Best Restaurants in Nashville – A Local's Guide to Dining
Nashville has quietly become one of the best food cities in the South. Here's our running list of the restaurants worth your time.
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Marsh House
Gulch seafood restaurant bringing Gulf Coast flavors to Nashville
Bella Napoli
Midtown Italian restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas and wine in a brick courtyard
Little Hats Market
Germantown Italian market serving sandwiches, pasta and desserts
Hattie B's
Downtown hot chicken restaurant serving Nashville’s iconic fiery specialty
Henrietta Red
Germantown seafood restaurant known for oysters and seasonal coastal cuisine
True Food Kitchen
Green Hills health-focused restaurant serving plant-forward dishes
East Side Banh Mi
East Nashville Vietnamese sandwich shop known for fresh banh mi and bowls
The Optimist
Germantown seafood restaurant known for oysters, cocktails and coastal-inspired dishes
The Grilled Cheeserie
Food truck known for gourmet grilled cheese, tomato soup and tater tots
Rosepepper Cantina
Colorful East Nashville Mexican restaurant famous for margaritas and lively patio
Edley's BBQ
12 South barbecue favorite known for slow-smoked meats and scratch-made sides
Hearts
East Nashville brunch café inspired by Melbourne coffee culture
8th & Roast
Original Nashville coffee roaster known for seasonal drinks and house-made food
Neighbors
Germantown sports bar serving classic pub food and game-day drinks
Miel
Sylvan Park farm-to-table bistro serving seasonal French-inspired cuisine
404 Kitchen
Gulch restaurant blending Southern ingredients with modern European technique
etc.
Green Hills neighborhood restaurant from chef Deb Paquette serving global Southern cuisine
8th & Roast
Charlotte Avenue coffee shop with spacious seating and house-roasted beans
Hattie B's
Sylvan Park hot chicken restaurant serving Nashville’s signature spicy classic
Fido
Hillsboro Village café serving all-day meals in a longtime local hangout
Bongo Java
Belmont-area coffee shop considered one of Nashville's originals
Restoration Hardware Cafe
Green Hills café inside RH’s stunning multi-story gallery showroom
The Hampton Social
Lively coastal-inspired restaurant and rooftop lounge near Lower Broadway
Martin's BBQ
Nashville barbecue spot specializing in West Tennessee whole hog BBQ
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden
East Nashville burger institution with German beer garden and house-made sodas
M.L. Rose
Sylvan Park sports bar known for burgers, craft beer and a lively patio
Bricktop's
West End New American restaurant serving steak, seafood and sushi
Ladybird Taco
12 South taco spot serving Austin-style breakfast tacos and house tortillas
Matryoshka Coffee
Colorful South Nashville café inspired by the book Joyful
Nicky's Coal Fired
Nations Italian restaurant known for coal-fired pizzas and weekend bagels
Folk
East Nashville Italian restaurant known for seasonal cooking and inventive pizzas
McNamara's Irish Pub
Donelson Irish pub with live music, whiskey and classic comfort dishes
Chauhan Ale and Masala House
Gulch restaurant blending Indian flavors with Southern influences and craft cocktails
The Southern
Downtown steakhouse serving Southern staples with broad coastal and regional influences
Penne Pazze
Casual Italian restaurant at L&L Market serving pizza and pasta
Henley
Midtown restaurant blending Southern ingredients with French technique
Answer
Sylvan Park neighborhood restaurant serving seasonal globally inspired dishes
Martin's BBQ
Downtown barbecue restaurant specializing in West Tennessee whole hog BBQ
Maiz De La Vida
Gulch Mexican restaurant known for handmade tortillas and street-style dishes
Puckett's
Franklin Southern restaurant known for live music and comfort food
Taco Mama
Hillsboro Village taco bar inspired by California and Texas taquerias
Five Daughters Bakery
12 South bakery famous for decadent 100-layer croissant-style donuts
Adele's
Chic Gulch restaurant known for seasonal dishes and a popular brunch buffet
5th & Taylor
Upscale Germantown restaurant serving refined American comfort food in a historic warehouse
Roze Pony
Belle Meade all-day café known for colorful seasonal dishes and brunch
Crema
Minimal SoBro coffee roaster known for expertly brewed coffee and sunny patio seating
Butchertown Hall
Germantown barbecue restaurant inspired by Central Texas meat markets and open-fire cooking
Five Points Pizza
Sylvan Park favorite for classic New York-style pizza slices and pies
Skull's Rainbow Room
Historic Printers Alley supper club with jazz, cocktails and late-night burlesque
Dose
Local Nashville coffee shop serving Counter Culture beans and brunch staples
I Dream of Weenie
Quirky East Nashville hot dog stand operating from a vintage Volkswagen bus
Lyra
East Nashville restaurant blending Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors
Barcelona
Midtown wine bar serving Spanish small plates, paella and an extensive wine list
Virago
Sleek Gulch sushi restaurant known for inventive rolls and lively atmosphere
Butcher & Bee
East Nashville restaurant serving Mediterranean-influenced small plates
Martin's BBQ
West End barbecue spot serving whole hog BBQ and Southern sides
Crema
Locally loved Brentwood coffee shop known for specialty roasting
Hattie B's
Midtown hot chicken restaurant serving Nashville’s iconic spicy specialty
M.L. Rose
Melrose sports bar known for burgers and an extensive craft beer selection
The Grilled Cheeserie
Hillsboro Village sandwich shop famous for gourmet grilled cheese and food truck roots
Frothy Monkey
Downtown café and coffee shop serving locally sourced dishes all day
Bourbon Steak
Gulch steakhouse atop JW Marriott known for skyline views and luxury dining
Fenwicks 300
Melrose diner serving classic breakfast and lunch favorites
Daddy's Dogs
Nations hot dog spot known for creative toppings and laid-back neighborhood vibes
Five Daughters Bakery
East Nashville bakery famous for decadent 100-layer croissant-style donuts
Loveless Cafe
Bellevue Southern institution famous for biscuits and country cooking
Cafe Roze
East Nashville all-day café serving seasonal dishes, pastries and coffee
Star Rover Sound
Germantown honky tonk styled after a 1970s recording studio
Red's Hot Chicken
West End hot chicken spot known for creative Nashville-style dishes
Ellington's Restaurant
Fairlane Hotel restaurant serving modern takes on mid-century classics
Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
Legendary Nashville hot chicken originator serving fiery chicken since 1935
Bringle's Smoking Oasis
Nations barbecue spot from Peg Leg Porker pitmaster with spacious outdoor patio
Sonny's Patio Pub
Dog-friendly Germantown pub with brunch, cocktails and live music
Biscuit Love
Gulch brunch favorite known for Southern biscuits and food truck roots
Mitchell Delicatessen
Beloved East Nashville deli known for house-cured meats and stacked sandwiches
Flora + Fauna
East Nashville coffee shop known for seasonal breakfast plates and specialty coffee
Once Upon A Time In France
East Nashville French bistro serving traditional dishes from a Ferrandi-trained chef
Redheaded Stranger
East Nashville taco spot serving bold Tex-Mex flavors
Kayne Prime
Gulch steakhouse known for luxe interiors, prime cuts and inventive starters
The Twelve Thirty Club
Justin Timberlake-backed multi-level club with dining and rooftop views
Sadie's
Midtown all-day café and restaurant serving Mediterranean-influenced American fare
Frothy Monkey
Franklin café and coffeehouse known for brunch, local sourcing and cozy atmosphere
The Butter Milk Ranch
12 South brunch spot known for biscuits, pastries and dry-aged meats
Peg Leg Porker
Gulch barbecue spot known for dry-rub pork and award-winning smoked meats
Black Rabbit
Printer's Alley restaurant known for craft cocktails and live music
Biscuit Love
Franklin brunch spot famous for Southern biscuits and Nashville food truck roots
Rolf and Daughters
Acclaimed Germantown restaurant known for seasonal pastas and inventive cooking
Star Bagel
Sylvan Park bagel shop serving classic spreads and breakfast favorites
Greenery Co.
Bright Hillsboro Village café serving fresh salads, bowls and healthy fare
Ruby Sunshine
Franklin brunch spot serving Cajun-inspired favorites and lively breakfast cocktails
Saint Añejo
Gulch Mexican restaurant known for tacos and an extensive tequila list
Mas Tacos Por Favor
East Nashville taco favorite known for casual vibes and standout street tacos
Ugly Mugs
East Nashville coffee shop known for gourmet coffee and a cozy courtyard
Biscuit Love
Hillsboro Village brunch favorite known for Southern biscuits and Nashville roots
Pancake Pantry
Hillsboro Village breakfast institution famous for long lines and classic pancakes
Neighbors
Sylvan Park sports bar known for burgers and game-day atmosphere
Five Daughters Bakery
Sylvan Park bakery famous for decadent 100-layer croissant-style donuts
Humphrey's Street Coffee Shop
WeHo café in a vintage home where every purchase supports youth programs
Sixty Vines
Downtown wine bar at Fifth + Broadway featuring 60 wines on tap
Sunflower Cafe
Berry Hill vegan restaurant known for plant-based comfort food
Scout's Pub
Franklin gastropub serving Southern comfort food and craft cocktails
BrickTops
Downtown upscale restaurant serving steaks, seafood and sushi
Frothy Monkey
12 South café serving coffee, brunch and locally sourced all-day dishes
5 Points Diner
East Nashville diner and bar known for drag events and late-night comfort food
The Ridge
Sylvan Park neighborhood restaurant serving Southern comfort food
The Smiling Elephant
8th Avenue Thai restaurant famous for its authentic pad Thai
Etch
Globally inspired downtown restaurant from award-winning Nashville chef Deb Paquette
Neighbors
Franklin neighborhood sports bar known for casual food and a lively crowd
City House
Germantown Italian restaurant from James Beard-winning chef Tandy Wilson
Epice
12 South Mediterranean bistro serving Lebanese-inspired dishes
Substrate
Plant-filled 12 South café serving locally sourced breakfast, lunch and coffee
Margot
East Nashville fine-dining favorite serving Provence- and Tuscany-inspired cuisine
Barista Parlor
Design-forward coffee shop serving craft espresso in a stylish Germantown space
Frothy Monkey
Nations coffee shop with an all-day menu and neighborhood café feel
Elliston Place Soda Shop
Historic Nashville diner famous for milkshakes and classic comfort food
Baja Burrito
Berry Hill burrito joint known for fresh ingredients and longtime local following
Urban Grub
12 South restaurant known for oysters, smoked meats and a lively patio
Edley's BBQ
Sylvan Park barbecue favorite known for slow-smoked meats and scratch-made sides
Hattie B's
8th Avenue hot chicken institution serving Nashville’s signature fiery specialty
Puckett's
Downtown Southern restaurant known for live music and comfort food
Deg Thai
Brentwood Thai restaurant known for authentic noodles, dumplings and curries
Lockeland Table
Beloved East Nashville neighborhood restaurant serving Southern fare and wood-fired pizzas
Cork & Cow
Franklin steakhouse known for seasonal menus, great wine and intimate date nights
Five Points Pizza
East Nashville favorite serving classic New York-style pizza slices and pies
Pinewood Social
SoBro hangout combining restaurant, bowling alley, pool and coffee bar
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