19 Best Restaurants in Nashville, Tennessee

The original location of this growing local coffee roaster serves ethically sourced coffee roasted in-house, plus seasonal treats, breakfast sandwiches, and lunch items. Lined with exposed brick, the bright space is industrial yet cozy, featuring seating for both individuals and larger groups.

This colorful neighborhood staple is a locally owned Baja Californian--style Mexican food restaurant, with build-your-own counter service featuring local meats, handmade salsas, and delicious fruit teas. In addition to their namesake burritos, they offer plentiful taco and salad options, all in generous portions, making this funky and fun spot a local favorite.

Chic yet inviting, the fresh Vietnamese fare at Vui’s Kitchen includes favorite dishes like pho and bun garnished with local greens, as well as a seasonal selection of local beer and wine. Their counter is one of the few places in Nashville where you can find a fresh coconut, which is best enjoyed in their ample outdoor seating area.

Once featured on the Food Network, the Athens Family Restaurant is a diner that has all the appearances of a classic greasy spoon but instead serves delicious Greek food for all three meals. Enjoy gyro, pitas, and Greek sides as well as American diner favorites like burgers and breakfast sandwiches.

Casual healthy dining that is easy on the wallet is Calypso Cafe’s focus, making it a popular, laid-back lunch spot. Calypso Cafe’s menu features Caribbean influences, with an emphasis on chicken and fresh produce, creating tropical flavor combinations like their Lucayan salad and famed corn muffins that easily satisfy nutrition-focused eaters and those with dietary restrictions.

Bright and airy, this diner-style restaurant features a stand-alone coffee bar within the dining room, where Bongo Java’s coffee and signature drinks are paired with thoughtful, hearty brunch selections and breakfast cocktails. The large center bar is topped with a bowling lane, a nod to the building’s past life.

A standout in the pocket of international eateries clustered around Nolensville Pike, Gojo Ethiopian Cafe serves authentic dishes in a cozy, brightly colored building. The lunch buffet is a favorite of both vegetarians and meat eaters. The ability to bring your own alcohol to pair with a tasty dinner combo plate is a plus, and the staff is known to be helpful to beginners having their first Ethiopian food experience.

One of three Nashville Hattie B’s locations, the Melrose Hattie B’s provides the hot chicken hookup often with less of a line. Enjoy hot chicken of varying heat levels, wash it down with a sweet tea or craft brew, and finish off your meal with a delicious Southern-inspired side or two.

This bustling brewpub serves more than 90 varieties of craft beer, focusing on local taps and seasonal flavors in a warm setting featuring an ivy-covered back patio with picnic tables. Their food is simple pub food done well, with a focus on juicy burgers and waffle fries.

Authentic New York–style Italian food is the name of the game at Mangia Nashville, and they bring it to a new level with their reservation-only weekend Italian Feasts. Their dinner-only menu during the week features pizza, sandwiches, shareables, and sweets, while their prix fixe feast menu features multiple courses served family-style.

This pleasantly low-key coffee shop is decorated with quirky local art and is typically quiet, making it a relaxing place to work or chat. In addition to coffee, Sam & Zoe’s offers tea, breakfast food, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and desserts.

With upscale American dining featuring elevated entrées, inventive cocktails, and a bottomless brunch, Sinema is housed in the stylish setting of a former movie theater, with screens inside that still play classic movies. The design of the dining room, lounge, and even the restrooms is eclectic yet elegant, much like the menu.

Founded by veterans of the Nashville coffee scene, Stay Golden is a stylish and sophisticated spot to sip on single-origin coffee and teas, try a craft cocktail, or check out local brews on draft. In addition to their beverages, seasonally inspired breakfast and lunch options are available.

Welcoming and straightforward, Sunflower Cafe feeds the vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free eaters of Nashville with mouthwatering veggie burger options, vegan barbecue, ample salads, and enticing happy hour specials. The menu features both Southern staples and international-inspired flavors, providing many options for diners who are used to feeling restricted by other menus.

Don’t let the spartan appearance of this hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant trick you: their authentic dishes are anything but plain. With an extensive curry menu, multiple dishes featuring duck, and a range of sushi choices, your taste buds and wallet will be pleased with the well-priced entrées.

One of the city’s most inventive brunch experiences puts you in control of your pancakes and more with an in-table griddle set up for a DIY menu. In addition to creative toppings for the all-you-can-eat pancakes, you can also griddle-cook your own eggs and potatoes and order from the kitchen if you aren’t up for the task of making your own.

Arguably Nashville’s most popular Thai restaurant, The Smiling Elephant serves classic Thai dishes featuring a daily rotating curry menu in a quirky, cottage-like environment. Given its popularity and no-reservations policy, expect a moderate wait, especially at peak mealtimes.

Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are front and center at The Urban Juicer, which focuses on fresh juices, smoothies, and superfood-laden bowls. Whether grabbing a breakfast sandwich or made-to-order juice, or signing on for a cleanse, the helpful staff will guide you through their health food options.