Nashville, TN, is widely known for its bustling music scene, but the city’s food culture is equally impressive.
From world-famous hot chicken to upscale Southern dining and innovative new spots, Nashville offers something for every palate.
If you’re craving a taste of the local food scene, this guide will take you through some of the best food in Nashville, TN — from casual bites to unforgettable dining experiences.
Hot Chicken: Nashville’s Signature Dish
No conversation about Nashville’s culinary scene is complete without mentioning hot chicken. This spicy, crispy specialty is a must-try for locals and visitors alike.
Top Hot Chicken Spots:
- Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: Known for its spice levels ranging from mild to extra, extra spicy. Pair it with mac and cheese or coleslaw for the ultimate combo.
- Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack: The originator of Nashville hot chicken, offering heat and flavor perfected over decades.
- Party Fowl: Creative twists on hot chicken, like the Hot Chicken Cuban sandwich or Hot Chicken and Beignets.
- 400 Degrees: A hidden gem known for its serious heat levels and hand-cut fries.
If you’re a true hot chicken enthusiast, consider visiting during the annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival on July 4th. It’s a celebration of Nashville’s most iconic dish with live music, local vendors, and, of course, plenty of spicy bites.
Barbecue Done Right
Tennessee barbecue holds a special place in Nashville’s food scene. Known for smoky flavors and tender meats, it’s a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Top Barbecue Joints:
- Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint: Famous for whole-hog barbecue cooked low and slow, paired with baked beans and cornbread.
- Edley’s Bar-B-Que: Casual, laid-back spot with favorites like barbecue nachos and brisket tacos.
- Peg Leg Porker: Award-winning ribs and pulled pork featuring a signature dry rub.
- Shotgun Willie’s BBQ: Known for its Texas-inspired smoked brisket and perfectly seasoned ribs.
Barbecue lovers will also appreciate the vibrant food truck scene in Nashville, where you can often find incredible smoked meats on the go.
Global Flavors in Music City
While Nashville is famous for its Southern roots, its global food scene has been gaining traction. Whether it’s tacos, sushi, or Mediterranean fare, you’ll find it here.
Must-Visit Global Cuisine Spots:
- Mas Tacos Por Favor: Fried avocado tacos and house-made tortilla soup steal the show.
- O-Ku Nashville: Exceptional sushi with creative touches. O-Ku adds a Southern twist in Germantown.
- Epice: Lebanese delights like falafel, grilled kebabs, and hummus in a cozy setting.
- Yolan: Fine Italian dining with house-made pastas, curated wines, and standout dishes like truffle risotto.
Craving something bold and unique? The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden in East Nashville pairs German-style bratwurst, schnitzel burgers, and craft beers with a laid-back beer garden vibe.
Brunch Spots Worth Waking Up For
Brunch is practically a Nashville tradition, and the city is brimming with options for the late-morning crowd.
Top Brunch Locations:
- The Pancake Pantry: A classic since the 1960s, serving famous sweet potato pancakes topped with cinnamon cream.
- The Mockingbird: Modern comfort food with creative dishes like the “Bird” BLT and mac-and-cheese gratin.
- Biscuit Love: Freshly baked biscuits topped with sausage gravy, fried chicken, or house-made jam. Don’t skip the Bonuts (biscuit-doughnut hybrids).
- Butcher & Bee: Middle Eastern-inspired dishes like whipped feta, mezze platters, and hearty sandwiches, paired with craft cocktails.
- The Butter Milk Ranch: A newer brunch favorite offering Southern staples like fluffy biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, and decadent cinnamon rolls.
For brunch with a view, head to The Bridge at Omni Nashville Hotel, where you can enjoy delicious fare overlooking the city skyline.
Southern Comfort Food: Traditional Meets Modern
Nashville excels at delivering traditional comfort food with a modern spin.
Southern Comfort Favorites:
- Arnold’s Country Kitchen: Classic meat-and-three with options like fried catfish, collard greens, and creamed corn.
- The Southern Steak & Oyster: Upscale Southern dining with dishes like shrimp and grits, smoked pork chops, and fried green tomatoes.
- Monell’s: Communal dining with endless platters of fried chicken, biscuits, and Southern sides.
- Swett’s Restaurant: Long-standing soul food spot serving favorites like smothered pork chops, candied yams, and banana pudding.
Looking for a true farm-to-table experience? Lockeland Table combines Southern ingredients with modern flair in an inviting, rustic setting.
Farm-to-Table and Fine Dining
Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients are the focus at Nashville’s top farm-to-table and fine dining establishments.
Farm-to-Table Highlights:
- Husk Nashville: Chef Sean Brock celebrates Southern ingredients with dishes like wood-fired meats and heirloom vegetables.
- The Catbird Seat: A tasting menu experience with interactive dining and ever-changing dishes.
- Henrietta Red: Seasonal small plates, fresh oysters, and inspired cocktails served in a chic Germantown setting.
- Rolf and Daughters: Creative, seasonal dishes paired with craft cocktails and an inviting ambiance.
Nashville’s fine dining scene continues to grow, offering a perfect blend of culinary artistry and locally inspired ingredients.
Sweet Treats and Desserts
Round out your food tour with a visit to one of Nashville’s top dessert spots.
Top Dessert Picks:
- The Cupcake Collection: Freshly baked cupcakes in decadent flavors like sweet potato and strawberry.
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Unique ice cream flavors like Brown Butter Almond Brittle and Brambleberry Crisp.
- Mike’s Ice Cream: Downtown favorite for classic milkshakes and inventive ice cream flavors.
- The Loveless Cafe: Legendary fruit pies, chess pies, and biscuits worth the trip.
- Five Daughters Bakery: Famous for their 100-layer doughnuts, a flaky and indulgent treat perfect for any sweet tooth.
Whether you prefer pies, cupcakes, or ice cream, Nashville has plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth after a day of indulging.
Savor the Best Food in Nashville, TN
From iconic hot chicken to upscale Southern dining and international flavors, Nashville is a city that celebrates its culinary roots while embracing fresh, global influences.
Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the weekend, there’s no shortage of delicious options to explore. The best food in Nashville, TN, truly offers something for every taste and occasion.
If you’re ready to make Music City your home, HND Realty LLC can help you find the perfect place to settle in. With properties for rent and sale across Nashville’s most sought-after neighborhoods — including Antioch, Old Hickory, and Hermitage — we make it easy to live, work, and dine in one of the country’s most vibrant cities.
Contact us today to learn more about our properties and find your home in the best of Nashville.
