5 Best Restaurants in 12 South, Nashville

Come hungry for breakfast and brunch options that include zucchini pie, avocado toast, and unforgettable fluffy and crepe-like blueberry pancakes. This restaurant exudes boho California vibes with its bright airy interior and plant-filled wood accents around the open kitchen. If you're planning to dine on peak days, take advantage of the online waitlist. There's a small outdoor dining area out front; inside the seating is a mix of stand-alone tables and cozy banquettes tucked under conservatory-like windows. If you're driving, you may be able to find parking in the restaurant's parking lot.

Part of the 12South scene before there was one, this perennial favorite of families, local college kids, and visitors has a large, covered street-facing patio and small performance space inside. The surprisingly large menu has a seemingly endless list of quesadillas (rib eye!), tacos (tilapia), and salads with vegetarian options, plus there's a kids' menu. Check out the walls papered in Hatch Show and other concert posters.

Popular with all ages, including young families, this comfortable neighborhood hangout serves—you guessed it—burgers, as well as soups and salads. Beef and other meats are sourced from a local farm and butcher shop.

The original location of this family-owned Nashville institution is always busy for lunch and dinner, but they don't take reservations, so plan accordingly. Known for its award-winning barbecue, the menu includes lots of smoked meats as well as a number of Southern sides like cornbread bean salad, mac and cheese, and banana pudding—you've got to love a place that includes banana pudding as a side rather than a dessert. Remember that the portions are large, and a kids' menu is available. There are locations in East Nashville, Sylvan Park, Donelson, and Franklin.

This fun pizza place is where all ages gather for deep-dish pizzas made in an open kitchen. Beyond pizza they serve meatballs, sautéed spinach, and salads—and for dessert, cannoli of course.