39 Best Nashville Restaurants for 2024
Nashville restaurants have a character all their own, a spirit that embodies a new Southern twist on traditional service and fare. Visitors and locals alike revel in the Nashville restaurant scene’s diverse mix of eclectic offerings, a rousing blend of dining, drinks and entertainment. And with hospitality as a hallmark of how Nashville restaurants operate, you can be sure you’ll have a good time no matter where you book a table.
What makes a Nashville restaurant worth visiting? Can you find Nashville restaurants that accommodate your mood, whether you’re looking for a high-end venue for an intimate evening out or a rough-and-rowdy spot that lets you howl your hungry heart out? Our selections for the best Nashville restaurants for 2024 bring together everything from charming bistros to dapper dining rooms to high-flying honky tonks, each one serving its own special take on Southern style.
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Best Restaurants in Nashville, TN
1. Drusie & Darr
As part of the Hermitage Hotel, Drusie & Darr is a Nashville restaurant that delivers dependably high-style dining. Celebrated French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten applies his elegant touch to a Nashville restaurant unlike any other in the city, a must for fans of upmarket cuisine.
The Vibe
Futurist plush, with rounded edges and soft colors to keep diners serene.
What to Order
Indulge in a delicious burrata with strawberry compote, basil and toasted ciabatta. Vegan diners can enjoy carrot schnitzel, a plant-forward reinvention of the European classic.
Drusie & Darr | 231 Sixth Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37219 | $$$
2. Big Al's Deli
Big Al’s Deli is a Nashville restaurant that serves (self-declared) "food so good you'll slap yo mamma!", bound to be a treat for authentic Southern bites lovers. Big Al is more than just a name around here; he's also the owner and a local celebrity who's made appearances on Food Network and on regional T.V. shows.
The Vibe
Classic, no-nonsense neighborhood restaurant energy.
What to Order
A hearty, four-slice French toast platter at Big Al's represents the best breakfast in Nashville, though lunch and dinner orders like shrimp and grits and chipotle raspberry chicken are equally likely to please.
Big Al's Deli | 1828 Fourth Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37208 | $
3. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
There's no getting out of the Nashville restaurant scene without sampling hot chicken, and Prince's Hot Chicken Shack is the perfect venue to do so! The name is a tribute to Thorton Prince, whose furious sweetheart invented hot chicken as revenge for his dalliances with other women. Talk about a history lesson!
The Vibe
A crisp, modern space with a stage for live music and oversized screens for sports viewing.
What to Order
Take your pick of the chicken portions and heat level, ranging from plain to XXX hot, and pair it with classic sides like greens or mac and cheese for a complete Southern plate.
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack | Multiple Locations | $$
4. Shotgun Willie's BBQ
Shotgun Willie's BBQ sets the standard for Nashville restaurants serving meat and two sides. This eatery only serves Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until supplies run out. With any luck, you'll be just in time for some of the finest barbecues in Tennessee.
The Vibe
Reclaimed wood paneling, walls filled with photo ops and picnic tables out front honor the old-time barbecue pit spirit.
What to Order
Get a half-pound of meat from the grill or a third pound piled on a brioche bun, with your choice of brisket, pork, chicken or sausage.
Shotgun Willie's BBQ | 4000 B. Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN, 37216 | $$
5. The Southern Steak and Oyster
Seafood enters the scene at The Southern Steak and Oyster, a Nashville restaurant that aims to tell tales of the South through cuisine. Gumbo and shrimp share the stage with chicken and steak, plus barbecue selections that turn the sauce and the enjoyment up as loud as possible.
The Vibe
Elegant without being uptight and sophisticated without being stuffy.
What to Order
If you're in the mood for lunch, the Saffire Steak Biscuits should be in your plans. For dinner, there's homestyle meatloaf served with gouda herb grits to fill your belly.
The Southern Steak and Oyster | 150 Third Ave. S., Ste. 110, Nashville, TN 37201 | $$$
6. The Stillery
Mason jar cocktails accent the delicious dishes at the Stillery, selling the name of this Nashville restaurant like nobody's business. Enjoy a cool beverage while digging into rich selections that cry out with the truest Tennessee flavors.
The Vibe
Smoky Mountain cabin chic, with rustic wooden fixtures and mineshaft lanterns paired with a contemporary stage for live tunes.
What to Order
Order a Whiskey Float—essentially a boozy cherry vanilla cola—and a two-handed hot chicken sandwich for one of the most authentic Nashville restaurant combos around.
The Stillery | Multiple Locations | $$
7. Puckett's Restaurant
Live music, outrageous versions of fast-casual dishes and a lively energy no one can resist…has a Nashville restaurant ever offered a more quintessentially Southern dining experience than Puckett's Restaurant? Choose from a menu filled with sweet Southern spirit and a calendar brimming with the best sounds in Music City to make your visit complete.
The Vibe
Ceiling-strung patio lights and exposed ceilings give this indoor space a homey backyard feel.
What to Order
Head over for breakfast and order a skillet cinnamon roll to start the day in sweet style. If lunch is your preference, try the smoked meatloaf served with mashed potatoes and Southern green beans
Puckett's Restaurant | 4000 B. Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN, 37216 | $$
8. etch
The lowercase "E" in etch is your signal to relax at a Nashville restaurant with distinctly laid-back energy. Award-winning chef Deb Paquette sets up a kitchen that shows off eccentric global fare with a distinctive artful touch applied to every plate.
The Vibe
Dress up a little when you saunter into this hip spot, just chic enough to make you feel fancy.
What to Order
Discover the silken luxury of Moroccan bastilla, a blend of eggplant and ricotta flavored with almond pesto for an international treat. Coconut pavlova for dessert is a treat you aren't likely to find in other Nashville restaurants.
etch | 303 Demonbreun St., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$$
9. The Hampton Social
The deluxe plushness of The Hampton Social makes this Nashville restaurant feel like it should be charging more for its bites and beverages. Luckily, the food and drinks are comfortably priced for easy enjoyment without wringing your wallet dry.
The Vibe
There's plenty of sunlight streaming in to make the subdued nautical palette feel like a seaside oasis.
What to Order
An avocado corn pizza may be one of the most unique pies you ever taste, though a chicken pesto bowl or a buttery lobster roll are sure-fire hits as well.
The Hampton Social | 201 First Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$
10. Hattie B's Hot Chicken
You can't explore Nashville restaurants without making a stop at Hattie B's Hot Chicken for meat and three sides! Owner Nick Bishop carries on the tradition begun by his father by serving the best hot chicken in Nashville. Locals have adored Hattie B’s for years, while visitors are guaranteed to fall in love with it instantly.
The Vibe
Vivid black, white and red color choices excite the senses under a fun corrugated tin roof.
What to Order
Six heat levels give guests an array of seasonings to choose from for adding fire to dark meat, white meat and even breaded tenders. Cookout sides like potato salad and cole slaw are a must.
Hattie B's Hot Chicken | Multiple Locations | $$
11. Robert's Western World
By day a shop selling cowboy gear, by night a funky honkytonk serving good and greasy bar bites, Robert's Western World is a Nashville restaurant that celebrates the traditions of the American South.
The Vibe
The walls of this homespun space are festooned with neon bar lights and images of Country and Western music icons like a proper honkytonk should.
What to Order
Affordable fare makes the whole menu a possibility, though the cheeseburger and sweet potato fry basket sounds like the best picks for your hard-earned cash.
Robert's Western World | 416 B. Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 | $
12. The Palm
The Nashville restaurant landscape is home to The Palm, an eatery that celebrates good living in locations around the U.S., but especially at its Tennessee locale. The lighthearted caricature tributes to well-known figures create a Southern version of the famous New York deli Sardi's.
The Vibe
Cartoons and photographs of A-list visitors show off this eatery's storied past.
What to Order
Try the three-course prix fixe lunch menu and choose soup or salad, penne alla vodka and a slice of Junior's New York-style cheesecake for a triple play that will take you home.
The Palm | 140 5th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$$
13. The Mockingbird
Go around the world one bite at a time with a trip to The Mockingbird, offering one of the most urbane selections anywhere among Nashville restaurants. There's something nostalgic about this contemporary kitchen; even the menu mixes up familiar fare with flavorful inventions from today.
The Vibe
Modern elegance with a nod to the past makes this diner a contender for luxurious date ideas in Nashville.
What to Order
A pork-ginger bratwurst corn dog takes a carnival favorite into flavorful new territory. If you're hankering for something sweeter, grab a You Oughta Burrata, topped with pears and prosciutto.
The Mockingbird | 121 12th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37203 | $$
14. NashHouse Southern Spoon & Saloon
Treat yourself to a taste of the classic South while enjoying the most modern of dining and entertainment at NashHouse Southern Spoon & Saloon. This Nashville restaurant combines vintage architectural elements with industrial fixtures and contemporary bites for an appetizing mix of influences.
The Vibe
Spacious spot celebrating Southern style, from the shiplap ceilings to the repurposed saloon-style siding.
What to Order
A Smoke Stack burger mashes all the cookout dishes between the bun, including pulled pork and coleslaw.
NashHouse Southern Spoon & Saloon | 114 8th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203 | $$
15. M.L. Rose Craft Beers & Burgers
Get your share of tempting bar fare at M.L. Rose Craft Beers & Burgers, a gem among Nashville restaurants for artisan ales and elevated patties. In addition to burgers and apps, beer fans can tap into more than 80 takes on superior suds in bottle and pull-pour forms.
The Vibe
Groovy brick-and-wood interiors give way to a lazy outdoor lounge made to look like your favorite backyard hangout.
What to Order
The Buffalo chicken waffle fries, topped with bleu cheese, buffalo sauce drizzle and green onions. Served with a side of the housemade bleu cheese sauce.
M.L. Rose Craft Beers & Burgers | Multiple Locations | $$
16. Amerigo
Italian trattoria Amerigo set out its shingle in the Nashville restaurant line-up more than 30 years ago, bringing thoughtful Old-World dining to the scene. It's a tidy affair in this precise dining room, with an atmosphere and Nashville food that recalls the city's classic era.
The Vibe
Classy yet comfortable, with white linen on the tables and a spot of sunshine soaring through the windows.
What to Order
Be an early bird and you can take advantage of pasta Alfredo decorated with grilled chicken and lasagna in five luscious layers.
Amerigo | 1920 W. End Ave., Nashville, TN 37203 | $$
17. Sun Diner
When you think of Sun Diner, think of Sun Records too. That's where this Nashville restaurant gets its persona and its heritage. With a menu offering some of the most quintessential American options ever at wildly affordable prices, the glitz and glamour are saved for the décor.
The Vibe
Red-topped diner barstools and rows of counters give a clear view of the recording artist's wall of fame.
What to Order
Honor the King with an Elvis PB&J or head in the opposite direction with a hot chicken sandwich and fries.
Sun Diner | 107 3rd Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$
18. Copper Branch Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant
Plant eaters have a haven to settle into at Copper Branch Vegan & Vegetarian, one of the most mindful eateries on the Nashville restaurant front. In addition to plant-based bar bites, you'll find power bowls and nutrition-minded recipes that maximize the goodness of green eating.
The Vibe
Fresh and upscale, the perfect spot for enjoying modern takes on vegetable-centered comfort food dishes.
What to Order
Heart and Soul pizza piles on spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes for a Mediterranean smorgasbord.
Copper Branch Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant | 601 Church St., Nashville, TN 37219 | $
19. Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
Hint: If a Nashville restaurant serves barbecue specialties and refers to itself as a "joint", you can count on having a delicious time. And so it is with Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint, one of the must-see Nashville restaurants for some of the best bbq in Nashville.
The Vibe
A glass-paned garage door opens up this coastal-feeling bar and grill, with ample outdoor seating to provide authentic cookout styling.
What to Order
Start with barbecue nachos before sliding into a full slab of spare ribs tray with three sides of your choice.
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint | Multiple Locations | $$
20. Biscuit Love Gulch
How could any self-respecting foodie pass up a chance to dine at a Nashville restaurant with the all-too-enticing name Biscuit Love Gulch? It may sound more like a twangy punkabilly band than a restaurant, but it's actually a charming bakery-style eatery that commemorates the classic Southern biscuit in a variety of forms.
The Vibe
Cute and airy, with a contemporary American biscuit bistro sensibility.
What to Order
The Lily is a breakfast Nashville should consider immortalizing, featuring biscuits served up French toast-style, topped with toffee syrup, berries and cream.
Biscuit Love Gulch | 316 11th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203 | $$
21. The Twelve-Thirty Club
Posh supper club sensibilities transform a visit to The Twelve-Thirty Club into a cinematic dining experience you won't soon forget. Step into one of three levels, the Supper Club, the Rooftop or the Honky-Tonk, and be immersed in one of the glitziest spaces in the Nashville Restaurant atlas.
The Vibe
A throwback to the era of speakeasies and juke joints, but with more velvet.
What to Order
Grab guacamole and pimento cheese at the Honky Tonk, crispy Brussels sprouts from the Rooftop and a chilled seafood tower from the Supper Club for a magnificent 360-degree make-it-yourself menu.
The Twelve-Thirty Club | 550 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 | $$$
22. Husk
A one-of-a-kind dining experience awaits visitors at Husk, a Nashville restaurant dedicated to garden-to-table freshness. Strictly Southern ingredients combined in timeless creations keep this eatery authentic from top to bottom.
The Vibe
Art gallery views with vaulted ceilings and greenhouse views of the garden grounds.
What to Order
Swordfish, trout, pork or quail - take your pick and find them surrounded by tender vegetables and hearty grains that will warm your heart.
Husk | 37 Rutledge St., Nashville, TN 37210 | $$$
23. Pinewood
The rustic, old-time charm of Pinewood gives Nashville restaurants a touch of vintage boho chic while sharing a thoughtful menu of diner dishes with flair. With bowling and arcade gallery games on site, you'll have plenty of entertainment to go with your food.
The Vibe
As casual as a cool afternoon in the country.
What to Order
Opt for a gulf shrimp roll for a cool taste of coastal bounty or choose a brown butter bourbon steak packed with flavor.
Pinewood | 33 Peabody St., Nashville, TN 37210 | $$
24. Hopsmith Tavern
Whether you drop in at brunch time or spend a late-night hang around the bar, Hopsmith Tavern provides the Nashville restaurant collection with bites and beverages for diners of all tastes. The lived-in feel and live performances put visitors at ease the moment they walk through the door.
The Vibe
Fun, kicky fixtures and winsome décor celebrate classic diner character.
What to Order
Nash-Talian Beef is a remix of Chicago-style beef sandwiches using smoked brisket and giardiniera to spice up the situation.
Hopsmith Tavern | 1903 Division St., Nashville, TN 37203 | $$
25. Lockeland Table
There's plenty of welcoming space at Lockeland Table, a spacious Nashville restaurant that works wonderfully for large parties celebrating auspicious occasions. This quaint dining room has been captivating guests looking for Nashville restaurants to enjoy for more than a decade.
The Vibe
This brick storefront has been remodeled to capture the soul of Nashville restaurant heritage.
What to Order
The LT pig pizza with Italian crushed tomato, sausage, bacon, pepperoni and ham is inviting enough to order a second one.
Lockeland Table | 1520 Woodland St., Nashville, TN 37206 | $$
26. Frothy Monkey
Breakfast on a whim works better when you order it at Frothy Monkey. It's a Nashville restaurant dedicated to early morning eats and sensational coffee. With all-day service, it's a dependable drop-off that puts 24-hour bites at your disposal.
The Vibe
Funky unfinished concrete floors meet vibrant terra cotta-colored walls adorned with artful flair.
What to Order
An old-fashioned deli specialty like salami and Swiss is a solid choice to keep your hunger at bay.
Frothy Monkey | 235 Rep John Lewis Way N., Nashville, TN 37219 | $$
27. Skull's Rainbow Room
Old-time burlesque entertainment is served centerstage at Skull's Rainbow Room, one of the best-known Nashville restaurants when it comes to faux-bawdy spirit. Tucked away in Printer's Alley, this boite gives the good-time Nashville restaurants a dash of racy panache.
The Vibe
Old-style lounge verve accompanied by captivating cabaret acts to stir the soul.
What to Order
The roasted half chicken provides the perfect plate for a place this punchy.
Skull's Rainbow Room | 222 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37219 | $$$
28. The Optimist
If the name The Optimist has any bearing on your visit, this Nashville restaurant is bound to show you a good time. A sharp-edged sense of classic style gives the spot a touch of style fans of dapper drink depots will adore.
The Vibe
This upscale bar-and-grill positively glows with good energy.
What to Order
Catch redfish with Brussels sprouts and butternut squash as accompaniments for a flavor-filled decor platter of happiness.
The Optimist | 1400 Adams St., Nashville, TN. 37208 | $$$
29. Elliston Place Soda Shop
Show your youngsters how food used to be served with a trip to Elliston Place Soda Shop. It's a throwback diner that keeps Nashville restaurants vibing with the city's storied past, sip after sweet nostalgic sip.
The Vibe
Vintage décor steals the show, from the red barstools at the chrome-topped counter to the candy-striped awnings shading the windows.
What to Order
A classic burger paired with a strawberry milkshake is an anytime delight.
Elliston Place Soda Shop | 2105 Elliston Pl., Nashville, TN 37203 | $
30. Tin Roof Broadway
High-voltage buzz permeates Tin Roof Broadway, providing visitors to Nashville restaurants with a vibrant live music space featuring fun diner food and drinks perfect for toasting the good times.
The Vibe
A prime set-up for live acts and hearty bar food, right down to the kitschy disco ball.
What to Order
The Chonky-Donky brunch burrito is filled with California-fresh steak, tater tots and queso for a West Coast kick in the South.
Tin Roof Broadway | 316 Broadway Ave., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$
31. Butchertown Hall
Germantown gets a straightforward spot for carnivores to enjoy with Butchertown Hall. The name isn't being cheeky; this Nashville restaurant favors succulent cuts of all sorts of beef, chicken, pork and burgers.
The Vibe
A meat market in the classic sense of the word, with pristine white-tiled walls and authentic industrial elements poised as art pieces.
What to Order
Oak-smoked brisket tacos share Southern and Tex-Mex culinary DNA in a blend that just makes sense.
Butchertown Hall | 1416 Fourth Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37208 | $$
32. Von Elrod's Beer Hall & Kitchen
If the name reminds you of a vintage spot from the 1940s, it's because Von Elrod's Beer Hall & Kitchen wants it to. Heavy mugs and hearty munches are a heady blend for a Nashville restaurant that tends toward comfortable moments.
The Vibe
Expansive lunch counter layout that invites community and conversation.
What to Order
Try a lighter selection with house-made soft pretzels topped with pepperoni and cheese or cheddar and smoked jalapeños.
Von Elrod's Beer Hall & Kitchen | 1004 Fourth Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37219 | $$
33. Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa
A country music supernova gets in on the Nashville restaurant scene with Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa, a glossy spot that promises Texas-style food in the heart of Tennessee. The purple glow casts a feel-good sensation few visitors can resist.
The Vibe
Amethyst lanterns and pink booth seating call to mind a Mardi Gras celebration that never ends.
What to Order
House-made tamales or chilaquiles haul out the hopping flavors from south of the border.
Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa | 308 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201 | $$
34. Germantown Pub
A sports bar that's a step above the rest of the Nashville restaurant scene, Germantown Pub is your spot for enjoying the game with a side of delicious dining.
The Vibe
An oversized rose mural outside welcomes visitors to a laid-back sports bar pub interior.
What to Order
Signature Germantown wings come with a smoky essence that turns familiar bar food into a party platter.
Germantown Pub | 708 Monroe St., Nashville, TN 37208 | $$
35. White Limozeen
A Dolly Parton-themed rooftop lounge decked in pink, White Limozeen serves up unexpectedly French fare and juicy cocktails to charm visitors to the Nashville restaurant set.
The Vibe
Plush, pink and lacy - everything you'd expect from the glamorous godmother of country music.
What to Order
In fine French tradition, the ratatouille plate turns out to be a prime pick and a great plate for sharing with your fellow foodies.
White Limozeen | 101 20th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37203 | $$
36. Corner Pub
Sports fans should have Corner Pub circled on their Nashville restaurants map. It's an oversized space that packs in a crowd during game day or fight night, just what the Nashville restaurants round-up needs.
The Vibe
The hammered steel bar gleams in the light of an overhead bank of viewing screens.
What to Order
Make your order meat and three for a timeless Nashville restaurant selection. Go for the veggie version and you get four sides instead. Everybody wins!
Corner Pub | Multiple Locations | $$
37. Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
Looking for exciting things to do in Nashville? You can't miss Tootsie's Orchid Lounge; the two-story brick building slathered in lavender is a stand-out among Nashville Restaurants! This colorful club adds to the Music City soundtrack with a spot that serves as much music as food and drink.
The Vibe
Glowing purple inside and out, with extended bar seating and a stage for plentiful jangle and twang.
What to Order
Tootsie's Famous BBQ bacon burger tops the options list, served with perfect crinkle-cut fries.
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge | 422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 | $$
38. Fleet Street Pub
Would you be surprised to discover a U.K.-style diner like Fleet Street Pub smack dab in the middle of the array of Nashville restaurants? The owners launched this cozy eatery with that purpose in mind: to surprise guests with a more continental dining experience. Mission accomplished!
The Vibe
The London Underground sign and the Union Jack flag let you know the British charm that awaits you inside.
What to Order
With Piccadilly fish and chips and Fleet Street chicken pie on the list, your choices are properly English and incredibly charming!
Fleet Street Pub | 207 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37201 | $$
39. Legendairy Milkshake Bar
Give your sweet tooth something to sing about with a stop at Legendairy Milkshake Bar, where Nashville restaurants pay tribute to the wild world of maximalist ice cream desserts. It's a festival of all that's delicious in the world of dairy-based decadence, and it makes a great spot for birthday Ideas in Nashville to take shape.
The Vibe
A sweet modern upgrade to the classic ice cream and soda shop.
What to Order
A Sweet & Salty Cheesecake shake brings unexpected indulgence in a milkshake glass, with potato chips and peanuts to balance out the sweetness.
Legendairy Milkshake Bar | 171 Third Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$
Find the Best Restaurants in Nashville
Put your boots in motion to locate Nashville restaurants to enjoy the easy way, by booking food tours in Nashville. Every excursion comes with a well-informed local guide tapped into the hottest places to eat in Nashville. You’ll take a spin through the city with a lesson in the culture and history as you stop in for fabulous bites and exciting times. Explore the best Nashville restaurants, whether you’re chasing down barbecue bites at Printer’s Row or staking out Southern steak dinners on Broadway.
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Whether you’re treading the sweet side of the street or searching for something a little more audacious, Nashville restaurants offer places to eat that cover every taste. And if the food you find while cruising through Nashville restaurants isn’t enough to draw you in, the atmosphere should do the trick. Fortunately, with most Nashville restaurants, these two are a package deal!
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