by Jaya Gupta ’25
October 31, 2023
The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the writer and do not reflect the views of University School of Nashville or the Peabody Press.
Flora + Fauna is located in East Nashville right next door to Kisser, which has been named one of the New York Times’ 50 Most Exciting restaurants. Both doors are busy, but there is a distinct difference between the establishments: the atmosphere at Kisser is a little intimidating, whereas Flora + Fauna is welcoming even from the outside.
Structured like a café, Flora and Fauna could probably be best classified as a casual-fancy restaurant. You read the menu in line to order at the counter, then sit down and wait for your food, like a café. But the service and food quality is that of a renowned restaurant. There is a faint chatter in the room, with light streaming in through the windows.
The environment is delightful and calming; just compact enough to be familiar, but just spacious enough not to disrupt the flow of traffic. The patrons who fill the seats are mostly young. Thought-provoking conversations about ethics and current events can be overheard from diners around the room.
Not only are the walls a great potential background for Instagram pictures, but the aesthetic green color palette of the space is complemented by live plants, painted murals, and Pride flags. The overall atmosphere of the restaurant is inclusive, including the staff, who are friendly with each other and with everyone who enters the building.
From a first glance at the menu, one would be shocked that this wasn’t a vegetarian or plant-based restaurant. Only one or two items on the menu originally contained meat, though it was an optional add-in for a couple other dishes. The majority of the options were vegetarian, many were vegan, and there were even multiple gluten-free choices.
After ordering, you get a table marker with a drawing of a woodland creature, such as a fox, and sit down where you like. There are chairs, booths, and barstools to sit at, all fitting the comfortable theme and ambience of the restaurant.
You don’t hold on to the table marker long; the service is swift and your drinks come almost immediately. Regardless of how busy it is, your food follows shortly behind. The seasonal drink options and menu consistencies are served aesthetically accompanied by a metal straw, emphasizing the eco-friendly outlook of the establishment.
The food is served fresh and warm – with breakfast, brunch, and lunch foods served all day. Not only does the menu taste delicious, but it is visually appealing and healthy. All the menu’s items were reasonably priced.
After looking at the menu and talking with the cashier, I ordered a recommended Matcha Mash fall drink flavor for $5. We ordered a Potato Hash bowl for $13, which was vegetarian and gluten free. In addition, I got the Vegan Mushroom sandwich with a side of breakfast potatoes for just $14. Both dishes were delicious in terms of flavor, and hearty without being overfilling in terms of portion size.
When ordering carryout, efficiency is their priority as well, so don’t order too far ahead or your food will get cold! There is a separate carryout counter by a different door, so it doesn’t interfere with the foot traffic in the rest of the restaurant. The food is fresh and high quality just like the sit-down food.
The packaging for the carryout perpetuates the restraurant’s environmentally conscious atmosphere, made of recyclable materials and served with biodegradable utensils. The carryout food is plated differently, with separate compartments for conflicting textures to ensure freshness if eaten later. The dishes travel well, maintaining their deliciousness even after a long car ride home. Leftovers can even be saved and reheated easily to enjoy the mouth-watering flavors for a second time.
Flora + Fauna can be considered a must-visit place in order to stay in touch with trends and the rise of eco-friendly restaurants. With excellent service and delicious food, Flora + Fauna exceeds expectations.
Flora + Fauna is located at 747 Douglas Ave. Suite 107C, 3207, and is open 7AM-5PM Monday-Friday and 7AM-4PM on weekends.
