There is something inherently inviting about Mediterranean food. It is meant to be shared, passed around a table, enjoyed slowly and accompanied by conversation. At Tholos Mediterranean in Mt. Juliet, that spirit of gathering is more than a philosophy - it is the foundation of the restaurant itself.
Opened in August 2025, Tholos is approaching its first year with a reputation for authentic Mediterranean cooking and genuine hospitality. For the chef and owner behind the restaurant, opening Tholos was an opportunity to bring something personal to his new hometown.
Originally from eastern Turkey, Chef Fesih has spent approximately 35 years in the restaurant industry, including Michelin-starred restaurants in Istanbul and Europe. His brother is also in the food business in Germany.
Greek, Turkish, Italian, Middle Eastern and Mesopotamian traditions have all shaped the region’s food, and Tholos embraces that history rather than placing its cuisine into a single box. Chef Fesih describes it as “real Mediterranean” food - fresh, healthy and refreshing.
In ancient Greece, a tholos was a circular structure where people gathered and celebrated. The name reflects the owner’s hope for a place where people gather, enjoy a meal and leave happier.
Much of the menu is prepared over fresh charcoal, creating a deep, smoky flavor. The lamb is a standout, including ground lamb skewers made fresh and cooked over charcoal, along with lamb shank slow-cooked for approximately four hours. Seafood offerings include salmon, sea bass and seafood linguine, while desserts are made in-house, including a house recipe for baklava.
Since opening, Tholos has welcomed guests from Mt. Juliet, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna and beyond. Its tables reflect a diverse community, including diners who recognize flavors from their own heritage and veterans who discovered Mediterranean food while traveling abroad.
Ultimately, Tholos is about more than dinner. It is about community, consistency and connection - a modern expression of the ancient idea behind its name.
A place to eat. A place to celebrate. A place to gather.