Music City’s Michelin Moment: All 22 Nashville Restaurants Honored in the New Southern Guide
In 2026, the prestigious Michelin Guide released its second annual American South edition, honoring a standout collection of Nashville establishments. That international acclaim strikes a special chord in a destination long celebrated for its Southern hospitality.
In This Article
5th & Taylor
Recommended
In a historic brick warehouse, this popular restaurant turns family-style dining into an art form with shareable duck confit, beer-can chicken and craft cocktails.
Arnold’s Country Kitchen
Recommended
A Nashville institution for more than 40 years, Arnold’s is locals’ go-to spot for the classic meat-and-three – the epitome of down-home Southern comfort food.
Bastion
One Star
Relish contemporary Southern cuisine through a chef-curated tasting menu in this intimate, 24-seat restaurant. Each meal is crafted weekly with respect to what’s available and inspiring Chef Josh Habiger and his team.
Cafe Roze
Recommended
From morning coffee to nightcaps, Cafe Roze is open all day, seven days a week. Enjoy elevated breakfast and toasts and midday sandwiches, or come back for a hearty, veggie-forward dinner.
The Catbird Seat
One Star
Led by husband-and-wife duo Andy Doubrava and Tiffani Ortiz, the tasting menu explores creative small plates rooted in locality, sustainability and culinary innovation. Guests enjoy a front-row view of the open kitchen from a U-shaped counter.
Folk
Recommended
The sister restaurant to Rolf and Daughters puts vegetables and pizza first. Its simple but satisfying menu is anchored by seasonal produce, sourdough pizza and good wine.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Recommended
Hattie B’s is nearly synonymous with hot chicken across the state. Choose bone-in or boneless, white or dark meat, and your level of heat. Then, dig in.
iggy’s
Recommended
Founded by brothers Ryan and Matthew Poli, iggy’s offers a modern take on Italian cuisine, highlighting fresh housemade pasta, curated wines and craft cocktails.
Junior
Recommended
From the team behind Rolf and Daughters, as well as Folk, this spot serves bold Basque-inspired wood-fired dishes and housemade breads in a warm-lit space.
International Market
Recommended
This Nashville classic is credited with introducing thousands to authentic Thai and Asian cuisine. At lunch, get in line for the steam table and cafeteria-style options, or come for a full-service meal at dinner.
Kisser
Bib Gourmand
Led by husband and wife Brian Lea and Leina Horii, Kisser pays homage to Japanese comfort food in a cozy, tea-shop atmosphere. Enjoy classics like filled onigiri, curries, udon and ramen, and finish with a sweet miso creme brulee.
Locust
One Star
Small groups love Locust for its intimate dining experience. The Japanese-influenced menu is designed for sharing, featuring a variety of caviar, fish, beef tartare and rice dishes. Reservations often go quickly.
Maiz de la Vida
Bib Gourmand
Once a food truck, the vibrant South Nashville brick-and-mortar is where Chef Julio Hernandez crafts heirloom-corn tortillas, seasonal dishes and agave-inspired drinks.
Peninsula
Bib Gourmand
Experience modern Spanish and French cuisine without leaving Music City. Pair your tapas-style dishes with selections from their extensive wine list for an immersive culinary adventure.
Present Tense
Recommended
A stylish homage to Japanese vinyl bars, the ambient neighborhood spot pairs vinyl-spun tunes and warm sake with a menu full of mouthwatering small plates.
Redheaded Stranger
Bib Gourmand
Head to East Nashville for neighborhood Tex-Mex and tacos. Housemade flour tortillas and sauces are made fresh daily. Try this restaurant’s take on crunch wraps, or venture for the green chili cheeseburger.
Rolf and Daughters
Recommended
Simplicity takes center stage at this acclaimed Germantown dining staple. The thoughtful, season-driven menu showcases regional ingredients at their peak, featuring everything from handmade pastas to soul-satisfying pork entrees.
Sho Pizza Bar
Bib Gourmand
Nashville legend Sean Brock leads this Neapolitan-style pizza concept. The dough is cold-fermented overnight, resulting in a soft, pillowy crust quintessential of the style.
Shotgun Willie’s BBQ
Recommended
Once a bustling food truck, Shotgun Willie’s gained a loyal following thanks to its Texas-style brisket. Now its own brick-and-mortar, locals flock for its barbecue chicken and pork and green beans that are almost as popular as the brisket.
S.S. Gai
Bib Gourmand
Eating with your hands is encouraged here. Dig into Thai-style chicken bursting with bold flavors and warm spice. Don’t skip the sticky rice or tamarind chili sauce.
St. Vito Focacceria
Bib Gourmand
Sink your teeth into airy, Sicilian-style focaccia pizza at this one-of-a-kind spot in The Gulch. Small plates rotate daily.
Tailor
Recommended
Meals at Tailor feel like an intimate dinner party with curated tasting menus. This South Asian American menu is a nod to Chef Vivek Surti’s Indian heritage and Southern upbringing.
Uzbegim
Bib Gourmand
From Islamic China to Music City, Uzbegim is the first and only Uzbek restaurant to receive Bib Gourmand distinction. Try flaky samosas, hand-cut noodles and succulent lamb kebabs for a taste of something different.
Get to Know Nashville, TN
Want to learn more about living and working in Nashville? Check out the latest edition of Livability Nashville Region, TN.
Nine Must-Try Restaurants Outside the City Limits
Take a short drive and uncover culinary delights across the region
Hungry for more? Step outside the busy city for these nine delicious dining experiences.
- At Hangar 13 Distillery in Ashland City, enjoy massive plates and tasty pours in a laid-back warehouse. The fun, flight-themed menu includes a “Nacho Airstrike,” “Tactical Taco Salad” and a “West Coast Flyby” burger.
- Chef’s Market Cafe in Goodlettsville specializes in casual Southern comfort food. Swing through for a fresh lunch or take their prepared meals home for dinner.
- Tucked in downtown Dickson, MilePost 42 is the go-to neighborhood hangout for sports fans, friends and family. The menu features bar classics with fresh twists, like crispy Brussels sprouts with hot honey, Huli Huli Chicken and a weekly burger special.
- Town Square Social is Wilson County’s first rooftop bar. Enjoy elevated diner and pub fare and handcrafted drinks in the open air with a lovely view of downtown Lebanon.
- Indulge in wood-fired pizza and ice-cold beer at The Colt Tavern in historic downtown Springfield. Pop in for lunch for the signature pizza-and-salad combo meal.
- For Southern fusion and space to unwind, try Circa Grill in Thompson’s Station. Enjoy dinner and drinks on their spacious patio with a view of the 100-acre land preserve.
- A little farther north, The Mailroom in Clarksville serves upscale, modern American cuisine with Korean and South American influences – reflections of the history and people that once flowed through the post office in which it sits.
- For a special celebration, Five on Black Kitchen and Spirit House in Murfreesboro delivers. Its four-course date night menu includes a small plate and salad to share, two entrees and dessert. Pair your meal with handcrafted cocktails for the full experience.
- End your evening with libations and live music at The Bourbon Gospel in Columbia. It’s equally known for its fine bourbon collection and regular writers’ rounds for local songwriters.
Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a night out, these places prove that a great meal is always just around the corner.
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