Best Chef on the Rise in Nashville 2026: Selim Ülker
Nashville restaurant cognoscenti often tout their favorite local chefs by just one name — Margot, Tandy, Deb, Kahlil, Julia, Sean, Arnold. Then there are chefs who have toiled behind the scenes, in other people’s kitchens, but are known, respected and watched by other chefs. Meet Selim Ülker, known by peers as Selim the Dream. Since arriving in Nashville from Turkey in 2018, Ülker has been instrumental in establishing two nationally acclaimed restaurants – Edessa on Nolensville Road and Yolan in the Joseph Hotel. He struck out on his own in 2025 with Kardes in food hall L&L Market, a casual 20-seat counter that leans Turkish tavern food. I predict his breakout will occur with the upcoming opening in Wedgewood-Houston of Ayva, which will offer a more elevated menu and an intimate dining experience, and allow Selim to achieve his dream.
