about
etch is a globally-inspired restaurant by award-winning chef Deb Paquette. The original location opened its doors in 2012 in lively downtown Nashville and expanded to The Factory at Franklin in 2024. The modern restaurants each house two private dining rooms, a full bar, and a chef’s bar, giving guests a look into Chef Deb and her teams’ culinary prowess.
etch’s eclectic menu incorporates innovative dishes inspired by Deb’s favorite regions of the world to leave a lasting impression, or etch, on every diner. A wine list with over 80 choices is available, along with high-gravity local beers and hand-crafted signature cocktails.
Desserts are prepared in-house by Pastry Chef Megan Williams, whose creations top the list for the city’s sweet confections. House-made ice creams and artfully plated desserts change seasonally, providing a revolving array of treats that will keep you coming back for more.
Writers’ Choice
Writers’ Choice
chef deb paquette
Deb Paquette is well known in Nashville where she’s lived and worked for the last thirty plus years. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, she became the first woman in Tennessee to qualify as a certified executive chef. She’s been a trailblazer for chefs in the area, a mentor, and consultant to some of Nashville’s best talent. She’s won countless awards and accolades and was the chef/owner of Zola – named in Gourmet Magazine as one of the Top Sixty Restaurants in the United States – where diners flocked to her big, bold flavors for thirteen years.
In 2012, Deb partnered with 4Top Hospitality to open etch in downtown Nashville. The restaurant was concepted to share the flavors, ingredients, and techniques she has explored through food worldwide. In the summer of 2016, Deb’s smaller, more intimate version of etch opened in the Green Hills neighborhood, serving lunch & dinner to a heavily local crowd that has been dining at Deb’s eateries for years. The second location of etch opened its doors in Franklin in fall of 2024, offering the same award-winning cuisine as the original location downtown.
“This town has supported and appreciated me, and I want to give back,” she says. She loves having locations around town where she can reach locals and destination-hunters alike. “This is what I do, and I will always do this. I just want to make good food that everyone can enjoy.”
Today, Deb leads a team of fellow culinary professionals to bring her creative concept to life while infusing their own talents, creativity, and passion for globally influenced food.
executive chefs
jess lambert & megan williams
Jess started her tenure with etch in 2014 as a cook before rising the ranks to Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and now Executive Chef. Under the creative guidance of Deb Paquette, Jess oversees operations and menu development of the etch and etc. concepts. In this role, Jess creates seasonal menus for the restaurants, infusing her own talents and passion for global cuisine.
Megan was part of the original etch opening team, leading the pastry team to execute some of the best desserts to grace plates in Nashville’s booming culinary scene. Today, Megan is the Executive Chef of the etch and etc. concepts, where her creativity and execution continue to land her sweet concoctions in publications and local “best of” lists. You can find her delicious creations at both restaurants, including house favorites like the seasonal sundae with house-made ice cream and accoutrements.
loyalty program
Whether you’re a diehard Deb fan, local diner or frequent visitor, our loyalty program gives you access to members-only benefits like restaurant rewards and special access to gift card sales throughout the year. As a member, you’ll earn points on every purchase at our family of restaurants. For every $1 spent, 1pt will be added to your rewards account; for every 200pts earned, a $10 reward will be loaded onto your loyalty card. These rewards can be redeemed individually or saved up for a big night out on the town! Sign up on your next visit or online to start earning rewards at your favorite restaurants.
press
People Newspapers — a trusted Dallas lifestyle publication — called out Etch and Etc. by name in their Nashville travel guide, describing Chef Deb Paquette as “legendary” and our downtown dining room as a local staple serving elevated southern-influenced global cuisine. Read more here.
Eater Nashville — one of the city’s leading food publications — includes us on their list of the best restaurants in Nashville, describing Chef Deb Paquette as a culinary pioneer for over 30 years and highlighting our globally-inspired menu as “perennially exciting and never dull”. Read more here.
Southern Living turned to Chef Deb Paquette — chef and owner of Etch and Etc. in Nashville — as their expert voice on one of the South’s most beloved summer vegetables. From grilling and roasting to pickling and freezing, Deb shares the techniques and flavors that have shaped her cooking since childhood. Read more here.
Nashville Guru — one of the city’s most trusted local guides — includes Etch among the top lunch restaurants in Downtown Nashville, recognizing our New American menu as a go-to midday destination. Read more here.
In 2012, Nashville Scene declared it the greatest year in Nashville restaurant history — and Etch was one of only seven restaurants credited with reshaping the city’s dining scene. Over a decade later, that legacy still defines who we are. Read more here.
Etch has been recognized by Nashville Lifestyles as one of Nashville’s top dining destinations in their Ultimate Restaurant Guide 2026, highlighting the restaurant’s globally inspired cuisine in the heart of Downtown Nashville. Read more here.
Visit our sister restaurant in Green Hills for lunch, dinner, or drinks!