Best Restaurants in Nashville: Where to Eat Right Now in Music City

Looking for the best restaurants in Nashville? Whether you’re a local foodie or visiting Music City for the first time, Nashville’s dining scene offers something for everyone.

But, if you’re overwhelmed by all the buzzy places on Instagram and the sheer quantity on Yelp, let me simplify your choices by offering a local’s guide to the best spots (obviously, these are all my opinions, but I give food tours and eat out almost every day for my food-focused Instagram account, so I feel qualified to offer them!)

This guide covers must-visit spots in neighborhoods like East Nashville, The Gulch, 12 South, and more—perfect for planning your next brunch, dinner date, or night out.

12 South

Epice – intimate, delicious, and off the tourist radar, this Lebanese restaurant is not to be missed. Parking is tricky, and reservations strongly suggested.

Fryce – I don’t know if you can call fries and ice cream a restaurant, but they’re the best combo and when made by a long-time chef, certainly qualify as a meal. Parking is again limited, but no reservations needed. It’s a fun time for the whole family.

Downtown/the Gulch

Alba’s Empanadas – this walk up window is great when you’re running around the Gulch, and the food is very good. Most garages in the Gulch have one hour free parking.

Husk – a Nashville staple, Husk focuses on locally-sourced Southern flavors, so the menu changes frequently, but is always very good. Plus, the ambiance of an old home adds to the experience. They have a small parking lot and there is street parking. Reservations strongly recommended.

Sunda – while not local to Nashville, Sunda is a limited-location Asian-Pacific restaurant from Billy Dec and it hits the mark every time. Parking is primarily garage parking in the Gulch, with an hour free in most garages. Reservations recommended.

Yolan – I cannot stress this one enough. You must go. Immediately. It’s so, so good. I generally am not a big Italian food fan, and I loved every bit of the tasting menu. It’s a fine dining experience in the Joseph hotel that’s worth the money. I can usually find metered street parking in that part of downtown, and they offer valet. Reservations recommended.

East Nashville

Kase X Noko – Noko’s omakase experience, it’s fresh, fun, and delicious. Reservations are required, and typically book immediately upon release, 6 weeks in advance. So, plan ahead. They have a small parking lot, and there is a neighborhood for street parking across the street (but be respectful!)

Kisser – One of Nashville’s most celebrated restaurants but one of the hardest to get into due to their limited lunch-only hours and no reservations. The Japanese kissaten inspired restaurant is worth the hype, but try to go as early as possible and plan to wait.

Koré – with all the feels of a neighborhood bar, from friendly service to a lively ambiance, Koré features yummy, fun cocktails, a “small plates” menu of Asian dishes that are anything but small, and affordable prices. Reservations strongly recommended. They have a small parking lot, then there is another lot across the street and neighborhood street parking.

Lockeland Table – another long-time Nashville favorite, Lockeland Table is a James Beard award nominee that features American foods done very well. If you’re a bone marrow fan (or just want to branch out), try theirs – trust me. Reservations strongly recommended. Parking is just neighborhood street parking.

Noko – my number one favorite restaurant in Nashville, Noko is approachable, has fantastic service (from the owner down), and serves really, really good food. It’s Asian inspired (loosely) wood fired with small plates and main dishes. Reservations required, but they do reserve the patio for walk-ins. They have a small parking lot and there is a neighborhood for street parking across the street (but be respectful!)

Peninsula – chef-owner Jake Howell just won the James Beard award for his work at this approachable fine dining spot. It’s a foodie’s paradise with creative, changing French and Spanish influenced menus and unique flavors – yet, it feels like a community restaurant (because it is), completely lacking pretension. Pretty easy street parking. Reservations required.

Xiao Bao – another Asian restaurant, Xiao Bao offers Asian-fusion comfort food. It’s good, approachable, and eclectic. They have a small parking lot and there is street parking around the neighborhood, but could require a little walking. Reservations not accepted.

Germantown

Pelato – Again, not an Italian food girly, but I love Pelato. Their small plates are done well, and their drinks are always great (don’t skip the frozen espresso martini). Parking is limited in the area, so exercise patience and plan to walk. Reservations strongly recommended.

Rolf & Daughters – an ever changing menu of American food, Rolf & Daughters has been a long time Nashville favorite for a reason. Reservations required for this small restaurant, and parking is street only.

Wedgewood Houston/Berry Hill

Baja Burrito – Nashville’s local Chipotle, if you’re looking for really, really good casual food, look no further. I’ve never had anything there that wasn’t spectacular. Parking can be tricky, but they have an overflow lot around the corner. No reservations, and there is often a line, but it moves quickly.

Dos Santos – elevated but fun, Dos Santos is a Tex-Mex restaurant done right with an impressive tequila list. It’s a great vibe and perfect for a group or a casual date night (brunch is good, too!). There is a garage nearby; otherwise, it’s limited street parking. Reservations not accepted.

West Nashville

Lola – delicious Spanish tapas and a great happy hour, it’s a trendy, intimate neighborhood restaurant with great food. Street parking in the neighborhoods around (be respectful!). Reservations strongly recommended.

Midnight Oil – pizza by the slice or the pie, with frozen drinks in a chill atmosphere. It’s a small spot, so it can fill up quickly. No reservations and parking is mostly street parking around the Nations neighborhood.

Sonobana – a strip mall Japanese spot that is always popular. It’s not fancy, but it’s good and affordable, and parking is ample. No reservations.

Tantisimo – Latin American food that originated as a farmers market pop-up. It’s fresh, creative, and seasonal, and something Sylvan Park was missing. Reservations encouraged. Parking is street in the neighborhood.

The Burbs

Lyncoya Cafe – if you’re up in Hendersonville, Lyncoya Cafe is not to be missed. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside you’ll find some of the best comfort food around – and a salad that I dream about. No reservations, but it’s popular so there could be a wait. Easy parking lot.

Sunflower Bakehouse – In Donelson (which is not technically the suburbs, but I digress), you’ll find a vegan and gluten free restaurant and bakery that is so good, even meat eaters will love it. No reservations needed, and easy parking.

Tutti Da Gio – The pizza here is incredible. I’ve heard the rest of the menu is, too, but I can’t get away from the pizza. In Hendersonville (and Hermitage, but a more limited menu for takeout only).

Other Categories of Note:

Brunch

Restaurant at the W – it’s rare that a hotel restaurant makes it on to any of my lists, but this brunch buffet truly blew me away. Reservations encouraged, and parking is lots or garages in the Gulch.

Nelson’s Greenbrier – great for groups, it’s a good vibe, good food, and great drinks. Reservations encouraged, and parking is usually easy during brunch hours (Sunday only).

Germantown Cafe – bottomless drinks, a solid food menu, and a classic Nashville restaurant vibe. They do have a parking lot, but otherwise it’s street parking. Reservations required.

Check out this post for more of Nashville’s best brunches!

Cocktail Bars

sidebar – if this bar were not in a hotel, it would have gone out of business because no one has ever heard of it. But the drinks are so good and it’s a speakeasy feel. No reservations, and they validate parking in their lot for locals. Downtown in the Bode Hotel.

Tiger Bar – located in East Nashville, it’s a novelty bar (1930s circus themed) that also delivers on drinks. Reservations encouraged. Parking is tricky, but I think they validate (call them first to be sure!)

The Fox – winner of so many awards, the Fox has a fantastic menu of delicious drinks (including an equally thoughtful zero-proof list). It’s small, so reservations encouraged, as is ride share, as parking is tricky (although there are paid lots around).

Coffee Shops

Elegy – with multiple locations, there is probably an Elegy near you where you can get crowd-favorite, the Honey Bear: Cold brew, oat milk, burnt honey, cinnamon, maple syrup. This is more of a takeout shop, although some locations have limited seating.

Surefire – another with multiple locations, Surefire brings the outdoors to a coffee shop near you, with walkup windows and outdoor seating.

Matryoshka – cult favorite, this tiny coffee shop is friendly, aesthetic, and fun! In South Nashville.

For even more coffee shop options, check out my lists of cozy coffee shops or coffee shops open past 5 pm!

---

The Nashville food and bev scene is alive and well and EVER changing! So, bookmark this list and checkback periodically to see what’s new! And be sure to follow me on Instagram at @thetipjarnash for all the latest recommendations.

XO,
SB