219 Best Restaurants in Nashville, Tennessee

Mitchell Delicatessen is one of the pillars of East Nashville's Riverside Village neighborhood; having relocated from across the street to a larger space in 2014, it's one of the more spacious delis in town (with a large covered patio, to boot). Come for classics like the Turkey Avocado, and come back for Mitchell creations like the Turkey Brie and Asian Flank Steak.

Occupying the space left by longtime Italian restaurant Pomodoro East, Noko serves creative, Asian-inspired wood-fired dishes, bringing an array of new flavors to the east side. Outfitted in sleek decor with wood accents, Noko also has a lively beverage program, including expertly made and supremely refreshing traditional Japanese highballs.

Although ramen has always been hiding in Nashville's under-the-radar Japanese spots, Sarah Gavigan returned from 20 years in L.A. and made it her mission to get more Nashvillians interested in slurping it up. Start with either a salty clear shio broth or a richer shoyu, then choose one of three protein options plus additional toppings like burnt miso butter. There's another location in East Nashville. 

Most Nashville hot chicken joints are smaller grab-and-go affairs, but this spacious sports bar provides table service and a full bar. Heat levels on these hot chicken dishes—you can find just about everything from a half bird to tacos to salads—range from mild to the scary spicy \"Poultrygeist.\" All-day happy hour takes place on Tuesday and Sunday.

Owner and longtime pitmaster Carey Bringle says it all in his biography: \"Smoke is in my veins.\" The line for the lunch rush is often out the door, but many agree that the dry ribs—hickory-smoked for more than 18 hours—are well worth the wait, as are Peg Leg's wings which are offered BBQ, dry, or hot. Standout sides include the smoked green beans and barbecue baked beans; as an appetizer, you can prime your palate with a platter of piled-high nachos.

If you have a hankering for good burgers and good beer, look no further than The Pharmacy to cure what ails you. The outdoor beer garden is hard to beat for both its size and ambience, and the food itself is fresh, locally sourced, and thoughtfully served. Though burgers are the name of the game, there are vegetarian-friendly options. Be sure to try The Pharmacy's house-made phosphates (sodas) and milkshakes.

Place your order for “fancy and whimsical” cookies at the window of this teensy space that produces small batches of large cookies that are big on flavor and inspiration. Current offerings are indicated by photos taped to the wall, with notes on flavors and vibe or inspiration; some cookies are mini works of art, like the optimistic Rainbow Brownie, a beautiful cookie covered in chocolate frosting, mini chocolate chips, and “bits of rainbow.” Meanwhile, the backstory of this little cookie place is magical: the brand was born during lockdown when pastry chef Matthew Rice found himself at a crossroads. A former Chopped contestant, Rice started baking cookies that customers retrieved from outside his—you guessed it—pink front door.

Chef Philip Krajeck has devised a simple innovative menu at Rolf & Daughters, a pillar of dining in both the Germantown neighborhood and greater Nashville. Menu staples include assorted seasonal, house-made pastas and creative takes on small plates and vegetable salads. Don't skip the bread, either—the house-made sourdough with seaweed butter is to die for.

What started as a beloved nomadic pop-up has now become Nashville's premiere destination for Sicilian cuisine, most notably Sicilian-style pizza—each pizza starts with a handmade focaccia base and is brought to life with toppings like rich tomato, potato, and lemon or a four-cheese blend with pistachio. Shareable plates of veg rotate according to the season, and a choice selection of desserts and drinks make this a great choice for a chill and intimate evening. Seating is quite limited, so it's best to book ahead or saddle up at the bar and watch the magic happen in the open kitchen.

Nashville is known for its meat-and-three-style restaurants, and Swett's is one of its most famous; past patrons run the gamut from presidents to pop stars and everyone in between. If you’re looking for Southern staples like collard greens, baked mac and cheese, and entrées that range from fried catfish to barbecued ribs, this family-owned restaurant is the place to be.

Tempered Café is unlike any other café in Nashville, serving an extensive selection of handcrafted chocolates alongside a full menu of espresso drinks, breakfast and lunch plates—and yes, homemade hot chocolate and drinking chocolate. Tempered also has a full bar and offers chocolate and beverage pairings that are unlike anything you've ever tried before.

Enjoy some of the city's finest craft beers at this chilled-out multilevel taproom where the masterful brewing process—an in-house chemist is employed for ideal fermentation—is matched with a passion for locally sourced ingredients and history. The attention to detail also extends to their solid food menu with standout items such as their Five Beer Burger, hot chicken sandwich, beer bread grilled cheese, and more. Brewery tours are offered on Saturdays, but be sure to book online ahead of time.

Utilizing products from local farmers and producers, this bright and airy café caters a healthy menu of all-day breakfast and lunch dishes, ranging from berry bowls, smoothies, and breakfast sandwiches to pad Thai noodle bowls and house-made hummus. Grab-and-go options include wellness shots, juice cleanses, boba tea, and specialty coffee drinks.

Chic yet inviting, the fresh Vietnamese fare at Vui’s Kitchen includes favorite dishes like pho and dumplings garnished with local greens, as well as a seasonal selection of local beer and wine. The kitchen sources seasonal local produce whenever possible.

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.

Big on visual presentation and earning high marks in overall aesthetics, The 404 Kitchen is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a sumptuous evening. The menu is focused on elegant yet hearty Southern dishes like catfish and fried chicken, and everything is carefully laid out to ensure that every order lives up to the kitchen's high bar for quality. Fair warning: there's no on-site parking, so prepare to pay for valet or a spot in a local garage.

This family-friendly spot delivers a comprehensive beer selection (30 rotating taps), traditional pub favorites like poutine fries and burgers, and elevated entrées like street-style tacos and lamb pops. A neighborhood gathering place, 51 North Taproom also offers a hearty weekend brunch and ample outdoor patio seating.

Named for I–55, which cuts through the Mississippi Delta toward New Orleans, this Gulf-inspired restaurant pulls out all the stops: gumbo, po’boys, jambalaya, shrimp and grits, oysters (char-grilled, fried, or in the shell), and even fried green tomato and shrimp rémoulade. Tables are first come, first served, but it’s worth the wait—especially for weekend brunch: their build-your-own-Bloody-Mary bar has all the fixings for the hair of just about any dog. And their daily cocktail menu drips with Southern twang and flavor.

Housed in a large artsy space, 5th & Taylor is a culinary playground for chef Daniel Lindley to push the boundaries of modern American cuisine. The menu often includes a number of Southern favorites, like tomato pie and beer-can chicken, all elevated by Lindley's finesse and knowledge of flavor. The center sculpture, which serves as a focal point in the dining room, is a depiction of General Francis Nash, for whom the city is named.

Look no further for a caffeine kick than 8th & Roast's ethically traded coffee with decadent flavor profiles. Small bites and syrups are made in-house, and natural light flows in through the shop’s large windows.

Since opening in 2018, this eatery has dropped \"coffee\" from its name but certainly not from its menu, which includes coffee, coffee cocktails (espresso martini!), dessert cocktails, and an extensive list of traditional cocktails. The atmosphere is that of a European café with a menu to match: pastries, panini, and desserts that are both delicious and gorgeous. Americano Lounge hosts live jazz performances and cleverly themed events throughout the year.

This chef-driven restaurant, with its relaxed yet upscale feel and menu full of character, fits seamlessly into the Sylvan Park neighborhood that surrounds it. Their laid-back happy hour has familiar favorites with thoughtful touches, and their dinner entrées tout flavors that can satisfy even refined palates.

More than your average food court, Assembly Food Hall offers more than 30 restaurants and bars spread across two levels in two wings. Many of the restaurant stalls are outposts of favorite local establishments like Prince's Hot Chicken and Pharmacy Burger, offering limited menus of their \"greatest hits.\" With bars and live music stages on each level, the atmosphere is always lively. Another bonus is the ability for diners at a single table to order from different restaurants using their phones and then receive a text message when their food is ready. It sure beats having to stand in multiple lines.

Once featured on the Food Network, the Athens Family Restaurant is a diner that has all the appearances of a classic greasy spoon but instead serves delicious Greek food for all three meals. Enjoy gyro, pitas, and Greek sides, as well as American diner favorites like burgers and breakfast sandwiches.

A plant-based restaurant, AVO is located in the mindful-lifestyle district called ONEC1TY. As such, it offers decadent vegan options, a weekday happy hour, and thoughtful waitstaff trained to offer helpful information for those with specific nutritional needs. If you're visiting with a friend, try splitting a few small plates to sample the menu.

One of the better options for a casual meal, Bakersfield specializes in Mexican street food that is authentic and quick. The bar also serves more than 100 types of tequila so you can get the full experience. It's a great place for lunch or a late-night bite after dancing on Broadway.

Serious coffee connoisseurs shouldn't leave the city without a visit to one of Barista Parlor's outposts. The Gulch location is housed on the first level of the W, and everything inside—from the wood tables and platters to the art and barista aprons—are sourced from local makers and craftspeople, so you better believe they're serious about keeping it bespoke. The coffee and food options take time, so don't stop by in a hurry, but the attention to detail is worth it.

The East Nashville location is the spot that started it all for this growing local coffee chain. Barista Parlor is known for paying almost an excruciating level of detail to its coffee beverages, so you know you're getting a quality cup every time you visit. They also sell pastries and small bites, served up in a painstakingly hip environment.

The original East Nashville Barista Parlor was such a hit that the hip shop has since expanded to several locations around town, including this spot in Germantown. Conveniently located right next to popular dinner joint City House, baristas put an extraordinary amount of care into each cup of coffee brewed; you can taste that attention to detail each time you visit.