Forget what the travel brochures say. To really eat well in Nashville, you need the inside scoop about the best places to eat in Nashville from folks who call it home.
Nashville, Tennessee, is known for so many great things, including honky tonks, the Grand Ole Opry, country music, and fantastic food! Because there are so many best local restaurants in Nashville, it can be challenging to decide where to eat, but don’t stress. We created this list to help you out! Here is a local guide on where to eat in Nashville, TN.
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This handpicked list is designed to guide you through the city’s diverse food landscape, from traditional Southern comfort foods to innovative cuisine that pushes the boundaries of flavor. Whether you’re craving smoky barbecue, hot chicken that brings tears to your eyes, or a gourmet meal that tells a story of Tennessee on a plate, our guide is your key to unlocking the true taste of Nashville. While it was challenging to narrow down this list, these restaurants are our top recommendations.
Best Local Restaurants in Nashville, TN
Biscuit Love
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Biscuit Love is an extremely popular restaurant in Nashville and for a good reason. They have some of the best biscuits that you can get. While you are there, be sure to get one of their most popular menu items- bonuts! Bonuts are donuts made from fried biscuit dough and they are delicious.
Biscuit Love has three locations in Nashville- The Gulch, Hillsboro Village, and Franklin. If you plan to visit on the weekend, We recommend going as early in the morning as possible. The lines at Biscuit Love tend to be long but it is worth it.
| Biscuit Love Location | Where | Who |
|---|---|---|
| The Gulch | 316 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 (Get Direction) | +16154909584 |
| Hillsboro Village | 2001 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN 37212 (Get Direction) | +16156103336 |
| Franklin | 132 3rd Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064 (Get Direction) | +16159050386 |
Puckett’s Grocery
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If you are looking for a Nashville restaurant to enjoy good food and live music, Puckett’s is the restaurant for you! Puckett’s serves delicious southern food such as BBQ, homemade cobbler, burgers, and more.
While the food at Puckett’s is delicious, in our opinion the best part is the live music. Puckett’s hosts different artists every weekend. This is the perfect place to hang out on a Friday or Saturday night.
Where: 500 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219 (Get Direction)
Who: +16157702772
Emmy Squared
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In our opinion, Emmy Squared is the best place in Nashville to get pizza! They have deep dish style pizza and delicious garlic sticks that any pizza lover is sure to enjoy. If pizza isn’t really your thing, Emmy Squared has also received an award for the best burger in Nashville.
In addition to having amazing pizza, Emmy Squared also has a great vibe. The restaurant is made from shipping containers and each table is lit with a candle. If you plan to visit Emmy Squared on a weekend, be sure to make a reservation online before you go to avoid a long wait.
| Emmy Squared Location | Where | Who |
|---|---|---|
| The Gulch | 404 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 (Get Direction) | +16152482662 |
| East Nashville | 1000 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206 (Get Direction) | +16155385111 |
| Green Hills | 3821 Green Hills Village Dr, Nashville, TN 37215 (Get Direction) | +16158005400 |
Peg Leg Porker
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Peg Leg Porker is the perfect Nashville restaurant for anyone who loves BBQ. Choose from ribs, chicken wings, or my personal favorite, a pulled pork sandwich! Peg Leg Porker is located in the Gulch, making it the perfect place to stop for lunch while exploring the neighborhood.
Where: The Gulch – 903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203 (Get Directions)
Who: +16158296023
Arnold’s Country Kitchen
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Arnold’s Country Kitchen is the best place in Nashville to get southern food! Their menu changes daily and they keep it simple by offering meat, sides, and dessert. Arnold’s is set up as a cafeteria style restaurant where you grab a red tray and choose what you would like.
While Arnold’s is nothing fancy, the food and the atmosphere is fantastic. If you visit, be sure to get their mac & cheese and banana pudding!
Where: 605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 (Get Direction)
Who: +16152564455
Hattie B’s
Nashville is known for its hot chicken and no trip to Nashville would be complete without trying it! While there are several great places in Nashville to get hot chicken, Hattie B’s is one of the best. You can choose from a hot chicken sandwich, hot chicken tenders, or bone-in hot chicken
If you choose to eat at Hattie B’s, don’t underestimate the heat level of the hot chicken. We chose to get the mild chicken and even that was spicy. We have no idea how people are able to eat the hottest flavors.
| Hattie B’s Location | Where | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown | 112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 (Get Direction) | +16158025700 |
| Lower Broadway | 5069 Broadway Suite A-103, Nashville, TN 37203 (Get Direction) | +16155768700 |
| Melrose | 2222 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 (Get Direction) | +16157224700 |
| West | 5209 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209 (Get Direction) | +16155763900 |
| Airport | 1 Terminal Dr, Nashville, TN 37214 (Get Direction) |
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Pinewood Social
Pinewood Social is the ultimate place to hangout in Nashville! It is a restaurant, a coffee bar, a bowling alley, and has two swimming pools. Pinewood Social is the perfect place to chill with your friends on a Saturday night or get some work done on a Monday morning.
Just like a lot of other restaurants on this list, if you plan to visit Pinewood Social on a weekend, We recommend making a reservation. This is definitely a popular spot in Nashville and you will want to avoid the long wait if possible.
Where: 33 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210 (Get Direction)
Who: +16157518111
Five Daughters Bakery
If you are looking for the best donuts in Nashville, you will definitely want to check out Five Daughters Bakery. These donuts are considered to be a combination of a donut and a croissant- they have 100 layers! The sugar, filling, and glaze topping make these donuts a delicious treat.
| Five Daughters Bakery Location | Where | Who |
|---|---|---|
| 12th South | 1110 Caruthers Ave, Nashville, TN 37204 (Get Direction) | +16154906554 |
| East Nashville | 1900 Eastland Ave #101, Nashville, TN 37206 (Get Direction) | +16158911293 |
| L&L Market | 3820 Charlotte Ave #128, Nashville, TN 37209 (Get Direction) | +16154572961 |
| 5th & Broadway | 5036 Broadway Suite C-213, Nashville, TN 37203 (Get Direction) | +16159976993 |
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The Pancake Pantry
Can you guess what the Pancake Pantry in Nashville is known for? Pancakes of course! If you love pancakes, this is definitely a restaurant that you will want to visit. The Pancake Pantry has delicious pancake flavors including Caribbean Pancakes, Sweet Potato Pancakes, Banana Bread Pancakes, Georgia Peach Pancakes, and more! You are sure to find a flavor that you love.
When you first show up at the Pancake Pantry, don’t be surprised if the line to get in is wrapped around the street. Luckily, this line doesn’t take long so don’t let it scare you away. Once you finish enjoying your pancakes, there are plenty of great shops nearby to visit.
| The Pancake Pantry Location | Where | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Nashville | 220 Molloy St, Nashville, TN 37201 (Get Direction) | +16153839026 |
| Hillsboro Village | 1796 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212 (Get Direction) | +16153839333 |
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Summary – Places to Eat in Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee has so many delicious restaurants that it can be hard to decide where you should eat! Hopefully this list of the best restaurants in Nashville, TN will help you decide. Thank you for reading this post!
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FAQ’s
What’s a food you shouldn’t miss when in Nashville?
You’ve got to try the hot chicken; it’s a local favorite that’s deliciously spicy.
What should you definitely see in Nashville?
Make sure to visit the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame; they’re iconic!
Which restaurant is the toughest to get into in Nashville?
The Catbird Seat is super popular, so getting a reservation can be quite a challenge.
What food is Nashville famous for?
Nashville is known for its mouth-watering hot chicken and also its biscuits and gravy.
How should you not dress in Nashville?
Keep it casual; Nashville’s style is laid-back and trendy, so no need for formal wear.
Where should you avoid going in downtown Nashville?
It’s best to steer clear of Lower Broadway if you don’t like crowded, touristy spots.
