Nashville and its breakup of neighborhoods has been referred to as a, “tiny New York” or a verifiable “southern Brooklyn” more times than we can count. As the city continues to host droves of tourists and transplants, individualized neighborhoods and differentiating atmospheres have come to define the once simple Tennessee town. In honor of the city’s face lift and rejuvenation, we decided to find the best place to eat in every neighborhood, so no matter where you are? There’s no need to fight a grumbling stomach.
12. Belmont-Hillsboro - Proper Bagel
If you're looking for a solid New York-style bagel, then you need look no further than the Belmont-Hillsboro neighborhood. Fresh bagels, donuts and menu items like the ever-popular avocado toast give this local eatery five stars. (2011 Belmont Boulevard)
11. East Nashville - Folk
East Nashville is chock full of fabulous eateries, from the couple dollar tacos at Mas Tacos to the upscale Asian fare at Two Ten Jack. No matter your taste, there's something delicious, but our favorite spot is the newly opened Folk. Blink and you'd miss it, but their inventive take on simple classics like your average pizza, salad and even bread and butter, will leave little room for argument. The spare interior design only serves to increase attention to ever delicious culinary detail. (823 Merridian Street)
10. 12th Avenue South - Josephine
The team at Josephine serves dinner and drinks in a beautiful, light-infused restaurant right on the ever-popular 12th Avenue South. Whether you're looking to enjoy an anniversary dinner or even a bridal shower, the seasonal menu and kind, attentive staff makes Josephine rise above the rest in the restaurant laden area. (2316 12th Ave S)
9. West Nashville - Bobbie's Dairy Dip
Bobbie's is a Nashville classic, and we really can't bump this Charlotte Avenue charmer off the list for a few high-class newcomers, now can we? Come for the cheeseburgers and stay for the dipped cones, this is the kind of neighborhood eatery that never goes out of style. (5301 Charlotte Avenue)
8. Germantown - City House
City House has long been a Nashville local favorite, and its popularity sparked and caught on fire with the reams of tourists that frequent the once defunct area. Located in an old home, the inventive kitchen whips up re-imagined Italian. (1222 4th Ave N)
7. Edgehill Village - Bella Napoli Pizzeria
Sweet Bella Napoli - we'll never get over you! This darling Italian eatery is tucked away in Edgehill Village, serving Neapolitan pizzas and freshly made pasta in an Italian-inspired atmosphere. If you can, snag a seat on the patio when the weather is nice. It's magical eating underneath the twinkling lights! (1200 Villa Place)
6. The Gulch - 404 Kitchen
Te 404 Kitchen is a longstanding asset to the Gulch neighborhood, and it has continued to wax successfully even through the consistent inundations of culinary change in the city. You can order anything from upscale to down home (we're a big fan of their burgers!), and there's nothing like a craft cocktail while you're waiting. Great for celebrations, anniversaries or simply a Saturday night out, this dreamy spot is a perfect spot to indulge. (507 12th Ave South)
5. SoBro - Husk
Husk is based out of Charleston, so you're able to visit their sister restaurant if you're ever in South Carolina, but we're in love with the historic mansion and gardens it inhabits in Nashville's SoBro neighborhood, or "South of Broadway". Southern classics get an updated spin with seasonal ingredients sourced from local makers, and the menu is changing constantly. Come for dinner or brunch, just make sure you come! (37 Rutledge Street)
4. Green Hills - Kalamata's
Kalamata's may not look like much at first glance, especially with its location in an unassuming strip mall, but it offers up some of the best Mediterranean fare in the city. The interior design is simple and the menu is straightforward, making your experience all about the meal and the folks you bring along to eat it all with. (3764 Hillsboro Pike)
3. Midtown - Henley
Nashville's Midtown neighborhood got a real gem when Henley moved to town, a fabulous American-inspired restaurant that's as Instagrammable as it is delicious. The plates are shareable and the cocktails creative and made to order, so this beautiful place is a repeat in our book. (2023 Broadway)
2. Wedgewood-Houston - Bastion
Bastion's bar has been named one of the top twenty-one in the nation by Esquire and continues to be lauded by locals themselves. If you're not enamored with the stunning industrial interior design, then maybe the intimate twenty-four seat dining area will catch your fancy. This is a fabulous blend of the elite and attainable, a reservation-only restaurant that elevates even the most tired Wednesday night. (434 Houston Street)
1. Downtown - Woolworth of 5th
Boiled peanuts, anyone? The creative class and southern inspired menu at Woolworth on 5th only serves to up its historic factor and charm. Located in an old - you guessed it! - Woolworth's five and dime store, and experiencing a meal here is like diving head first into Tennessee history. (221 5th Ave N)
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