiscus and agave) are flowing on repeat. Take in the colorful mural by Dominican-born artist Ruben Ubiera, depicting a beautiful Mexican woman adorned with a traditional head covering and a purple iris, the Tennessee state flower.

endless tacos to indulge in at Lona Nashville.

The mural’s cultural mix perfectly captures the reason Sandoval and Salas brought Lona to Nashville in the first place.

“In Nashville, there’s a lot of music, a lot of tradition, and Mexican cuisine is all about that,” says Salas. “It’s the perfect spot to show those parts of our culture, our ingredients and our traditions.” 200 4th Ave. N,lonanashville.com