125 Best Restaurants in Nashville, Tennessee

Adele's

$$$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

Fresh, open, airy, and never too buttoned-up, Adele's is a favorite for business lunches and date-night dinners alike. This high-end Southern eatery was an early part of the neighborhood's revitalization, and James Beard–winning chef Jonathan Waxman continues to dazzle with his accessible but polished cuisine.

AVO

$$ | West End Fodor's choice

AVO is the culinary jewel in the crown of a new, mindful-lifestyle district called OneCity; as such, it offers decadent vegan options, a generous afternoon happy hour, and a thoughtful waitstaff trained to offer helpful information for those with specific nutritional needs. On sunny days, diners can enjoy a locally sourced afternoon meal just minutes from downtown, and top it off with a game of volleyball on a court just off the restaurant’s patio.

Baja Burrito

$ | Berry Hill Fodor's choice

This colorful neighborhood staple is a locally owned Baja Californian--style Mexican food restaurant, with build-your-own counter service featuring local meats, handmade salsas, and delicious fruit teas. In addition to their namesake burritos, they offer plentiful taco and salad options, all in generous portions, making this funky and fun spot a local favorite.

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Barista Parlor Golden Sound

$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

Serious coffee connoisseurs shouldn't leave the city without a visit to one of Barista Parlor's outposts. The Gulch location is housed inside a former transmission shop, and everything inside, from the wood tables and platters to the art and barista aprons, are sourced from local makers and craftspeople, so you better believe they're serious about keeping it bespoke. The coffee and food options take time, so don't stop by in a hurry, but the attention to detail is worth it.

Bella Napoli Pizzeria

$$ | Edgehill Fodor's choice

Bella Napoli is one of the few authentic Neapolitan pizzerias in the city, and its brick-oven baked pizzas, decadent pasta dishes, and inexpensive happy hour will send you searching for this quaint eatery tucked in an alleyway on the back end of Edgehill Village. On warm nights, you can kick back on the romantically lit patio and enjoy good food, your favorite bottle of wine, and occasional live music.

Big Al's Deli

$ | Germantown Fodor's choice

Tucked away in nearby Salemtown is Big Al's Deli, a neighborhood deli in every sense of the word. Owner Alfonso Hamilton serves home-cooked Southern food out of an otherwise nondescript converted house, making for a dining experience that feels like you're right at home. Seating is limited inside but the food, especially the breakfast, is well worth the wait.

Brown's Diner

$ | Hillsboro Village Fodor's choice

One of Nashville's oldest restaurants still in operation, the famed Brown's Diner first opened its doors in 1927. This spot, housed in a large trailer, is popular with celebrities and regular ol' locals alike, and the burger is one of the best in town.

Chauhan Ale & Masala House

$$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

Chopped judge and beloved celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan made a splash when she announced that she would be opening her first restaurant not in New York or Chicago, but right here in Nashville. Her playful global Indian fusion is not to be missed, and although you'll find some of the best food in the city here by far, the ambience is never stuffy. Tired of the usual bacon, eggs, and waffles for breakfast? Then head over on Saturday or Sunday to check out a daring brunch menu like no other.

Edley's Bar-B-Que

$ | Sylvan Park Fodor's choice

Edley’s offers a delicious taste of Southern cooking in the classic meat-and-three tradition, and their sides are just as delicious as their melt-in-your-mouth meats. Make sure to try their brisket before it sells out for the day in either taco, sandwich, or platter form, and enjoy a craft beer or a signature spiked milk shake called a Bushwacker for refreshment.

Fido

$ | Hillsboro Village Fodor's choice

Local favorite Fido is part of the Bongo Java family and has one of the coffee shop group's more extensive food menus. In addition to Fido's own take on the creatively made, ethically sourced espresso drinks found at other Bongo locations, the restaurant serves locally sourced breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pro tip: try the burger.

Five Points Pizza

$ | East Nashville Fodor's choice

A lively strip of bars wouldn't be complete without a pizza joint, and Five Points Pizza fills that void in the Five Points neighborhood, slinging slices, pies, and brews to the crowds heading to nearby 3 Crow Bar or the Five Spot. For the late-night set, Five Points offers a walk-up window for ordering slices to go. The prosciutto and basil slice is a sure bet, as are the big, greasy garlic knots.

Frothy Monkey

$ | The Nations Fodor's choice

Giant warehouse windows hearken back to The Nations’ industrial roots and shed bright light on the stylish wood-laden interior of this coffee shop and all-day café. The variety of seating options make Frothy Monkey a favorite for remote workers with laptops, and their health-focused menu features locally roasted coffee, fresh pastries, and farm-sourced ingredients for all meals.

Gabby's Burgers & Fries

$ | Wedgewood-Houston Fodor's choice

Gabby’s is where real people of all sorts go for really good burgers (grass-fed beef or vegan) and addictive sweet potato fries. The ever-present line moves quickly; eat at the tables or small counter overlooking the grill, or grab and go.

Husk

$$$ | Downtown Fodor's choice

Southern charm abounds in both decor and flavors at Husk, located in a converted historic home. With seasonal ingredients sourced from in and around Tennessee, the menu at this must-try restaurant staple (with other locations in Charleston and Savannah) is elevated and dynamic.

J. Alexander's - Redlands Grill

$$ | West End Fodor's choice

This Midtown location has a decidedly upscale feel, with dark-wood paneling and low lighting. The menu includes hardwood-grilled beef, chicken, and pork; hearty salads; and fresh seafood.

Jamaicaway Restaurant and Catering

$$ | Midtown Fodor's choice

A longtime favorite sit-down spot in Nashville’s Farmer’s Market, Jamaicaway now has an additional location just off West End Avenue, one of Midtown’s main thoroughfares. Its cozy setting, friendly owners, and scrumptious curried dishes make this dining experience feel like you’ve stepped onto the island itself, where serenity and home-cooked food abound.

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

$ | Belmont Fodor's choice

Martin's proudly proclaims they don't own a microwave or a freezer. They are committed to the west-Tennessee style of whole-hog barbecue, smoking their hogs for a full day and serving it until it runs out—period. This is the type of place where you may find yourself stupefied by just how much you've managed to eat.

Mitchell Delicatessen

$ | East Nashville Fodor's choice

Mitchell Delicatessen is one of the pillars of East Nashville's Riverside Village neighborhood, and having relocated from across the street to a larger space in 2014, it's one of the more spacious delis in town (with a large covered patio, to boot). Come for classics like the Turkey Avocado; come back for Mitchell creations like the Turkey Apple Brie and Asian Flank Steak.

Otaku Ramen

$$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

Although ramen has always been hiding in Nashville's under-the-radar Japanese spots, Sarah Gavigan returned from 20 years in L.A. and made it her mission to get more Nashvillians interested in slurping it up (and although it isn't the city's only high-end ramen shop, it is the only one that lets you take a bowl to go). Don't miss out on the limited-time bowls or the Sunday Okonomiyaki.

Party Fowl

$$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

Most Nashville hot chicken joints are smaller grab-and-go affairs, but this spacious sports bar provides table service and full bar. Heat levels on these hot chicken dishes—you can find everything from nachos and tacos to salads—range from mild to the scary spicy "Poultrygeist."

Peg Leg Porker

$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

Owner and longtime pit master Carey Bringle says it all in his biography: "Smoke is in my veins." The line for the lunch rush is often out the door, but many agree that the dry ribs, hickory-smoked for more than 18 hours, are well worth the wait. Peg Leg's wings—offered dry, hot, and extra-hot—also keep people coming back again and again. Standout sides include the smoked green beans and the barbecue baked beans, and as an appetizer you can prime your palate with a platter of sausage, cheese, and saltines—aka Memphis Sushi.

Prince's Hot Chicken Shack South

$ | Nolensville Pike Fodor's choice

Started in 1945 by James Thornton Prince and passed down to his great-niece André Prince Jeffries in the '80s, this is Nashville’s most renowned hot chicken spot (the original location sadly closed its doors after a fire in late 2018). If you’re a beginner, try the four-piece tenders with white bread and pickles—don’t be a hero; even the mild is plenty hot. There’s limited seating, and the plastic tablecloths aren’t out to impress anyone. Nonetheless, the food is nothing but impressive. Prince’s was even named an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation Awards in 2013.

Slim and Husky's Pizza Beeria

$ | Germantown Fodor's choice

Slim and Husky's Pizza Beeria was one of the first new restaurants to open in the burgeoning Buchanan Arts District neighborhood. Owned and operated by neighborhood residents, Slim and Husky's serves a variety of freshly made pizzas, and also offers the option to design your own. They serve an eclectic array of local beer and also offer up homemade cinnamon rolls, which guests can take home in large batches at the operation's nearby retail store, the Roll Out.

Sunda New Asian

$$$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

Celebrity chef and actor Billy Dec has brought his Chicago-based Sunda to Nashville with the recent splashy opening of this new sister restaurant, and the neighborhood is all the better for it. Characterized as "Southeast Asian fusion," you can find a menu of shareable plates that includes twists on classic Filipino dishes, a selection of dim sum, a full sushi bar, crispy rice topped with tuna, and quite a few expertly cooked pork dishes. Don't miss their unique weekend brunch.

Swett's Restaurant

$ | McKissack Park Fodor's choice

Nashville is known for its meat-and-three-style restaurants, and Swett's is one of its most famous; past patrons run the gamut from presidents to pop stars, and everyone in between. If you’re looking for Southern staples like collard greens, baked macaroni-and-cheese, and entrées that range from fried catfish to barbecued ribs, this is the place to be—you might even find the owner out in the dining room with a group of friends, enjoying his meal as much as you will.

Tempered Café and Chocolate

$ | Germantown Fodor's choice

Tempered Café is unlike any other café in Nashville, serving an extensive selection of handcrafted chocolates alongside a full menu of espresso drinks, breakfast and lunch plates, and, yes, homemade hot chocolate and drinking chocolate. Tempered also has a full bar, and offers chocolate and beverage pairings that are unlike anything you've ever tried before.

Tennessee Brew Works

$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

An official Music City Live Music Venue, Tennessee Brew Works Tap Room features bands and solo acts Thursday through Saturday, and on Sunday it's vinyl night. Enjoy a finely crafted brew with menu items such as their Five Beer Burger, crawfish ragout, Southern grill cheese, and more; there are beer pairings for each dish, and Tennessee Brew Works offers brews across the flavor spectrum with truly unique blends. Try their Basil Ryman with Thai basil sourced from a local farm. Their brewing process is masterful—employing the talents of an in-house chemist Ph.D—and soulful, with a passion for creating inventive, locally sourced craft beers. Brewery tours are offered Saturday and Sunday.

The Pharmacy

$ | East Nashville Fodor's choice

If you have a hankering for good burgers and good beer, look no further than the Pharmacy to cure what ails you. The outdoor beer garden is hard to beat for both its size and ambience, and the food itself is fresh, locally sourced, and thoughtfully served. Though burgers are the name of the game, there are vegetarian-friendly options. Be sure to try The Pharmacy's house-made phosphates (sodas) and milk shakes.

Vui's Kitchen

$ | Berry Hill Fodor's choice

Chic yet inviting, the fresh Vietnamese fare at Vui’s Kitchen includes favorite dishes like pho and bun garnished with local greens, as well as a seasonal selection of local beer and wine. Their counter is one of the few places in Nashville where you can find a fresh coconut, which is best enjoyed in their ample outdoor seating area.

12 South Taproom & Grill

Part of the 12 South scene before there was one---and still a favorite with a large, covered street-facing patio and small performance space inside---12 South Taproom has a menu that's surprisingly large with seemingly endless variations of quesadillas (rib-eye!), tacos, salads with vegetarian options, and a kids' menu. Your fellow diners will include families, couples, friends, local college kids, and visitors. Enjoy the walls papered in Hatch Show and other concert posters.

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