The 10 Best Restaurants in Nashville
By Grace Armstrong | Updated 3 Days Ago
Nashville, Tennessee, is more than the capital of country music. It’s also a rising food hotspot that combines classic Southern tastes with exciting global dishes. From spicy hot chicken to elegant farm-to-table meals, Nashville’s food scene is as varied as its music.
Let’s explore 10 must-visit restaurants that define Nashville’s culinary revolution.
Butcher & Bee
At Butcher & Bee, located just outside downtown Nashville, the ever-changing menu highlights the best local ingredients. The kitchen’s commitment to freshness shines through in favorites like the rich whipped feta and the wide selection of mezze. It’s their “chef’s choice” option, though, that truly offers a taste of adventure, promising a unique dining experience that’s both exciting and unpredictable.
Dining at Butcher & Bee goes beyond simply eating; it’s an exploration of Nashville’s creative culinary scene. Each dish is a tribute to the local produce and the city’s innovative flair, making every meal a communal celebration. This restaurant encapsulates the dynamic spirit of Nashville, offering an unforgettable experience that connects diners with the city’s vibrant food culture.
Hathorne
Nestled in the serene Sylvan Park, Hathorne blends a laid-back yet elegant dining experience with a strong focus on seasonal ingredients. With a menu that changes regularly, featuring everything from robust New York strip steaks to intricate seared annatto pork dumplings, Hathorne brings each ingredient’s story to life. The thoughtful wine list complements the meal perfectly, creating a dining experience that’s both rich and cohesive.
As you step into Hathorne, the atmosphere strikes a balance between contemporary and cozy, making every meal feel like a reunion with friends. The restaurant’s simple yet warm design, with wooden touches and soft lighting, provides the perfect backdrop for an evening focused on exquisite food. Located just moments from Nashville’s lively center, Hathorne celebrates the city’s culinary innovation.
Folk
In East Nashville, Folk stands as a haven for lovers of fine Italian food, where pizza gets a creative makeover from the acclaimed chef Philip Krajeck. The menu, inspired by Italian tradition but flavored with local zest, features everything from a comforting chicken Milanese to inventive clam pies, blending Italy’s culinary soul with Tennessee’s spirit.
Folk not only showcases Nashville’s culinary range but also its eagerness to explore new flavors. The restaurant’s ambiance combines sleek modernity with warm, rustic touches, offering a setting where dining becomes a memorable experience. Here, diners can taste the essence of Italy right in Nashville, illustrating the city’s global palate and appreciation for homegrown ingredients.
Skull’s Rainbow Room
Skull’s Rainbow Room brings the golden age of the 1940s back to life in the heart of Nashville. With its luxurious menu featuring dishes like duck empanadas and lobster bisque, paired with live jazz and burlesque shows, this restaurant offers an immersive experience that blends history with contemporary flair. Located in the historic Printers Alley, Skull’s celebrates Nashville’s rich past while welcoming the excitement of its present.
Each visit to Skull’s Rainbow Room is a homage to the legends of yesteryears and a celebration of today’s Nashville. The restaurant encapsulates the city’s musical and culinary traditions, enveloping guests in an ambiance of elegance and nostalgia. Dining at Skull’s is not just about the food; it’s about engaging with the city’s cultural legacy and experiencing the timeless allure that continues to make Nashville a unique and vibrant destination.
Darfons Restaurant & Lounge
Darfons Restaurant & Lounge offers an upscale dining experience in Nashville, setting a sophisticated stage for its guests. The menu, a testament to fine dining, presents meticulously crafted dishes designed for enjoyment and luxury. Whether it’s for a laid-back Sunday brunch or an elegant dessert, Darfons creates perfect moments for celebrations, business meetings, or romantic dinners, all underpinned by their dedication to excellence.
In this elegant venue, Nashville’s chic side is on full display, welcoming guests in smart attire to enjoy its culinary wonders. Darfons caters to various dining needs, from intimate dinners to business lunches, ensuring top-notch service and a harmonious blend of innovative and traditional dishes. Here, the fine dining tradition thrives, offering a memorable experience that echoes the vibrancy of Nashville.
City House
Located in Germantown, City House is a unique spot where Southern hospitality and Italian cuisine come together to create an unforgettable dining experience. Every Sunday, the restaurant buzzes with excitement as chefs introduce innovative dishes that blend Italian traditions with Southern flavors. It’s more than just dining; it’s a flavorful journey that highlights the power of collaboration and innovation.
City House captures the essence of Nashville’s vibrant food scene, combining a warm atmosphere with high-quality, affordable dishes. Within its cozy dining room and at communal tables, guests from all walks of life gather to enjoy a culinary adventure. Set against Germantown’s historic charm, City House stands out as a place where the art of cooking from different times and places meets, offering everyone a taste of something truly special.
Monell’s Dining & Catering
Walking into Monell’s Dining & Catering feels like stepping back in time to a Nashville where meals were shared and savored together. This Victorian manor sets the stage for a communal dining experience, where guests sit closely at long tables, enjoying a feast of Southern classics that reflect Nashville’s rich food history. It’s a place where every dish served is a celebration of the region’s culinary traditions.
More than just a place to eat, Monell’s embodies the spirit of community and the magic of meals in bringing people closer. It’s built around the idea that food can turn strangers into friends, showcasing the warm, welcoming nature of Southern hospitality. Located in Germantown, Monell’s is a cornerstone of Nashville’s dining scene, inviting everyone to experience its generous hospitality and enjoy a meal that feels like coming home.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is a Nashville legend, known for turning simple chicken into a fiery feast that captures the city’s love for bold flavors. With spice levels that range from mild to wildly hot, it’s a place where both locals and tourists come to challenge their taste buds and enjoy an experience they won’t forget. This beloved spot is a must-visit landmark that embodies Nashville’s enthusiasm for hot chicken.
In the heart of Nashville, Hattie B’s is a celebration of Southern cuisine’s deep, rich flavors, serving up dishes that are a testament to the city’s culinary tradition. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of spicy food or trying it for the first time, Hattie B’s is welcoming to all, inviting you to be part of a tradition that’s an integral piece of Nashville’s food scene.
Etch Restaurant
Etch Restaurant, nestled in Nashville’s vibrant city center, is a celebration of worldwide culinary delights blended with Tennessee’s rich produce. The lively atmosphere and interactive chef’s bar make dining here an immersive journey into a menu that crosses cultural boundaries, offering a unique taste experience that goes beyond the ordinary.
Stepping into Etch, you find yourself in a space that’s both stylish and welcoming, where chefs craft meals that tell stories through every bite. Each dish is a masterpiece, mixing global inspirations with local flair, reflecting Nashville’s place on the world culinary map. Etch doesn’t just serve food; it offers an adventure, urging guests to explore the unknown with every dish served.
Lou Nashville
Lou Nashville brings the charm of Parisian cafés to the heart of the city, creating a peaceful spot perfect for enjoying coffee, wine, and delicious meals. It celebrates the joy of taking your time with food, offering a space where every visit lets you relax and create lasting memories, no matter the time of day.
This café stands out for its carefully chosen menu and casual yet elegant vibe, quickly becoming a must-visit spot for those wanting to dive into Nashville’s rich culinary landscape. Combining the warmth of Southern hospitality with the sophistication of European style, Lou Nashville is a unique dining experience where every little detail, from the dishes served to the atmosphere, is crafted with love and attention.
Nashville’s food scene mixes classic tastes with new ideas, and these 10 must-visit restaurants are just a start. Here, every meal is a special event, each dish has its own story, and guests always leave wanting more. Visit for the music, but stay for the incredible food and see why Nashville is truly unique.