Restaurant Guide: Nashville, TN
Nashville, TN
Nashville is known as the Country Music Capital of the World, but there’s more to it than guitars + yee-haws. They also have a diverse and delicious food scene!
Check out our recommendations below for the ultimate guide to “Nosh-Ville!”
Rooted in Southern tradition, Nashville's food scene has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from its humble beginnings to become a gastronomic destination that harmonizes tradition with innovation. In the early years, iconic establishments like Arnold's Country Kitchen set the stage, dishing out classic Southern comfort fare that quickly became synonymous with Nashville's culinary identity. As the city's music scene soared, so did its culinary repertoire, attracting a diverse range of chefs and influences. This infusion of creativity birthed a new era of dining, characterized by a fusion of flavors that defines the modern Nashville culinary landscape.
Written by Emily Fitzgerald
Breakfast + Brunch:
Biscuit Love ($)
Nothing says “Southern Breakfast” like a biscuit + no one makes biscuits like Biscuit Love! They serve classics like biscuits + gravy along with more creative variations like bonuts (biscuit dough that’s been fried and topped with lemon mascarpone). Not into biscuits? They also have dough-less options like cheesy grits covered in mushrooms, crispy bacon, and shrimp!
Address: 316 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Open Daily: 7 AM-3 PM
Arnold's Country Kitchen ($)
Arnold's Country Kitchen is a Nashville institution that invites diners into a haven of Southern comfort and culinary tradition. Nestled in the heart of Music City, this iconic meat-and-three eatery has been dishing up homestyle goodness since 1982. Renowned for its cafeteria-style service and soul-satisfying fare, Arnold's is a cherished local gem where patrons savor the essence of classic Southern cooking in every delightful bite.
Address: 605 8th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203
Hours: Mon-Friday: 11 AM-3 PM
Fido ($$)
Though their breakfast menu is served all day, you’ll want to get there early to avoid a line at Fido! Entrees lean more toward breakfast meets tex-mex (think scrambled eggs with tomatillo sauce + chorizo), but if you want something more simple, they have a range of bagels + pancakes as well.
Address: 1812 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Open Daily: 7 AM-4 PM
Coffee + Tea:
Matryoshka ($)
Matryoshka Coffee is a charming restaurant that offers a unique blend of Russian and international cuisine in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Located on the South side of Nashville, Matryoshka is known for its delicious food and exceptional coffee. Their menu showcases a diverse range of dishes, combining traditional Russian flavors with contemporary culinary influences.
Address: 370 Herron Dr. Nashville, TN 37210
Hours: Tue-Sat: 8 AM-2 PM
The Spice & Tea Exchange
If coffee isn’t your thing, maybe you’d rather have an herbal wake-up! We recommend heading to The Spice & Tea Exchange. Known for their extensive selection of loose-leaf teas sourced from around the world. From black teas to green teas, herbal infusions, and specialty blends, tea lovers can find a diverse range of options to suit their tastes. The teas are carefully curated and of high quality, ensuring a delightful tea-drinking experience.
Address: 1802 21st Avenue South Nashville, TN 37212
Hours: Sun-Thu: 10 AM-5 PM, Fri + Sat: 10 AM - 6 PM
Lunch:
Loveless ($$)
When in Nashville, a southern comfort food meal is a must and Loveless will certainly not disappoint! The menu at Loveless features a variety of classic Southern favorites and signature dishes. Guests can expect to find a range of flavorful options, such as fried chicken, smoked meats, biscuits, country-style sides, and decadent desserts. The dishes are likely prepared using traditional recipes, passed down through generations, and crafted with attention to detail.
Address: 8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 AM-8 PM, Sat + Sun: 7 AM-8 PM
Mas Tacos Por Favor ($)
What began as a moving taco dispensary in 1974, became one of the most loved taco eateries in East Nashville! At Mas Tacos Por Favor you get exactly what you want: good tacos with no frills in colorful, cantina digs. Warm-up with elote (Mexican street corn) or chicken tortilla soup before you get to the main attraction: fresh tacos + nachos with traditional options like carnitas or chicken. Not a meat-eater? Try it with avocado!
Address: 732 McFerrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11 AM-9 PM
Dinner:
Henrietta Red ($$$)
Henrietta Red is the go-to choice for upscale seafood in Nashville! They focus on contemporary American food + feature a full raw bar selection as well as a variety of sharable plates. If you want upscale but without the “scale,” Henrietta Red has a number of fish-less options as well as some pasta dishes that skip meat altogether! Try the Cucumber Toast with peaches + habanero hot sauce to start your meal off with a bang.
Address: 1200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
Hours: Tues-Fri: 5-11 PM, Sat: 10 AM-2 PM + 5 PM-10 PM Sun: 10 AM-2 PM + 5 PM-9 PM
Lockeland Table ($$$)
Lockeland Table takes classic dishes that you know + love and kicks them up a notch! Though the price tag is a bit higher, the unique flavors make sure you get your money’s worth. Their Thai curry mussels are sure to impress and pair well with a pork chop or wood-fired pizza. Reservations are recommended so you don’t have to wait in order to enjoy this local favorite!
Address: 1520 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206
Hours: Closed Sunday; Mon-Sat: 4-10 PM
Dessert
Olive + Sinclair Chocolate Co. ($)
Olive + Sinclair Chocolate Co. is the first and only bean-to-bar chocolate shop in Tennessee! Though they specialize in small-batch chocolate bars, they also offer treats that are a bit more unusual like Sea Salt + Vinegar Caramel or Bourbon Nib Brittle to satisfy your sweet tooth. For an extra $5, you can book a tour of their factory and see the origin and creation of the treats you take home!
Address: 1628 Fatherland St, Nashville, TN 37206
Hours: Tues-Sat: 10 AM-5 PM
Baked on 8th
At Baked on 8th, this Nashville bakery specializes in anything sweet and good. If you’re heading towards downtown Nashville make sure to pick up a sweet and savory dessert on the way there. This is a picture-perfect place with its bright and colorful exterior and interior that makes the desserts even sweeter.
Address: 1512 8th Ave S Nashville
Hours: Mon-Sat: 8 AM-6 PM; Sun: 10 AM-3 PM
Thirsty?
Honeytree Meadery ($$)
A bit unconventional, but delicious all the same is Honeytree Meadery! Their mead, which is an alcohol made from honey, ranges in flavor from light + sweet to spicy or tangy. The honey for the mead actually comes from the apiary on-site to ensure that you are getting the best quality product possible. Stop in for a glass to enjoy on their beautiful outdoor patio space.
Address: 918 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206
Hours: Mon-Thu: 5 PM-11 PM, Fri + Sat: 12 PM-11 PM
Bearded Iris Brewing ($)
The taproom at Bearded Iris Brewing is old-school and cozy, but the beers are modern + adventurous! This brewery has everything from Imperial IPAs to Sours with Dragonfruit and if you’re having trouble deciding, feel free to grab a flight to sample more than one. Fall in love with a brew? Take it home with you with cans to go!
Address: 101 Van Buren St, Nashville, TN 37208
Hours: Mon-Thu: 12 PM-10 PM, Fri + Sat: 12 PM-11 PM, Sun: 12 PM-8 PM
Heading to Nashville? Grab our Destination Guide, your ultimate guide to Music City!
Nashville, Tennessee, is vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in Southern flavors and traditions.
Known as the "Music City," Nashville not only resonates with country music but also with a rich culinary culture that has been shaped by the city's history and its position as a hub for creativity and innovation.
Nashville's food evolution mirrors the city's dynamic growth, with the emergence of the 'Nashville Hot Chicken' phenomenon becoming a culinary anthem. This fiery and flavorful dish has become a national sensation, placing Nashville on the map as a hotspot for distinctive and spicy Southern fare.
Today, with a bustling array of eateries offering everything from traditional barbecue to globally inspired cuisine, Nashville's food scene continues to be a testament to the city's ability to blend its roots with contemporary culinary trends, inviting both locals and visitors to savor the diverse and delicious chapters of Music City's epicurean history.