Places to Eat in Nashville
Updated September 2026 with neighborhoods to explore, what to eat, and tips for visitors. This list dates from 2013, so check hours before you go.
New to Nashville? Me too! This is a list of tried and true, authentic and only in Nashville (or a “few” select places) restaurants, eateries, and coffee shops.
There are two categories, places I have ate and places that I want to eat. I will also try to review these places as time goes on.
Restaurants I have been to…
- Jeni’s Ice Cream - REVIEW (new)
- Burger Up
- The Grilled Cheeserie Food Truck
- Puckett’s Grocery and Eatery
- Zolo’s Italian Restaurant
- Frothy Monkey
- Ellie’s Old-Fashioned Donuts (no store front)
- Barbara’s Home Cooking (Closed Saturday, open M-F, open Sunday 11-3)
- Wildhorse Saloon
- Jack’s BBQ
- Sportsman’s Grille
- Loveless Motel and Cafe
- Puffy Muffin
- Coco’s Italian Market
- Station Inn
Restaurants I want to go to…
- DeSano Pizza Bakery
- Arnold’s
- Pharmacy
- Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
- The Southern
- Pancake Pantry
- Smiling Elephant
- I Dream of Weenie Food Truck
- Husk
- Germantown Cafe
- Pfunky Griddle
- Lockeland Table
- Taqueria del Sol
- Edley’s BBQ
- Mafiaoza’s Pizzeria
- Judge Bean’s BBQ
- The Family Wash
- The Loving Pie Company
- The Silly Goose
- Ugly Mugs
- Rosepepper
- The Smiling Elephant (Thai Food)
- The Wild Cow
- The Pied Piper
- Nolensville Feed Mill
- Burger Republic
- The Pub
A note before you go
I made this list in my first fall as a Nashvillian, back in 2013. Nashville has grown a lot since then, and restaurants change. Some move, some change owners or menus, and some close. So before you drive across town for anything on this list, check the restaurant’s website, social media, or map listing for current hours and location. Treat this as a list of ideas, not a guarantee.
Nashville neighborhoods worth exploring
The best way to eat your way around Nashville is by neighborhood. Park once, walk around, and try a few places.
- 12South. A walkable stretch south of downtown with shops, coffee, and dessert.
- East Nashville. Across the river from downtown, with a local, neighborhood feel and plenty of restaurants and coffee shops.
- Germantown. Just north of downtown, near the Nashville Farmers’ Market and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
- The Gulch and Midtown. Newer, busier, and good for a night out.
- Downtown and Lower Broadway. Honky-tonks, live music, and crowds. Fun to see at least once.
- Hillsboro Village. Near Vanderbilt and Belmont, with a college-town feel.
- Just outside the city. Towns like Franklin and Nolensville have their own main streets and local spots, and they are worth the short drive.
What to eat in Nashville
If it’s your first visit, here’s what I’d try:
- Hot chicken. Nashville’s signature dish: fried chicken coated in a spicy, peppery paste. Prince’s is often credited with starting the tradition. Spice levels vary a lot from place to place, so start lower than you think.
- Meat-and-three. A Southern classic. Pick one meat and three sides, usually from a daily menu. Save room for the cornbread.
- Biscuits and Southern breakfast. Nashville takes breakfast seriously, and weekend brunch lines prove it.
- Barbecue. Plenty of options around town, many with their own take on sauce and sides.
- Coffee and dessert. Local coffee shops and ice cream stops are part of the fun. (Start with my Jeni’s Ice Cream review.)
Tips for visiting Nashville restaurants
- Check hours before you go. Many local spots close one day a week or only serve breakfast and lunch.
- Make a reservation for dinner, especially on weekends and downtown.
- Expect lines at the famous places. Go early, go on a weekday, or put your name in and take a walk.
- Plan for parking. Downtown and the busiest neighborhoods usually mean paid parking, so rideshare can be easier.
- Follow food trucks online. Their locations change day to day, so check their social media for schedules.
- Ask a local. Your server, barista, or hotel front desk will usually have a favorite, and it’s often somewhere you’d never find on your own.
Want to pair dinner with a show? See my photos from Opry Country Classics at the Ryman. However you plan your trip, come hungry. Nashville is a great food town.
Do you have any more suggestions for me on restaurants or local eateries in Nashville that should be on my list? Comment below and let me know!
photo credit: ernestkoe via photopin cc
Frequently asked questions
What food is Nashville known for?
Nashville is best known for hot chicken, meat-and-three restaurants, biscuits and Southern breakfast, and barbecue. It also has a strong local coffee and dessert scene.
What are the best Nashville neighborhoods for food?
12South, East Nashville, Germantown, The Gulch, Midtown, Hillsboro Village, and downtown all have plenty of places to eat. Nearby towns like Franklin and Nolensville are worth a short drive too.
Are the restaurants on this list still open?
This list was written in 2013, and restaurants change over time. Some may have moved, changed, or closed, so check each restaurant's website or map listing for current hours before you go.
Do I need reservations in Nashville?
For dinner on weekends, especially downtown and in the busiest neighborhoods, a reservation is a good idea. Many casual and breakfast spots do not take reservations, so go early or expect a wait.