Wedgewood-Houston continues to glow up. One of Chicago’s most celebrated restaurant groups is heading south, and they’re bringing pasta, pizza, and serious Italian comfort with them.
Boka Restaurant Group (the team behind acclaimed spots like Boka and Momotaro) is opening Alla Vita, their cozy-yet-upscale Italian concept, right here in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. Slated to open in Spring 2026, the new eatery will live at 523 Houston Street, part of AJ Capital’s fast-growing Wedgewood Village development.
If the name rings a bell, it should. Alla Vita is already a hit in Chicago, thanks in large part to Chef Lee Wolen, a Michelin-starred chef known for taking classic comfort dishes and giving them a thoughtful, elevated twist. The Nashville location promises all the hits from the original menu… plus a few exclusive-to-Nashville additions we can’t wait to try.
Expect handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and shareable Italian favorites served with a glass of wine (or two).
Standouts include:
Arancini filled with gooey scamorza and topped with ’nduja aioli and fennel pollen
A vibrant Chopped Salad with finocchiona, gem lettuce, and pepperoncini
Cacio e Pepe Ricotta Dumplings (yes, please)
And their fan-favorite Chicken Parm, complete with fire-roasted tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella
And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, save room. The dessert lineup includes Olive Oil Cake, Cannoli, Dark Chocolate Blueberry Budino, and rotating house-made gelatos and sorbets.
Chef Wolen is no stranger to Nashville. “Nashville is an incredible city, and I’m excited to spend more time here as we bring Alla Vita to town,” he says. “I always love visiting, and it feels like a great fit for the next chapter of the restaurant. Our goal is to serve fresh, approachable Italian food in a fun, welcoming environment, and I’m looking forward to sharing that experience with Wedgewood Houston and the entire Nashville community.”
The vibe will be just as dialed-in as the food. Kehoe Designs is reimagining the space as a garden-inspired escape, featuring lush greenery, floral prints, and an abundance of natural textures. Think airy, stylish, and just the right amount of fancy.
The wine list leans towards Italian and West Coast styles, highlighting smaller, under-the-radar wineries, while the cocktail menu will focus on seasonal spritzes, unique spirits, and, of course, amaros and vermouths. Stay tuned for more details, and make sure you’re following Nashville Noise on Instagram to see our faves when we visit.
