Since I’ve been living in Nashville for the past 2 years, I’d like to start doing some Nashville recommendation posts. Where to eat, where to go out, where to shop, what to visit, things to do, etc. I thought I’d start with where to go out to eat in Nashville!
Nashville has tons of restaurants and plenty of them are amazing. It’s easy to google and find top-rated restaurants, but I’m sure they’ll be concentrated to the more touristy areas. While some of my picks are very popular restaurants, I think this list is a good reflection of spots where locals actually go out to eat in Nashville.
*Looking for more drinking and dancing in Nashville rather than eating? Check out this post!
Nashville Hot Chicken
Let’s go ahead and get it out of the way. Nashville is known for its hot chicken.
Hattie B’s – Hattie B’s reigns supreme. Their restaurants are always busy, and it’s my hot chicken joint of choice when visitors are in town. While the Midtown location seems to be the iconic one, I’d recommend the one on Charlotte Pike for a shorter line.
Prince’s Hot Chicken – While I’ve never been, Prince’s is an original hot chicken spot that’s worth checking out in Assembly Food Hall if you don’t feel like driving out to South Nashville.
American
Urban Grub – My top pick for a fancy steak or seafood dinner. Located on 12 South, it’s a great dinner spot where you can stroll the neighborhood before or after.
Buttermilk Ranch – Southern brunch spot. While the food is great, I 1000% do not recommend their matcha latte. Taste like literal grass.
5th & Taylor – Good vibes, good food, good cocktails, good location. On the fancier side.
Fido – This is a Vandy/Belmont classic in my opinion. It’s a coffee shop and low-key restaurant. The menu changes from time to time, but it’s always delicious. Located in Hillsboro Village, it’s a great spot to people watch from!
Earnest Bar & Hideaway – Great date night vibes. The cocktails and food are delicious.
Char – My other pick for steak in Nashville. This restaurant is in Green Hills so it’s away from the more touristy spots. And truly just delicious steaks.
McCabe Pub – If you want to feel like you’re at the neighborhood pub, this is the spot. The menu is large, everything is priced reasonably, and the atmosphere is perfection. Located in Sylvan Park, it’s right by other great restaurants and a public golf course.
Snooze AM – Looking for breakfast in East Nashville? This retro-inspired diner is delicious.
Pharmacy Burger – If you’re craving fancy burgers, look no further. The main location in East Nashville is the worth the drive, especially in the summer with the beer garden/patio outside.
Frothy Monkey – Another coffee shop/restaurant combo. With locations across the city, this is a famous Nashville spot. I love the Golden Monkey drink.
BBQ
Martin’s BBQ – My friends swear by Martin’s. And I love it too! It’s affordable and delicious. I like the Elliston Place location near Centennial Park.
Edley’s BBQ – It’s bbq, and it’s good. Not much else to say! Locations across the city.
Sushi/Asian
Oku – My top pick for fancy sushi rolls in Nashville. While they have basic rolls, their signature rolls shine! Try the Nashvegas, Titan Up, Lo Pan… those are my favorites, but you can’t go wrong, I promise. It’s the perfect excuse to go to Germantown. And don’t forget to try the Lychee Martini.
Sunda – I’ve never been, but friends love it. I’ve also had the chef’s cooking elsewhere, and it was amazing, so I can only assume this restaurant is just as good.
Virago – My second choice for fancy sushi. It’s delicious; it’s on my list. If you want to stay downtown for sushi and spend $$$, this is my recommendation.
Samurai Sushi – This is actually my favorite sushi restaurant in town. They have fancy rolls – including a large list that has FRUIT – like they’re known for that, but they also crush the basic rolls, making it my favorite sushi spot for both dine-in and everyday takeout! Multiple locations in town, so it’s easy to find one close to where you live or stay. Check out those yummy rolls below!
Blue Sushi – Their menu is huge, and they have a large selection of vegetarian sushi! Located in the 5th & Broadway development downtown, they have nice balcony seating and drinks.
Two Ten Jack – Locals love this restaurant. They have sushi and other Japanese dishes. The atmosphere is cool, which makes sense since it’s in East.
Hawkers – While I’m still sad they took away their brunch menu, Hawkers has amazing Asian Fusion food. They make my favorite Pad Thai in Nashville.
Xiao Bao – This is a newer restaurant in Nashville, but everyone is loving it. They keep the menu small, and it’s known for having a strawberry statue outside the building. How could you not want to go? The décor and vibes are so cute. Their focus is on Asian comfort food. Yum!
Indian
Taj – If you’re willing to drive a little bit out of the city center, Taj absolutely makes it worth it. The best Indian food in town in my opinion (and to many others in Nashville)! I hear they just opened a new larger location down the street from the original location! Can’t wait to see it!
Bombay Palace – I’ve only ever had takeout here, but it was delicious. Pro-tip: Take your carryout order to Centennial Park right next door for a nice picnic in the park!
Sitar – Every time I walk by this restaurant, I think to myself, ugh it smells delicious. And it is. The food does not disappoint!
Mexican
Las Palmas – A huge menu, delicious (and large) margs, great queso. I love this restaurant, and it has lots of locations across the city!
Oscar’s Taco Shop – Oscar’s is a local chain taco shop. It’s the perfect spot for tacos, quesadillas, and more. I personally love the Taco Salad and get it probably once a week for lunch!
Taqueria del Sol – One of my favorite restaurants in Nashville! Their queso cannot be beat (can you see a theme here? I love cheese.) and they have yummy frozen margaritas. While I recommend everything on their menu, I love their shrimp chowder and their fish dinner specials!
Cinco de Mayo – Yummy. I like it.
Chuy’s – I’ve never had it. But people really like it here.
European
Café Intermezzo – Are we in Paris?? This little European-inspired restaurant is incredible. They have fancy cappuccinos, cocktails, and a whole cabinet of cakes daily to choose from. I recommend the Eggs Benedict or the Seafood Crepe (over pasta if possible).
Pizza
Five Points Pizza – Now a staple around Nashville, the East Nashville location is perfect for a late-night pizza bite. They have a walk-up window!
Slim & Husky’s – This pizza shop around Nashville has pre-curated personal pizzas or build your own (chipotle-style). The sizes are “slim” or “husky.” They play cool music, the pizza is amazing, and they’re a Black-owned business. Definitely stop by.
Midnight Oil – No frills pizza spot. Good beer selection and good vibes. Would recommend.
Emmy Squared – Fancier thick-crust pizza. It’s pretty dang good.
Seafood
The Optimist – Nashville’s fancy seafood spot.
Boston Commons – New England seafood restaurant? Yes, please. They have lobster rolls!
Smoothies/Acai Bowls
E & Rose – If you want expensive but delicious smoothies or acai bowls, this is your spot. They have a bunch of combinations to choose from, and they have healthy add-ins you can add. Sometimes, it’s nice to get something a little lighter. I recommend the Green Goddess.
A Little Bit of Everything
L&L Market – This market has a few different restaurants in it, as well as little shops. Pasta, wine & cheese, tacos, and Thai are some of the options here!
Assembly Food Hall – The perfect and easy spot to take a break from Broadway, this food hall has booths for some of Nashville’s most famous restaurants like Prince’s and Pharmacy burgers. It’s a great spot if your group can’t decide on one cuisine – everyone can pick their own!
Farewell Thoughts
And that’s my current list of restaurant recommendations for Nashville! How are you going to choose a spot? Let me know if you end up going to any of my restaurant recommendations down in the comments or over on Instagram! If you liked this guide of where to eat in Nashville like a local, I’d love for you to share this post!
