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Nashville, Tennessee, isn’t just about country music anymore. It’s a thriving culinary destination, drawing food lovers from around the globe. But where do the real Nashville foodies, the ones in the know, the ones always chasing the next delicious experience, actually eat? It’s a constantly evolving landscape, but some spots consistently rise to the top, offering unique flavors, innovative menus, and unforgettable dining experiences. This guide unveils those hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems that capture the heart (and stomach) of the Nashville foodie scene.
The Fine Dining Destinations: Elevated Experiences
Nashville boasts a surprisingly sophisticated fine dining scene, blending Southern hospitality with world-class cuisine. These restaurants aren’t just about the food; they’re about the entire experience, from impeccable service to thoughtfully curated wine lists.
The Catbird Seat: Culinary Artistry
Nestled in the Thompson Hotel, The Catbird Seat offers an intimate and interactive dining experience. This chef-driven restaurant features a tasting menu that changes nightly, showcasing seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques. Reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, but the experience is worth the effort. The open kitchen allows guests to watch the chefs at work, creating a theatrical and engaging atmosphere. Expect bold flavors, artistic presentations, and a deep dive into the culinary creativity of the team. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a performance.
Audrey: Appalachian Roots, Modern Vision
Chef Sean Brock’s Audrey pays homage to Appalachian cuisine, elevating traditional flavors with modern techniques. Audrey is a celebration of Southern heritage and culinary innovation. The restaurant features a stunning dining room and a menu that highlights local farmers and producers. Diners can expect dishes like wood-fired oysters, slow-cooked meats, and inventive vegetable preparations. The beverage program is equally impressive, featuring a curated selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.
Bastion: Understated Excellence
Located in Wedgewood-Houston, Bastion offers a more casual, but equally impressive, fine dining experience. Chef Josh Habiger’s minimalist approach allows the quality of the ingredients to shine. The menu features a selection of small plates, perfect for sharing, and a rotating list of larger entrees. The cocktails are creative and well-executed, and the wine list is carefully curated. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a special occasion or a casual night out.
Casual Eats with Serious Flavor: Everyday Indulgence
Nashville foodies don’t just seek out fancy restaurants; they also appreciate the perfect casual meal. These spots deliver exceptional flavor without the fuss, offering delicious food in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: A Nashville Staple
No discussion of Nashville food is complete without mentioning hot chicken. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is a local favorite, serving up perfectly fried chicken with varying levels of heat. Be prepared for a wait, but the crispy, spicy chicken is well worth it. Choose your heat level carefully, as even the “mild” can pack a punch. The sides are equally delicious, including creamy mac and cheese and tangy coleslaw.
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack: The Original
While Hattie B’s is wildly popular, Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack is the original home of Nashville hot chicken. This no-frills establishment has been serving up its fiery chicken since the 1940s. Expect a long wait, especially on weekends, but you’ll be rewarded with a taste of Nashville history. Prince’s offers a more rustic and intense experience than Hattie B’s, with a focus on the heat and flavor of the chicken.
Mas Tacos Por Favor: Authentic Mexican Flavors
Mas Tacos Por Favor is a food truck turned brick-and-mortar restaurant serving up authentic Mexican tacos. The menu is simple but packed with flavor, featuring tacos filled with everything from roasted pork to fried avocado. The agua frescas are refreshing and the atmosphere is lively and fun. This is a great spot for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner.
Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish: A Hidden Gem
While Hattie B’s and Prince’s are the most well-known hot chicken spots, Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish offers a unique and equally delicious take on the Nashville classic. Bolton’s is known for its intensely spicy chicken and fish, as well as its friendly service and local atmosphere. This is a great spot to experience a more authentic and less touristy side of Nashville hot chicken.
International Flavors: A Global Gastronomic Journey
Nashville’s culinary scene extends far beyond Southern cuisine. The city boasts a diverse array of international restaurants, offering flavors from around the globe.
Nicky’s Coal Fired: Italian Excellence
Nicky’s Coal Fired is a popular spot for authentic Italian cuisine, specializing in coal-fired pizzas and homemade pastas. The pizzas are cooked to perfection, with a crispy crust and flavorful toppings. The pastas are equally impressive, made fresh daily and served with a variety of sauces. The wine list is extensive and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.
Thai Esane: Authentic Thai Cuisine
Thai Esane offers authentic Thai cuisine in a casual and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, from classic pad thai to more adventurous options like boat noodles and crispy duck. The spices are authentic and the ingredients are fresh. This is a great spot for a delicious and affordable Thai meal.
Edessa Restaurant: Turkish Delights
Edessa Restaurant brings the flavors of Turkey to Nashville. This restaurant serves a delightful array of Turkish dishes. From flavorful kebabs to rich stews and sweet desserts, the menu offers something for every palate. The ingredients are fresh, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a culinary adventure.
Brunch Hotspots: Weekend Indulgence
Brunch is a serious affair in Nashville, and the city boasts a plethora of restaurants offering delicious brunch menus. These are the spots where foodies gather on weekends to indulge in delicious food and refreshing drinks.
Biscuit Love: Southern Comfort Food
Biscuit Love is a Nashville institution, serving up delicious Southern comfort food with a modern twist. The biscuits are the star of the show, served with a variety of toppings, from fried chicken to blackberry jam. The restaurant is always busy, but the food is worth the wait. Be prepared to stand in line, especially on weekends.
Josephine: Refined Brunch Fare
Josephine offers a more refined brunch experience, with a menu that features seasonal ingredients and creative dishes. The pancakes are legendary, and the cocktails are expertly crafted. The atmosphere is elegant and relaxed, making it the perfect spot for a special occasion brunch.
Pinewood Social: Games and Grub
Pinewood Social is more than just a restaurant; it’s a social gathering place with bowling lanes, a coffee shop, and a swimming pool (seasonal). The brunch menu is diverse and delicious, with options ranging from avocado toast to fried chicken and waffles. The atmosphere is lively and fun, making it the perfect spot for a weekend brunch with friends.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites: Off the Beaten Path
Beyond the popular tourist spots, Nashville boasts a wealth of hidden gems and local favorites that are beloved by foodies. These restaurants offer unique flavors, authentic experiences, and a glimpse into the real Nashville.
Arnold’s Country Kitchen: A Meat-and-Three Tradition
Arnold’s Country Kitchen is a Nashville institution, serving up traditional meat-and-three meals since 1951. This cafeteria-style restaurant is a local favorite, known for its delicious Southern comfort food and affordable prices. Choose your meat and three sides from a daily selection of options, including fried chicken, roast beef, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
The 404 Kitchen: Intimate and Exceptional
Tucked away in a converted shipping container, The 404 Kitchen offers an intimate and exceptional dining experience. Chef Matt Bolus’s menu features seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes, showcasing his culinary creativity. The restaurant is small and cozy, with a limited number of seats, so reservations are essential.
Locust: Dumpling Delights
Locust specializes in dumplings, offering a variety of creative and flavorful options. The dumplings are made fresh daily and served with a variety of sauces and toppings. The restaurant is small and intimate, with a focus on quality and flavor. This is a great spot for a unique and delicious dining experience.
The Future of Nashville Food: Emerging Trends
Nashville’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and trends emerging all the time. Keep an eye out for these emerging trends shaping the future of Nashville food:
Emphasis on Local and Sustainable Ingredients: More restaurants are prioritizing local and sustainable ingredients, supporting local farmers and producers.
Chef-Driven Concepts: Talented chefs are opening their own restaurants, showcasing their unique culinary visions.
Global Influences: Nashville’s culinary scene is becoming increasingly diverse, with restaurants offering flavors from around the world.
Experiential Dining: Restaurants are creating more immersive and engaging dining experiences, combining food with art, music, and other forms of entertainment.
Exploring Nashville’s culinary scene is an adventure. From fine dining establishments to casual eateries and hidden gems, there is something for every foodie to discover in Music City. So, venture out, explore, and savor the delicious flavors that Nashville has to offer.
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What are some must-try Nashville dishes that foodies rave about?
Nashville boasts a vibrant culinary scene beyond its famous hot chicken. Some dishes that consistently impress include the meat-and-three, a hearty plate offering a choice of one meat and three side dishes – a true representation of Southern comfort food. Biscuits, especially those with local honey or jam, are another breakfast and brunch staple highly praised by food enthusiasts.
Beyond these, look for innovative takes on classic Southern ingredients. Chefs often experiment with smoked meats, locally sourced vegetables, and regional cheeses. Don’t miss out on the evolving cocktail scene, featuring craft cocktails incorporating Tennessee whiskey and other regional spirits alongside freshly pressed juices and house-made bitters.
Where can I find the best hot chicken in Nashville, besides the well-known spots?
While Hattie B’s and Prince’s Hot Chicken are famous for a reason, exploring alternative spots offers a more nuanced hot chicken experience. Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish and Party Fowl are strong contenders, offering varying levels of heat and unique flavor profiles. Seek out smaller, locally owned establishments in different neighborhoods for hidden gems.
Consider venturing beyond the traditional hot chicken sandwich. Many restaurants now incorporate hot chicken into other dishes, like tacos, salads, and even waffles. Exploring these options allows you to experience the iconic flavor in new and exciting ways, often with shorter wait times than the popular chains.
Are there any up-and-coming neighborhoods with exciting new restaurants?
Beyond the established culinary hubs, keep an eye on areas like East Nashville and Germantown. East Nashville is known for its eclectic mix of casual eateries and upscale dining experiences, often featuring innovative chefs and farm-to-table concepts. Germantown is rapidly developing, blending historic architecture with modern restaurants and bars.
Additionally, Wedgewood-Houston (WeHo) and The Gulch are experiencing a culinary renaissance. These neighborhoods boast art galleries, breweries, and restaurants with industrial-chic aesthetics, often attracting a younger crowd and offering a more experimental dining scene. Researching restaurants in these growing areas will lead you to some unexpected and delicious discoveries.
What are some great options for vegetarian or vegan foodies in Nashville?
Nashville’s vegetarian and vegan scene is blossoming, with dedicated restaurants and creative plant-based options appearing on menus city-wide. The Southern V is a popular choice for vegan Southern comfort food, while Sunflower Cafe offers a variety of organic and vegetarian dishes with global influences. Many restaurants are now clearly marking vegan options on their menus, making it easier to navigate.
Beyond exclusively vegetarian or vegan establishments, explore restaurants that emphasize fresh, seasonal produce. Chefs often incorporate local vegetables and fruits into creative dishes, catering to a wider range of dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to ask about modifications to existing dishes to make them vegetarian or vegan – many restaurants are happy to accommodate.
Where can I find a memorable brunch experience in Nashville?
Nashville’s brunch scene is bustling, offering everything from Southern classics to globally inspired dishes. Pancake Pantry is a long-standing institution known for its vast pancake selection, while Biscuit Love serves up creative biscuit-based dishes in a trendy atmosphere. For a more sophisticated brunch, explore restaurants like Josephine, known for its seasonal menu and refined ambiance.
Beyond the popular choices, look for brunch spots with live music or unique themes. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the Nashville weather while sipping mimosas. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.
What are some unique culinary tours that go beyond the standard tourist traps?
Instead of sticking to the main tourist areas, seek out culinary tours that focus on specific neighborhoods or food themes. Explore East Nashville’s diverse culinary scene with a guided food tour, or delve into the world of Nashville’s breweries and distilleries with a craft beverage tour. These tours offer a more intimate and authentic experience.
Consider tours that focus on local farms and producers. These tours provide a deeper understanding of the region’s agricultural heritage and the ingredients that make Nashville’s cuisine so special. They often include visits to local farms, tastings of regional products, and opportunities to meet the people behind the food.
What are some Nashville restaurants that offer a tasting menu or a chef’s table experience?
For a truly immersive culinary adventure, consider a tasting menu or chef’s table experience. The Catbird Seat is a renowned option, offering an intimate tasting menu crafted by talented chefs, often with wine pairings. These experiences offer a curated journey through the restaurant’s culinary philosophy and seasonal ingredients.
Beyond The Catbird Seat, several other restaurants offer tasting menus or chef’s table options, often showcasing innovative techniques and unique flavor combinations. Research restaurants specializing in modern American or globally inspired cuisine for these exclusive dining experiences. Booking well in advance is essential, as these offerings are often highly sought after.