40 Popular Restaurants In Nashville, Ranked

First-timers to Nashville may assume the food here is quintessentially Southern. While they're not entirely wrong, what they may not know is that Nashville has become a serious food town in the last decade and is now home to a diverse and expansive culinary scene. Music City may be famous for its hot chicken and barbecue (which are undoubtedly delicious) but Nashville is now home to more award-winning chefs and nationally acclaimed restaurants than ever before.

With so many places offering unique menus and inventive takes on cuisines from around the world, ranking these restaurants is a bit like comparing apples to oranges. and they're arguably all popular for different reasons and great in their own way. So, we'll start with more laid-back and casual (but still tasty) spots and work our way to the most talked about and most award-winning restaurants Nashville has to offer.

The Loveless Cafeis one of the most famous restaurants in Nashville and for good reason. It's considered one of the best breakfast restaurants and one of the best roadside restaurants in America. The menu is full of Southern classics from the famous biscuits to fried chicken and barbecue. Opened in 1951, Loveless is one of the oldest restaurants in Music City, and celebrities in Nashville like Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift have been spotted taking a seat at the red-checkered tablecloths.

There are few things as comforting as a bowl of hot ramen. Otaku Ramen is considered one of the best ramen restaurants in America, so it's no surprise that it's the place where many Nashvillians go to get their noodle fix. At Otaku, chef and owner Sarah Gavigan takes the beloved dish to new culinary heights with astoundingly flavorful broths and inventive ingredients. Otaku's menu covers a lot of ground with options available for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Beyond the noodles, the snack menu includes options like hot chicken buns, Tokyo fried chicken with wasabi-yuzu mayo sauce, and gyoza. And to drink, there are plenty of boba options.

The South has a lot to offer when it comes to delicious and flavorful food, but the one drawback is that it's often not very vegetarian-friendly. For those that want to enjoy the comfort of Southern food without the meaty ingredients, The Southern V has you covered. Especially if it's plant-based Nashville Hot Chicken you're after. Family-owned by Tiffany and Clifton Hancock, the restaurant is dedicated to serving vegan versions of comfort food classics like fried chicken, biscuits, and mac and cheese. Since opening in 2016, the spot has quickly gained a reputation for being the best vegan cafe in town.

Sean Brock has been one of the leading chefs in the South since opening Husk in Charleston in 2010. The James Beard winner now makes Nashville his home and has opened several restaurants in town throughout the years, including a second Husk. The most surprising, however, might be Joyland. Rather unlike his other endeavors, Joyland is an homage to fast food where you can find inventive twists on classics, like the CrustBurger composed entirely of the crispy edges of the hamburger, and the Joystick, which is an insanely flavorful fried chicken thigh on a stick.

Located in the historic Printer's Alley, Skull's Rainbow Room is one of the few places where vintage Nashville really comes alive. The restaurant and bar date back to 1948 and stars of the time like Elvis Presley were frequent patrons. It closed in 1998 after the owner, David "Skull" Schulman, was found murdered in the building, reports Nashville Scene, and the property sat empty until 2015 when it was bought and revived by a local businessman. Now you can watch live jazz and burlesque performances nightly on the original stage while enjoying the revamped menu composed of classic upscale American food. The lobster bisque is said to be the best in town.

A lot of restaurants have come and gone in the ever-changing landscape of Nashville in the past decade, but Teresa Mason's Mas Tacos Por Favor, which opened in 2010, feels like a forever spot. Named one of the best taco shops in America, tourists may have found out about the popular joint in East Nashville, but it still remains a favorite of locals as well. You can't go wrong with any of the delicious items on the menu but check out weekly specials as well for items like tamales and cactus and chorizo tacos. And nothing really beats the comfort of a bowl of Mas Tacos chicken tortilla soup.

Hathorne, located in Sylvan Park, is vegetable-forward casual fine dining at its finest. While the menu is vegan-friendly, it's not without plenty of exciting options for meat eaters, as well. With its locally-sourced ingredients, colorful, aesthetically-plated dishes, a farm-to-table vibe, neighborhood friendliness, and delicious cocktails, Hathorne promises to be a memorable dining experience. The house-made focaccia with seasonal jam, the tahini beets, and the chicken a la schnitzel are all local faves. And it's advised to save room for the blueberry brioche doughnuts with sassafras cream on the dessert menu.

New York chef Julia Jaksic is behind Cafe Roze, an all-day cafe in East Nashville that serves simple yet sophisticated dishes and cocktails. This minimalistic yet chic spot is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. During the day, there are plenty of fresh smoothies, specialty coffee drinks, cocktails, toasts, and sandwiches to enjoy. On the dinner menu, you'll find beautifully plated vegetable dishes as well as pasta, seafood, and various other meat dishes including a burger, all expertly prepared.

At Peninsula, you'll find a small but adventurous menu that's like taking a trip to the Iberian peninsula with your taste buds. Chef Jeff Howell's creations are inspired by Spanish and Portuguese culinary traditions but with modern twists. Here you can indulge in beautifully plated and brightly flavored dishes like octopus with passionfruit or scallops with cherry blossoms. Peninsulas also offers an entire menu of inventive gin and tonics that are probably unlike any gin and tonics you've ever had.

At Nicky's Coal Fired, you'll find authentic Italian food cooked in the only coal-burning oven in Tennessee. Owned by husband and wife team chef Tony Galzin and Caroline Galzin, the ambiance is that of a welcoming casual neighborhood spot. The specialty here is certainly coal-fired pizzas with perfectly charred crusts, but the pasta, which is freshly made in-house, is not to be missed. Consider the house-made rosemary focaccia or Mama G's Meatballs, which will likely be some of the best meatballs you've ever tasted. To drink, they offer an array of Italian wines on tap and fun seasonal frozen concoctions like frozen Aperol spritz and frozen fernet and coke.

With a contemporary Parisian-inspired vibe, Lou is quickly becoming a Nashville favorite since opening in 2019. Located in a casual cottage-like space in East Nashville, owner and chef Mailea Weger has created a menu that reflects her background–a touch of California and a touch of Paris. There's plenty of charcuterie, fish, and cheese to choose from as well as vibrant vegetable dishes and meat-centric entrées. The wine list is focused on natural wines which pair nicely with the fresh ingredients used in the food.

In the 16 years that James Beard-winner chef Tandy Wilson's restaurant, City House, has been opened, it has remained a top-notch spot to dine in Music City. The menu can be described as rustic Italian food meets Southern comfort. There's something for everyone on the menu: salads and vegetable dishes, cornmeal-crusted catfish, pasta, or octopus. Plus, the pizza options are particularly popular. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients, the dishes impress by being simple and expertly prepared.

You'll find Lockeland Table tucked away on a quiet street in East Nashville. Since it opened in 2012, chef Hal Holden-Bache has been creating reliably delicious dishes that highlight the freshest ingredients Tennessee has to offer. The menu is full of farm-to-table American dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and rotating seasonal specials. Monday thru Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., they hold a community hour which is like happy hour but for a great cause, offering affordable prices on snacks and drinks while a portion of the proceeds support PTOs in Nashville schools.

Butcher & Bee has been a popular spot in East Nashville ever since it opened in 2015. The concept that began as a sandwich shop in Charleston, South Carolina, led owner Michael Shemtov to create a full dining experience in Nashville that cleverly melds Israeli and Southern cuisine. The chefs utilize local and seasonal ingredients so the menu changes accordingly though some items are a constant. For instance, the whipped feta with fermented honey has been on the mezze menu since opening and is a crowd favorite.

At Tailor, chef Vivek Surti has created a unique dining experience. Indian-inspired flavors make up the menu at this prix fixe-style restaurant. Located in Germantown, Tailor offers two dinner slots at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday. With the intention of capturing the essence of a dinner party, everyone gets sat at the same time so the meal can be served in courses with everyone in the dining room enjoying the same dishes at the same time. This allows the chef to explain the ingredients and tell stories about the food, which enhances the already highly-rated food.

James Beard semifinalist chef Margot McCormack opened Margot Cafe & Bar in East Nashville in 2001. A pioneer of the culinary scene in town, this European-inspired bistro is still one of the best restaurants in Nashville. The atmosphere is inviting, with a two-story brick interior, a cozy bar, and an outdoor dining space. The menu changes daily using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. The food is consistently brilliant, and it's hard not to feel at home here.

Henrietta Red is an American restaurant and oyster bar with an impressive national reputation. Owned by James Beard finalist and chef Julia Sullivan, this Germantown spot can best be described as sleek, modern, and chic with the Southern hospitality you'd expect in Tennessee. The ingredients aim to be simplistic and fresh with a focus on locally sourced vegetables and high-quality, sustainable seafood. Since opening in 2017, Henrietta Red has received multiple accolades, including as a best new restaurant semifinalist by the James Beard Foundation.

James Beard Award-winner and Michelin-starred chef Tony Mantuano opened Yolan in 2020 inside The Joseph, an upscale hotel located downtown. It's a true Italian fine dining experience with a menu of carefully crafted antipasti, beautifully plated pasta, and the highest quality seafood and meat dishes. There are two dining options to choose from include a tasting menu or you can order a la carte. The tasting menu changes seasonally and is based on various regions of Italy. Yolan can be summed up as an unexpected slice of European luxury in the heart of Music City.

One half of Bastion, located in the Wedgewood-Houston area, is a casual bar where you can order exceptional cocktails or snack on nachos. The other half is a reservation-only, 24-seat restaurant. It's in this space where you'll find some of the most artistic food in Nashville. A 2023 James Beard finalist, chef Josh Habiger (formerly of Catbird Seat) creates inventive and beautiful dishes that have earned the restaurant national recognition. The menu changes weekly, but expect a six-course dinner with drink pairings that use seasonal ingredients.

Since opening in 2020, Locust has gained an impressive national reputation. Located in 12 South, it's owned by chef Trevor Moran who worked at Noma in Copenhagen for four years before moving to Nashville to take on the role as executive chef at Catbird Seat when the property first opened. His newest endeavor is a concept that has inspired a lot of attention. Locust is only open three days a week. The menu changes every meal but dumplings are always a big focus and expect a lot of Japanese influence. There are no servers and during service the chefs keep the atmosphere laid-back and inclusive. The space is small — only eight tables — so reservations are required and, unsurprisingly, they fill up fast. But, if you do land a spot, you'll be dining at what is widely considered one of the most fun and inventive restaurants in America right now.