10 Best Restaurants in Nashville, Tennessee

AVO

$$ | West End Fodor's choice

AVO is the culinary jewel in the crown of a new, mindful-lifestyle district called OneCity; as such, it offers decadent vegan options, a generous afternoon happy hour, and a thoughtful waitstaff trained to offer helpful information for those with specific nutritional needs. On sunny days, diners can enjoy a locally sourced afternoon meal just minutes from downtown, and top it off with a game of volleyball on a court just off the restaurant’s patio.

Bella Napoli Pizzeria

$$ | Edgehill Fodor's choice

Bella Napoli is one of the few authentic Neapolitan pizzerias in the city, and its brick-oven baked pizzas, decadent pasta dishes, and inexpensive happy hour will send you searching for this quaint eatery tucked in an alleyway on the back end of Edgehill Village. On warm nights, you can kick back on the romantically lit patio and enjoy good food, your favorite bottle of wine, and occasional live music.

J. Alexander's - Redlands Grill

$$ | West End Fodor's choice

This Midtown location has a decidedly upscale feel, with dark-wood paneling and low lighting. The menu includes hardwood-grilled beef, chicken, and pork; hearty salads; and fresh seafood.

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Jamaicaway Restaurant and Catering

$$ | Midtown Fodor's choice

A longtime favorite sit-down spot in Nashville’s Farmer’s Market, Jamaicaway now has an additional location just off West End Avenue, one of Midtown’s main thoroughfares. Its cozy setting, friendly owners, and scrumptious curried dishes make this dining experience feel like you’ve stepped onto the island itself, where serenity and home-cooked food abound.

Swett's Restaurant

$ | McKissack Park Fodor's choice

Nashville is known for its meat-and-three-style restaurants, and Swett's is one of its most famous; past patrons run the gamut from presidents to pop stars, and everyone in between. If you’re looking for Southern staples like collard greens, baked macaroni-and-cheese, and entrées that range from fried catfish to barbecued ribs, this is the place to be—you might even find the owner out in the dining room with a group of friends, enjoying his meal as much as you will.

Dose

$ | West End

Dose is one of the neighborhood’s better-kept secrets; its location on the border of Midtown and Sylvan Park makes it a less frequented (and, subsequently, quieter) café than the larger chains closer to downtown or Vanderbilt University. This is a good thing, because their daily fresh-baked goods, specially blended coffees, and delicious breakfast and lunch options are ones you’re going to want to keep all to yourself.

Elliston Place Soda Shop

$ | Elliston Place

Elliston Place Soda Shop has been open since 1939, and has retained much of its mid-century decor, including vintage jukeboxes at the tables (though the boxes themselves no longer play), and a lovely soda counter, complete with a fountain. Come for great burgers, frothy ice-cream sodas, and delicious chocolate shakes—or breakfast.

Midtown Cafe

$$$ | Midtown

If you love a decadent late breakfast, or a sumptuous meal before heading out for a night on the town, then Midtown Café is the perfect place for you. Patrons rave about everything from the soups to the desserts. The café also offers diners a complimentary shuttle service to some of Nashville’s premier performing arts venues, including the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the Nashville Opera, and the Ryman Auditorium.

Sitar Indian Cuisine

$$ | West End

Locals and visitors pack this popular West End/Vanderbilt area restaurant for the lunch buffet that includes favorites like chicken tikka masala and sag paneer (spinach, cheese, and spices). The lively midday atmosphere becomes more sophisticated for evening meals.

The Catbird Seat

$$$$ | Midtown

With a 22-seat dining area surrounding an open kitchen, and prepaid reservations, The Catbird Seat might be one of the most exclusive dining experiences in Nashville, but a worthwhile one. Guests watch as the restaurant’s world-class chefs prepare signature dishes and experiment with new cuisines, while a beverage director creates cocktails specially designed to pair with every mouthwatering course.

Nashville

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