Best Restaurants for a Lunch Date in Nashville

If you’re looking to sneak away for a lunch date while the kids are in school, or if you have non-traditional schedules – or you just want an excuse to do something fun in the middle of the day, these restaurants make getting out midday feel truly special. Each spot offers an elevated experience, from warm, inviting atmospheres to menus (and cocktails!) that go far beyond fast-casual. Whether you want something cozy and intimate or bright and stylish, these are the best restaurants for a lunch date in Nashville!

A-Roi – North Nashville

This Japanese and Thai fusion restaurant features cocktails, sushi, and a beautiful interior. Street parking is pretty plentiful.

Audrey – East

This Michelin-recognized restaurant just re-opened their doors for lunch. Go for their award-winning burger or level up with oysters. They have a small parking lot and validate.

Cafe Roze – East

Cozy and intimate, this is a great spot for something a little more romantic during the day. Street parking.

Dos Santos – WeHo

Elevated Mexican with an impressive tequila list and a beatiful, moody interior. It’s not too pretentious but still feels special. There is a paid garage nearby and some limited street parking.

Epice – 12 South

This intimate Lebanese restaurant is delicious and cozy. Street or paid garage parking.

Germantown Cafe – Germantown

A Nashville staple with white tablecloths and great service. Reservations recommended, even for lunch. They have a dedicated parking lot or street parking.

Mesero – 12 South

Another elevated Mexican restaurant with a good cocktail menu. Street or paid garage parking.

Nelson’s Greenbrier – Marathon Village

You’d expect a distillery to have an impressive beverage program, and they do. But the food in an airy space with an open kitchen is also impressive. They have a dedicated lot and some paid parking nearby.

Ophelia’s – Downtown

If you go when it’s nice weather, this Italian restaurant has a great patio. The interior is inviting, too, though. It’s Downtown, so parking is either paid garages or paid street parking.

Park Cafe – Sylvan Park

Known for their amazing happy hour, Park Cafe is an elevated neighborhood restaurant with valet parking to really level up the experience. (Of course you can street park in the area, if you prefer).

Pastis – WeHo

This French bistro from New York is worth the hype, in my humble opinion. Parking in WeHo is a little tricky right now with construction, but there are paid lots nearby and some limited street parking.

Restoration Hardware – Green Hills

Probably the most visually inspiring restaurant on this list, the Cafe at Restoration Hardware stuns with its interior fountain. Plenty of parking at the mall.

Xiao Bao – East

A favorite, this eclectic, Asian comfort food restaurant is always delicious. It’s funky and fun and a great experience. They have a small parking lot, or street parking nearby.

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Hope you can break away from the pressures of life soon to enjoy these best restaurants for a lunch date in Nashville.

XO,
SB

P.S. If you’d like to extend the day date into the evening, here’s my guide to the coziest bars in Nashville!