18 Best Restaurants in Nashville in 2023

Yes, Nashville is widely known as Music City, USA. But it might also deservedly be called “Food City, USA.” This Tennessee city has an impressive culinary scene.

18 of the Best Restaurants in Nashville in 2023

Nashville is known for many things, especially its world-famous music scene. Ever heard of the Grand Ole Opry House? That’s in Nashville. So are the Johnny Cash Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

But did you know Nashville also has a vibrant culinary scene? So vibrant, in fact, that the number of well-known restaurants here is simply amazing. Below, we’ll show you some of the best restaurants in Nashville, according to visitors.

No matter what your preferred cuisine, setting, or atmosphere, there’s something for you in Music City, USA. 

1. Rolf & Daughters

• 700 Taylor Street, Nashville, TN 37208

This stylish restaurant combines industrial decor with top-notch New American cuisine. One of the most popular features here is the collection of American whiskey. 

If you’re heading to Rolf & Daughters, it’s best to make a reservation. The food is fantastic and this is a trendy spot. 

2. Liberty Common 

• 207 1st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37201

Liberty Common is one of the most unique and well-loved restaurants in Nashville. It’s near to The Johnny Cash Museum & Cafe as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. 

This invitingly airy restaurant features indoor and outdoor patio seating. If you love Southern food with a touch of European flair, Liberty Common is the place to go for brunch. 

3. Bourbon Steak

• 201 8th Avenue South, 34th Floor, 37203

If you don’t mind a dress code and juicy steak is what you crave, make a reservation at Bourbon Steak. 

Bourbon Steak is all about serving steak connoisseurs. All the beef is hand-selected and certified hormone-free USDA Prime. The wine program is one of this Nashville restaurant’s numerous points of interest. 

The view here is incredible, too, with a panoramic of the city thanks to being on the 34th floor of the upscale JW Marriot Nashville. 

4. Etch

• 303 Demonbreun Street, Nashville, TN 37201

There are no limits at Etch, especially when it comes to global influences and eclecticism. Deb Paquette, the restaurant’s much-lauded chef, brings imagination and innovation to all her dishes. 

One of Etch’s most attractive features is its open kitchen and its extensive list of wines and cocktails to pair. The menu offers a variety of iconic dishes, like the shrimp bruschetta, lamb loin, and short ribs. 

Etch is conveniently located downtown, near the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Its atmosphere is sophisticated yet welcoming. 

5. The Farm House

• 210 Almond Street, Nashville, TN 37201

Yet another downtown Nashville restaurant is The Farm House. This restaurant features downhome dishes with fine cuisine touches, as well as legendarily delicious cocktails. 

All the ingredients used at this iconic culinary destination are sourced in the local area. The food here is top-notch, and you get to enjoy it in a laidback and comfortable environment. 

The Farm House is a great restaurant for dinner and brunch. However, brunch is best experienced on Sundays.

6. Catbird Seat

• 1711 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203

The Catbird Seat is upscale but you’ll always feel welcomed by the friendly staff. There’s an open kitchen too, and its U-shape means you get excellent views. 

This Nashville establishment is unabashedly arty. There is a continual exhibition of artist Todd Saal’s watercolors. As well as a regular meal menu, Brian Baxter, the chef, provides a tasting menu to savor.  

7. Ellington’s

• 401 Union Street, 4th Floor, Nashville, TN 37219

Head over to the Fairlane Hotel’s fourth floor to find Ellington’s, an iconic local restaurant. Outdoor seating is offered on a gorgeous wraparound terrace, offering unparalleled views. 

One thing to consider is reservations, especially if you have specific seating in mind. Besides their delicious meals, check out Ellington’s for happy hour. That happens Monday through Thursday, from 4 pm to 6 pm. 

8. Hathorne

• 4708 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209

Just a minute’s drive from Richmond Park, Hathorne is one of Nashville’s culinary treasures. Serving outstanding New American cuisine, there are both smaller plate and larger plate options on the trim yet impressive menu. 

Hathorne serves different flavors from all over the United States. Its chef, John Stephenson, is a keen traveler and uses inspiration from his journeys for his culinary creations. 

9. Arnold’s Country Kitchen

• 605 8th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203

Are you a soul food fan? Add Arnold’s Country Kitchen to your Nashville itinerary. Head on over for lunch or dinner and be prepared for a treat. 

It’s a beloved local eatery, and there are cafeteria and communal-style tables available. Just a few of the delicious dishes here are roast beef, fried chicken, and chicken and dumplings. 

10. Husk Nashville

• 37 Rutledge Street, Nashville, TN 37210

You’ll discover Husk Nashville downtown, pretty close to Historic Broadway. This restaurant’s Executive Chef, Ben Norton, creates imaginative interpretations of classic Southern cuisine. 

One of Husk Nashville’s greatest attractions is how it chooses ingredients suppliers. Only the best will do, and Sunburst Trout Farms is just one of the top-quality places where Husk sources its ingredients. 

Husk’s many devotees appreciate its location in a refined (and historic) mansion. And the dishes here are cooked via an ember-fired grill. Yum! 

11. Adele’s Nashville

• 1210 McGavock Street, Nashville, TN 37203

Adele’s architecture and design are almost as good as its superb cuisine. It features a spacious dining room, the perfect place to enjoy mouth-watering flavors. Adele’s Nashville is committed to locally sourced ingredients. 

The restaurant is situated near Broadway and just a short drive away from WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural. If you prefer brunch, it’s best to visit on a Saturday or Sunday. 

12. Butchertown Hall

• 1416 4th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208

Butchertown Hall is Nashville’s answer to the classic German beer hall. Eager to visit? You can find it beside Germantown’s Morgan Park. 

While the concept is inspired by Europe, the cuisine here is modern and focuses on sophisticated American classics with an imaginative flair. One reason the food here is so delicious is the wood-fired cooking techniques. 

Of course, the beer list here is not to be missed. It focuses on local breweries, in line with Butchertown Hall’s local spirit and love of community. 

13. Mas Tacos Por Favor

• 732 Mcferrin Avenue, Nashville, TN 37206

On Mcferrin Avenue near West Eastland Avenue, Mas Tacos is somewhere to go if you crave the tastiest Mexican food ever. This establishment isn’t afraid to be creative in how it interprets classic dishes. 

There are so many wildly popular meals here, that it’s hard to know where to start. How about the chicken tortilla soup or fried avocado taco? Or maybe a chicken Taco? The fish tacos are also delicious. And the sweet potato quinoa taco? To die for. 

14. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen

• 575 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN 37214

Come on, everyone’s heard of Paula Deen. So, a trip to Nashville won’t be complete without eating here at least once. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is all about classic Southern hospitality. And, of course, delicious food! 

Here, you’ll feel like you’ve gone to heaven if Southern food is your thing. There’s a plethora of downhome classics like the beef pot roast, chicken-fried pork chop, spare ribs, and Georgia fried catfish. If you’re visiting for breakfast, their casserole is a must.  

15. The Standard at the Smith House 

• 167 Rosa L Parks Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37203

Have dinner at a large and beautiful historic building with a visit to The Standard at the Smith House. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported through time as soon as you step in the door. 

Sophisticated dishes await you on The Standard’s menu, such as grilled rack of lamb with smoked peach preserves, sea bass meunière, and various prime steaks. Don’t miss out on the elegant appetizer menu, either (the salad is especially popular). 

Still have room for dessert? The Jack Daniel’s cheesecake is equal parts unique and decadent. 

16. Lockeland Table

• 1520 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

As you explore historic Lockeland, a well-known Nashville neighborhood, head over to Lockeland Table community kitchen and bar for a hearty meal. The establishment keeps a strong focus on community, so this is somewhere you’ll meet plenty of Nashville locals. 

There is a dizzying array of mouth-watering meals on Lockeland Table’s menu. The Cheshire Farm NC bone-in pork loin plate is one of the most popular. Feeling like pizza? The LT Pig or carbonara pizzas are an experience for the taste buds.  

17. Rodizio Grill

• 166 2nd Avenue North, Suite C, Nashville, TN 37201

Without a doubt, Rodizio Grill is one of Nashville’s best steakhouses. It’s easy to find, right in the middle of the city’s historic district. But Rodizio Grill is more than just a steakhouse.

It’s a Brazilian steakhouse. If you’ve never eaten at a Brazilian steakhouse before, are you ever in for a treat!

Rodizio’s steaks are served by traditional gauchos, and they carve your meat for you beside the table. Before eating your steak, grab your choice of items from the restaurant’s salad bar. 

18. Midtown Cafe

• 102 19th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203

For fine dining cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere with surprisingly affordable prices, look no further than Midtown Cafe. This Nashville culinary establishment is located near downtown, beside the legendary Music Row. 

As well as sustainably sourced seafood, prime steaks, and much more, Midtown Cafe offers 40 different wines, and you can order them by the glass. Midtown Cafe has been a Nashville fixture since way back in 1987.  

Among the numerous popular dishes at Midtown Cafe are the crab cakes, short rib, rainbow trout, huevos tostada, and Nashville pig in a blanket. 

Things to Consider

As we’ve seen, there are so many fantastic Nashville restaurants. How do you choose which ones to visit? Well, you could always set aside time in your itinerary to eat at several of them! 

Here are some things to consider when dining out at some of the best restaurants in Nashville: 

• Remember the vibe of the restaurant and whether it has a dress code
• Choose a restaurant with the right kind of setting for your mood
• Think about your itinerary, and look for restaurants nearby. 

Atmosphere and Dress Code

Every restaurant is different. Make sure you know if there’s a dress code so you don’t have any surprises at the door. 

Know the Context of Your Day

While you might want a more formal restaurant on some days, a casual atmosphere may be better for others. 

Get Excited about Nashville Food

As well as music, Nashville is famous for food. All the restaurants listed here are more than worth your while. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s look at some of the frequently asked questions about the best restaurants in Nashville. 

What are the best restaurants in Nashville Downtown? 

Some of the best downtown Nashville restaurants are Etch, The Farm House, Husk Nashville, and Midtown Cafe. Choose any of those and you’ll all set to have a delicious meal in a hospitable setting. Ultimately, go with whatever fits your mood and tastes. 

What are fun places to eat in Nashville? 

There are so many fun places to eat in Nashville it’s hard to know where to start. These are some of the most popular: 

• Catbird Seat on Division Street
• Mas Tacos Por Favor on Mcferrin Avenue
• Butchertown Hall on 4th Avenue North
• Adele’s Nashville on McGavock Street
• Ellington’s on Union Street
• Arnold’s Country Kitchen on 8th Avenue South 

What are the best casual restaurants in Nashville? 

Nashville has a fantastic supply of casual restaurants. Some of the best are: 

• The Farm House
• Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
• Lockeland Table
• Mas Tacos Por Favor
• Butchertown Hall
• Midtown Cafe

What are fun places to eat in downtown Nashville? 

A few examples of fun places to eat in downtown Nashville are: 

• Etch
• The Farm House
• Husk Nashville
• Midtown Cafe

What are good east Nashville restaurants? 

Like all the other areas of Nashville, the east end of the city has plenty of good places to eat. Examples include: 

• Lockeland Table
• Peninsula
• Mas Tacos Por Favor
• Five Points Pizza

So, What’s the Best Restaurant in Nashville? 

Compared to most other cities, Nashville has an exceptional restaurant scene. Of course, the deciding which is the finest restaurant in Nashville is subjective. 

But all the restaurants we included on our best restaurants in Nashville list above are great and you can depend on them for a memorable meal.