11 Must-Try Places to Eat in Nashville

People visit Music City for the live country music, the history, the lively atmosphere and the delicious Southern food. With so many new openings and historic spots to choose from, finding the best places to eat in Nashville is a delicious problem to have. Knowing where to go right off the bat can save you time and make sure you don’t miss any great options.

Here are a few local restaurants where you’ll find Southern staples and more.

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Bastion is a two-in-one establishment in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, featuring both a lively cocktail bar and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Big Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere with twinkling lights, creative cocktails and its signature nachos. The hidden dining room delivers an entirely different experience with a multi-course tasting menu that changes with the seasons and the chef's inspiration.

While Big Bar welcomes walk-ins any evening, the restaurant requires prepaid reservations that open on the first of each month for the entire following month. If you're planning a Nashville visit, be ready to book as soon as reservations become available.

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Biscuit Love started as a food truck and quickly grew into a brick-and-mortar sensation in the Gulch. You’ll almost certainly face a line stretching down the block, but the food justifies the wait. That’s because it’s widely credited as one of the best places to eat breakfast in Nashville. The dining room is bright, loud and buzzing with conversation, while the smell of warm butter fills the air.

You should start your meal with an order of “bonuts,” which are fried biscuit dough rounds topped with lemon mascarpone. For something savory, try The Princess, a buttermilk biscuit stacked with a spicy hot chicken thigh and pickles. The kitchen sources ingredients locally to keep the flavors fresh and authentic. Plan to arrive as early as possible to avoid the largest crowds of the day.

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Hattie B’s is a restaurant that sets the bar high for the city’s famous hot southern chicken. You’ll likely see a long line of people waiting outside the Midtown location. However, there’s also a newer outpost just off Broadway, a short ride from the honky-tonks. The fast-casual setting works perfectly for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.

You can choose from six heat levels ranging from mild “Southern” to the dangerous “Shut the Cluck Up!” option. They also offer a variety of sides such as the pimento mac and cheese or bacon cheddar grits, which may help balance the heat. A cold local beer or sweet tea can also help cool your palate between bites. For dessert, get the peach cobbler or banana pudding to finish the meal on a sweet note.

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You can smell the wood smoke from Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint as soon as you turn onto 4th Avenue. The pitmasters cook West Tennessee-style whole hogs over coal for 24 hours straight. It’s one of the best places to eat in Downtown Nashville for groups due to its lively backyard vibe and world-class brisket. It’s a loud, fun spot where you can eat with your hands and enjoy the energy.

You order at the counter and should definitely try the Redneck Taco. It’s their signature dish that comes with your choice of meat piled onto a cornbread hoecake and topped with slaw. The line moves fast even when the place is packed. Be sure to save room for a slice of pecan pie or coconut cake to seal the deal.

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Fonda brings a modern twist to authentic Mexican cuisine in the heart of the 12 South neighborhood. This popular spot is known for its comforting bowls and creative small plates that put a fresh spin on Mexican classics.

Chef Roberto Santibañez brings his Mexico City roots to life with a menu that pays homage to the cooking of his homeland. Highlights include homestyle enchiladas and shareable taco boards featuring skirt steak, pulled chicken, Alaskan halibut and sautéed spinach and mushrooms. Pair your meal with handcrafted margaritas that complement the bold flavors.

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The Catbird Seat is Nashville’s most acclaimed, AAA Four Diamond–designated fine-dining experience. It’s an intimate restaurant with a chef’s counter tasting menu that transforms dinner into a theatrical experience. You sit at a U-shaped counter with twenty seats and watch the chefs prepare every dish right in front of you. They explain the ingredients and techniques as they hand over each plate. It creates a connection to the food that you simply can’t get at a standard table.

What’s more, the quality of food put the city on the national culinary map years ago. It recently won a Michelin Star, making it a top heavyweight in the food world. The chefs frequently update the menu to keep the experience fresh and exciting. You should book tickets well in advance because seats sell out almost instantly.

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Kisser is a buzzy Japanese-inspired lunch spot in East Nashville. The menu features dishes like miso-marinated fish and bento-style lunch sets. The kitchen also prepares seasonal small plates that rotate frequently. It delivers yummy flavors in a relaxed, daytime format, so while the food feels precise, the atmosphere remains casual.

The restaurant has become one of the most talked-about new openings in the city. It fills a major gap for travelers wanting a break from traditional Southern classics. You need to plan your visit carefully because they typically operate during lunch hours only.

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Iggy’s is a high-energy pasta bar that turns a simple dinner into a party. You can watch the team roll fresh shapes inside the glass-enclosed pasta room. The kitchen pairs these handmade pastas with rich seasonal sauces. You should order a spritz or a glass of natural wine to complete the meal.

Aside from the food, the atmosphere is what makes it one of the best places to eat in Nashville. It gets loud inside because the dining room is always packed with people having a good time. It fits a social evening much better than a quiet, intimate dinner. You can expect mid-range pricing, which is a good deal for good food and good laughs.

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Husk sits in a historic mansion and serves modern Southern food with a strict philosophy on using ingredients that come from local farms. The chefs change the menu daily based on what farmers deliver that morning. It connects you to the region in a way that few other places can match.

The restaurant helped redefine Southern cooking by using only heritage grains and vegetables. You might find plates like shrimp and grits or glazed pork on the menu, depending on the day. The prices reflect the high quality of the sourcing, so you should expect a splurge. You need to make a reservation in advance, as tables fill up quickly.

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Audrey is Chef Sean Brock’s flagship restaurant, serving as a tribute to his grandmother. At this spot, you enter a space that feels like an art gallery, complete with a hidden kitchen. The walls display Appalachian folk art that sets a specific mood for the meal. The menu features a tasting format that guides you through various flavors and textures.

A dedicated research lab upstairs helps the team develop new ideas, which makes the meal feel like a journey through history and culture. This is a destination meal rather than a quick bite. The prices are high because the experience is designed to be a special event. Just make sure to secure a reservation well before your trip.

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Lyra brings modern Middle Eastern flavors to the heart of East Nashville. The kitchen centers around a wood-fired oven that bakes fresh pita bread to order. You can tear into the warm, puffy bread and dip it into bowls of creamy hummus. The menu has shared small plates filled with roasted vegetables and bright spices.

The dining room feels warm and welcoming for a relaxed night out. It works well for a casual date or a dinner with a group of friends. Keep it in mind when you’re in the mood to try something different at reasonable prices.

To enjoy dining at some of the top spots in Nashville, you need to book reservations in advance. For popular places like Husk or The Catbird Seat, book at least two weeks in advance. Tables at these places often disappear minutes after they go online. However, you might find success as a walk-in if you arrive right when the doors open at 5 p.m. or later at 9 p.m.

You must treat the spice levels in Nashville with respect. “Medium” heat in this city often feels like “Extra Hot” anywhere else. The spice comes from an oil paste that sticks to your mouth and builds intensity. Order a level lower than you think you can handle to stay safe. You can always order more heat next time.

The Assembly Food Hall gathers local favorites like AAA Approved Prince’s Hot Chicken (the creators of Nashville hot chicken!) under one roof. It’s a massive, multi-level dining hub that offers convenience and variety. It’s also a perfect stop before a show on Broadway or some of the hidden gems.

Finding the best places to eat in Nashville with kids depends on timing or venue. Large food halls and breweries with outdoor space work great for families. You should plan to eat an early dinner to beat the noise and crowds. Many trendy spots get very loud and crowded after 7 p.m.

With this list of the best places to eat in Nashville, you’re ready for everything from spicy fried chicken on a paper plate to elegant tasting menus. But great meals are just one part of the experience. You can easily fill the rest of your days with live music, history and other things to do in Nashville.

Start planning your Nashville trip with AAA today. AAA Travel makes it simple to turn these ideas into a real vacation. You can book your hotel near your favorite restaurants and find great rates on rental cars for the trip. Our travel tools help you secure the best prices so you can save your budget for dinner.