Top 10 Restaurants in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee’s dining scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, blending Southern traditions with innovative culinary techniques. From cozy neighborhood bistros to upscale dining establishments, Music City offers an unparalleled array of options for food enthusiasts. Here’s a curated list of 10 must-visit restaurants that showcase the best of Nashville’s gastronomic landscape.

1. Babo Korean Bar

Babo Korean Bar brings a playful twist to Korean cuisine in East Nashville. The name “Babo,” meaning “silly” or “foolish” in Korean, sets the tone for this casual yet innovative eatery. The drink menu features classic Korean and East Asian libations like soju shots and Korean beers, alongside fusion cocktails made with calpico or kimchi picklebacks. While the bar aspect is prominent, the food is the real star. Babo offers both traditional Korean dishes and creative fusion options, including vegan bulgogi and a vegetarian-friendly alternative to Korean fried chicken. The restaurant’s ability to cater to various dietary preferences while maintaining authentic flavors has quickly made it a local favorite.

Yelp Profile: Babo Korean Bar

2. Ghot Wingz

Ghot Wingz has been a staple in East Nashville since 2005, earning a reputation for serving some of the best chicken wings in the city. This family-owned business, run by James and Sharonda Stone, offers an extensive menu of wing flavors that keeps locals coming back for more. With nearly 30 sauce options, ranging from spicy teriyaki to hot garlic parmesan and extreme heat, there’s something for every palate. Chef James Stone’s 25 years of restaurant experience shines through in the quality and consistency of the food. Ghot Wingz’s commitment to flavor and value has earned it a near-perfect 5-star rating on Google, making it a must-visit for wing enthusiasts.

Yelp Profile: Ghot Wingz

3. Five Daughters Bakery

Five Daughters Bakery has become synonymous with indulgent sweet treats in Nashville. Founded by Isaac and Stephanie Meek, this family-owned bakery has expanded to five locations across the city. Their signature item, the 100-layer doughnut, is a croissant-like creation that comes in flavors such as maple glaze and chocolate sea salt. What sets Five Daughters apart is its commitment to catering to various dietary needs. The bakery offers paleo, gluten-free, and vegan options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their delectable creations. The combination of innovative flavors and inclusive menu options has made Five Daughters a beloved Nashville institution.

Yelp Profile: Five Daughters Bakery

4. Audrey

Audrey, the brainchild of celebrity chef Sean Brock, offers a refined take on Appalachian and Southern cuisine. Named after Brock’s grandmother, the restaurant pays homage to his roots while pushing the boundaries of traditional flavors. The menu features elevated comfort food dishes like fried apple appetizers, grits with blue crab, and pawpaw custard for dessert. Audrey’s brunch is particularly noteworthy, offering classics like biscuits alongside innovative items such as buckwheat and cornmeal pancakes. The restaurant’s interior, with its moody gray lime-washed walls and gallery of colorful primitive artwork, creates an atmosphere that’s as visually stunning as the food is delicious.

Yelp Profile: Audrey

5. Biscuit Love

Biscuit Love has become a go-to for both locals and tourists seeking authentic Southern breakfast fare. Born from a beloved food truck concept, chef-owners Karl and Sarah Worley have successfully transformed their passion for biscuit-focused cuisine into three bustling brick-and-mortar locations across the Nashville area.At each of their outposts in the Gulch, Hillsboro Village, and downtown Franklin, guests can experience the charm of a fast-casual setting with a menu that celebrates the humble biscuit in all its glory. The ordering process is straightforward – simply approach the counter and choose from an array of mouthwatering biscuit-centric breakfast items.

Yelp Profile: Biscuit Love

6. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Hot chicken has become a must-try dish for visitors and locals alike. This fiery fowl, made legendary by Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack in North Nashville, consists of fried chicken basted in a nostril-burning spice mix that delivers both heat and flavor.For those seeking to experience this Nashville specialty, Hattie B’s has become a go-to destination, offering the local dish in a fast-casual setting across several neighborhoods in Nashville and beyond. Hattie B’s allows diners to customize their hot chicken experience with five different heat levels, ranging from the mild “Southern” (no spice) to the daring “Shut the Cluck Up” (not for the faint of heart).

Yelp Profile: Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

7. Audrey

Audrey in East Nashville has become a go-to for both food enthusiasts and those seeking an authentic culinary experience. The restaurant, named after Chef Sean Brock’s maternal grandmother, represents the culmination of Brock’s culinary journey and promises to be his creative home until retirement.In the main dining room, guests are treated to a unique fusion of Appalachian ingredients and modern techniques, reflecting Brock’s Virginia roots and his two decades of culinary evolution in Nashville. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between refinement and casual comfort, allowing diners to pair a $200 bottle of wine with humble yet expertly prepared dishes like greasy beans and sour corn.

Yelp Profile: Audrey

8. Ophelia’s Pizza + Bar

Ophelia’s Pizza + Bar is helping to transform Downtown Nashville into a foodie destination. Featured on Eater’s list of best restaurants in Downtown Nashville, Ophelia’s offers a perfect blend of classic Italian dishes and creative pizzas. The restaurant’s interior, with its exposed brick walls and gallery-style artwork, provides a chic backdrop for enjoying their signature dishes. Don’t miss the option to make any pizza “Nashville hot” with the addition of Mike’s Hot Honey, ghost pepper salt, and calabrian chilis. The elegant patio, shielded from the street by lush shrubs, offers a perfect spot for al fresco dining in the heart of the city.

Yelp Profile: Ophelia’s Pizza + Bar

9. Pearl Diver

Pearl Diver transports guests to a tropical paradise with its tiki-inspired drinks and lush, rainforest-like courtyard. Featured on Eater’s list of best patios for outdoor drinking and dining, Pearl Diver stands out even in East Nashville’s competitive bar scene. The cocktail presentation is a highlight, with drinks like the Banana! Banana! served in unique vessels and often garnished with fresh flowers or set aflame tableside. While the drinks are the main attraction, the food menu shouldn’t be overlooked. Pearl Diver offers a range of tropical-inspired dishes that perfectly complement their cocktail selection, making it an ideal spot for a full evening out.

Yelp Profile: Pearl Diver

10. Rolf and Daughters

Rolf and Daughters has put Nashville on the global culinary map with its inclusion on the World’s 50 Best Discovery list. This “new American” restaurant offers a constantly evolving menu that showcases the best of local and seasonal ingredients. Dishes like cucumber with peach, pine nut, basil, and fish sauce, or rye spaghetti with anchovies, capers, lemon, and breadcrumb, exemplify the restaurant’s innovative approach to cuisine. The industrial-chic setting of the restaurant, housed in a converted factory building, provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying these creative dishes. Rolf and Daughters’ commitment to culinary excellence and ever-changing menu ensures that each visit offers a unique and memorable dining experience.

Yelp Profile: Rolf and Daughters