Kisser

The story

Kisser Nashville: Japanese-Inspired Comfort Food & Bib Gourmand Restaurant

A Modern Kissaten in Nashville

Kisser, located in Nashville’s Highland Yards, is the heartfelt creation of husband-and-wife team Brian Lea and Leina Horii. The restaurant is an homage to the Japanese kissaten — a neighborhood spot where locals gather for comfort food, drink, and good company. This welcoming concept earned Kisser a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2026, recognizing its good quality, good value cooking.

The Team Behind the Counter

Brian Lea’s career spans kitchens with Charlie Palmer, José Andrés, and Jordan Kahn, followed by a pivotal role as sous chef on the opening team of Husk Nashville. Leina Horii grew up in a restaurant family — her father is a sushi chef, and her mother runs the kitchen in their family’s sushi restaurant in California. She trained under Jordan Kahn at Red Medicine and later with chef Ludo Lefebvre at Petit Trois and Trois Mec. In Nashville, she was sous chef at the Catbird Seat before moving to Bastion, where she and Brian were reunited in the kitchen.

After a series of pop-ups and a weekly farmers market stand in 2021, the couple opened Kisser in 2023. Their shared experience and deep respect for Japanese culinary traditions shape every part of the experience.

What to Expect

The menu at Kisser reflects the couple’s vision of Japanese comfort food — approachable, satisfying, and crafted with care. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis for walk-ins alongside online reservations, and keeps tables available for spontaneous visits. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, designed for lingering over a meal with friends.

Kisser’s recognition by Michelin highlights its commitment to delivering quality Japanese cuisine at a fair price — a rare combination that makes it a standout in Nashville’s dining scene. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch or a weekend brunch, the spirit of the kissaten is alive and well here.