Must Try Food Spots in Nashville

Here is something worth knowing before you book your trip. Nashville’s restaurant scene has grown by over 40% in the last decade, making it one of the fastest growing food cities in the entire United States. That is not just a number. It means more chefs, more flavors, more options, and more reason to plan your meals carefully before you arrive.

Nashville is famous for country music, but food lovers know the real secret. This city has a food culture that goes far deeper than hot chicken, though hot chicken alone is worth the trip. From slow smoked BBQ pits that open before sunrise to upscale Southern restaurants run by James Beard nominated chefs, Nashville feeds people well at every price point and every hour of the day.

This guide covers the best must try food spots in Nashville, organized by category so you can plan your eating around your schedule. These are real places with real food that locals actually love. No tourist traps. No overpriced mediocrity. Just good food worth your time and money.

Why Nashville’s Food Scene Deserves Your Full Attention

Nashville used to be overlooked by serious food travelers. That changed fast. Over the past 15 years, a wave of talented chefs moved to Nashville, drawn by lower costs, a supportive local food community, and a growing population hungry for quality food. The result is a city where you can eat extremely well without trying very hard.

The food here reflects the city’s Southern roots while pulling in influences from around the world. You will find traditional Southern cooking done with real skill alongside creative modern restaurants that use local Tennessee ingredients in unexpected ways. The variety is genuine and it keeps growing every year.

Another reason Nashville’s food scene works so well is its neighborhood structure. Different areas of the city have distinct food identities. East Nashville has an artsy, independent restaurant culture. The Gulch is home to trendy upscale spots. 12South is known for brunch and casual neighborhood dining. Germantown has some of the city’s most respected fine dining. Knowing which neighborhood matches your mood makes eating in Nashville much easier.

Nashville Hot Chicken: The Dish That Started It All

No food guide to Nashville is complete without starting here. Hot chicken is Nashville’s most iconic dish and it has a real origin story. The Prince family has been making hot chicken at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack since the 1940s. The story goes that Thornton Prince’s girlfriend made the chicken extra spicy as punishment for his late nights out. He loved it so much that he turned it into a business.

Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack

Prince’s is the original and it still sets the standard. The chicken comes fried and coated in a cayenne paste that ranges from mild to extra hot. You order at the counter, wait a while, and eat at a no frills table. The experience is simple and the chicken is outstanding. Extra hot is genuinely very spicy, so be honest with yourself about your heat tolerance before ordering.

The chicken is served on white bread with pickle slices, which is the traditional way. The bread soaks up the spicy oil and becomes part of the meal. Prince’s has multiple locations now, but the original North Nashville spot is the one with the most history and atmosphere.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Hattie B’s is the most popular hot chicken spot among visitors and it earns that popularity honestly. The chicken is consistently well made, the spice levels are clearly labeled, and the side dishes are genuinely good. Their pimento mac and cheese and their collard greens are worth ordering on their own.

Hattie B’s has several Nashville locations and the lines can get long, especially on weekends. Going on a weekday afternoon cuts the wait significantly. The music that plays in the restaurant and the casual relaxed vibe make it a fun place to spend an hour even if you are just passing through.

Party Fowl

Party Fowl takes hot chicken in a slightly different direction. This spot serves hot chicken in multiple formats including tenders, sandwiches, and full plates with creative side options. The atmosphere is livelier than Prince’s, with a full bar and a bigger menu. It is a good choice if you are eating with people who want variety beyond the classic plate.

BBQ in Nashville: Slow Smoked and Worth Every Bite

Nashville is not traditionally a BBQ city in the way that Memphis or Kansas City are, but the BBQ scene here has gotten seriously good. Several spots are now producing smoked meat that can hold its own against anywhere in the South.

Martin’s Bar B Que Joint

Martin’s is the closest thing Nashville has to a legendary BBQ institution. Pat Martin opened the original location in Nolensville, just outside Nashville, and has since expanded across the city. The whole hog BBQ here is the main event. Martin smokes whole pigs low and slow over wood, which produces pork with a depth of flavor that you cannot get from cooking just one part of the animal.

The banana pudding at Martin’s is famous on its own. It is creamy, sweet, and made fresh. People drive significant distances just for a cup of it. The sides are generous and consistently good, making Martin’s an easy place to leave full and happy.

Peg Leg Porker

Peg Leg Porker is run by Carey Bringle, a champion BBQ competitor who knows his craft deeply. The restaurant sits in the Gulch neighborhood and has a classic Tennessee roadhouse feel. The dry rubbed ribs here are exceptional, with a crust that packs serious flavor without needing sauce.

The bourbon selection at Peg Leg Porker is also notable. Tennessee whiskey and BBQ are a natural pairing, and this spot handles both sides of that equation well. If you are visiting the Gulch for shopping or nightlife, Peg Leg Porker fits naturally into the day.

Brunch in Nashville: The Meal This City Does Best

Nashville takes brunch seriously. The city has a strong brunch culture driven by late night musicians, weekend tourists, and locals who treat Sunday morning meals as a social event. The best brunch spots fill up fast, so arriving early or making reservations when possible is a smart move.

Biscuit Love

Biscuit Love started as a food truck and grew into one of Nashville’s most beloved restaurants. The focus here is Southern biscuits done with real care and creativity. Their bonuts, which are fried biscuit dough tossed in lemon mascarpone and blueberry compote, became famous quickly and have stayed on the menu because people keep ordering them.

The savory options are equally strong. Their biscuits and gravy uses a house made sausage gravy that is rich without being heavy. The restaurant has a warm, friendly atmosphere that makes waiting in line feel less painful. Biscuit Love has locations in 12South and the Gulch, both of which get very busy on weekend mornings.

The Pfunky Griddle

The Pfunky Griddle is a genuinely fun brunch concept that works especially well for groups and families. Each table has its own built in griddle so you cook your own pancakes, French toast, and eggs right at the table. The batter options include everything from classic buttermilk to sweet potato to red velvet.

This is a casual, interactive experience rather than a formal sit down meal. Kids love it and adults do too. The prices are reasonable and the experience is something you will not find at most restaurants anywhere in the country.

The Loveless Cafe

The Loveless Cafe has been feeding Nashville since 1951 and it shows no signs of slowing down. This roadhouse style restaurant on the western edge of the city is famous for its scratch made biscuits and country ham. The biscuits come out hot and fluffy, served with house made preserves and real butter.

The full Southern breakfast here includes eggs, grits, bacon, and those famous biscuits. It is a substantial meal that keeps you going for hours. The drive out to the Loveless is part of the experience. The area around it is pretty and the restaurant itself has a charm that newer spots cannot replicate.

Best Burgers in Nashville: Simple Done Right

Nashville has some excellent burger spots that do not get enough attention from visitors focused on hot chicken and BBQ. These places are worth knowing about.

Brown’s Diner

Brown’s Diner is Nashville’s oldest bar and one of its most beloved burger spots. The building itself is a converted trailer and the whole setup is charmingly old school. The burgers here are simple, greasy, and genuinely satisfying in the way that only a no nonsense diner burger can be.

The atmosphere at Brown’s is pure Nashville. Regulars sit at the bar, live country music sometimes plays in the background, and nobody is trying too hard to be cool. It is honest food in an honest place, which is exactly what a great burger spot should be.

Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden

The Pharmacy in East Nashville is one of the most popular restaurants in the city for good reason. The burgers are made with quality beef and topped with creative combinations that go beyond the usual options. The German inspired beer garden out back is a great place to sit on warm evenings with a cold draft beer.

The milkshakes at the Pharmacy are exceptional. They are thick, creamy, and made with real ice cream in flavors that change seasonally. Getting a burger and a milkshake here is a combination that is hard to beat anywhere in Nashville.

Fine Dining in Nashville: Where to Eat When the Occasion Calls for It

Nashville’s fine dining scene has grown dramatically over the past decade. Several restaurants here are now competing at a national level for quality and creativity.

The 404 Kitchen

The 404 Kitchen in the Gulch is one of Nashville’s most respected fine dining spots. Chef Matt Bolus runs a menu focused on Southern ingredients treated with European technique. The space is warm and intimate, built inside a converted shipping container, which sounds strange but works beautifully.

The charcuterie program here is outstanding. The pasta dishes change regularly and consistently impress. If you are celebrating something special or want to experience Nashville’s best cooking in a formal setting, The 404 Kitchen is a reliable choice.

Rolf and Daughters

Rolf and Daughters in Germantown is a consistently excellent restaurant that locals recommend without hesitation. The menu focuses on handmade pasta and vegetable forward dishes that showcase seasonal Tennessee produce. The space is beautiful, housed in a converted historic building with exposed brick and warm lighting.

The wine list at Rolf and Daughters is well chosen and reasonably priced compared to similar restaurants in larger cities. Reservations fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so booking a few days ahead is strongly recommended.

Fifty First Kitchen and Bar

Fifty First Kitchen and Bar brings a modern approach to Southern cooking in a sleek, comfortable setting. The menu changes with the seasons and features locally sourced ingredients handled with real skill. The cocktail program is creative and worth exploring alongside your meal.

This restaurant works well for business dinners, date nights, or any occasion where you want good food in a setting that feels a little more special than a casual spot.

International Food in Nashville: Beyond Southern Cooking

Nashville’s growing immigrant population has brought excellent international food to the city. These spots represent some of the most exciting eating in Nashville right now.

Amira’s Somali Restaurant

Amira’s in the Nolensville Road corridor serves some of the best Somali food in the American South. The dishes here feature slow cooked meats, fragrant rice seasoned with spices like cardamom and cumin, and rich stews served with flatbread. The portions are generous and the prices are very reasonable.

Nolensville Road itself is worth exploring for food lovers. This stretch of road is home to a remarkable concentration of immigrant owned restaurants serving food from Somalia, Ethiopia, Mexico, Vietnam, and many other countries. A food walk along this road can be one of the most interesting eating experiences in the city.

Kin Sushi and Korean BBQ

Korean BBQ has become hugely popular in Nashville and Kin delivers a strong version of the experience. Tables come equipped with built in grills and you cook your own marinated meats over live fire. The banchan, small side dishes that arrive at the start of the meal, are fresh and varied.

The all you can eat option here is popular and genuinely worth the price if you arrive hungry. The staff is helpful about explaining the cooking process for people who have not done Korean BBQ before.

Sweet Treats and Desserts Worth Seeking Out

Nashville has a strong dessert culture and several spots have built loyal followings around a single signature item.

Here are some of the best dessert stops in the city:

• Goo Goo Cluster Shop on Broadway sells the famous Nashville candy that has been made since 1912, including creative new flavors alongside the original
• Las Paletas in 12South makes Mexican style popsicles using fresh fruit and natural ingredients in flavors like hibiscus, tamarind, and avocado
• Five Daughters Bakery is famous for its 100 layer croissant donuts, which sell out early most days and are worth arriving early to get
• Sweet 16th in East Nashville is a neighborhood bakery with exceptional cupcakes, cookies, and seasonal desserts made from scratch daily

Neighborhood Food Guide: Where to Eat Based on Where You Are

Different parts of Nashville have different food personalities. Knowing the neighborhoods helps you plan smarter.

Practical Tips for Eating Well in Nashville

A few practical points will make your eating experience in Nashville much smoother. Reservations matter more here than in many cities. Popular spots like Rolf and Daughters and The 404 Kitchen book up days in advance on weekends. Making reservations through OpenTable or Resy as soon as you know your schedule is the smartest move.

Lines are real at casual spots like Hattie B’s and Biscuit Love. Going on weekday mornings or early afternoons cuts wait times dramatically. Bringing cash to older spots like Brown’s Diner and Prince’s original location is a good idea since some do not accept cards or add fees for card payments.

Parking varies by neighborhood. East Nashville and 12South have street parking that fills up on weekends. The Gulch has paid parking lots that are convenient if a little expensive. Many visitors find that using a rideshare app for restaurant hopping is easier than moving a car multiple times throughout the day.

Nashville Will Feed You Well If You Know Where to Go

Nashville’s food scene is deep, diverse, and getting better every year. From the legendary hot chicken at Prince’s to the handmade pasta at Rolf and Daughters, from Korean BBQ in Nolensville to fresh paletas in 12South, this city offers genuine eating experiences at every price level and in every style.

The key to eating well in Nashville is doing a little planning before you arrive. Know which neighborhoods match your mood, make reservations where needed, arrive early at popular casual spots, and stay open to exploring beyond the most famous names on every list. The best meals in Nashville often happen at places that have not gone viral yet.