Nashville’s food scene has evolved far beyond the hot chicken it’s famous for, offering incredible culinary experiences for every palate. After countless meals exploring Music City’s diverse restaurants, I’ve put together this guide highlighting my favorite local spots – from award-winning establishments to hidden gems that locals treasure.

And if you’re looking for the perfect places to grab drinks before or after your meal, be sure to check out my Nashville Bar Guide for the best honky-tonks, cocktail bars, and music venues in town!

Must-Visit Destinations

These Nashville restaurants have earned their reputation through exceptional food and distinctive dining experiences.

Martin’s BBQ

When it comes to authentic Tennessee barbecue, Martin’s stands as a Nashville institution that delivers smoky perfection with every bite.

• Known For: Whole hog BBQ, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and their famous Alabama white sauce
• Open Daily

Pro tip: The Downtown location features an incredible rooftop bar where you can enjoy your barbecue with local craft beers.

Audrey

Sean Brock’s flagship restaurant honors his Appalachian roots and the women who shaped his culinary journey, particularly his grandmother Audrey.

• Known For: Modern Appalachian cuisine, preservation techniques, and incredible attention to detail
• Closed: Monday & Tuesday

The à la carte menu celebrates heirloom ingredients from the Appalachian larder, with dishes that honor traditional techniques while incorporating modern sensibilities. Reservations are recommended well in advance.

Folk

Chef Philip Krajeck’s East Nashville restaurant celebrates wood-fired cooking and handmade pasta in a warm, inviting space.

• Known For: Naturally-leavened pizzas, seasonal pasta, vegetable-forward small plates, and an exceptional wine program
• Closed:  Wednesday

The clam pizza with bonito has become one of Nashville’s most beloved dishes, and for good reason – it’s absolutely delicious. Their carefully curated wine list focuses on natural wines from small producers, perfectly complementing their seasonal cuisine.

Hidden Gems

These spots might fly under the radar but deliver exceptional food experiences that locals cherish.

Kisser

This intimate East Nashville spot combines Japanese techniques with Southern ingredients to create something entirely unique to Nashville.

• Known For: Creative omakase, house-made tofu, and seasonal small plates
• Closed: Tuesday & Wednesday

The menu changes frequently, but the care and precision put into each dish remain constant. They don’t take reservations, so arrive early to put your name on the list and spend the wait time exploring the wonderful vintage shops nearby in East Nashville.

Iggy’s

A casual neighborhood pasta bar that delivers Italian comfort food without pretension.

• Known For: House-made pasta, welcoming atmosphere, and incredible garlic bread
• Closed: Monday & Tuesday

The carbonara is a standout, but don’t leave without trying their famous garlic bread – a buttery, herb-laden masterpiece that has developed a cult following of its own.

Butter Milk Ranch

This beloved neighborhood spot has become a local favorite for its exceptional bakery items and phenomenal brunch offerings that showcase elevated Southern comfort food.

• Known For: House-made pastries, creative brunch dishes, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere
• Closed: Mondays

Don’t miss their freshly baked biscuits with seasonal jam and the weekend brunch specials that change based on what’s fresh at local farmer’s markets.

Big Al’s Deli

This Salemtown treasure serves up some of the most soulful breakfast and lunch plates in the city, with owner Al Anderson treating every customer like family.

• Known For: Meat-and-three plates, incredible breakfast, and some of the best grits in town
• Closed:  Sunday & Monday

International Flavors

Nashville’s global food scene continues to thrive, offering authentic tastes from around the world.

International Market

Chef Arnold Myint revived his family’s beloved restaurant, bringing back the Thai and Pan-Asian dishes that made the original location a Nashville favorite for decades.

• Known For: Traditional Thai cuisine, chef Arnold’s family recipes, and a well-stocked Asian market
• Closed:  Monday & Tuesday

Don’t miss the pad thai or the beef waterfall salad – both are exactly as Chef Arnold’s mother made them in the original location.

Maiz de la Vida

What began as a beloved food truck has grown into one of Nashville’s most exciting brick-and-mortar restaurants, serving incredible Mexican street food.

• Known For: House-made tortillas using heirloom corn, exceptional tacos, and creative seasonal specials
• Open Daily

Their quesabirria tacos are great and particularly popular, and be sure to try whatever seasonal agua fresca they’re offering.

St. Vito Focacceria

This Germantown gem specializes in Sfincione (Sicilian-style) slices and incredible focaccia, with a menu that draws inspiration from Southern Italian traditions.

• Known For: Sfincione slices, focaccia sandwiches, and Italian wine
• Open Daily

Their pepperoni Sfincione with hot honey is worth every calorie, and don’t skip the house-made ricotta if it’s on the menu.

Sweet Indulgences

No trip to Nashville is complete without sampling these exceptional bakeries.

McGaugh’s Donuts

This family-owned donut shop has been serving freshly made classic donuts since 1969, becoming a Nashville morning tradition.

• Known For: Old-fashioned glazed donuts, apple fritters, and cinnamon twists
• Open Daily

Arrive early for the best selection – they often sell out of favorites by mid-morning, especially on weekends.

Five Daughters Bakery

This artisan bakery specializes in 100-layer croissant donuts that have developed a devoted following across Nashville.

• Known For: 100-layer donuts (similar to cronuts), paleo-friendly options, and seasonal specialties
• Open Daily

The maple glaze and chocolate sea salt varieties are consistent favorites but don’t overlook their seasonal creations.

Late-Night Dining

When you’re out exploring Nashville’s incredible bar scene, these spots offer perfect late-night food options.

Dino’s Bar & Grill

Nashville’s oldest dive bar also happens to serve one of the city’s most acclaimed burgers. This East Nashville institution offers the perfect late-night comfort food.

• Known For: No-frills cheeseburgers that have developed a cult following
• Open Daily

The burger is the star, but don’t overlook the fries with ranch. It’s the perfect stop after exploring some of Nashville’s best watering holes (check out my Nashville Bar Guide for recommendations).

Final Thoughts

Nashville’s dining scene truly offers something for every taste and budget – from Sean Brock’s refined Appalachian cuisine at Audrey to late-night burgers at Dino’s. While hot chicken might get most of the attention, the restaurants highlighted here showcase the true diversity and creativity of Music City’s culinary landscape.

Planning a trip to Nashville? I’d love to help you create the perfect food-focused itinerary, complete with reservations at these sought-after spots and recommendations for the best bars to visit between meals. Reach out using the button below, and let’s start planning your delicious Nashville adventure!