Nashville may be Music City, USA, but it’s also a culinary capital of the South. With new restaurants popping up every week it seems, there are so many different destinations to choose from for lunch or dinner. Depending on what mood you’re in, select from our list of the best places to eat in Nashville, TN!
For more places to eat in Nashville, TN, download our free Travel Guide. It features local restaurants, outdoor activities, music venues, and more to add to your itinerary!
10 of the Best Places to Eat in Nashville, TN
The Treehouse Restaurant
One of the most popular places to eat in Nashville, TN, is the Treehouse Restaurant. This rustic American eatery features unique outdoor seating and late-night hours perfect for a drink stop past midnight. The locally sourced and chef-driven Treehouse Restaurant in Nashville is a trendy hangout in the 5-Points area and boasts a delicious cocktail bar along with a superb menu.
Etch Restaurant
Etch Restaurant in Nashville is the place to go for eclectic upscale dining. Boasting a fantastic cocktail and wine list, Etch is a favorite destination for happy hour and dinner. Sit in the lounge area and enjoy some great food and drink deals from 4-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Snack on octopus and shrimp bruschetta, short ribs, or roasted cauliflower. And pair with featured draft beers, wines, or a smoked old fashioned with syrup and a cherry garnish.
Arnold’s Country Kitchen
For authentic Southern soul food, dine at Arnold’s Country Kitchen in Nashville, TN. Serving scrumptious home-cooked classics for over 30 years, Arnold’s is is a longtime favorite of places to eat in Nashville, TN. Pair your fried chicken, brisket, and roast beef with sides such as green beans, stewed okra, mac and cheese, and fried green tomatoes. Then follow up with pecan pie, bread pudding, or chocolate pie. The menu differs from day to day, so be prepared for some alternate main meats, sides, and desserts.
City House
This buzzing Italian spot is a favorite of places to eat in Nashville, TN. At City House in Nashville, you will discover pizza, pasta, and homemade sausage made with Southern ingredients and flair. Pair your delicious carbs with some Tennessee whiskey or Kentucky bourbon, of which City House has quite the variety.
Butcher & Bee
This hip choice of places to eat in Nashville, TN has a counterpart in Charleston, SC. You’ll love the one-of-a-kind American fare and adventurous farm-fresh ingredients used at Butcher & Bee. The regularly changing menu includes seasonal from-scratch recipes made with sustainably raised meats.
The Pharmacy
For some of the best burgers in town and an old-time soda fountain, check out The Pharmacy. This happening Biergarten serves legendary milkshakes, ice cream sodas, and German wurst along with mouthwatering burgers.
Merchants
One of our personal favorite places to eat in Nashville, TN, is Merchants. This two-level restaurant has casual bistro fare downstairs and formal dining on the second floor. Depending on your mood, select which option best works for your evening. The second floor also comes with great views of downtown nightlife!
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Whole hog BBQ doesn’t get any better than Martin’s! The signature Jack’s Creek sauce is aged 13 months in bourbon barrels and is the perfect touch to the best BBQ in Nashville. Try a classic savory pulled pork sandwich or experiment with cornbread pancakes featuring coleslaw and sweet BBQ sauce.
Two Ten Jack
This modern outpost features Japanese small plates, ramen, and sushi that is to die for! At Two Ten Jack, you’ll find some incredible selections and flavors, from shishito peppers as an appetizer to chicken broth ramen with collards and soft egg for a main entree.
Rolf & Daughters
And to top off our list of the 10 best places to eat in Nashville, TN, we have Rolf & Daughters. You’ll lick your lips at the dessert menu, which includes a warm chocolate mousse, lemongrass panna cotta with mint and sherbet, or the strawberry sorbet with lime curd. And don’t forget about the signature drinks, like the “Wild Thing” with vodka, strawberry shrub, bitters, lemon, and prosecco.
After Dinner, Retreat to Your Private Nashville Loft
Several of our Nashville properties are within a walk or short drive of these top-rated restaurants. Stay in the heart of the city at Nashville Loft, a one-bed, one-bath stylish property that sleeps four. Nestled in the middle of the Music & Entertainment District, you’ll have access to the best restaurants, concerts, and museums. And this beautiful loft features trendy design and decor, from the 100-year-old restored hardwood floors to the open industrial ceiling. Book your stay with Playlist Properties today!