The Nashville Guide
I spent a month in Nashville as a part of my “where does Samantha want to live next” tour and while it wasn’t the right place for me long term, I had a blast getting to know the city, explore different neighborhoods and try out the food. I have to give it to Nashville, the food scene absolutely exceeded my expectations.
So I’m here to pass along the places I loved and some other recommendations that came out of my research but I didn’t personally get to vet. Of course, I can’t claim to be a Nashville local so I’m sure that I’m missing some spots but as a huge foodie/travel lover, I hope these will be helpful for anyone interested in getting to know the city better or just eat some delicious food.
If you’re curious about my “tour” including the why and how of how I decided to choose a new place to live, I’d highly recommend you check out these articles that can tell you more behind the scenes of that journey: Article A, Article B, Article C.
Okay, on to the recommendations!
Restaurants to try in Nashville
Lunch/Dinner Restaurants (in no particular order):
Bad Idea (East Nashville) - This was the first place I ate in Nashville and let me tell you, kicked it off with a bang! Upscale Lao cuisine in a converted old church and the vibes were sexy without feeling too dark or crowded. The food definitely had a kick to it if you didn’t choose carefully but everything was delicious (I’m told the menu rotates periodically so can’t cite specific dishes). But my favorite part about this spot is that they have a really unique wine list and offer half or full pours of the glasses. This wine lover was in heaven because I got to try three or four different glasses in the same night. This would be fabulous for a date night or a festive dinner, but definitely recommend a reservation!
The Henry (Twelve South) - When I was there, this place was relatively new but it was a great all purpose spot - brunch, lunch or dinner! The brunch menu was my favorite type of brunch menu where there’s plenty of non-sweet, breakfast items with a little bit of everything. All of the menus had a somewhat random menu with classic American items, some Asian items like dumplings and sushi, plus great salads, fish, meat, etc. The downstairs space was darker and more vibey (seemed like it’d be great for meeting for a drink) while the upstairs space was indoor outdoor and had more sunlight, perfect for a weekend brunch. I tried dumplings, a salad, a tuna sushi item and a sandwich over a couple of visits and enjoyed everything! It’s a big enough spot that walk ins are not the end of the world but as always, reservation will make everything easier
Geist Bar + Restaurant (Germantown) - this is a must stop around the holidays as they deck it out for Christmas in completely over the top decorations. The bartenders were fabulously nice to me and the couple of food items I had while sitting at the bar were delish. I wish I’d had time to come for a full meal because everything that came to tables around me looked delicious. Reservations definitely required around the holidays
Pelato (Germantown) - Seemingly a Instagram popular spot in a cute neighborhood, I hate to say that this one was a little overhyped for me but I’m lactose intolerant and all of the pastas were cheese heavy so I may have just missed out on the best items. They had cacio e Pepe, chicken Parmesan, etc. that looked delish. The energy in the space was great though and prices were reasonable!
The Optimist (Germantown) - Located way west in a fancier development in Germantown, this was definitely a fancier spot but the food was delish! A very seafood forward menu - I had a crudo, shrimp and fried rice and was so satisfied. The decor and energy are definitely rustic, dark and moody that gave steakhouse vibes but a seafood spot. The prices were definitely such that I’d recommend it for having family in town or a special occasion but highly recommend the food! I went early and sat at the bar but would definitely recommend a reservation.
Lola (Sylvan Park) - tucked into a beautiful residential neighborhood, this spot immediately impressed me with a modern but warm interior and then the upscale Spanish tapas doubled down on the effect. Every bite was delicious and I love a tapas spot where you get a bunch of things and share. We had a mix of fish and meat spot and the menu had enough variety that there’d be plenty of options for everybody. Low key enough for a normal night dinner or regular date night! Reservations would be helpful here
Frothy Monkey (multiple neighborhoods) - this classic coffee shop/breakfast spot is clearly a local classic. You see the Frothy Monkey coffee stocked in other places around the city but when you come into the locations to sit, you can expect low key lunch/brunch fare. I had a classic breakfast (eggs, bacon, fruit bowl) and was surrounded by cute families, students studying and friends catching up. Definitely a low key spot but for the casual days where you want to chill or sit somewhere with your book, this was great.
Redheaded Stranger (East Nashville) - I am a born and raised Texan so when I heard people bragging about a TexMex spot with the best tacos, I was (candidly) skeptical. But these were goooooood. I tried three different tacos and even as a lactose-intolerant girlie who couldn’t get the cheese, I was loving these tacos. Homemade tortillas, flavorful fillings, highly recommend. I went on a day when I was working so I didn’t get to try their frozen drinks which were all over the videos and posts when I saw recommendations so you’ll have to try those for yourself! There were lines on weekend so if you can swing a weekday visit, you’ll save yourself some time.
Butcher & Bee (East Nashville) - You can only imagine how excited I was to discover that one of the most recommended spots on my list was walking distance from the apartment I stayed at in Nashville. This Mediterranean-inspired (I think) had a super interesting menu and delicious (I ate with a local friend who was the first to recommend it to me). If you go, the Avocado fried rice is an absolute MUST and if hungry, you can add protein to it. Also on my recommend list: the hummuses, sweet potato and Brussels sprouts. Only thing I would skip was the chicken entree - kind of blah compared to everything else we ordered. This was popular so definitely recommend a reservation. I tried to come back a second time for a walk in and even as just one person was quoted a one hour wait!
Fancy Pants (East Nashville) - by the same team as Butcher and Bee, this place is an experience in a good way. Built to be eaten as a family-style coursed menu, this spot has multiple unique “experiences” ranging from fully vegetarian to if supplemented, adding fish or meat. The food has some vaguely Asian influences and uncommon flavors but because they’re unusual, everything felt inventive and fresh. As a solo diner, it was a little difficult to order but they were so kind and accommodated both my solo-ness and dietary restrictions with ease. The interiors were luxe and velvet forward which felt bougie in a good way. Because of the style of menu, I’d recommend for a group of 3 or more so you get to try more things, and with the little surprises the restaurant offers (I’m not mentioning so that you can enjoy that part of the experience as well), would perfect for a birthday dinner or special occasion. It’s relatively new so not usually booked out but as it sticks around longer that might change!
Audrey (East Nashville) - originally opened by the same chef responsible for Husk in Nashville and Charleston, this Michelin star spot is a special occasion dinner for sure. Unfortunately, this was one of my more disappointing meals! Perhaps I had too high expectations but the food didn’t impress me for the price of the experience and there were surprisingly frequent errors in service (even though the people were exceedingly nice). On the positive side, it’s a beautiful interior with a view of the kitchen and lots of local influence. Perhaps I caught them on a bad night but I’d recommend other spots on this list before here.
Henrietta Red (Germantown) - In a landlocked city, seafood spots are definitely at a disadvantage. But this seafood forward spot has a cute interior, happy hour deal and some delicious items. A big bar and cool modern but comfortable interiors made for a great spot on a rainy day. While I’ll never rave about gulf or Florida oysters vs. West Coast or New England, the other things I ate were flavorful and delicious. Still absolutely recommend for a drink and small plates.
Noko (East Nashville) - This place was one of the most recommended on my list and yet always with the caveat about how impossible it was to get a reservation. That said, as a solo diner on a weeknight, I walked right in to a seat at the bar. Every item on the menu has been touched by fire in some way (even if it’s just a sauce that goes on a crudo) and the Japanese menu was a knock out of the park win in my book. Everything I ate was delicious, definitely feel like it lives up to the hype! Solo dining is always a different beast than more people so do with that what you will in terms of reservations!
Mother’s Ruin (Germantown) - this is a neighborhood watering hole if I’ve ever seen one. I was there for brunch on a weekend and again for a drink on a weeknight and it was busy both times. I’m told weekend nights are even more bonkers. The original location of this spot was in NYC and a popular stop in my early 20’s so I hoped this location would be just as good and it was. I had an awesome burger and some good cocktails (the wine selection is lacking though). My biggest reco was the staff though - every single person in service at this place was so friendly, welcoming and good at their job. It made sense why it’s such a local favorite!
Cafe Roze (East Nashville) - American bistro style spot for both daytime and nighttime. The interiors reminded me somewhat of the heyday of hipster vibes in Brooklyn but this was anything but basic in the experience. I had a duck entree that was out of this world and a delicious steak plus a beet starter that was super unique. I’ve heard it’s also a great brunch spot so I wish I could have gone back to try it. Tucked into a cozy neighborhood, I’d definitely consider this a low key stop
Xiao Bao (East Nashville) - Chinese food in a quirky diner style interior, this was highly recommended by the Infatuation. Unfortunately as a lactose intolerant girlie, I couldn’t order the Cheeseburger bao bun which is apparently the most popular dish. Everything I had was good but overall a very greasy and mayo heavy meal. Perhaps I didn’t order effectively to balance so my coaching would be to make sure you monitor the flavor profile of what you’re ordering. This definitely felt like a cool spot for weekends, when reservations would probably be required. Wasn’t necessarily my favorite so take with a grain of salt.
Butterlamp Bread & Beverage (East Nashville) - Y’all could probably guess that I love a wine bar. This spot is off the beaten path, in the back of some sort of school/church situation in a quiet neighborhood but a cozy interior and some outdoor seating featured a delicious wine list and homemade toasts and tinned fish, feeling very of the moment. The bread can be ordered in loaves to take home and multiple people came in to pick up theirs while I was there for a drink. Such a cool, unique spot for wine and bread lovers.
Kisser (East Nashville) - a lunch only, walk-in only Japanese (non-sushi) spot with bright energy. Every bite I ate was delicious, I only wish I had more people with me to be able to try more things. The environment was low-key with communal tables, light wood and open layout. The restaurant is tucked into a little shopping center with a coffee shop, vintage store, spa which was perfect to explore while I waited for my name to come up on the waitlist (which is lengthy). I’d 100% say it’s worth a trip even though it’s out of the way for onigiri, yellowtail collar and one of their sandwiches.
Sixty Vines (Downtown Nashville) - Wine lovers dream, this spot has dozens of wines by the glass, flights and multiple pour sizes so you can try a variety. I loved getting to taste a bunch. Located on the upper floor of a food hall, it feels hectic to get to but once you get inside, the space is very Restoration Hardware with tall ceiling and dramatic lighting. The food alongside the wine was solid, not amazing on its own merits but good enough that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it as a spot for dinner alongside your wine. The space is huge so walk-ins are certainly likely to succeed!
Superica (The Gulch) - good Mexican food, great margaritas, cool outdoor seating. This spot may not have had the best Mexican food I’ve ever had in my life, it definitely seemed like it had great energy and would be a really great place for a dinner or brunch with friends. Not my strongest recommendation but no complaints!
Barrel Proof (Germantown-ish) - y’all these might be some of the best fries I’ve ever had and with a killer happy hour deal, I highly recommend this spot. I came early but it seemed to be filling up the later in the evening it got and I could see it being a great night out spot with friends. But y’all the fries…..!
Once upon a time in France (East Nashville) - a tiny French bistro in a tiny house. The cozy vibes were impeccable in here and I didn’t see many other French spots in Nashville so was excited to try. My Steak frites were good but not great. That said, I saw some other orders that looked delish like Beef Borguinon. Good for cold days, if you’re craving French but probably wouldn’t prioritize.
Postino (Twelve South) - I love a spot with plenty of wine options and small plates. This was newly opened and seemed to just be getting its footing but no complaints in terms of the experience. I met up with some girlfriends and had a good time. Not a huge space so imagine reservations will become necessary relatively soon
Places I didn’t try but heard great things about: St. Vito Focacceria, Rolf and Daughters, Acme Feed & Seed, Milk & Honey Gulch, The Iberian Pig, Mas Tacos Por Favor, Lockeland Table, Bastion, Edley’s Bar-B-Que, Margot Cafe & Bar, Dino’s Bar & Grill, Husk Nashville, Locust, Iggy’s
Bars to try in Nashville
L.A. Jackson (The Gulch) - one of the most popular going out spots, I’m told. Beautiful views from the rooftop and drinks were yummy. I didn’t do much going out while in Nashville so I’m probably not the most trustworthy source here and I believe this gets quite crowded on weekend evening so do with that what you will!
Coral Club (East Nashville) - This place gives Greece vibes. A really vibey, clay-liked interior with a tight menu of drinks and small plates, would definitely say this is a great date spot. Would definitely return
Chopper (East Nashville) - Tiki style bar with lots of elaborate cocktails in extreme glassware. Everything was too sweet for me but for the experience it was definitely playful and fun. A popular food truck for Birria tacos parks out front and you can bring your food inside which also makes for a fun combo. If you know what you’re going in for, could be a fun time!
Mother’s Ruin (Germantown) - already described as a food spot but this definitely has a bar scene on weekend days and nights, great energy in here, definitely recommend!
Attaboy (East Nashville) - described as a speakeasy, with an unmarked entrance and needing to knock at the door to be admitted, this is a tiny fancy cocktail spot. I understood the entry policy once you go inside because there is limited seating and not a lot of standing room. One of those cocktail spots where you describe what you like and trust the bartenders and a stubborn “no vodka” policy but everything I drank was delicious. If you can get a spot inside (reservations recommended), this spot is sexy!
Pushing Daisies (Downtown Nashville) - Downstairs underneath the Twelve Thirty club at the top of Broadway, this tequila-focused spot has sexy energy and is definitely a fun spot with a great playlist. I had a delicious skinny margarita and a great time with a girlfriend. It seemed like a spot that hadn’t been overrun by the rest of the Broadway crowd which is why I feel comfortable recommending!
Barrel Proof (Germantown-ish) - recommended above for the fries but had great low key, dive bar energy with bar games and well priced drinks
Listening Room Cafe (Downtown) - what a cool experience! Buy a ticket, order some straightforward drinks and bites and listen to up and coming (or very established) singer songwriters perform. This was one of my favorite nights getting to experience the incredible musical talent of Nashville. You’re seated at tables so not a spot to meet people but such a special night.
The Local (Midtown) - Another live music spot to sit and listen to up and coming songwriters. Drinks and food are to be expected with a lowkey dive bar energy spot, which made for really relaxed warm energy. A little newer so easier to get in and younger talent, but another night I really enjoyed!
Coffee shops to try in Nashville
Steadfast Coffee (Germantown) - a low key spot popular with work-from-home-ers with good coffee and sunny space!
Frothy Monkey (Multiple Locations) - already mentioned as a brunch food spot but can also be a grab and go coffee spot!
Fast Times (Twelve South) - tucked inside a Buck Mason clothing store, this is more of a counter than a coffee shop but in beautiful interiors. Just wouldn’t recommend if you’re looking to sit!
Didn’t try but heard great things about: Cafe Babu, Neighborlily, Hank’s Coffee Station, Dose, Cream Coffee Roasters
Whether you’re visiting or discovering more of Nashville already living there, I hope you enjoy exploring an incredibly vibrant food city and so much more!