A Guide to the Nashville Food Scene
George Bernard Shaw once said, “There is no sincerer love than the love of food.” Nashville, Tennessee has always been known for its creative artist and music scene – but in recent years it’s also made a name for itself amongst the foodies of the world. So hit the road and head to where the tea is sweet and the chicken is hot. If you’re in need of some restaurant recommendations, here is our list of the best restaurants in Nashville:
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
If you’re looking for some authentic Nashville hot chicken, then look no further than Hattie B’s. While this chicken trend was once hyper-local, this no-frills joint has put it on the map due to its spicy deliciousness. Whether you want something with no heat or you want to tempt fate and test the resilience of your taste buds with their “Shut the Cluck Up” extra spicy style, this is the spot to try some world-famous chicken. Don’t forget to order a few classic southern sides like black-eyed pea salad, baked beans, coleslaw, and fries. But, be prepared to wait an hour or two during the lunch rush — everyone wants a taste of this place!
112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Biscuit Love
Starting as a humble food truck, Biscuit Love has transformed into a full-scale restaurant and Nashville staple. Owned by a husband and wife team, this playful and locally-sourced southern brunch spot has become popular with locals — with two new locations opening up. If you want the true original experience, visit their flagship brick-and-mortar location in the trendy neighborhood of the Gulch for some good old fashioned breakfast options. While the menu includes everything from bonuts (donuts made with biscuit dough) to burgers to grits, the biscuits are where the magic truly is. We recommend trying the “Eat Nasty,” which features their famous biscuits, boneless fried chicken, aged cheddar, and some hearty sausage gravy.
316 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Husk
James Beard Award-winning chef, Sean Brock, has declared that any ingredient coming into his restaurant better be from the south, and only the south. He says that it’s not about southern flavors, but rather exploring the reality of southern food. House-pickling, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and charcuterie are all staples at Husk. With a twice-daily changing menu that is to-die for, the list of reservations looks like the society pages of a glossy magazine, with celebrities like Darius Rucker and the Zac Brown Band frequenting this hot spot.
7 Rutledge St, Nashville, TN 37210
Pancake Pantry
The people of Nashville love the Pancake Pantry — you can see it for yourself as the line wraps around the building each morning. Since 1961, this mom-and-pop cultural hangout has been whipping up 23 varieties of pancakes from scratch every morning starting at 6 AM on the dot. The family has been making trips to Great Smoky Mountains for fresh-milled Tennessee flour for generations as the basis for their mouthwatering secret recipes. This is a bucket list item for any foodie visiting the city.
1796 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Sinema
Located in the restored historic Melrose Theater, Sinema Restaurant + Bar takes classic American dishes and makes you fall in love with them again by mixing them up a bit — like the scallops with black garlic brown butter and spinach orzotto. This culinary hot spot has received national praise from outlets like Eater, Bon Appetit, Tasting Table, Zagat, Thrillist, Southern Living, and Food Network. Inside you’ll find a timeless menu, as well as screens playing classic movies and heavy drapes that pay homage to its original host. So just grab a cocktail or enjoy a full steakhouse dining experience in this unique venue.
2600 8th Ave S Suite 102, Nashville, TN 37204
I Dream of Weenie
This fun and whimsical hot dog food truck is based out of a bright yellow VW bus. This “full service weenery” has an extensive menu of different hot dogs with toppings like pimento cheese, mac and cheese, hashbrown casserole, and southern slaw. Served on your choice of beef, turkey, or veggie hot dogs (or a bratwurst for an extra dollar), I Dream of Weenie has something to fit everyone’s dietary restrictions and palette.
113 S 11th St, Nashville, Tennessee
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Home of the west-Tennessee whole hog BBQ, where “pig is king,” it’s no wonder that Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint is always packed. The delicious smell of roasting meat from the smoker pit tantalizes the senses and will make anyone want to throw their diet right out the window. Martin’s has some of the best BBQ in Nashville due their 24-hour roasting of a 200 pound pig and a secret blend of spices to create that perfect bite of pork. Plus, with a backyard beer garden it’s the perfect place to hang out with friends and family.
410 4th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37201
Rolf & Daughters
Serving up fresh and delicious pasta in modern yet rustic digs, Rolf & Daughters does what the chef calls “modern peasant food” right. Southern-inspired Italian food is the star of the menu, but it features unusual ingredients such as seaweed butter, green garlic, and longfin squid. But don’t let the unique ingredients fool you — the rustic sauces and handmade dough give you a warm and homey feeling. So, do some indulgent ordering and get ready to want to lick your plate clean.
700 Taylor St, Nashville, TN 37208