What are the best restaurants in Nashville?
Music City is teeming with cafes and restaurants, and we’ve narrowed it down to the nine most delicious.
#9 Best Nashville Restaurant: Deacon’s New South
Deacon’s New South sits on the ground floor of the historic L&C Tower downtown. Headed by Chris Calder, the steakhouse dry ages all of its meats in-house — and the menu’s beef items make ample use of Cajun flavors. Deacon’s seasonal seafood offerings also light up the menu. And if you’re lucky enough to catch a meal when grilled oysters are on tap, don’t pass them up! So, if you’re looking for the best brunch in Nashville, it has to be at one of these new Nashville restaurants in town that serves the lip-smacking meat preparations in beef, pork, lamb & chicken, apart from the mouthwatering seafood platters.
#8 Best Nashville Restaurant: Joey’s House of Pizza
Located in the Brentwood section of Nashville, Joey’s House of Pizza is where you go to stuff your face with gooey, tasty, giant Sicilian-style slices. The owner, Joey Macca, is a Brooklyn transplant. And though he’s lived in Nashville for over 30 years, that New York Pizza secret burst through every bite of his recipe. Hands down, Joey’s is the best pie to be found in Music City.
#7 Best Nashville Restaurant: East Side Banh Mi
East Side Banh Mi opened in the midst of the 2020 pandemic and, despite all odds, quickly became a local favorite. The culinary child of Gracie Nguyen and Chad Newton, two industry veterans, East Side Banh Mi offers up traditional Vietnamese dishes with modern twists. Everything, from ingredients to merch, is locally sourced. Caffeine addicts shouldn’t leave without trying the “half and half” — an iced coffee drink made with peanut rice milk that had a lot to do with East Side Banh Mi making our list of the best restaurants in Nashville.
#6 Best Nashville Restaurants: Rosie Food and Wine
The dining room at Mailea Weger’s Rosie Food & Wine feels like a homage to derivative Pinterest crafters, but the Parisian-inspired eatery’s food is anything but formulaic. Unusual for Nashville — a city known for its down-home cuisine that skews on the heavier side — Rosie’s menu is notably light and reminiscent of the SoCal scene. Come for the beautiful and delicious food. Stay for the wine.
#5 Best Nashville Restaurant: City House
What do you get when you mix rustic Italian dishes with flavors of the American south? The answer is City House cuisine. The kitchen of award-winning chef Tandy Wilson, City House has long been a culinary staple in Nashville. While the food is consistently excellent, the menu changes often. But Wilson’s signature belly ham pizza is usually available — and don’t forget to leave room for desserts crafted by resident pastry chef Rebekah Turshen.
#4 Best Nashville Restaurant: Chauhan Ale & Masala House
Celebrity Chef Maneet Chauhan partnered with Morph Hospitality to create Chauhan Ale & Masala House. Fusion is the name of the culinary game at the award-winning 12th Avenue eatery. Menu items — like the tandoori chicken poutine — are an amalgamation of Indian and Southern cuisine, and the beer list is long and considered!
#3 Best Nashville Restaurant: Yolan
Yolan sports a Michelin star, a James Beard Award-winning chef, and a hospitality and wine expert. Located in the Joseph Hotel, Yolan is a high-end Italian experience. Everything, from the delectable food to the incomparable service, is top-shelf. If you’re unsure what to choose, go with the tasting menu and expert wine pairing.
#2 Best Nashville Restaurant: 400 Degrees
Aqui Hines, 400 Degrees’ founder, grew up in Nashville eating Prince’s Hot Chicken. She loved the recipe but thought one change would make it even better: deep-frying instead of skillet frying. And it’s hard to argue with her improvement because 400 Degrees chicken is more than mouthwatering and easily makes our list of top restaurants in Nashville. But check your atmosphere expectations at the door. Hine’s hot spots are paper-plate casual — as most good fried chicken spots are.
#1 Best Nashville Restaurant: Peg Leg Porker BBQ
Pitmaster Carey Bringle is the mastermind behind Peg Leg Porker BBQ, and his irreverent vibe infuses all aspects of the restaurant. Everything is bold, brash, and just how Bringle likes it — including the food. But that’s a good thing — because the man understands what makes for a great casual dining experience. If you enjoy a tumbler of bourbon with your meat, Peg Leg Porker is the place to head. Those new to BBQ should opt for the dry-rub ribs.
We hope you enjoyed our list of restaurants in Nashville that slap! For information on other things to do in Nashville, click here. Now get out there and get munching!
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