Downtown

Drusie & Darr

To launch this restaurant, the historic Hermitage Hotel recruited internationally acclaimed restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten, marking his first venture into the American South. Named 2023’s “Best Restaurant” in the Nashville Scene’s Best of Nashville Writer’s Choice poll, you’ll discover an emphasis on seafood paired with Tennessee vegetables. They keep their wood-fired oven busy.

Bourbon Steak

In the strictest sense, it’s a steakhouse. But those who’ve dined there have been wowed by the view, the service, and quality of the food of this rooftop restaurant in the JW Marriott. Not a steak lover? Chose sea bass, chicken milanese, or Main lobster pot pie. It topped the 2023 Nashville Scene Readers’ Poll for “Best Restaurant with a View” and placed second for “Best Restaurant.” Entrees start at $46 with sides ala carte.

SoBro

Yolan

Ranking #1 on Food & Wine’s “The 10 Best Restaurants According to Readers” poll, Yolan has soared from solid recommendation to must-try. Whether you select their 8-course dinner or dine ala carte, the evening is designed to take your taste buds on an eclectic tour with an nod to Italy. At this writing, the tasting menu is $115/person with selections changing with the seasons. On Friday and Saturday evenings, guests can opt for their exclusive experience called La Tavola in La Cucina. Susan raves about the ravioli and found the service impeccable. Desserts are considered among Nashville’s most spectacular, courtesy of pastry chef Noelle Marchetti, a previous James Beard nominee. Chef Tony Mantauno is a former James Beard winner. Located in the sleek Joseph Hotel.

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Local favorite chef Deb Paquette embraces the world, delighting in adding surprising flavors to salads, sides and entrees such as venison and confit duck leg. Mentor to many local chefs, her kitchen invites rising talent to express themselves. The restaurant features a bar, two private dining rooms, and a chef’s bar where guests interact with Deb and her staff. Special acknowledgement to the stunning creations of pastry chef Megan Williams. Many items can be modified for vegans.

Husk

Husk proclaims itself staunchly southern and rustic. Ingredients are often harvested from the restaurant’s own garden. The location is noteworthy—an 1880s mansion atop Rutledge Hill just south of downtown. TIP: The budget-conscious might like to know about the Saturday and Sunday brunch where, for under $20, you can enjoy a traditional breakfast, fried catfish, or a grain-fed burger.

Midtown

Midtown Cafe

With all the new arrivals, it’s easy to overlook Randy Rayburn’s 35-year-old monument to consistently delicious Southern fare with flair. Offerings include lobster mac’n’cheese, shrimp and grits, voodoo pasta and Coca-Cola BBQ beef short ribs. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A nice perk: they offer free shuttle service to events at Symphony Hall, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Ryman Auditorium and Bridgestone Arena with advance reservations and a $40/person minimum.

The Catbird Seat

Heads turned in 2011 when word spread that Nashville had a restaurant with only 22 seats and a price of $135+ per diner. The number of courses vary (10-12 typically) but this is more experience than dinner with guests seated around a U-shaped table while the chef guides you through a three-hour adventure of inventive tastings and beverage pairings. Some consider it the ultimate special occasion restaurant while a few feel the evening falls short of high expectations.

Germantown

Henrietta Red

“One of the few restaurants that is great top to bottom, appetizers to desserts,” raves my friend Susan the Foodie. On her short list of places she takes out-of-towners, she likes their wine list, the cocktails and their creative turns in the kitchen. Owner/chef Julia Sullivan, a native Nashvillian, delights in her daily cava and oyster happy hour and in pairing such proteins as scallops and beef tartare with earthy vegetables. If you’re with a group, opt for the three- or four-course family-style dinner. Susan finds the bar can be noisy but things settle down in the dining room. Ranked second in the 2023 Nashville Scene Readers’ Poll for “Best Seafood.”

Rolf & Daughters

I love the industrial setting—the former boiler room of a paper bag manufacturer dating back to the 1800s. But there’s a downside. That big, open room can be quite loud when tables are full. Chef Philip Krajeck’s menu leans toward hearty fare with delectable blends of protein and vegetables such as sausage with eggplant. Susan lists it among the places she takes out-of-town guests although she says, “The food can be great but I’ve been a few times when it felt like the menu and the service were lackluster.” More affordable than many of its rivals.

Tailor

The open kitchen, the gorgeous atmosphere and the genial staff are often touted at Tailor. Oh, and the food! Chef/owner Vivek Surti loves sharing stories about the South Asian selections prepared for you as you navigate an 8-course meal. You have the option of chef’s clear or dining room seating for around 40 guests with two seatings per evening. Vegetarians are gladly accommodated.

City House 

Can pizza qualify as elevated dining? Possibly with James Beard-acclaimed Tandy Wilson at the helm. Menu choices also include linguini, roasted chicken, and bread gnocchi. His belly ham pizza gets high marks. Good wine list and acclaimed cocktails. Food and service are consistently reliable, says Susan. Escape the noise near the bar by dining upstairs. If your schedule permits, go for the Sunday Supper–an ever-changing menu of small plates and pizzas.

The Optimist

The Nashville branch of an Atlanta-based restaurant, this self-described “fish camp and oysters” spot offers a variety of tasty entrees priced around the $40 mark. Also popular are their shareable plateaux, combinations of oysters, shrimp, ceviche, dips and more. It reeled in the “Best Seafood” title in the 2023 Nashville Scene’s Readers’ Poll.

The Gulch

Adele’s

For years, this former garage was our go-to auto maintenance. These days the restaurant is in tune with California’s tastes. Adele’s brunch scored a Top 3 ranking in the Nashville Scene’s Readers’ Poll. My friends disagree: Clair proclaimed it her favorite restaurant while Susan finds it overrated.

Chauhan Ale & Masala House

Chef Maneet Chauhan gained national acclaim as a judge on The Food Network’s “Chopped.” Housed in a rustic old industrial building, her team creates hearty Indian-inspired offerings and fragrant dinner options. We found the tandoori chicken poutine brunch appetizer a meal in itself.

WeHo (Wedgewood-Houston)

Bastion

Patrons recommend you visit the adjoining Big Bar for a drink and maybe an order of nachos before your reservation. And vegetarians, you’ll be happy here too. There are only 24 seats so expect an intimate yet engaging experience for your six-course meal overseen by Josh Habiger, a 2023 Best Chef finalist for a James Beard Award. If going with a group of 4-6, order The Feast to enjoy family-style dining.

Present Tense

The proprietors like the term “modern izakaya style dining experience” to describe lunch or dinner at Present Tense. Heavily influenced by minimalist Japanese cuisine, the crown jewel is its 12-course, 2-hour tasting menu. The carefully curated libations accent the creative dishes.

IL Forno

Proclaimed by Reddit readers as one of the. city’s best restaurants for Italian cuisine, wood-fired pizza are the calling card but they also do a wonderful job with pasta.

12South

Locust

Named as the only Nashville restaurant in USA Today’s Top 100, Locust was also honored by Food & Wine as “Restaurant of the Year” and the Nashville Scene’s Writers’ 2022 Choice Award for “Best Restaurant.” Chef Trevor Moran comes with solid cred after stays at Copenhagen’s Noma and Nashville’s The Catbird Seat. Dumplings served from the open kitchen are sumptuous. Dessert is a showstopper. With only eight tables, dining is designed to be an intimate experience. Note: it’s only open Friday-Sunday with both lunch and dinner service. Very tough to get a reservation.

Urban Grub

At first glance, you might think “oh, another steak and seafood restaurant” but you’d be deceived. Great care is taken with everything including their secret weapon–a succulent double-cut pork chop. The shrimp’n’grits are done right and they don’t scrimp on the crab in the crab cakes. A beyond-the-norm selection of interesting sides. Seating options include some nifty little firepits.

East Nashville

Audrey

A love letter to his grandmother who inspired him to cook, chef Sean Brook (named “Best Chef” in the 2023 Nashville Scene’s Readers’ Poll) stays true to her Appalachian roots. Even though the foods are earthy, the prices are more fitting an upscale pocketbook; elevated chicken-and-dumplings are $55, cheese grits are $20. For the adventurous, choose the four-course offering called “The Feast” for $99.

Butcher & Bee

Born in Charleston, this outpost excels in casual elegance. Foodie Susan ranks it high on her list for its culinary creativity and well-executed cocktails. Moderately priced, the spicy avocado salad is $18 while the menu tops out with a $40 Wagyu strip steak. Go for their delectable appetizers such as the honey glazed whipped feta dip and a drink if not for a meal.

Kisser

The only Tennessee restaurant to make the New York Times’ “50 Most Exciting Restaurants” 2023 list, this Japanese diner wows patrons with a short list of signature dishes including onigiri, inari, ochazuke, and udon carbonara. It was named “Best New Restaurant” in the Nashville Scene’s Writers’ Poll for 2023. Note: it’s only open for lunch.

Lockeland Table

Placing second as “Best Restaurant” in the Nashville Scene 2022 Readers’ Poll and first for their happy hour in the 2023 edition, the menu adds a touch of refinement to empanadas, pizzas and mussels. Their black-eyed pea hummus is an appetizing smash.

Lyra

Mediterranean delights at affordable prices. People rave about their tasting platters of hummus and breads. Falafel gets big points too. Melissa the Vegan loves that she can always find something great on the menu. Highlights include Lamb Kefta Saneye, Tamarind Pickled Shrimp and Kuhdar Platter.

Margot

For more than 20 years, Margot McCormack has consistently delivered palate-pleasing, French-inspired fare. Even amid the influx of new restaurants, Margot ranked #3 in Nashville Scene‘s 2022 Readers Poll. Jessica says her pan-roasted chicken is reliably delicious but consider venturing to vegetable lasagna or one of her seafood offerings. Her desserts come highly recommended to conclude your meal.

Noko

This Asian-inspired spot placed #1 as “Best Restaurant” according to the Nashville Scene’s Readers Poll and YELP proclaimed it “Best New Restaurant in the South.” People rave about the atmosphere, the service, and attention to detail. A sampling of offerings: tuna crispy rice, wood-fired edamame,  salmon carpaccio, and lobster bao buns. A tip from a Redditor: go with a group of six or more and share around the table.

Pelican & Pig

Chosen “2019 Restaurant of the Year” by EaterNashville, the restaurant describes itself as “Creative. Playful. Live-fire cooking.” The open kitchen evidences their love for fiery creations as wood oven-roasted oysters, crispy brussel sprouts, grilled carrots, and heritage pork chop. On a chilly night, you’ll want to warm up to their fireplace.

Peninsula

Your go-to for flavors from the Iberian Peninsula, it consistently gets rave reviews from Redditors.  The menu changes seasonally with a new listing each month. At this writing, options include lobster with chewy rice, octopus with passion fruit and burnt onion, and kohlrabi, maitake and wasabi.

Two Jack Ten

Redditors rave about this Japanese-inspired pub for its relaxed atmosphere and buttoned-down attention to detail on dishes including ramen, yakitori, kushiyaki, and sushi. Its roster of small plates are ideal for communal sampling. Unlike many of its peers, lunch is served Monday-Friday, 11am-2pm.

Sylvan Park/The Nations

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The ever-changing menu makes it tough to offer recommendations. Know that they like to add their own innovations to classic dishes. On Wednesdays and Sundays, they offer Family Suppers to go.

Park Cafe’

We think of it as a special occasion and happy hour go-to but lots of local folks love it on a more regular basis. What impresses is their attention to detail with an emphasis on seasoning and sauces. Love the salmon, the roasted chicken, the Szechuan green beans, the smoked Gouda grits, and the creme brûlée.  Tammy the server told us that Dolly Parton is a big fan of the green chili mac’n’cheese. So there!

Additional locations

Sperry’s

Belle Meade and Brentwood. If you want to dine where Nashville’s old money has gathered for decades, try Sperry’s in Belle Meade. Very clubby and possibly not daring enough for the consummate foodie, the star attractions are their crab cakes and prime rib but you can opt for other all-American favorites including steaks. You’ll likely need a reservation.