Best Restaurants in Nashville, TN: Eat & Drink Like a Local

Whether you’re here for a short vacation or a longer visit to scout out your future neighborhood, the Nashville dining scene has you covered. Known as Music City, Nashville, Tennessee, offers a blend of legendary hot chicken, historic meat-and-threes and modern, chef-driven innovation. From historic neighborhoods like Germantown, East Nashville and the newly transformed Wedgewood-Houston corridor, the city offers a mix of long-established culinary institutions, high-energy tasting counters and casual neighborhood favorites. Read on to discover the best restaurants in Nashville, TN, from iconic landmarks to the local hidden gems only the neighbors know about.

Local Legends

• Arnold’s Country Kitchen: It doesn’t get more Southern than a tasty meat-and-three, and Arnold’s has set the standard for it since 1982. A 2009 James Beard Award winner, this self-proclaimed mom-and-pop serves up everything from meatloaf and corn pudding to Kielbasa and hot pepper chocolate pie. It’s handily one of the best restaurants in Nashville, and worth the wait at lunchtime.
• Loveless Cafe: This one will butter your biscuits, or anything, for that matter. The Loveless Cafe has been a local treasure for more than 70 years, serving classic Southern staples at can’t-beat prices. Between the scratch-made biscuits, homemade preserves, crispy fried chicken and tender smoked barbecue, Loveless is certainly loved a whole lot.
• Edley’s Bar-B-Que: What’s saucy, savory and so good you can’t get enough? Edley’s Bar-B-Que. In fact, just ask your favorite celebrities that have stopped by, including Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Garth Brooks. Family-owned and operated, they serve just about every type of barbecue you can dream up – from ribs and brisket to wings and tacos.
• Prince’s Hot Chicken: Looking to spice things up? You can (literally) at Prince’s Hot Chicken. The place that started it all, Prince’s is known for its no-frills deliciousness, with as much, or as little, heat as you like.
• Adele’s: Farm-to-table fare blended with Southern comfort is just scratching the surface of all Adele’s has to offer. Locals will tell you the real star of the show is their weekend brunch buffet, featuring everything from biscuits, ham and crispy potatoes to shrimp and grits, charcuterie and bread pudding.
• 5th + Taylor: If you love a Sunday family dinner, this one is for you. Chef Daniel Lindley serves up American favorites with an elevated twist. Duck wings, aged cheddar biscuits, beer can chicken and a meatloaf sandwich are just a few examples of what awaits.
• Pancake Pantry: Yes, there is a line, and yes, it’s well worth it. Pancake Pantry has been a Nashville tradition since 1961 for a few reasons: the food is excellent, the quality is consistent, it’s well priced and you just can’t beat the service. Oh, and did we mention it just so happens to be a Taylor Swift favorite?

Where to Eat Tonight 

From fine dining and the Michelin stars to hole-in-the-walls and cozy cafes, these restaurants all have one thing in common: They never disappoint. So, find your flavor, grab your keys and let’s go eat. 

Date Night & Upscale Fine Dining

• Bourbon Steak: Sweeping views of the city, prime cuts and fry flights are just a few things that dazzle Bourbon Steak customers. Perfect for couples or a celebration, it’s an indulgent experience from start to finish.
• Harper’s: Why choose between sashimi, gnocchi and filet when you can have it all in one place? Harper’s serves a variety of fine-dining classics in a swanky atmosphere, and they even host a Veuve Clicquot Garden Brunch on weekends.
• Sho Pizza: Sho me the pizza! This Bib Gourmand pie spot uses high-quality, fresh ingredients to take this fan-favorite dish to the next level.
• Miel: With a daily-rotating menu, every meal is a surprise at this French-inspired bistro. But quality, flavor and satisfaction are always guaranteed.
• Yolan: Named the No. 1 restaurant in the U.S. by Food & Wine in 2023, this Italian oasis serves up cozy classics with decadence. By day (Monday through Thursday), guests can enjoy their espresso and pastry bar and lunch, and the afternoon aperitivo and nightly tasting menu are sure to delight later in the day.  

Michelin Recommended:

• Cafe Roze: From breakfast to happy hour to dinner and everything in between, guests can enjoy it all at this chic cafe in East Nashville. Standouts include the country ham toast, fresh oysters and their famous smashburger.
• Locust: This Bib Gourmand lunch-and-dinner spot offers a tiny but mighty, seasonally inspired menu. Fresh seafood, decadent cuts of meat and a few creative standouts are almost always guaranteed.
• Bastion: An intimate tasting menu experience, this 24-seat restaurant earned a prestigious Michelin Star in 2025. Each dish is thoughtfully curated, beautifully presented and bursting with unique flavors.
• The Catbird Seat: Perhaps one of the most coveted reservations in the city, this indulgent, one-Michelin-Star tasting experience is one to remember. The 25-seat counter creates a dining incubator, where guests can watch each dish being crafted. The menu changes regularly, so there are always plenty of surprises in store.
• Peninsula: Step into old Europe at Peninsula, a Bib Gourmand oasis of French and Spanish flavors. Just like the decor, the dishes are bold and decadent, combining fresh ingredients like grilled jalapeños and toasted vanilla with sorrel and scallops.
• Tailor: Soulful, timeless and innovative are just a few words that describe Tailor Nashville. Designed to make guests feel right at home, the restaurant specializes in South Asian American cuisine and is a self-proclaimed “pioneer in the first-generation American food movement.”

Celeb-Owned Ventures

• 12/30 Club: As diverse in offerings as its owners’ repertoire, Justin Timberlake’s 12/30 Club offers something for everyone. Whether you’re craving a good burger with a side of live music, oysters and steak, or just a good time, all are well served here.
• Chiefs: Eric Church isn’t the only celebrity of this joint. Well, barbecue joint, to be exact. Chief’s is home to James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott’s drool-worthy ‘que. Enjoy wings, brisket, hot chicken or the legendary Rod’s Original Whole Hog Plate.
• Chauhan Ale & Masala House: Owned by Food Network superstar Maneet Chauhan, Chauhan Ale & Masala House specializes in Indian cuisine with a Southern twist. Short Rib French Onion Naan, Saag Mac N Cheese, Tamarind Lamb Chops and Tandoori Poutine are just a few of the unique delicacies guests can experience here.
• Sunda Nashville: A two-time EMMY Award-winning TV host, Billy Dec’s Sunda blends elevated techniques with new Asian cuisine. Hailed by USA Today as “best Asian cuisine,” it aims to honor Southeast Asian customs and heritage. You can expect all your favorite Asian dishes, and then some.

Everyday Dining for Families & Large Groups

• Nicky’s Coal Fired: Sure to deliver a meal just like your Italian grandmother used to make, Nicky’s Coal Fired is like stepping into nonna’s kitchen. Featuring the state’s only coal-burning pizza oven and sourdough crust made from scratch daily, guests can enjoy fresh pizza, plus seasonally rotating pasta, salads, meats and cheeses, and drinks.
• The Pharmacy: Burgers, brats and big milkshakes? Say less. The Pharmacy serves up old soda shoppe favorites in a trendy East Nashville beer garden.
• Pinewood Social: Can’t decide between going to eat and going to bowl? At Pinewood Social, you don’t have to. In addition to brunch, lunch and dinner, they also offer bowling lanes, seasonal pools and a coffee shop.
• Hugh Baby’s: From barbecue and burgers to hot dogs and chili cheese fries, Hugh Baby’s is fast, cheap and sure to please.
• Monell’s: Craving home cooking but don’t actually want to cook it? Head to Monell’s, Nashville’s ultimate family style meat-and-three. The menu rotates daily, but fried chicken is served with every meal, including breakfast.

Game Day and Sports Bars

• Neighbors: What better way to enjoy a game than with your neighbors? No matter which location, Neighbors feels just like that. Enjoy traditional American fare, plenty of screens, drink specials and good vibes here any day of the week.
• Sports & Social: If you’re looking for something a bit more elevated, try Green Hill’s Sports & Social. The modern decor is the perfect complement to the 33-foot LED screen, and there are plenty of apps, drinks and specials to satisfy for hours.
• Tailgate Brewery: If you can’t make the actual game tailgate, head to, well, Tailgate. With multiple locations across the city, Tailgate Brewery offers plenty of greenspace, screens and drink specials for the ultimate gameday experience. Oh, and did we mention the pizza?
• DraftKings Sport & Social: Gameday vibes just skim the surface of all DraftKings Sports & Social has to offer. Play wall-to-wall games, listen to live music, eat, drink or do a little bit of it all while catching all the big games.
• Almost Friday Sporting Club: No matter the score, it’s always fun at Almost Friday Sporting Club. Their sports-inspired menu features starting lineups like nachos and loaded tots, playmakers such as sliders and wings, sideliners like onion rings and sweet potato fries, and so much more.
• Fogg Street Lawn Club: This British-inspired pub is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family. With lawn bowling, plenty of screens, and eats and drinks for both the kids and adults, it’s always a hit.
• M.L. Rose Neighborhood Pub: Morning, noon or night, M.L. Rose Neighborhood Pub is always a winner. Guests may come for the game, but they stay for the hefty beer and drink menu, and fan-favorite fare like chicken, bacon and ranch quesadillas, Nashville hot cheese curds and Klondike chocolate brownie.

Budget Bites

• Robert’s Western World: If you find yourself on Broadway with only a few bucks, don’t fret. Head to Robert’s Western World and grab their famous Recession Special: A fried bologna sandwich, a bag of chips, a MoonPie and a PBR.
• Five Points Pizza: Consistently named the best pizza in the city by locals, Five Points Pizza just so happens to have a killer lunch special. For just $11, you can snag two giant slices, or a salad and a slice or garlic knots and a salad for just $1 more.
• Upstairs at Audrey: Budget-friendly options are endless at Audrey’s Upstairs. In fact, they have plenty of selections for just $5. Tallow fries, tiny ‘tinis and bourbon ale are just a few $5 favorites you can enjoy here.
• Bobbie’s Dairy Dip: Step back into old Nashville at this West side gem, which has held strong since 1951. In addition to their legendary soft serve and “dancing dips,” guests can munch on fast food favorites like cheeseburgers, chili cheese dogs, fries and shakes.
• Mas Tacos Por Favor: No frills here, just really good tacos. Head over to East Nashville to enjoy this longtime hip hotspot, featuring everything from street tacos and soup to elote and plantains.
• Assembly Food Hall: Can’t decide what you want? No problem. Downtown’s Assembly Food Hall has over 30 eateries to choose from, most of which are fast-casual and relatively budget-friendly. Thai Esane, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken and DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana are just a few stops to choose from.

Quick Bites & International Flavors

• International Market: A Michelin-recommended hotspot, International Market is known for its consistently delicious international cuisine. Located next door to Belmont University, they serve up dishes with Thai and Asian influence, like noodles, rice and dumplings.
• Sushi-San: Where can you find fresh sushi and great soft serve? Sushi-San in 12 South. Featuring a large selection of sushi, sashimi, vegetables and more, they also operate an ice cream window you can hit up on your way out (or while you wait; we don’t judge).
• Edessa Restaurant: Enjoy Kurdish and Turkish flavors galore at Edessa Restaurant. With kabobs, gyros, and tons of fresh vegan options at great prices, it’s always a winner.
• East Side Banh Mi: Savor delectable Vietnamese favorites made with local ingredients at East Side Banh Mi. Sandwiches and bowls are complemented by extras like spring rolls and Vietnamese garlic bread.
• Epice: This Middle Eastern gem is always sure to impress. From the intimate ambiance, flavorful dishes and top-notch service, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.
• Jamaicaway: Get a taste of the Caribbean at Jamaicaway. The flavor in each dish is just as diverse as its menu, serving up plenty of heat, sweet and everything in between.

Trendy & Delicious 

• Fancy Pants: Put on your Fancy Pants (literally) at this East Nashville hotspot. Known for its fun, eclectic vibes and creative culinary concepts, you’re guaranteed to get a photo-worthy experience.
• Liberty Common: Who needs France when you have Nashville? Inspired by Parisian cafés, Liberty Common serves Southern brunch favorites like chicken and waffles, steak and eggs and waffles and pancakes.
• The Treehouse Nashville: Live out your backyard childhood dreams at The Treehouse Nashville. You’ll feel just like you’re a kid again – except with elevated cuisine and delicious cocktails.
• Barcelona: Have you ever wanted to savor a waterfall of wine? At Barcelona, you can. The Spanish-inspired tapas restaurant serves up specially curated meats, produce, cheeses, vegetables and more that are the perfect pairings to their massive wine list.
• Aba Restaurant: If you’ve seen a photo on social media of a lush restaurant with opulent chandeliers and decadent Mediterranean dishes, chances are, it’s Aba. It’s garnered plenty of attention, and rightfully so. The food is as fresh as the vibes, and each is well worth the wait.
• The Mockingbird: Whipped Brie grilled cheese, pimento cheese arancini, pork and pineapple tots, and so much more await at The Mockingbird. Whether you visit for brunch, happy hour or dinner, you’re sure to find something creative and irresistible.

Coffee, Brews and Drinks

Looking for a pick-me-up? From booze to brews, sit back, sip and savor all these local favorites have to offer. 

Coffee & Community

• Bongo Java: This organic roaster has been a Nashville staple for over 30 years. You can always expect friendly vibes and great brews here.
• 8th and Roast: 8th and Roast touts ethically sourced beans from rich origins. From Brazil and Costa Rica to Ethiopia and Guatemala, you can sample roasts from around the world at this local favorite.
• Dose: Get a Dose of deliciousness at this local hotspot. It’s always busy, but for good reason.
• Frothy Monkey: Perhaps one of the city’s best-known, Frothy Monkey offers everything from your morning pick-me-up to a late-night dinner and drinks. You can pop in for a coffee and pastry, happy hour, dinner and everything in between.
• Crema: A zero-waste roaster, Crema aims to tell the story of a brew from seed to cup. Guests can enjoy each sip (or chug) knowing that it was crafted with intention, care and precision.
• cafe babu: Step into the Panhellenic era at cafe babu. Designed to reflect Indian and Greek culture, it’s something truly unique, and the selections are just as impressive.
• Baby Chan: Offering a variety of baked goods and brews, Baby Chan is a Japanese-inspired bakery full of culture and charm. Standouts include their viral strawberry sandwich, the curry egg tart, black sesame Swiss roll and more.

Craft Beer, Spirits & Nightlife

• Fat Bottom Brewing Co: Looking for craft beer, great food and live music? Look no further than Fat Bottom Brewing Co.
• Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery: Located in the heart of the city, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery serves up much more than its signature swig. Shop around, dine in their restaurant or learn more about their process at their downtown headquarters.
• Standard Proof Whiskey Co.: Born in Nashville, this cool whiskey company offers tastings, cocktail classes and special events.
• Skinny Dennis: Downtown isn’t the only place to enjoy honky tonks. This East Nashville gem oozes with edge, from the decor, drinks, vibes and everything in between.
• The Patterson House: Any local will tell you that a trip to The Patterson House is always a good idea. Serving up a hefty, creative cocktail menu plus full dinner service in a chic high-rise, it’s a decadent treat.
• Perfectly Fine: Perfectly Fine is actually perfectly great. Enjoy friendly bartenders, a photobooth, rotating frozen drinks plus a patio at this neighborhood gem in The Nations.