Finding a great place to eat in Nashville isn’t difficult, but it’s finding the BEST place to eat in Nashville that’s hard. Mainly because the “best” place doesn’t exist. Case in point? Here’s a list of 16 restaurants in Nashville that are perfect for folks of all ages, and that offer a whole expanse of cuisine options from southern comfort food to decadent Tex-Mex fare. Find your new favorite place with a visit to one of these indulgent eateries come 2020, Nashville. Perhaps even try them all.
1. lou Nashville
lou has taken the whole of Nashville by storm with its contemporary blend of West Coast cool and Parisian sophistication, presented in a historic home on the east side of the city. Brunch is served all day, and the wine bar is garnering rave reviews.
2. Redheaded Stranger
This neighborhood taco shop serves up delicious tacos and southwestern inspired foods with solid hint of Nashville hospitality. The Tex-Mex eatery boasts homemade tortillas and salsa, and hails from owners of the already famed small plate eatery, Butcher & Bee.
3. Superica
Another casual Tex-Mex spot, this Gulch hotspot has four other locations in Charlotte, Houston, and Atlanta. Come for unique interior design, fabulous service and homemade tortillas. Folks rave about the bacon wrapped shrimp, and the guacamole is write-yo'-mama good.
4. Pelican & Pig
Pelican & Pig opened quietly in an East Nashville converted auto upholstery shop, and has since come to be honored as one of the best new restaurants in the entire city. Come for ethically sourced, seasonal ingredients that promote a fresh and rotating menu.
5. Hopsmith Tavern
Hopsmith Tavern serves up classic American bar food and boasts a fun, retro atmosphere. This midtown gem offers up weekend brunch and an extensive menu that stretches all day long the rest of the week. Check out party packages and event deals if you're looking to host a group, but keep in mind that parking can get a bit pricey in this part of the city.
6. Makeready Libations & Liberation
American-inspired tavern food is the name of the game at Nashville's downtown Makeready Libations & Liberation. The rotisserie-fired meats go perfectly with all the craft cocktails on the menu, and there's an extensive beer menu for those looking to imbibe. Located in the Noelle Hotel, it's a fantastic spot for hotel guests and locals alike.
7. Peninsula
There's no other place to indulge so solidly in the cuisine of the Iberian Peninsula. This East Nashville eatery services Spanish and Portuguese classics with a French twist. Its contemporary take on European favorites is rounded out by an old world interior design and an extensive wine list.
8. Ludlow's Gumbo Bar & Steak
Looking for a casual dining spot? This is it! A 12th Avenue South classic, come to Ludlow's Gumbo Bar & Steak for great food, massive portions and a kind staff that greets you like family. Expect a menu chock full of Gulf Coast classics, and don't turn your nose up at the cocktail menu. They're strong and affordable, which makes for the best kind of pairing.
9. Henrietta Red
Henrietta Red is a seafood eatery situated in one of the most beautiful spaces in Nashville's Germantown neighborhood. Stunning design aside, this airy, beautiful space lends itself well to a menu full of upscale seafood-centric small plates. Make sure to order a craft cocktail, and indulge in their craft cocktails. Brunch on the weekends is also a popular spot to be!
10. Lyra
This East Nashville eatery serves up Middle Eastern classics for an affordable price. It's a great place to visit with a group, with a series of small plates on the menu that are perfect for sharing. The wood-fired oven serves up decadent Lebanese flatbreads, and the fresh herbs and spices utilized across the broad expanse of the menu elevates the entire flavor experience.
11. O-Ku Sushi Nashville
O-Ku Sushi Nashville serves up authentic Asian cuisine in a sophisticated and contemporary space, while remaining true to traditional Japanese culture. Indulge in traditional sushi, served on a seasonally sourced basis, and fall in love with the unique ingredients used throughout the large entree menu. This Indigo Road dining concept has taken Germantown by storm, and has introduced the classic nature of the neighborhood to global dining.
12. Saint Stephen
Saint Stephen may not look like much from the outside, but this brunch and dinner eatery is a true gem when it comes to modern American cuisine. Indulge in a house-made charcuterie board or a classic American cheeseburger, but be ready for elevated dining either way. The minimalist design of the space only helps emphasize a focus on the indulgent fare.
13. The Eastern Peak
The Eastern Peak may be a chain, but that doesn't mean it's not worth a visit. It's been listed as, "Nashville's Hidden Gem for Amazing Thai & Sushi," and boasts a modern atmosphere and nod to Asian culture both inside and on the menu. Whether you're looking to go upscale and try the seared duck in red curry sauce or want to go with an old favorite, like orange chicken, you can be sure there's something for every emotional and experience at Eastern Peak.
14. Pearl Diver
Pearl Diver offers an exotic, tropical experience from the heart of Nashville. A casual space at its core, the artfully designed interior and flavorful menu offer anything but a blasé moment. If you can't quite swing a trip to the Islands just yet, you can fake it with a great cocktail at Pear Diver.
15. Parson's Chicken & Fish
Sure, Parson's Chicken & Fish may have multiple locations, but it's a great spot for families and low-key date nights. The service is known to be awesome, and it's highly recommended to come with something fried in mind. With easy parking and an expansive outdoor space, this may be the best spot for families on our entire list.
16. Tailor
Tailor was recently named one of the top ten restaurants in the country for its indelible mark on the Nashville dining scene.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Featured Addresses
Redheaded Stranger, 305 Arrington St, Nashville, TN 37207, USA
605 Overton St, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
1903 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
1035 W Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206, USA
2403 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, USA
Henrietta Red, 1200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
935 W Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206, USA
81 Van Buren St, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
1300 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
536 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37211, USA
Pearl Diver, 1008 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206, USA