22 Best Restaurants in Nashville, Tennessee

Adele's

$$$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

Fresh, open, airy, and never too buttoned-up, Adele's is a favorite for business lunches and date-night dinners alike. This high-end Southern eatery was an early part of the neighborhood's revitalization, and James Beard–winning chef Jonathan Waxman continues to dazzle with his accessible but polished cuisine.

Barista Parlor Golden Sound

$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

Serious coffee connoisseurs shouldn't leave the city without a visit to one of Barista Parlor's outposts. The Gulch location is housed inside a former transmission shop, and everything inside, from the wood tables and platters to the art and barista aprons, are sourced from local makers and craftspeople, so you better believe they're serious about keeping it bespoke. The coffee and food options take time, so don't stop by in a hurry, but the attention to detail is worth it.

Chauhan Ale & Masala House

$$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

Chopped judge and beloved celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan made a splash when she announced that she would be opening her first restaurant not in New York or Chicago, but right here in Nashville. Her playful global Indian fusion is not to be missed, and although you'll find some of the best food in the city here by far, the ambience is never stuffy. Tired of the usual bacon, eggs, and waffles for breakfast? Then head over on Saturday or Sunday to check out a daring brunch menu like no other.

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Otaku Ramen

$$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

Although ramen has always been hiding in Nashville's under-the-radar Japanese spots, Sarah Gavigan returned from 20 years in L.A. and made it her mission to get more Nashvillians interested in slurping it up (and although it isn't the city's only high-end ramen shop, it is the only one that lets you take a bowl to go). Don't miss out on the limited-time bowls or the Sunday Okonomiyaki.

Party Fowl

$$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

Most Nashville hot chicken joints are smaller grab-and-go affairs, but this spacious sports bar provides table service and full bar. Heat levels on these hot chicken dishes—you can find everything from nachos and tacos to salads—range from mild to the scary spicy "Poultrygeist."

Peg Leg Porker

$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

Owner and longtime pit master Carey Bringle says it all in his biography: "Smoke is in my veins." The line for the lunch rush is often out the door, but many agree that the dry ribs, hickory-smoked for more than 18 hours, are well worth the wait. Peg Leg's wings—offered dry, hot, and extra-hot—also keep people coming back again and again. Standout sides include the smoked green beans and the barbecue baked beans, and as an appetizer you can prime your palate with a platter of sausage, cheese, and saltines—aka Memphis Sushi.

Sunda New Asian

$$$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

Celebrity chef and actor Billy Dec has brought his Chicago-based Sunda to Nashville with the recent splashy opening of this new sister restaurant, and the neighborhood is all the better for it. Characterized as "Southeast Asian fusion," you can find a menu of shareable plates that includes twists on classic Filipino dishes, a selection of dim sum, a full sushi bar, crispy rice topped with tuna, and quite a few expertly cooked pork dishes. Don't miss their unique weekend brunch.

Tennessee Brew Works

$ | The Gulch Fodor's choice

An official Music City Live Music Venue, Tennessee Brew Works Tap Room features bands and solo acts Thursday through Saturday, and on Sunday it's vinyl night. Enjoy a finely crafted brew with menu items such as their Five Beer Burger, crawfish ragout, Southern grill cheese, and more; there are beer pairings for each dish, and Tennessee Brew Works offers brews across the flavor spectrum with truly unique blends. Try their Basil Ryman with Thai basil sourced from a local farm. Their brewing process is masterful—employing the talents of an in-house chemist Ph.D—and soulful, with a passion for creating inventive, locally sourced craft beers. Brewery tours are offered Saturday and Sunday.

Biscuit Love

$ | The Gulch

What started as a beloved Airstream food truck is now a brick-and-mortar staple in the neighborhood that's hailed for its daily scratch-made Southern-style biscuits. There are nine different biscuit sandwiches to choose from, made with a variety of meats, gravies, and toppings, but there are plenty of tempting "Without a Biscuit" options like the surprisingly tasty egg-topped Lindstrom made with shaved brussels sprouts, hazelnuts, and shredded Parmesan.

Burger Republic

$ | The Gulch

For those craving a burger that's a cut above the rest, Burger Republic offers up 15 different variations—like a fancier version of the In-N-Out classic or a Southern-inspired burger with a pimento cheese--stuffed patty—with a focus on locally sourced meats and ingredients. For the full artery-clogging experience, order a handmade shake spiked with your choice of booze.

Kayne Prime

$$$$ | The Gulch

If you're craving artfully marbled cuts of meat, then Kayne Prime boasts the best selection in town with top-notch cuts from some of the best ranches in the United States and abroad. The huge interior is filled with raw wood planks, private leather booths, and three different bars, and the starters consistently win top marks from diners. For those serious about their steaks, this acclaimed steak house has a strip steak made with genuine Japanese Wagyu beef.

Marsh House

$$$ | The Gulch

Southern seafood is no joke: Where the Northeast focuses on lobster and clam, the South emphasizes fried Gulf oysters and gumbo. At Marsh House, they elevate these Southern staples to beautiful heights while also offering up a raw bar to behold and their signature seafood towers, and now with daily brunch, you can choose a more low-key experience until 3 pm.

Milk & Honey

$$ | The Gulch

What started as a tiny coffee-and-gelato shop in nearby Chattanooga, Tennessee, is now a full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in this Gulch outpost. Serving up their dreamy gelato—including their signature Milk & Honey flavor—along with wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and seriously good espresso drinks, this is a great choice when the lines at neighboring joints are too long.

Moto Cucina + Enoteca

$$ | The Gulch

The inside of this ritzy Italian restaurant can be a bit of a maze (it's so much bigger on the inside than expected from its small entrance on a side street), but thankfully it just means there's plenty of seating inside for hungry diners to dive into rich, decadent homemade pastas and gnocchi.

Saint Añejo

$ | The Gulch

For those who are serious about tequila and mezcal, head to this modern Mexican cantina with à la carte taco options like Korean barbacoa, hot chicken, and jerk shrimp. Sugar skulls adorn most surfaces, and the giant mural in the main dining room is just begging for a photo op; if the wait seems too long downstairs, head to the lounge upstairs known as the Tequila Library for quick service, strong drinks, and a quieter atmosphere.

Sambuca

$$$ | The Gulch

If you're looking for bold elegance with a dash of drama, the deep plush seating and wrought-iron candelabras and chandeliers at this acclaimed, three-story eatery are sure to hit the spot. For those who prefer to take in a show with dinner, you can catch live music each night starting around 6:30, and if you're more of an early riser, you can opt for some tunes with your brunch instead.

Tànsuo

$$ | The Gulch

Although the street view isn't much, jewel-toned hanging lanterns, cozy wraparound booths, and upbeat tunes await inside Nashville's top spot for Chinese fusion. The Peking Duck is can't-miss, but order ahead or prepare to settle in and have a few cocktails while it's being prepped. Shorter on time? You can't go wrong with speedier mains like pork belly fried rice or spicy, ginger-laden short ribs.

The 404 Kitchen

$$$ | The Gulch

Big on visual presentation and earning high marks in overall aesthetics, The 404 Kitchen is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a sumptuous evening. The menu is small and carefully laid out to ensure that anything ordered lives up to the kitchen's high bar for quality. Fair warning: there's no parking, so prepare to pay for valet or opt to use a rideshare service.

The Chef & I on Ninth

$$$$ | The Gulch

If you're looking for a chef's tasting menu that won't necessarily break the bank, check out this stripped-down, rock and roll–inspired intimate restaurant, which is centered around hearty, well-seasoned proteins paired with the freshest possible local produce—this is upscale American that delivers. The space is anchored by a chef's counter, so you'll be able to see each part of your meal as it's prepped and get to know the staff.

The Mockingbird

$$ | The Gulch

Maneet Chauhan's playful take on a diner is situated right next to her Ale & Masala House and features the expected milk shakes, burgers, and fries, but the extensive offerings only start there. Get ready for some seriously great eats served in whimsical and fun ways. Her modern Chinese restaurant, Tánsuŏ, is also located in the same building.

The Pub Nashville

$$ | The Gulch

If you need a break from the sleek, buzzy restaurants, then head to The Pub for a calming dark-wood interior that's filled with stained glass and even a pull-your-own-beer wall of tempting taps. The straightforward menu swears by tall pints and British classics that are served alongside some Southern favorites for good measure.

Virago

$$ | The Gulch

The best place to go for upscale sushi in town, step inside Virago's sprawling modern interior—or check out their legendary patio—and get ready for some of the freshest fish you can find in the entire landlocked state. Make a reservation if you're smart, and be sure to follow the business-casual dress code.

Nashville

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