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If you are planning a visit to Nashville, Tennessee, you are probably looking forward to trying some delicious southern cuisine. As such a hot travel destination, you won’t be disappointed in the variety and deliciousness of the food in Nashville.
Once you’ve booked a great place to stay while in Nashville, it’s time to start planning your trip. We highly recommend you get an idea of where you’d like to eat and make reservations as these spots tend to book quickly, especially on the weekends.
Regardless of whether you are looking for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or even some late-night snacks, there is always something available. You can find some amazing restaurants on Broadway, you can uncover some hidden gems in East Nashville and The Gulch, and you might even want to swing by Germantown.
In the end, there are plenty of restaurants from which to choose, ranging from Asian food to Italian food, and even some fine dining, traditional southern restaurants.
If you are looking for the best Nashville restaurants, here are the best options you need to try.
1. Lou Nashville
Price: $$
Address: 1304 McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37216.
There is a reason why people consistently rank this restaurant among some of the best in the area. It is one of the best restaurants in downtown Nashville, and it has only been open for a few years. It is one of the best places to go for French food in the local area, and it might have the top wine list.
The restaurant worked hard to adapt during the pandemic, and its hard work won over a lot of friends. They have also conducted a lot of fundraisers for charitable organizations in the area while adding outdoor dining options to ensure they could continue to feed their hungry customers during the pandemic.
Now, they have a place on the list of top restaurants in the local area. If you want to grab a glass of wine or try some of their food.
2. Pelican and Pig
Price: $
Address: 1010 Gallatin Ave. Nashville, TN 37206
If you are looking for a menu with a lot of options, Pelican and Pig is the way to go. This is a great place to check out if you are looking for a few quick appetizers, but there are lots of wood-fired dishes that are enjoyable as well. This is also a great option if you are looking for food that you can eat outside or a few dishes that you can take home with you.
When you show up, the first thing you will notice is that the aesthetic here is a bit different. That is because the restaurant has been made out of a former auto upholstery shop. Many of the roots of the original location remain, but it adds a bit of charm to the restaurant.
If you want to try some ribs, some chili, or some fresh pork, then swing by!
3. Rosie Food and Wine
Price: $$
Address: 203 Anderson Ln N Suite 107 Hendersonville, TN 37075
If you are willing to go on a drive just a few minutes outside of Nashville toward Hillsboro, you will eventually reach Hendersonville. Then, you will find this restaurant in a relatively unassuming strip mall, but it is definitely something that you will not want to miss.
This is a tapas-style restaurant, which means that you can order a bunch of small dishes that you can share with the other people in your party. This is one of the best places to go for Spanish cuisine. You can try a wide variety of meals including patatas bravas, Iberico ham, garlic bread, and more. Even though this restaurant is easy to miss, it is definitely worth the drive.
4. East Side Banh Mi
Price: $
Address: 1000 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
If Asian food is what you are looking for, this is the place to go. This is one of the most popular Vietnamese restaurants in the area, and it took a big risk by opening its doors during the pandemic. The risk paid off, as the restaurant is one of the most popular locations for locals and visitors alike. The sandwich menu is absolutely amazing, with a lot of traditional Vietnamese dishes alongside some inventive creations.
Keep in mind that by supporting this restaurant, you will also be supporting a lot of the local farmers in the area. All of the ingredients come from farmers who have called Nashville home. Don’t hesitate to try some of the unique drinks on the menu as well, as you will not be disappointed!
5. 400 Degrees
Price: $$
Address: 3704 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, TN 37218
If you are looking for some true southern cuisine, then you definitely need to swing by 400 Degrees. This is a restaurant that has some of the best Nashville hot chicken, and it has only become more popular during the past 15 years. Now, this is definitely not a place you want to go if you are trying to avoid calories, but if you want the true southern experience, you definitely need to visit.
The Nashville hot chicken made at this restaurant is deep-fried instead of being cooked in a skillet. That is why the restaurant has its name. The difference has paid off, as this restaurant is always ranked at the top of the list in terms of hot fried chicken in the local area.
6. The Redheaded Stranger
Price: $
Address: 305 Arrington St, Nashville, TN 37207
If you are looking for Mexican food, or even a bit of Tex-Mex, you can find it here. This is a restaurant that serves up a wider variety of queso, some crunchwrap tacos, and amazing burritos. At the same time, you can even get a delicious cheeseburger here. All of the ingredients come from the local area, so it is about as fresh as it can possibly be.
The staff is incredibly friendly, and they will be happy to point you in the right direction. Different people have different levels of spice tolerance, so do not hesitate to ask for clarification before you decide to order something that is listed as mild, medium, or spicy.
More than just a restaurant, this spot doubles as a hip little bar, so swing by whether you’re hungry or just after a drink.
7. Folk
Price: $/$$
Address: 823 Meridian St, Nashville, TN 37207
Are you ready to try some unique pizza? If so, Folk is the way to go. It has been open for a few years, and it has become one of the most popular pizza joints in the local area. Regardless of whether you are looking for a basic cheese pizza or a unique chicken Milanesa, you can find it here. The restaurant underwent a bit of a transformation during the pandemic, but it has definitely survived and thrived. Of note, the owner of this restaurant has another popular restaurant, Rolf & Daughters.
There is simply something different about the pizza from this restaurant, and it is probably a combination of the fresh ingredients and the unique cooking style. This is a great place to go regardless of whether you want to eat in, get it to go, or even get it delivered!
8. Lyra
Price: $$
Address: 935 W Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
This restaurant has been open for a few years, and it has become a staple for those who are looking for Mediterranean or Middle East cuisine. You can find lots of traditional Middle Eastern dishes on the menu, including baba ganoush, lamb manti, and hummus. This restaurant has become a staple of East Nashville, and they even have a vegan menu.
While the food is already reason enough to come and visit, they have plenty of drinks on the list as well. The whiskey cocktails are incredibly diverse, so do not be afraid to give them a try, as long as you are of age. If you are ready to experience something different, then come and check out Lyra.
9. Peninsula
Price: $$$
Address: 1035 W Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
A lot of people in the local area were very sad when their restaurant closed its doors during the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the good news is that the restaurant is open once again. This is a restaurant that gets its name from the Iberian Peninsula, and it should come as no surprise that the name is a reflection of the type of food it serves.
If you are looking for a beautiful dining room to serve up your favorite Spanish dishes, this is definitely the place to go. Some of the most popular items on the menu include braised rabbit, tomato toast, and Spanish tortillas. You might even want to go with a group of friends so that you can share some of the dishes. Then, don’t forget to take a look at the drink menu, and pair one of the specials with your food!
10. Big Al’s Deli
Price: $
Address: 1828 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
They call it Southern Hospitality for a reason, and that is definitely something you will experience if you swing by this restaurant. Big Al’s is like nothing else in the local area. The menu is enormous, all of the meals are “homestyle cooking,” and the flavors will come together for an amazing dish. There are plenty of options from which to choose, and it opens early in the morning, staying open through the lunch crowd.
Some of the most popular options on the menu include fried catfish, spicy shrimp, grits, and plenty of other traditional southern dishes. When you show up, make sure you bring your appetite, as the name does not lie!
11. Ed’s Fish and Pizza House
Price: $
Address: 1801 Dr DB Todd Jr Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
If you are looking for the best pizza in North Nashville, swing by Ed’s Fish and Pizza House. This is one of the least expensive restaurants in the local area, but the food is every bit as good. In addition to the pizza, you should try some of their amazing sandwiches. There are plenty of ways you can customize the sandwich to meet your needs. You might want to think about adding cheese, or you might want to reach for a sandwich that has some catfish on it.
Don’t forget to get a delicious drink to wash everything down with! You might want to reach for some of their delicious fruit tea! This restaurant has been open since 1993, and it remains one of the most popular local restaurants.
12. Butcher & Bee
Price: $$$
Address: 902 Main Street, Nashville, TN, 37207
It is difficult to pin down this restaurant because the menu changes so often, but that means you can swing by again and again to try something new. This is a restaurant that was born in Charleston, but has since made a name for itself in Nashville.
If looking for the best way to try some of the most popular items on the menu, you should start with the Mezze. This is a great way to try some of the most popular options without filling up. Then, make sure you leave some room for dessert, as it is not something to miss.
13. Dino’s Bar
Price: $
Address: 411 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Are you looking for some late-night food? If so, then you need to check out Dino’s Bar. This is a restaurant that was recently closed for some renovations, but it is open once again. Now, you can enjoy the warm summer evenings on their brand new patio!
Of course, this restaurant is still serving some of your favorite bar bites. A few great examples include delicious cheeseburgers, some traditional Nashville hot chicken, and some creative french fries. Of course, the beer menu is just as long as it has ever been, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something nice and cold to wash down your food.
This has been one of the most popular late-night spots in the local area for a long time, and you may want to check it out as well.
14. City House
Price: $$
Address: 1222 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
This is a restaurant that has been open for about 15 years, and it has become a staple of the local area. While the restaurant has a wide variety of dishes, it focuses on delicious rustic Italian fare.
The owner of this amazing restaurant has even once won a James Beard award because of how delicious everything is. In particular, you should pay attention to the belly ham pizza, which has a reputation for being one of the best dishes in the local area. In addition, anything made by their talents as a pastry chef is definitely something you want to try.
Do not forget to pair your dinner with some delicious wine!
15. Etc. Restaurant
Price: $$$
Address: 3790 Bedford Ave, Nashville, TN 37215
If you are looking for a restaurant with a bit of spunk, you should check out Etc. Restaurants. It is the sister restaurant to another great restaurant you can find downtown, Etch. The menu here is incredibly creative, and everything is absolutely delicious. It is also a bit off the beaten path, so you might not have any trouble getting a table, even during peak hours.
Everything on the menu is absolutely delicious, but there are a few dishes that you absolutely need to try if you go. You should reach for the lamb barbacoa, the catfish masala, or the duck chorizo flatbread. Don’t forget to save some room for dessert as well!
16. Lockeland Table
Price: $$$
Address: 1520 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206
This is a restaurant that is known for its wood-fired dishes, unique fusion menu, and creative twists on some Nashville favorites. The storefront is a reflection of the original store that used to own this location. At that time, it was a typical general store during the early 20th century. Now, that aesthetic remains, but this location serves up some of the most delicious meals in the local area. You might even want to take a look at what they have done with the traditional Nashville hot chicken dish!
There are also lots of specials that will grace the menu from time to time, so don’t hesitate to talk to them to see if there is anything unique on the menu.
17. Arnold’s Country Kitchen
Price: $$
Address: 605 8th Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
This is another traditional southern restaurant that will not disappoint. This is a restaurant that has been open for more than 30 years, and it has even won a James Beard award because of how amazing all of the food is. No matter what type of southern dish you are looking for, there is a good chance you can find it here.
Furthermore, this is a restaurant that will actively encourage you to eat dessert first. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, you have definitely come to the right place. The menu is very large, so you might have a difficult time figuring out what to try. While you can definitely try just about everything, you might want to talk to the wider audience to see if there are any specials on the menu, including BBQ and brisket. That is a good place to start.
18. Thai Esane
Price: $$
Address: 1520 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203
If you are looking for some Asian food, Thai Esane is a great place to go. Once you are done with the live music on Music Row, pop into this restaurant! It will definitely give you an upscale dining experience, even though the prices are affordable. As you dive into some delicious pad thai, don’t forget to gaze at the Golden Buddha! It was actually shipped to the restaurant all the way from Thailand, so make sure you appreciate the effort the restaurant owner put into it.
If a dish is listed as spicy on the menu, keep in mind that it might be extremely spicy. You might want to talk to the waiter for clarification before you order something spicy!
19. Riddim n Spice
Price: $$
Address: 2116 Meharry Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
If you are looking for some Caribbean favorites, this is the place to go. It started as a food truck, but the food has become so popular that the owners decided to open an actual Jamaican restaurant. You can find some popular classics such as jerk chicken, mango slaw, rice and peas, and even a dumpling or two! All of the ingredients are fresh, and the owner has developed a menu that is a fusion of Jamaica, Hati, and Cuba.
If you want to complete the experience, take a look at the drink menu. Then, talk to the owner to see if there are any recommendations to bring out the spices in the dishes!
20. Peg Leg Porker BBQ
Price: $$
Address: 903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203
If you are looking for the best BBQ in the local area, you should swing by Carey Bringle’s joint and pay your respects to the pitmaster. There are a lot of amazing options on the menu, but the dry rub is what gives this restaurant its reputation.
If you really want to find the best time to enjoy some amazing meat, you need to follow the restaurant on social media. Then, take a look at when there is an entire hard being cooked on the front step of the restaurant. This is when you know all of the meat is going to be as fresh as it can possibly be.
Do not hesitate to throw in pepper jelly as well, as it will definitely give you a symphony of flavors that you will not soon forget. There is a reason why this is one of the most popular restaurants in the local area.
Try the Best Restaurants in Nashville, TN
These are just a few of the many delicious restaurants you should try during your visit to Nashville. Regardless of whether you are in the mood for small plates, meatloaf, margaritas, or some happy hour festivities with country music, there are lots of standout restaurants in the local area.
The midtown area has an amazing steakhouse or two, and you might want to swing by the original Prince’s Hot Chicken during your visit to Nashville as well! Then, you can wash it all down with some delicious ice cream!
