August/September 2025 Issue
Dining Out in Nashville
By Carrie Dennett, MPH , RDN
Today’s Dietitian
Vol. 27 No. 7 P. 24
Take Your Taste Buds on a Tour of Music City
If you’re headed to FNCE®, get ready to enjoy award-winning modern southern cuisine, farm-to-table fare, and global eateries galore. Use this dining guide to start planning—and anticipating. When you think of dining in Nashville, what do you think of? Hot chicken? Barbecue? You’re not wrong, but the Nashville food scene is so much more than that. What makes the Nashville food and dining scene special is its rich blend of Southern tradition, multicultural influences, and a thriving creative spirit.
“I think Nashville’s food scene is unique because it has the quintessential southern cuisine many love and crave, but also offers elevated and ethnically diverse dining experiences for those who want to take their taste buds on an adventure,” says Lindsey Joe, RDN, LDN, an employee wellness expert and creator of The Meal Planning Method in Franklin, Tennessee.
“Nashville has seen significant growth, and with that came an even more diverse culinary scene,” says Karman Meyer, RDN, LDN, RYT, Nashville-based author of Eat to Sleep. “We have celebrity chefs who have made their way to Nashville and local chefs who have become celebrities to us and run the tried-and-true restaurants where you celebrate life’s special occasions. You can find food from most cultures here, including Kurdish, Ethiopian, Venezuelan, and Jamaican.”
Heather Bumbalough, RDN, LDN, NBC-HWC, director of Journey to Wellness at Nashville’s Faith Family Medical Center, says one of the things that stands out to her is that many restaurants double as live music venues or are themed around Nashville’s legendary music scene, and the ambiance is often as much about the sound as the food. “Being a creative city—we are known as Music City—and a growing city, we are attracting talented chefs. New restaurants are constantly opening, and it’s hard to keep up with them all!”
Now for that hot chicken. The spicy, crispy fried chicken served on white bread with pickles is the city’s signature dish—so you’ll find it all over Nashville. Prince’s Hot Chicken (www.princeshotchicken.com, 5814 Nolensville Pike, 615-810-9388, closed Sunday) is the original, and many say the best, but other contenders are Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (www.hattieb.com, multiple locations, including 5069 Broadway Suite A-103, 615-802-5700), Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish (www.boltonsfamous.com, 624 Main Street, 615-254-8015, closed Monday), 400 Degrees (www.400degreeshotchicken.com, 3704 Clarksville Pike, 615-244-4467), and Slow Burn (slowburnhotchicken.com, 614 18th Avenue N, 629-888-3775).
While Nashville is known more for hot chicken than barbecue, it did round out Yelp’s list of top 10 barbecue cities this year, in part because it combines classic Tennessee barbecue with a hot chicken influence. “Nashville is actually a pretty great place for barbecue,” Joe says. “My favorite Nashville-area barbecue spot is Edley’s Bar-B-Que (www.edleysbbq.com, 2706 12th Avenue S, 615-953-2951). They have several locations, but the closest to FNCE® is in the 12 South neighborhood. We cannot pass up their melt-in-your-mouth brisket, especially their Brisket Tacos!” Bumbalough seconds the vote for Edley’s, but also suggests Peg Leg Porker (peglegporker.com, 903 Gleaves Street, 615-829-6023), which made Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 Barbecue Spots list, and Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint (www.martinsbbqjoint.com, 410 4th Avenue S, 615-288-0880). Meyer votes for Martin’s as well as Jack’s on Broadway (www.jacksbarbque.com, 416 Broadway, 615-254-5715).
Bumbalough acknowledges that hot chicken and BBQ are popular in Nashville, but she chose a local bakery—Five Daughters Bakery (fivedaughtersbakery.com, multiple locations, including 602 12th Avenue S, 615-997-6990)—as her must-taste experience—especially the croissant-style 100-layer doughnuts. The bakeries are locally owned and operated by a family who, yes, have five daughters. Speaking of sweet treats, Meyer says Nashville’s official candy, the GooGoo Cluster, is a must-try. “You can visit the iconic GooGoo Chocolate Co. store downtown (googoo.com, 116 3rd Avenue S, 615-490-6685), just a couple of blocks from the convention center.”
For another iconic food experience, visit Arnold’s Country Kitchen (www.arnoldscountrykitchen.com, 605 8th Avenue S, 615-256-4455), a culinary landmark serving the uniquely Southern “meat and three”—you choose one meat and three side dishes. It won the James Beard American Classics award in 2009.
Neighborhoods of Note
The convention center is in the SoBro (south of Broadway) neighborhood of downtown, which is also full of live music and restaurants such as Husk (see Sustainable/Farm-to-Table). To the southwest—and walkable—is The Gulch, which offers murals fit for Instagram, breweries, rooftop bars, and diverse culinary offerings such as The Iberian Pig and Choy (see Global Flavors). South of the Gulch is Music Row, the heart of Nashville’s entertainment industry. South of Music Row, nestled between Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities, is Belmont and Hillsboro Village, offering a range of restaurants that attract both students and locals, such as International Market (see Award-Winning Chefs and Fine Dining).
East of Belmont/Hillsboro Village is one of Nashville’s trendiest neighborhoods, 12 South, which not only is a great place to explore, Bumbalough says, but also offers fantastic restaurants. These include Lebanese bistro Epice (www.epicenashville.com, 2902 12th Avenue S, 615-720-6765), which offers lots of vegetarian-friendly options, and Urban Grub (www.urbangrub.net, 2506 12th Avenue S, 615-679-9342), with a menu that’s “a combination of southern traditions with a ‘flavored up tweak.’”
Plant-Forward Dining
Like many cities, Nashville has its share of delicious vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Joe says her favorite vegan restaurant in Nashville is Sunflower Cafe (www.sunflowercafenashville.com, 2834 Azalea Place, 615-457-2568, closed Sunday), located in the Berry Hill neighborhood just a 10-minute drive from Music City Center. “I love their Curried Chickpea Wrap, but their Traditional Sunflower Burger, Sweet Potato Casserole, and BBQ Bowl are also popular picks.”
Meyer suggests Radish Kitchen (www.radishkitchen.com, 5055 Broadway, South Hall), located inside Assembly Food Hall. Founded by chef and author Amanda Frederickson, this local chain has become a favorite casual spot for healthy fare, offering grain bowls, salads, and wraps with fresh ingredients. Pinewood Social (pinewoodsocial.com, 33 Peabody Street, 615-751-8111), a restaurant/coffee shop/bowling alley/pool and patio spot also gets her vote. “There’s something for everyone on their menus, including plant-forward options like grain bowls, a tofu and tempeh chorizo dish at brunch, and plenty of veggie sides to make a satisfying meal.”
Bumbalough recommends East Nashville’s Graze (www.grazenashville.com, 1888 Eastland Avenue, 615-686-1060) for its delicious vegan options. The plant-based bistro and bar offers brunch and dinner seven days a week, with comforting, casual fare such as tofu chk’n clubs, mock tuna melts, roasted veggies burritos, and macaroni with cashew cheese and seitan chorizo.
Sustainable/Farm-to-Table
A strong local agriculture scene supports farmers’ markets and restaurants committed to using seasonal, regional ingredients. Many restaurants change their menus frequently based on what’s available locally. “Butcher & Bee (butcherandbee.com, 902 Main Street, 615-229-5019), originally out of Charleston, South Carolina, is serious about their heirloom vegetables and pasture raised meats,” Joe says. “And they’re a solid spot for those looking for more plant-based options. Be sure to make a reservation to check out their latest seasonal menu and do not skip on ordering their famous Whipped Feta.” Charmingly housed in a former mattress factory, Bumbalough says she takes all her out-of-town guests here—and agrees the whipped feta is not to be missed.
Meyer and Bumbalough both recommend Husk (husknashville.com, 37 Rutledge Street, 615-256-6565). “This is one of our go-to restaurants to celebrate special occasions because the food is always delicious and the setting is unique,” Meyer says. “The menu is modern Southern and focuses on local and regionally purveyed ingredients.” They also both suggest Lockeland Table (www.lockelandtable.com, 1520 Woodland Street, 615-228-4864), in the East Nashville neighborhood of Lockeland Springs. “It’s a cozy spot with indoor and outdoor seating,” Meyer says. “Their Southern-inspired menu features woodfired pizzas and signature dishes like smoked bone marrow and a wedge salad with fried green tomatoes.”
At The Farm House (www.thefarmhousetn.com, 201 Almond Street, 615-522-0688), Chef-Owner Trey Cioccia offers innovative southern fare—order pimento cheese beignets for the table, or tuck into roasted buttermilk hot chicken—tasty cocktails and locally sourced ingredients in a cozy and relaxed dining room and bar. The Farm House is open for happy hour and dinner Tuesday to Saturday, plus weekend brunch. The full bar of cocktails reflects Chef Trey’s love of beer, bourbon, and wine.
Global Flavors
With a growing immigrant population, Nashville’s culinary scene now includes authentic Thai, Ethiopian, Kurdish, Vietnamese, and Indian food, among others. “Nashville has a large Kurdish population, and a go-to spot for a taste of Kurdish and Turkish cuisine is Edessa (edessarestauranttn.net, 3802 Nolensville Pike, 615-837-2567) in southeast Nashville,” Meyer says. “From the outside, it’s unassuming, but this spot made the 2024 New York Times best restaurant list. Try the kebabs or the Edessa appetizer platter.”
Joe says the modern Spanish tapas restaurant The Iberian Pig (www.iberianpig.com, 607 Overton Street, 615-844-4242) is a fairly new-to-Nashville restaurant on her “to dine” list. “If you grab reservations, please include me!” Nearby downtown, celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan combines her Indian fare with traditional Southern dishes at Chauhan Ale & Masala House (www.chauhannashville.com, 123 12th Avenue N, 615-242-8426) in dishes such as saag mac n’ cheese, but you’ll also find a range of traditional Indian curries and other dishes.
Closer to Music City Center, Meyer says the rooftop view is one reason to check out Harriet’s Rooftop (www.1hotels.com/nashville/taste/harrietsrooftop, 710 Demonbreun Street, 615-510-0400), but be sure to also stay for the food. “Harriet’s serves some of the best sushi in town, and there are many other global flavors on the menu, including bibimbap, poke, and bao.” She also recommends the globally inspired Etch (etchrestaurant.com, 303 Demonbreun Street, 615-522-0685), just a couple of blocks from the convention center. “Chef Deb Paquette is a prominent figure in the Nashville restaurant world, and her menu at Etch features seasonal ingredients and flavors from around the world,” she says.
Over in East Nashville is Bad Idea (www.badideanashville.com, 1021 Russell Street #101, 629-729-4332), a wine-centric neighborhood restaurant housed in a former church, with an ever-evolving dinner menu of Laotian American dishes such as tuna collar croquettes and scallop-stuffed crepes. Hungry after evening networking events? There’s also a small-but-mouthwatering late-night menu.
Award-Winning Chefs and Fine Dining
Nashville’s booming dining scene is driven in part by young, innovative chefs—many of whom trained in larger cities—who are opening restaurants in East Nashville and 12 South. Several James Beard nominees and winners are also bringing national attention to Nashville dining.
“While Nashville doesn’t have any Michelin star or James Beard Award–winning restaurants (yet), we definitely have contenders that have caught the eye, or should I say mouths, of many,” Joe says. This includes International Market (www.im2nashville.com, 2013 Belmont Boulevard, 615-297-4453), lovingly known as “IM” to locals. “Anything you order will not be short on flavor!” she says. The original location of this family-owned Thai restaurant opened 50 years ago, across the street from the current location, which received the Thai Select Classic Award from the Thailand Ministry of Commerce, similar to a Michelin recognition for Thai eateries around the globe. Chef Arnold Myint—a 2024 James Beard semifinalist—released his first cookbook, “Family Thai,” this month.
A rideshare away in East Nashville, the menu at Peninsula (peninsulanashville.com, 1035 W Eastland Avenue, 615-924-1906) is loosely inspired by Spain and the Iberian Peninsula, with a frequently changing seafood-forward seasonal menu. Chef Jake Howell was a James Beard finalist for Best Chef Southeast 2025. Kisser (www.kisserrestaurant.com, 747 Douglas Avenue, Ste. 105B), which was nominated for James Beard best new restaurant 2024, is a homage to the Japanese kissaten—a neighborhood spot serving comfort food where locals eat, drink, and hang out. Dishes include a chicken katsu sandwich and vegetable curry rice, as well as vegan options. Walk-in only.
Also in East Nashville is Audrey (www.audreynashville.com, 809 Meridian Street, 615-988-3263), inspired by chef Sean Brock’s Appalachian roots. Dishes include johnny cakes with pimento cheese and garlic scapes, and a hot fried catfish sandwich with pickled green tomato tartar sauce. In 2010, Brock won the James Beard Award for Best Chef, Southeast, and his first cookbook, Heritage, won the 2015 James Beard Award for American Cooking.
At Locust (www.locustnashville.com, 2305 12th Avenue S, 615-205-3737), chef Trevor Moran, a 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist, highlights seafood and local, seasonal ingredients in his ever-changing menu, with dishes such as sardine salad and abalone crumpets. It’s open for lunch and dinner Friday to Sunday; reservations are required, except at the patio bar.
Meyer says City House (cityhousenashville.com, 1222 4th Avenue N, 615-736-5838) is one of her favorite restaurants because they do everything well. Chef and owner Tandy Wilson is a James Beard Award–winning chef and a Nashville native. “The menu has a global influence, but you’ll always find a rotation of seasonally inspired pizzas,” she says. For a truly unique dining experience, she recommends The Catbird Seat (www.thecatbirdseatrestaurant.com, 700 8th Avenue S, 615-810-8200). The 15-course set tasting menu is $165/person, and reservations open at the first of each month.
Nearer to Music City Center, Yolan (www.yolannashville.com, 403 4th Avenue S, 615-231-0405), named the top restaurant by Food & Wine magazine readers in 2023, offers authentic Italian cuisine in The Joseph Hotel. The Johnny Cash Museum is a popular Nashville destination, but there’s a secret hidden beneath—the magic-themed House of Cards (www.hocnashville.com, 119 3rd Avenue S, 615-730-8326). The restaurant has no signage, much like a modern-day underground speakeasy. Bumbalough says this is one of her favorite spots for special occasions, because guests are required to follow a dress code, and phones are not allowed. Ordering an entrée serves as a ticket to a live magic show in their intimate theater, and you’ll also find magicians performing close-up magic at various tables. Bumbalough also recommends The Standard (smithhousenashville.com, 167 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard, 615-254-1277) for upscale Southern specialties such as shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes with crab meat and caper aioli in one of the last grand townhouses in downtown Nashville.
Casual but Delicious Eats
A few blocks from Music City Center, Assembly Food Hall (www.assemblyfoodhall.com, 5055 Broadway Place, 615-800-5395) features more than 20 diverse eateries, including Radish Kitchen (see Plant-Forward Dining) and Prince’s Hot Chicken, four bars, and three stages. “It’s perfect if you want a lot of options to choose from,” Joe says. “DeSano (Pizza), Steam Boys (Asian comfort food), and The Pharmacy (burgers) are all restaurants worth stopping into their regular brick and mortars on any day, but now you can find them all under one roof!”
Craving tacos with a twist? While it didn’t start in Nashville, Meyer says White Duck Taco Shop (whiteducktacoshop.com, 423 Sixth Avenue S) should fit the bill. “They have a very eclectic menu serving flavors from around the world, including a chicken tikka masala taco, a jackfruit taco, and Korean beef bulgogi as a taco.”
More in the mood for ramen? “Oktaku Ramen (https://otakuramen.com/locations/gulch, 1104 Division Street, 615-942-8281) is a restaurant we keep on regular rotation at our house,” Joe says.
If what you need is a caffeine boost, Meyer says her favorite local coffee roaster and shop is Crema (crema-coffee.com, 15 Hermitage Avenue, 615-255-8311). “At just under a 15-minute walk from the convention center, if you want a local Nashville experience, visit Crema for a latte, matcha, or one of their seasonal sips.” As a bonus, she says they serve pastries from another local favorite, Dozen Bakery, so you can save yourself a trip.
Or follow Joe’s recommendation, only a four-minute walk from Music City Center: “If you’re a donut-lover, do not, and I repeat do not, pass up Parlor Doughnuts (www.parlordoughnuts.com/shops/nashville-tn-(sobro), 500 Rep. John Lewis Way S, 629-285-5440).”
For a more well-rounded breakfast—or that much-needed caffeine boost—Joe suggests making your way to coffee roaster and all-day cafe Frothy Monkey (frothymonkey.com, 235 Rep. John Lewis Way S, 615-600-4756 ext. 2). The menu includes all-day brunch plus enticing salads and casual entrees, and includes vegan options. Biscuit Love (www.biscuitlove.com, 316 11th Ave South, 615-490-9584) offers biscuit sandwiches, grits bowls, coffee, and more breakfast and brunch food, cocktail, and beverage options. Butter Milk Ranch (buttermilkranch.com) offers small-batch baked goods and full-service breakfast and lunch. Lines can snake around the block for their PB&J croissants.
Beverages
In addition to coffee roasters, Nashville is a hotspot for craft cocktails, small-batch distilleries, and microbreweries. Diskin Cider (www.diskincider.com, 1235 Martin Street, 615-248-8000) is Nashville’s first craft cidery, and Joe says their tasting room—which also offers a small food menu of sandwiches, tacos, and loaded fries—makes for a great hangout or meetup spot. Tennessee Brew Works (www.tnbrew.com, 809 Ewing Avenue, 615-436-0050) is an independent craft brewery that introduced the state’s first All-Tennessee grain beers in 2018. Their State Park Blonde Ale benefits the preservation of the state’s 60 State Parks.
A few blocks from Music City, Ole Smoky Moonshine shares a space with YeeHaw Brewing Company (olesmoky.com/pages/6thandpeabody, 423 6th Avenue S, 615-647-8272), offering guided distillery tours, moonshine tastings, and beer flights in a space with live music, large-screen TVs, and a large outdoor beer garden with cornhole and food from White Duck Tacos and gourmet hot dogs from Daddy’s Dogs. Corsair Distillery (www.corsairdistillery.com, 1200 Clinton Street #110, 615-499-6577) offers tours, tastings, and a taproom and bar with craft cocktails, local beers, and freshly baked pizza. Nelson’s Greenbrier Distillery (greenbrierdistillery.com, 1414 Clinton Street, 615-913-8800) offers tours, tastings, and a restaurant and bar.
No matter your tastes or culinary preferences, Nashville restaurants truly have something for everyone. So, if you’re headed to FNCE®, don’t fill up on expo hall snacks—save your appetite to make some lasting food memories!
— Carrie Dennett, MPH, RDN, is the nutrition columnist for The Seattle Times, owner of Nutrition By Carrie, and author of Healthy for Your Life: A Non-Diet Approach to Optimal Well-Being.
DINING RESOURCES
• Eater Nashville: nashville.eater.com
• NASHtoday: nashtoday.6amcity.com/food
• Nashville Lifestyles: nashvillelifestyles.com/dining
• The Tennessean: www.tennessean.com/dining/restaurant-reviews
• Edible Nashville: ediblenashville.ediblecommunities.com