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Restaurants

Best Restaurants in Nashville

The best restaurants in Nashville, from hot chicken icons and meat-and-three classics to chef-driven tasting menus, rooftop views, romantic date spots, and buzzy new openings by neighborhood.

Finding the best restaurants in Nashville means embracing a city that treats dining as both Southern ritual and creative playground.

In a single day you can burn through a sweat-inducing plate of hot chicken for lunch, settle into a meat-and-three for cornbread and greens, and cap the night with an ambitious tasting menu near Music Row.

Nashville's food identity is built on Southern hospitality, Appalachian and Black culinary traditions, and a fast-rising, fiercely competitive chef scene that has drawn national attention and a growing shelf of James Beard nods.

At a glance

The top pick in each category, at a glance.

CategoryOur pick
Best overallHattie B's Hot ChickenReserve
By CuisinePrince's Hot Chicken ShackReserve
Fine Dining & Tasting-Menu RestaurantsThe Catbird SeatReserve
Most Romantic RestaurantsKayne PrimeReserve
Rooftop & View RestaurantsL27 Rooftop LoungeReserve
Vegetarian & Vegan RestaurantsAvoReserve
Hot Chicken & Iconic Nashville EatsPrince's Hot ChickenReserve
New & Trendy Restaurant OpeningsLocustReserve

Top Picks

🍽️GetYourGuide food & wine tours, taste the best of Nashville on a food tour. Affiliate slot (stub).

📍 Midtown

Hattie B's Hot Chicken

Hot chicken$$· Casual & lively

For many visitors, Hattie B's is the gateway to Nashville hot chicken, serving the fiery cayenne-lacquered bird across heat levels from Southern (no heat) all the way to the eye-watering Shut the Cluck Up. Cooled with pickle chips and white bread and rounded out with classic sides like pimento mac and cheese, it is approachable, consistent, and endlessly photographed. Lines wrap the building at peak hours, especially at the original 19th Avenue South location. It is the easiest, friendliest place to understand why this city's signature dish matters.

What to order: Hot chicken by heat level

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 North Nashville

Prince's Hot Chicken Shack

Hot chicken$$· No-frills original

Prince's is where Nashville hot chicken was born, the family institution that turned a spiteful morning-after prank into a citywide culinary identity. The quarter chicken arrives blistering red on white bread with pickles, and the hottest orders are a genuine rite of passage that regulars respect. It remains humble, cash-friendly, and utterly authentic, a pilgrimage for anyone who wants the real origin story rather than the polished version. Order below your ego and let the slow-building burn do its work.

What to order: The hot chicken quarter

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Midtown

The Catbird Seat

Avant-garde$$$$· Special occasion

Nashville's most ambitious fine-dining destination, The Catbird Seat wraps a horseshoe counter around an open kitchen so guests watch the chefs plate each course inches away. The ever-changing tasting menu is playful and precise, drawing on Southern ingredients with global technique and a sense of theater. Intimate seating and a thoughtful beverage pairing make it a splurge best booked well in advance. If you want to see how far the city's cooking can push, this is the essential seat in the house.

What to order: Ever-changing tasting menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Germantown

Rolf and Daughters

New American$$$· Lively & communal

Set in a converted factory building, Rolf and Daughters helped put Germantown on the national dining map with soulful, produce-driven cooking and standout handmade pasta. Communal tables, exposed brick, and a warm buzz make it feel both special and relaxed, while the menu roams from squid ink noodles to crusty sourdough and vegetable dishes that steal the show. The wine and cocktail lists are as considered as the food. It is a defining modern Nashville table and a reliable pick for a memorable dinner.

What to order: Squid ink pasta

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Rutledge Hill

Husk Nashville

Southern$$$· Historic & refined

Housed in a restored 19th-century mansion, Husk champions Southern ingredients with a strict devotion to regional sourcing, changing its menu daily around what local farms bring in. The cornbread in cast iron, wood-fired mains, and heritage vegetables celebrate the deep larder of the South with real craft. The historic dining rooms and welcoming porch make it feel quintessentially Nashville. It is a must for travelers who want serious, place-driven Southern cooking with a sense of history.

What to order: Cast-iron cornbread

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Germantown

City House

Italian$$$· Warm & unpretentious

Tandy Wilson's beloved City House blends Italian technique with the flavors of the American South, turning out blistered pizzas, house-cured meats, and hearty pastas from a wood-fired kitchen. The belly ham pizza with an egg is a signature, and the Sunday supper crowd treats it like a neighborhood ritual. The room is unfussy and convivial, exactly the kind of chef-driven place locals send visitors to. It remains one of the most quietly excellent tables in the city.

What to order: Belly ham pizza

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Wedgewood-Houston

Bastion

New American$$$$· Intimate tasting menu

Tucked behind a tiny bar, Bastion serves a single inventive tasting menu at just a handful of tables, making it one of Nashville's most coveted and intimate reservations. The cooking is precise and produce-forward, moving through delicate and deeply savory courses with quiet confidence. Beyond the restaurant, the buzzy bar and nacho counter draw a crowd on their own. For refined dining that feels personal rather than theatrical, Bastion is among the city's very best.

What to order: Nightly tasting menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 The Gulch

Arnold's Country Kitchen

Southern$$· Cafeteria classic

A James Beard-honored meat-and-three, Arnold's is the definitive Nashville lunch line, where you slide a tray past steam tables and pick a protein plus your vegetable sides. The roast beef, fried green tomatoes, and legendary chocolate pie draw everyone from construction crews to visiting chefs. It is cash-friendly, unpretentious, and only open for weekday lunch, so timing matters. There is no better crash course in the beloved Southern meat-and-three tradition.

What to order: Meat-and-three plate

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Bellevue

Loveless Cafe

Southern$$· Retro roadside

A roadside institution since 1951, Loveless Cafe is famous for scratch-made biscuits, house-cured country ham, and homemade preserves served with genuine Southern hospitality. The retro motel sign and packed dining rooms make it a joyful, nostalgic stop on the way out of town toward the Natchez Trace. Breakfast all day, fried chicken, and hash brown casserole keep the crowds coming. It is more experience than meal, and the biscuits alone are worth the drive.

What to order: Biscuits and country ham

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Downtown / Multiple

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

Barbecue$$· Casual & smoky

Pat Martin's whole-hog barbecue is a West Tennessee tradition done right, with pigs cooked low and slow over coals until the meat pulls apart in smoky strands. The pulled pork, redneck taco on cornbread hoecake, and house sides anchor a menu built for sharing. The downtown location adds a rooftop and lively bar, but the barbecue is the reason to come. It is the most satisfying way to eat serious Tennessee smoke in the heart of the city.

What to order: Whole-hog pulled pork

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 The Gulch

Peg Leg Porker

Barbecue$$· Casual local favorite

Carey Bringle's Peg Leg Porker serves dry-rubbed, Memphis-style ribs that have earned a devoted national following, alongside pulled pork, smoked wings, and killer barbecue nachos. The no-sauce-needed ribs are the signature, tender and crusted with spice, and the house bourbon adds a Tennessee flourish. The room is casual and buzzing, an easy walk from downtown. For travelers deciding between hot chicken and barbecue, this is the ribs stop that makes the case.

What to order: Dry-rubbed ribs

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 East Nashville

Butcher & Bee

Mediterranean$$· Bright & relaxed

A bright, plant-filled favorite on Gallatin Avenue, Butcher & Bee builds a menu of Mediterranean-leaning small plates around whipped feta, house breads, and vegetable dishes that outshine the proteins. The share-friendly format encourages grazing, and brunch is a genuine East Nashville ritual. Relaxed but polished, it is a strong pick for travelers who want creative, produce-driven food without a tasting-menu commitment. Lean into the whipped feta with hot honey and let the table fill up.

What to order: Whipped feta with honey

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 East Nashville

Lockeland Table

New American$$$· Neighborhood favorite

A restored corner grocery turned neighborhood restaurant, Lockeland Table champions local farms with seasonal Southern-Italian cooking and one of the city's most convivial community bars. Wood-fired pizzas, house pastas, and a lively happy hour that supports the local school anchor its warm, community-minded ethos. The room feels genuinely of its place, artsy and welcoming rather than showy. It is exactly the kind of independent table that defines East Nashville dining.

What to order: Wood-fired pizza

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 SoBro

Pinewood Social

New American$$· All-day social hub

Part restaurant, part coffee bar, part vintage bowling alley, Pinewood Social is an all-day destination built inside a former trolley barn near the river. The menu spans thoughtful breakfast, sandwiches, and dinner plates, while bocce courts, a pool, and craft cocktails keep the space buzzing from morning to night. It is more scene than pilgrimage, but a fun, flexible spot for groups with different appetites. Come for coffee and stay through cocktails and a few frames of bowling.

What to order: All-day cafe plates

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 The Gulch

Biscuit Love

Brunch$$· Cheerful brunch

Born as a food truck, Biscuit Love turned Southern brunch into a phenomenon with towering biscuits and the famous Bonuts, fried biscuit-dough doughnuts dusted in sugar. The East Nasty fried chicken biscuit and hearty breakfast plates draw morning lines in the Gulch that move faster than they look. Bright, cheerful, and family-friendly, it is an easy, affordable way to eat a proper Nashville breakfast. Put your name in, grab a coffee, and order the Bonuts to start.

What to order: Bonuts and biscuits

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 East Nashville

Audrey

Southern$$$· Soulful & refined

Sean Brock's love letter to Appalachian and Tennessee foodways, Audrey pairs deeply researched Southern heritage cooking with an open hearth and gracious service. Dishes draw on family memory and local ingredients, from skillet cornbread to soulful vegetable and meat plates, while the upstairs tasting counter June pushes further into fine dining. The elegant, story-driven room has quickly become a critical darling. It is one of the best places in the city to understand the depth of Southern cuisine.

What to order: Skillet cornbread

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Germantown

Monell's Dining & Country Store

Southern$$· Family-style communal

At Monell's you sit at a communal table, pass heaping bowls family-style, and eat all the fried chicken, biscuits, and Southern sides you can manage. The all-you-care-to-eat format, strangers-become-friends seating, and no-substitutions charm make it a joyful, only-in-the-South ritual. Set in a historic Germantown home, it is warm, affordable, and endlessly generous. Come hungry, keep the bowls moving, and lean into the shared-table hospitality.

What to order: All-you-can-eat fried chicken

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 East Nashville

Mas Tacos Por Favor

Mexican$· Casual counter

A former taco truck turned cult-favorite counter, Mas Tacos serves some of the best tacos and tortilla soup in Nashville from a tiny, cash-only East Side spot. The fried avocado and cast-iron chicken tacos, plus elotes and agua frescas, draw devoted lines that spill onto the sidewalk. It is casual, affordable, and genuinely soulful, exactly the kind of independent gem locals guard. Bring cash, be patient, and order the tortilla soup no matter the season.

What to order: Fried avocado tacos

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

Best Restaurants in Nashville by Cuisine

Nashville's food scene runs far deeper than hot chicken and honky-tonk snacks, and its immigrant communities have turned corridors like Nolensville Pike into some of the South's most rewarding eating.

The best restaurants in Nashville by cuisine reward drivers willing to leave downtown: a single stretch of Nolensville can carry you from Kurdish kebabs in Little Kurdistan, home to the largest Kurdish community in the United States, to Vietnamese pho and Mexican taquerias.

Whether you crave a classic meat-and-three, masala-rich Indian plates, handmade pasta, or Nashville's own fiery fried chicken, the city delivers depth and authenticity across price points.

This roundup spans the culinary map, from long-running institutions to modern reinventions, so you can build a week of eating that circles the globe without leaving the city limits.

  • Prince's Hot Chicken Shack

    Hot Chicken $

    The Prince family invented Nashville hot chicken, and this North Nashville institution remains the definitive source for the dish that put the city on the culinary map. Cayenne-lacquered fried chicken arrives on white bread with pickles, and the heat levels climb from mild to a punishing extra-hot. It is unfussy, historic, and essential for understanding where the whole tradition began.

    What to order: Hot chicken with pickles on white bread

    Reserve

  • Arnold's Country Kitchen

    Southern meat-and-three $

    A James Beard America's Classics honoree on Eighth Avenue South, Arnold's serves the platonic Nashville meat-and-three: choose a protein plus a trio of vegetable sides from a steam-table line. The roast beef, fried green tomatoes, and cornbread are legendary, and the room hums at lunch. It is Southern comfort cooking at its most honest and beloved.

    What to order: Roast beef with three sides and cornbread

    Reserve

  • Mas Tacos Por Favor

    Mexican $

    This East Nashville favorite grew from a taco truck into a cash-friendly neighborhood staple beloved for its fried avocado tacos, tortilla soup, and elote. The cooking is fresh, personal, and consistently satisfying, with a line that speaks to its devoted following. It is a must for understanding Nashville's Mexican food culture beyond the standard taqueria counter.

    What to order: Fried avocado tacos; tortilla soup

    Reserve

  • Kien Giang

    Vietnamese $

    A no-frills stop in the Charlotte Avenue Asian corridor serving steaming bowls of pho, vermicelli plates, and crisp banh mi. The broth is fragrant and the portions generous, and the surrounding strip rewards exploration with bakeries and grocers. It anchors one of Nashville's best areas for Vietnamese eating.

    What to order: Pho; banh mi; vermicelli plates

    Reserve

  • Edessa

    Kurdish/Turkish $$

    In the heart of Little Kurdistan along Nolensville Pike, Edessa turns out charcoal-grilled kebabs, lamb, and warm flatbreads that showcase Kurdish and Turkish home cooking. The hospitality is genuine and the portions ample, making it a window into a community that has shaped South Nashville. Come hungry and share generously across the table.

    What to order: Charcoal-grilled kebabs; lamb; flatbread

    Reserve

  • Chauhan Ale & Masala House

    Indian $$$

    Chef Maneet Chauhan brings modern Indian cooking to Germantown with a menu that ranges from tandoori and biryani to inventive Indian street-food riffs. The room is polished and the spicing confident, balancing tradition with contemporary flair. It is a strong pick for a lively, spice-forward dinner with a well-built drinks list.

    What to order: Tandoori; biryani; Indian street food

    Reserve

  • Rolf and Daughters

    Italian $$$

    This Germantown standout reimagines rustic Italian cooking with handmade pastas, wood-fired plates, and seasonal produce in a buzzy, communal-table setting. Chef Philip Krajeck's menu balances familiar comfort with inventive flourishes, and the pasta program alone justifies a visit. It helped define Nashville's modern dining renaissance.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; wood-fired plates

    Reserve

  • International Market

    Thai $$

    A Belmont Boulevard fixture originally opened by Patti Myint and revived by her son, chef Arnold Myint, serving Thai curries, noodles, and steam-table classics. The pad thai and green curry are reliable, and the setting is warm and unpretentious. It is a longtime anchor of the city's Thai dining scene.

    What to order: Pad thai; green curry

    Reserve

  • Kalamatas

    Greek/Mediterranean $$

    A friendly Mediterranean and Greek spot on Belmont Boulevard turning out gyros, falafel, grilled meats, and mezze with a fresh, healthful bent. The generous plates and vegetarian range make it an easy choice for varied appetites. It brings bright, garlicky Aegean flavors to a walkable university neighborhood.

    What to order: Gyros; falafel; grilled meats; mezze

    Reserve

  • Epice

    Lebanese $$

    A modern Lebanese restaurant in the 12 South neighborhood serving mezze, kibbeh, grilled kebabs, and shareable spreads with contemporary polish. Bright and generous, it brings a fresh energy to Levantine cooking in a stylish, comfortable room. It is a reliable pick for group dining and shared plates.

    What to order: Mezze; kibbeh; grilled kebabs

    Reserve

Best Fine Dining & Tasting-Menu Restaurants in Nashville

Nashville's fine dining scene has grown fast and confident, even though the Michelin Guide has yet to reach Tennessee.

What the city offers instead is a deep bench of James Beard-recognized chefs, intimate chef's counters, and destination tasting menus that rival anything in the South.

The best fine dining restaurants in Nashville range from avant-garde theater to produce-driven Southern and Appalachian cooking, refined Italian, and polished modern steakhouses. Expect reservation-only counters, seasonal menus, and thoughtful wine and cocktail pairings.

These are the rooms for milestone celebrations and once-in-a-trip splurges. Book weeks ahead, arrive curious, and let the kitchen lead; Nashville's top tables reward diners who surrender to the experience.

  • The Catbird Seat

    Avant-garde $$$$

    Nashville's most celebrated tasting-menu destination, an intimate U-shaped counter where the chefs cook and plate directly in front of you. The multi-course menu is inventive and constantly evolving, turning dinner into a front-row culinary conversation. It is the city's essential fine-dining pilgrimage for serious food lovers.

    What to order: Chef's-counter tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Bastion

    New American $$$$

    A tiny 24-seat restaurant tucked behind a bustling bar, serving one of the most ambitious tasting menus in town. The cooking is precise, playful, and deeply personal from chef Josh Habiger. Its two-in-one format lets you snack on the famous bar nachos or commit to the full experience next door.

    What to order: Tasting menu; bar nachos

    Reserve

  • Yolan

    Italian $$$$

    Chef Tony Mantuano's luxurious Italian dining room inside The Joseph hotel, delivering handmade pasta and refined regional cooking in an elegant setting. Polished service and a serious wine list make it a top choice for special occasions. It is Nashville fine dining at its most sophisticated.

    What to order: Handmade pasta tasting

    Reserve

  • June

    Appalachian $$$$

    The upstairs tasting-menu counter above Sean Brock's Audrey, exploring Appalachian ingredients and heritage technique in an intimate room. Each course tells a story rooted in Tennessee history and the chef's own family. It offers avant-garde ambition anchored in deep regional soul.

    What to order: Appalachian tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Locust

    Modern $$$

    Chef Trevor Moran's spare, focused counter built around dumplings, broths, and delicate kakigori shaved ice. The short menu hides serious technique and Japanese-influenced precision. Minimalist and quietly brilliant, it is one of the city's most exciting fine-dining stories.

    What to order: Dumplings; kakigori

    Reserve

  • Husk

    Southern $$$

    Set in a restored 19th-century house on Rutledge Hill, Husk champions hyper-local Southern ingredients with a chef-driven daily menu. Elegant yet rooted in place, it helped define the modern Nashville dining movement. It remains a dependable choice for refined Southern cooking.

    What to order: Cornbread; seasonal Southern tasting

    Reserve

  • City House

    Italian-Southern $$$

    James Beard Award-winning chef Tandy Wilson's beloved room blending Italian technique with Southern ingredients in a warm Germantown space. Wood-fired pizzas and house-cured meats anchor a menu that feels both refined and unpretentious. It is a Nashville institution for a reason.

    What to order: Belly ham pizza; pork

    Reserve

  • Rolf and Daughters

    New American $$$

    Chef Philip Krajeck's modern communal-table restaurant in a former factory, known for handmade pasta and clean, seasonal plates. Thoughtful, ingredient-driven, and consistently excellent, it earned early national acclaim. It is refined but welcoming, a Germantown favorite.

    What to order: Seasonal pasta; garganelli

    Reserve

  • Henrietta Red

    Seafood $$$

    Chef Julia Sullivan's bright, coastal-leaning room celebrated for its raw bar and wood-fired seafood. The oysters are pristine and the cooking is clean and precise, a refreshing counterpoint to the city's heavier fare. Elegant and airy, it shines for lighter celebrations.

    What to order: Oysters; wood-grilled fish

    Reserve

  • Peninsula

    Spanish-Portuguese $$$

    An intimate East Nashville dining room devoted to the flavors of Spain and Portugal, from wood-grilled seafood to house-cured charcuterie. The cooking is soulful and precise, and the natural-leaning wine list is a genuine draw. It offers a distinctive Iberian angle on fine dining.

    What to order: Iberian seafood; charcuterie

    Reserve

  • Kayne Prime

    Steakhouse $$$$

    A sleek, modern steakhouse on the M Street strip pairing premium cuts with imaginative presentations like cotton-candy bacon. Polished service and a lush, contemporary room make it a favorite for milestone dinners. It is Nashville's fine-dining answer for serious steak lovers.

    What to order: Prime steaks; cotton-candy bacon

    Reserve

Most Romantic Restaurants in Nashville

For date nights, anniversaries, and proposals, the most romantic restaurants in Nashville pair intimate lighting and gracious service with food worth lingering over.

The city offers everything from candlelit French rooms and clubby steakhouses to cozy neighborhood spots with fireplaces and wood-fired kitchens.

Romance here is less about stiff formality and more about atmosphere: a moody bar, a shared bottle of wine, and a room that makes time slow down. Whether you want skyline glamour downtown or a tucked-away table in a converted East Nashville bungalow, these picks set the mood.

Reserve ahead, request a quiet corner if you can, and plan a leisurely, unhurried evening.

  • Kayne Prime

    Steakhouse $$$$

    Dark, sultry, and modern, Kayne Prime is a top date-night steakhouse in The Gulch. Low lighting, plush booths, and a serious cocktail program make dinner feel like an occasion. Dry-aged cuts and the famous cotton candy bacon seal the romantic deal.

    What to order: Dry-aged steaks; cotton candy bacon

    Reserve

  • Rolf and Daughters

    New American $$$

    An intimate, warmly lit room in a converted Germantown factory, ideal for lingering over wine and pasta. Attentive service and a relaxed-but-refined mood make it a comfortable choice for couples who want great food without pretension.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; seasonal plates

    Reserve

  • Margot Café & Bar

    French $$$

    A charming East Nashville corner bistro with a rustic, candlelit feel and a daily-changing French and Italian menu. Elegant simplicity, a thoughtful wine list, and an intimate setting make it a reliably romantic neighborhood option.

    What to order: Rustic French-Italian; daily menu

    Reserve

  • The Catbird Seat

    New American $$$$

    For a refined tasting-menu date, this intimate Midtown chef's counter puts the kitchen right in front of you. A multi-course progression, wine and cocktail pairings, and a hushed, focused room make for a memorable special-occasion evening.

    What to order: Chef's tasting menu; pairings

    Reserve

  • Miel

    French $$$

    A cozy, farm-to-table charmer in Sylvan Park with a French-leaning menu and a quiet, unpretentious room. Seasonal plates built from local produce and a well-chosen wine list make it a comfortable, low-key romantic pick.

    What to order: Seasonal French plates; wine list

    Reserve

  • Sperry's

    Steakhouse $$$

    A classic Belle Meade steakhouse open since 1974, with dark wood, cozy nooks, and old-school charm. The timeless setting suits couples who want a celebratory, unhurried steak dinner with a great martini and tableside touches.

    What to order: Prime steaks; tableside salad

    Reserve

  • Henrietta Red

    Seafood $$$

    A bright yet intimate Germantown room built around a raw bar and wood-fired kitchen. Fresh oysters, coastal plates, and a lively cocktail list paired with an easy, romantic vibe make it a stylish date-night destination.

    What to order: Oysters; wood-fired seafood

    Reserve

  • Lockeland Table

    Italian-American $$

    A warm, brick-walled community kitchen in East Nashville with a relaxed-romantic vibe. Wood-fired pizzas, house pastas, and Southern-Italian plates paired with candlelight make it a comfortable, affordable neighborhood date-night pick.

    What to order: Wood-fired pizza; house pasta

    Reserve

  • Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina

    Steakhouse $$$$

    A polished, high-floor steakhouse inside the JW Marriott with downtown skyline views and plush banquettes. Butter-poached steaks, an excellent wine list, and elegant service make it a classic special-occasion choice for couples.

    What to order: Butter-poached steaks; skyline views

    Reserve

  • Henley

    French Brasserie $$$

    An elegant Midtown brasserie with a handsome bar and a warm French-American menu, well suited to a stylish date. Comfortable, central, and lively, it works for a pre-show dinner or a relaxed evening out together.

    What to order: Brasserie fare; raw bar

    Reserve

Best Rooftop & View Restaurants in Nashville

Few cities reward dining with a view like Nashville, where the downtown skyline, the Cumberland River, and the neon glow of Broadway create dramatic backdrops from spring through fall.

The best rooftop and view restaurants in Nashville range from sky-high cocktail lounges atop downtown hotels to riverfront perches and Gulch terraces perfect for golden hour.

Warm-weather months are peak season, when rooftops fill quickly and reservations or early arrivals become essential. Many focus as much on the setting and drinks as the food, so calibrate expectations accordingly.

Whether you want a signature cocktail high above the honky-tonks or a laid-back patio with river views, these spots deliver Nashville's most photogenic dining.

  • L27 Rooftop Lounge

    American $$$

    Perched on the 27th floor of The Westin Nashville, L27 offers sweeping views of the downtown skyline and Nissan Stadium across the river. The stylish terrace and pool-deck bar make it a prime golden-hour spot for cocktails and shareable plates.

    What to order: Cocktails; shareable plates; skyline views

    Reserve

  • L.A. Jackson

    American $$$

    Atop the Thompson Nashville in the Gulch, L.A. Jackson pairs a buzzy, design-forward terrace with skyline views and a strong food and drink program. The elevated small plates set it apart from view-only rooftops, making it a top all-around pick.

    What to order: Small plates; cocktails; skyline views

    Reserve

  • White Limozeen

    American $$$

    A whimsical, Dolly Parton-inspired rooftop atop the Graduate Nashville in Midtown, awash in pink and greenery. The playful design, pool-adjacent perch, and city views make it one of the most photogenic spots for cocktails in town.

    What to order: Cocktails; bar bites; Midtown views

    Reserve

  • Rare Bird

    American $$$

    The rooftop bar of the Noelle hotel in the heart of downtown, Rare Bird serves craft cocktails with intimate views over the historic Fifth Avenue district and the surrounding skyline. It is a chic, relaxed spot for a drink above the bustle.

    What to order: Craft cocktails; downtown views

    Reserve

  • UP Rooftop Lounge

    American $$

    Atop the Fairlane Hotel downtown, UP channels a retro, midcentury vibe with a small pool, colorful decor, and skyline views. Its laid-back scene makes it a solid choice for after-work drinks or a low-key rooftop evening.

    What to order: Cocktails; bar bites; skyline views

    Reserve

  • Bobby Hotel Rooftop Lounge

    American $$

    Famous for the vintage bus parked on its deck, the Bobby Hotel rooftop offers panoramic downtown views alongside cocktails and light bites. The quirky setup and central perch make it a fun, photogenic warm-weather destination.

    What to order: Cocktails; light bites; downtown views

    Reserve

  • Skydeck on Broadway

    American $$

    Billed as the tallest rooftop bar on Broadway, Skydeck delivers panoramic views of the honky-tonk strip and the Cumberland River from its expansive multi-level terrace. The setting is dramatic and well suited to groups and celebrations.

    What to order: Cocktails; shareable bites; river views

    Reserve

  • Acme Feed & Seed

    American $$

    A multi-level lower Broadway landmark whose top-floor rooftop overlooks the Cumberland River and the pedestrian bridge. Come for the view and a drink; the vantage point over the water and the honky-tonks is a classic Nashville scene.

    What to order: Cocktails; river-edge views

    Reserve

  • The Twelve Thirty Club Sky Lounge

    American $$$

    The upscale rooftop above the Twelve Thirty Club on Lower Broadway brings a supper-club polish to the strip, with elevated cocktails and city views. It is one of the more refined perches for drinks in the thick of downtown.

    What to order: Cocktails; small plates; skyline views

    Reserve

  • George Jones Rooftop

    American $$

    The rooftop bar above the George Jones museum on Second Avenue offers open-air views of the Cumberland River and downtown. With live music and a laid-back vibe, it is an atmospheric spot for a drink near the riverfront.

    What to order: Cocktails; bar bites; river views

    Reserve

Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Nashville

Nashville's plant-based scene has grown from a niche into a genuine strength, with dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants alongside omnivore kitchens that treat vegetables as headliners.

The best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Nashville span comfort-food diners, refined plant-based plates, and globally inspired spots serving everything from vegan soul food to South Indian and Ethiopian cooking.

Many of the city's produce-driven chefs source from local farms, so vegetable dishes here are anything but an afterthought.

Whether you are fully vegan, vegetarian, or simply eating lighter, these picks prove that meat-free dining in Nashville can be creative, satisfying, and celebratory rather than restrictive.

  • Avo

    Vegetable-forward $$$

    A stylish, plant-forward restaurant in Wedgewood-Houston offering an elevated, fully plant-based menu in a chic setting. It demonstrates how far Nashville's meat-free dining has come, with refined plates and a thoughtful bar program that appeal to vegans and omnivores alike.

    What to order: Elevated plant-based plates

    Reserve

  • Graze

    Vegan Cafe $

    A vegan cafe serving plant-based comfort food, hearty brunch, and baked goods in East Nashville. Casual and welcoming, it is a reliable neighborhood stop for satisfying vegan versions of familiar favorites.

    What to order: Plant-based comfort brunch; baked goods

    Reserve

  • Woodlands

    Vegetarian Indian $

    A longtime South Indian vegetarian restaurant serving wholesome dosas, thalis, and vegetable curries. Its dedicated, all-vegetarian approach and generous spice have earned a loyal following over many years.

    What to order: Masala dosa; vegetable thali

    Reserve

  • The Wild Cow

    Vegetarian $$

    A pioneering meat-free spot famous for its hearty vegan and vegetarian comfort plates, from nachos to tempeh dishes. An East Nashville institution since the plant-based scene's early days, it remains a beloved go-to for meat-free indulgence.

    What to order: Buffalo tempeh; loaded nachos

    Reserve

  • Sunflower Cafe

    Vegetarian $$

    A vegetarian cafe in Berry Hill serving creative plant-based comfort food and generous lunch plates. Inventive dishes and a warm, laid-back vibe make it a strong choice for those seeking hearty, flavorful meat-free meals.

    What to order: Vegan enchiladas; hot plates

    Reserve

  • Gojo Ethiopian

    Ethiopian $$

    A family-run Ethiopian restaurant with an excellent range of vegetarian and vegan combination platters served on injera. The spiced lentils, greens, and vegetable stews make it a naturally plant-friendly, communal dining experience.

    What to order: Veggie combo on injera; spiced lentils

    Reserve

  • Epice

    Lebanese $$

    A 12 South Lebanese restaurant with a menu rich in vegetarian mezze and plenty of vegan options. Bright, welcoming, and beloved by locals, it offers falafel, hummus, and vegetable plates alongside a lively patio.

    What to order: Falafel; vegetable mezze

    Reserve

  • The Southern V

    Vegan Soul $$

    A North Nashville vegan soul-food institution on Buchanan Street serving hearty plant-based takes on comfort classics. Its Southern roots and satisfying, flavorful cooking make it a meaningful stop for vegan dining beyond the usual neighborhoods.

    What to order: Plant-based soul-food classics

    Reserve

  • Vui's Kitchen

    Vietnamese $$

    A Vietnamese spot serving globally influenced plates with a deep bench of vegetarian and vegan options built on tofu, vegetables, and fresh herbs. Its neighborhood charm and clean, vibrant menu make it a comfortable, reliable meat-free destination.

    What to order: Tofu vermicelli bowls; vegan pho

    Reserve

  • Rolf and Daughters

    Italian $$$

    While not exclusively vegetarian, this Germantown restaurant offers standout vegetable-forward dishes and handmade pastas worth seeking out. Its creative produce cookery makes it a great option for flexitarians dining with meat-eaters.

    What to order: Vegetable-forward plates; pasta

    Reserve

Best Hot Chicken & Iconic Nashville Eats

You cannot claim to know the best restaurants in Nashville without diving into the city's iconic hometown foods: fiery Nashville hot chicken, the meat-and-three plate lunch, buttermilk biscuits, and slow-smoked Southern barbecue.

Hot chicken is the headline act, a cayenne-lacquered, paint-stripping fried bird served over white bread with pickles that locals rank by heat level, while the humble meat-and-three is the meal most Nashvillians actually eat every week.

Beyond the chicken, the flaky biscuit and the West Tennessee whole-hog barbecue are essential rites of passage. These dishes are affordable, unpretentious, and deeply tied to Nashville's working-class and Southern roots.

Come hungry, embrace the burn, and taste the foods that define the city's culinary identity worldwide.

  • Prince's Hot Chicken

    Hot Chicken $

    The birthplace of Nashville hot chicken, run by the Prince family who invented the dish decades ago. Ordered by heat level from mild to the legendary XXX-hot, it is the definitive, cayenne-slicked original that started an entire genre.

    What to order: Hot chicken quarter over white bread

    Reserve

  • Hattie B's Hot Chicken

    Hot Chicken $$

    The spot that carried hot chicken to national fame, with a tidy heat scale from Southern (no heat) to Shut the Cluck Up. Expect long lines, cold beer, and classic sides like pimento mac and greens across several city locations.

    What to order: Hot chicken with pimento mac and cheese

    Reserve

  • Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish

    Hot Chicken $

    A beloved, no-frills institution serving searingly spiced hot chicken and fried fish. Less touristy than its rivals, it rewards the adventurous with a genuinely fierce, deeply flavorful bird and a true neighborhood feel.

    What to order: Spicy hot chicken; fried catfish

    Reserve

  • Arnold's Country Kitchen

    Meat-and-Three $

    A James Beard-honored cafeteria line and the quintessential meat-and-three, where you slide a tray past roast beef, fried green tomatoes, and pie. Dependable, generous, and quintessentially Nashville, it closes by mid-afternoon.

    What to order: Roast beef with three Southern sides

    Reserve

  • Monell's Dining & Catering

    Southern Family-Style $$

    A Germantown Victorian serving all-you-can-eat Southern feasts at communal tables, passed family-style. Skillet-fried chicken, biscuits, and cornbread arrive in a steady parade, making it a joyful, sociable rite of passage.

    What to order: Family-style skillet-fried chicken

    Reserve

  • Loveless Cafe

    Southern Breakfast $$

    A roadside icon on Highway 100 famous for its scratch-made biscuits, house preserves, and country ham with red-eye gravy. Touristy but genuinely satisfying, it is a classic Southern breakfast pilgrimage southwest of town.

    What to order: Biscuits with preserves; country ham

    Reserve

  • Biscuit Love

    Biscuits & Brunch $$

    A modern Gulch favorite that reimagines the Southern biscuit, headlined by the Bonuts, fried biscuit-dough beignets dusted in sugar. Bright, buzzy, and always crowded, it is the go-to for a contemporary breakfast splurge.

    What to order: Bonuts; East Nasty fried chicken biscuit

    Reserve

  • Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

    Barbecue $$

    The essential stop for West Tennessee whole-hog barbecue, smoked low and slow and pulled to order. The pit-cooked pork, redneck taco, and cornbread hoecakes are affordable, smoky pleasures in a lively, casual setting.

    What to order: Whole-hog pulled pork; redneck taco

    Reserve

  • Peg Leg Porker

    Barbecue $$

    A Gulch barbecue destination known for its dry-rubbed Memphis-style ribs and smoked chicken. No-nonsense and deeply flavorful, the ribs and dry-rub wings make it a reliable favorite for pitmaster-quality smoke downtown.

    What to order: Dry-rubbed ribs; smoked wings

    Reserve

  • Pancake Pantry

    Breakfast & Pancakes $

    A Hillsboro Village institution near Vanderbilt serving fluffy pancakes since 1961, from sweet potato to buttermilk stacks. The famously long sidewalk line is part of the ritual for a hearty, old-school Nashville breakfast.

    What to order: Sweet potato pancakes

    Reserve

Best Restaurants in Nashville by Neighborhood

Nashville is a city of distinct neighborhoods, and the best restaurants are spread across them rather than clustered along the honky-tonks of Lower Broadway.

East Nashville and Germantown form the most creative, chef-driven hubs, while 12 South and Hillsboro Village pair walkable, boutique-lined strips with beloved local kitchens.

The Gulch and SoBro anchor the busy core near downtown, and Wedgewood-Houston rewards those who venture into its gallery district. Using neighborhoods to plan your meals lets you pair dining with sightseeing, easy strolls, and a genuine sense of local life.

This roundup spotlights a signature restaurant in several key areas to help you eat your way across Music City.

  • East Nashville, Lockeland Table

    Southern-Italian $$$

    A warm neighborhood kitchen that doubles as a community anchor, known for wood-fired cooking and a lively happy hour. East Nashville is the city's most independent-minded district, full of coffee shops, bars, and chef-driven rooms, and this is the ideal introduction.

    What to order: Wood-fired oysters; house pastas; meatballs

    Reserve

  • Germantown, Rolf and Daughters

    Modern Italian $$$

    Philip Krajeck's convivial room in a historic brick building, celebrated for house-made pasta and rustic, ingredient-driven plates. Germantown is Nashville's oldest neighborhood, now a walkable destination for serious dining.

    What to order: House-made pasta; garganelli

    Reserve

  • The Gulch, Adele's

    New American $$$

    Jonathan Waxman's airy, market-driven restaurant set in a converted garage. The Gulch is a dense, walkable pocket of hotels, boutiques, and rooftop bars, making this a natural stop between sights.

    What to order: JW roast chicken; seasonal vegetables

    Reserve

  • 12 South, Josephine

    Southern $$$

    A seasonal Southern restaurant anchoring the boutique-lined 12 South strip. Pair a meal with a stroll past the murals, coffee shops, and shops that define one of the city's most photogenic neighborhoods.

    What to order: Farmhouse plates; wood-grilled meats

    Reserve

  • Midtown, Hattie B's Hot Chicken

    Hot Chicken $

    The spot that carried Nashville hot chicken to national fame, with heat levels from Southern to Shut the Cluck Up. Expect a line near Music Row and Vanderbilt, and come hungry for the sides.

    What to order: Hot chicken; pimento mac; greens

    Reserve

  • Wedgewood-Houston, Bastion

    Tasting Menu $$$$

    A tiny tasting-menu counter tucked behind a bar in the arty Wedgewood-Houston district, where Josh Habiger's inventive cooking draws serious food travelers. WeHo's galleries and breweries make it a rewarding detour.

    What to order: Multi-course chef's tasting

    Reserve

  • Hillsboro Village, Pancake Pantry

    Breakfast $

    A Nashville breakfast institution since 1961, famous for sweet-potato and buckwheat pancakes. Hillsboro Village's walkable strip sits near Vanderbilt with indie shops and cafes worth browsing after.

    What to order: Sweet-potato pancakes; buckwheat cakes

    Reserve

  • SoBro, Husk Nashville

    Southern $$$

    Set in a restored nineteenth-century home on Rutledge Hill, Husk champions heirloom Southern ingredients and heritage cooking. It sits a short walk from downtown and the riverfront, ideal for a considered dinner.

    What to order: Cornbread; wood-fired heritage plates

    Reserve

  • 8th Avenue South, Arnold's Country Kitchen

    Meat-and-Three $

    A cafeteria-style meat-and-three that earned a James Beard America's Classics award. The line along 8th Avenue South is part of the experience, and lunch here is one of the city's most authentic, affordable meals.

    What to order: Roast beef; chocolate pie; vegetables

    Reserve

  • North Nashville, Slim & Husky's

    Pizza $$

    A Black-owned artisan pizza shop that helped spark the Buchanan Arts District renaissance. Build-your-own pies and cinnamon rolls make it a fun, casual reason to explore North Nashville's creative corridor.

    What to order: Build-your-own pizza; cinnamon rolls

    Reserve

Best New & Trendy Restaurant Openings in Nashville

Nashville's dining scene never stands still, and the best new and trendy restaurant openings in Nashville keep the city on the national radar year after year.

Recent momentum has centered on Germantown's continued expansion, ambitious East Nashville debuts, and chefs branching out from acclaimed flagships to launch second and third concepts.

New openings tend to book up fast on buzz alone, so flexibility with dates and early or late seatings helps. Because the freshest spots evolve quickly, it is always worth checking current local coverage before you go.

These picks highlight recently opened and buzzy restaurants that capture where Nashville dining is heading right now.

  • Locust

    Dumplings & Shaved Ice $$

    Trevor Moran's tiny Germantown counter built a cult following around a short menu of delicate dumplings and Japanese-style kakigori shaved ice. Its precise, ingredient-driven approach made it one of the city's most talked-about openings.

    What to order: Dumplings; kakigori shaved ice

    Reserve

  • Kisser

    Japanese $$$

    The Germantown Japanese follow-up from the Locust team blends izakaya-style small plates with polished technique in a compact, high-energy room. Its arrival cemented the neighborhood as a destination for the city's most ambitious cooking.

    What to order: Japanese small plates; katsu sando

    Reserve

  • Audrey

    Appalachian $$$

    Sean Brock's East Nashville restaurant is a personal love letter to Appalachian cooking, built around wood-fired hearths and heirloom Southern ingredients. Its storytelling and craft made it an instant landmark for the region's food identity.

    What to order: Wood-fired Appalachian cooking

    Reserve

  • June

    New American $$$$

    The intimate tasting counter above Audrey delivers Sean Brock's most refined, multicourse expression of Appalachian and Southern cuisine. Its limited seating and immersive format make it one of the harder tables to land in town.

    What to order: Multicourse tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Yolan

    Italian $$$$

    A glamorous Italian restaurant inside The Joseph hotel from Tony and Cathy Mantuano, with handmade pastas, a polished room, and a see-and-be-seen crowd. It represents the upscale downtown dining that continues to draw buzz.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; refined Italian

    Reserve

  • Folk

    Wood-Fired $$$

    Philip Krajeck's wood-fired East Nashville spot exemplifies the neighborhood-bistro trend with blistered pizzas and vegetable-forward plates. Warm, rustic, and reasonably priced, it reflects a move toward relaxed, produce-driven cooking outside downtown.

    What to order: Wood-fired pizza; seasonal vegetables

    Reserve

  • Peninsula

    Iberian $$$

    A Riverside Village restaurant blending Spanish and Portuguese flavors with Southern ingredients. Its lively atmosphere, standout small plates, and thoughtful wine list have kept it firmly in the conversation as a modern favorite.

    What to order: Spanish-Portuguese small plates

    Reserve

  • Bad Idea

    Live-Fire $$$

    A fire-driven, hard-to-book East Nashville restaurant that earned rapid acclaim for its intense open-flame cooking and tightly focused tasting format. Its cult following and distinctive point of view make it emblematic of Nashville's adventurous new wave.

    What to order: Open-fire tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Maiz de la Vida

    Mexican $$

    A wave of masa-driven Mexican cooking, anchored by Julio Hernandez's hand-nixtamalized tortillas, has energized the scene from taco stands to brick-and-mortar. It reflects one of Nashville's most exciting current culinary movements.

    What to order: Heirloom masa tacos

    Reserve

  • Assembly Food Hall

    Food Hall $$

    Curated food halls downtown and beyond gather standout local vendors under one roof, offering an easy way to sample multiple buzzy chefs and cuisines in a single, casual visit.

    What to order: Multiple local vendors under one roof

    Reserve

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is Nashville most famous for?

Nashville is most famous for hot chicken, cayenne-fried and served on white bread with pickles. Locals also love the meat-and-three tradition, biscuits, and Southern comfort cooking, plus a rising chef-driven fine-dining scene.

Where can I get the best hot chicken in Nashville?

Top hot chicken spots include Prince's, widely credited as the original, Hattie B's for crowds and consistency, and Bolton's for a spicier, no-frills take. Order a heat level below what you think you can handle.

Do I need reservations for top Nashville restaurants?

Yes. Sought-after spots like The Catbird Seat, Bastion, Locust, and Rolf and Daughters need reservations released weeks ahead. Many hot chicken joints and meat-and-threes are walk-in only. Book early or sit at the bar.

Which Nashville neighborhoods are best for dining?

Germantown and The Gulch are the buzziest hubs, East Nashville and 12 South have chef-driven and casual spots, Midtown sits near Music Row, and downtown Broadway leans touristy but has a few standouts.

How expensive is fine dining in Nashville?

Nashville's top tasting menus are a splurge, typically $$$$ per person before pairings. Meat-and-threes, hot chicken joints, and spots like Arnold's Country Kitchen offer great value. Check current menus.

Are there good vegetarian and vegan options in Nashville?

Yes. Vegan and vegetarian spots include The Wild Cow, Graze, and Sunflower Cafe. Many fine-dining kitchens accommodate plant-based menus with notice, and meat-and-threes let you build a plate from vegetable sides.