Do you need to know the best places to eat in Nashville so that you can plan the perfect night out? I’m giving you all the top-notch places (from a local!)!
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I was born and raised in Nashville – and if there’s one thing I’ve done a lot of in this city, it’s eating out! So I have a pretty good feel for all the best places to eat in Nashville.
Nashville’s food scene has really grown in recent years and it just keeps getting better and better! New restaurants are popping up every day.
You may think of just hot chicken and going to a honky tonk when you think of Nashville, but we have such a great variety of dining options that also offer beautiful craft cocktails.
There are so many unique places to try and I want to give you all my favorites.
Even our food truck scene has taken off (there aren’t any on this list but maybe I’ll do a post about that next!).
Not only are all these restaurants amazing, but their presentation is outstanding (making for the perfect insta posts!)
This post is all about the best places to eat in Nashville!
Best Places to Eat in Nashville!
1.) Husk
There are so many reasons that Husk HAD to make the list of best places to eat in Nashville. And even better it’s perfectly located just a short distance from Broadway, so it’s easy to hop over after a day of sightseeing.
I’m a musician in Nashville, and I’ve played several events and dinner parties in Husk’s event space, but hadn’t gotten the chance to dine in until recently – and I’m already dying to go back.
The environment sets the mood for your delicious dinner! Husk is located in a historic home dating back to the 1880s. A Nashville mayor even lived there in the 19th century.
One of the coolest things about Husk is they grow a lot of their own ingredients in a garden located right on-site. And since anything they can’t grow is gotten from nearby farms, the menu changes frequently to accommodate what is available during that time of year.
I highly recommend ordering several things off of the menu and sharing them because you’ll get to try a great variety of unique dishes!
As far as drinks, they have a massive selection of spirits and make wonderful cocktails. While I was there I wasn’t drinking – so I had one of their mocktails and it was incredible! I highly recommend trying some if you’re not a drinker.
2.) The Optimist
Another one of my favorite places to eat in Nashville is The Optimist.
Okay, I know… It’s Nashville.. the most landlocked city in the USA. But if you are a seafood lover (like I am!!) you cannot miss The Optimist while you are in town.
I had been dying to go to The Optimist for months – mostly because I had seen just how amazing their seafood selection is.
There’s an extensive oyster menu. You can check out their menu on their website but keep in mind that it’s subject to change depending on what is available that season.
I’m a sucker for a good seafood tower and they have a couple to choose from: The Opportunist, The Refuge, and The Starving Man.
3.) The Rutledge
The original location of the Rutledge is in Franklin (just a little drive from Nashville!) but there’s one now right by Broadway. I’ve tried both and they are equally amazing!
I would recommend the one on Broadway to you for two reasons – 1.) It’s a way closer commute if you are spending your vacation mostly near downtown Nashville and 2.) There’s a little something extra and exciting at the downtown Rutledge.
You didn’t hear it from me… but if you dress nicely… or treat your bartender/waitress really nice… a lot of times they’ll give you a little passcode to be able to enter their speakeasy. It’s a little secret area inside the restaurant.
The restaurant is amazing as it is… but secret access to another private bar? Such a memorable Nashville moment.
Oh, and did I mention their champagne vending machine?? Yes. A vending machine full of champagne. Trust me. Go see this one for yourself.
The Rutledge has sushi, flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, and several various small bites or dinners to choose from. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
The surf + turf sushi roll is AMAZING! It’s got lobster, jalapenos, avocado, and red bell peppers inside. Then it’s topped with a glazed filet mignon, siracha mayonnaise, and tempura flakes. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Another highlight on the menu is the lobster mac and cheese (pictured below). Highly recommend ordering it for your side.
4.) Fancy Pants
Despite the name – don’t worry! There’s no dress code!
Also just a heads up, there isn’t a ton of seating so if you want to dine in here I would highly suggest making a reservation.
I went to fancy pants on their opening night, so there were a couple little special touches. We were treated with a welcome cocktail. No idea what was in it but it was delicious lol!
The menu is a prix fixe menu. You’ll pick a price point, between $70 – $125 a person. With the more expensive option, the chef will choose your courses. When the cheaper option you’ll pick a couple of options off of whatever their menu is that day.
There are also several additions you can add on if you want to elevate your experience a bit!
5.) Yolan
As with many places on this list – Yolan is such a unique experience. This Italian restaurant is one of the best in the entire city.
Yolan is centered around Italian cuisine. Different seasons will focus on a different region of Italy and the menu will be based upon ingredients that can be found in that area.
If you love Instagrammable spots this is a good one for you. Their presentation is top notch!
It is pretty pricey though – so this is a great spot for special occasions.
Also note, if you are early for your reservation, head up to the top of The Joseph (the hotel connected to Yolan) to grab a drink or two at their beautiful rooftop bar while you waste some time.
6.) Urban Grub
I know I always focus on the oysters – and while Urban Grub also has an amazing selection of oysters, they have a ton of amazing options to pick from whether you’re craving seafood or want to try one of their amazing chops.
The whole 12 South area is such a fun area to venture around if you’re in Nashville. So make sure to explore the whole 12th Ave S street, and then finish off your night with an outstanding dinner at Urban Grub!
The atmosphere is amazing. The food – even better. You’ve to try their wood-fired meats
I’ve eaten at Urban Grub many times and it’s not only a great spot for dinner, but they also have a great brunch!
Pro tip: their bone marrow bordelaise butter is to die for!
7.) House of Cards
House of Cards is more than just a dinner, it’s a full-blown experience.
A couple of things to note before going: no pictures allowed (except for a little area out back) and there is a dress code they are pretty strict on. It’s also 21 and up, with some exceptions for their brunch.
House of Cards is centered around magic. When you arrive take the time to really check out everything on the walls. You’ll find all kinds of magic around you!
When you first arrive you’ll be seated and can begin your ordering process. Then whenever you feel like it – while you wait for your dinner or after you’ve eaten – you can go around to table around the dining room that will have a magician performing magic tricks for you!
There will be a couple of different magicians rotating around so you can see different tricks. They will often get people to participate in their tricks as well!
With each purchase of an entree, you get a free ticket to the bigger magic show on their main stage. You’ll enter a small auditorium-style room and sit for a show!
If you love magic tricks mixed with a delicious dining experience, check out House of Cards.
They do accept walk-ins, but if I were you I would make a reservation to be safe.
8.) Harper’s
I went to Harper’s for the first time recently for my birthday and it did not disappoint! If you go when you’re celebrating something make sure to let them know, they went above and beyond! It’s the perfect place for a special occasion. Check out the menu I was given:
Also, I’ve been dying to attend their Veuve Cliquot Garden Brunch on Saturdays! They have live music, stunning floral decor, champagne table service, and an amazing food selection.
Like I said, I haven’t been, but there’s no way it’s not amazing after the dinner I had there! Check out this seafood tower we ordered!
You can’t go wrong dining in at this chop house.
9.) Makeready
This is another great place to go for a special occasion because they also do a little extra to help you celebrate. We had a birthday in our group so we all received a complimentary glass of champagne to start off with!
First of all, come early or stay late for your reservation! Makeready connected to the Noelle Hotel on 4th Ave N. The cool thing about this hotel is that it has a hidden bar. Currently, it’s a Beetlejuice-themed bar. It’s hard to find, but once you do you’ll be immersed into one of the coolest bar experiences you’ll have!
It’s totally decked out with amazing decorations and you’ll be able to order themed drinks. I highly recommend joining this together with your dinner experience!
Although I couldn’t find their menu on their website you can see some photos. Here are some of the highlights from my meal! (We ordered a couple of dishes and all shared)
10.) Eddie V’s
Although there are several Eddie V’s locations across the country, the one in Nashville is the only one in Tennessee. If you’re looking for a nice restaurant and don’t want a big commute this could be a good option since it’s located right on Broadway near the Assembly Food Hall.
I love an old fashioned, so when I saw this smoked old fashioned on their menu I had to have it! It was amazing and they serve on a plank tableside!
11.) June & Audrey
Audrey and June are two separate restaurants but trust me there’s a reason I’m pairing them together.
First of all, they are both in the same building. The second reason is they are put on by the same chef.
When deciding which to pick out of the two I would only base your decision off of how much money and time you have to commit to this dinner!
June is going to be an extremely luxurious experience. Audrey is absolutely amazing but will be a little easier to get in and out and not as extensive as June.
At June there are only 37 seats available – you will definitely need to make a reservation. Reservations can be difficult to get, so check on the first of the month for any upcoming openings for the next month.
It will be a tasting menu so you’ll have several courses (8 or 16), all of which are served to you and explained in detail. When you first arrive before you take your seat you’ll get a presentation of some of the unique ingredients they will be using in your courses.
It’s truly an amazing dining experience, so if you really want to celebrate this is an incredible way to do it.
I believe the price is $250 per person, and then if you add wine pairings as we did, of course, there is another charge for that. It’s definitely a fine dining experience.
If you’d like to have a nice dinner but don’t want a tasting menu or don’t want to spend such a high amount for the evening, just downstairs is June’s sister restaurant, Audrey. Audrey is absolutely delicious and the whole presentation and service are outstanding.
Also, note for the non-drinkers! Both have a great selection of mocktails. If you opt for June they even have mocktail pairings for the courses!
I hope you enjoyed my list of some of the best restaurants in Music City. These Nashville restaurants definitely should be at the top of your list for your next trip or special occasion. Many of them do offer a private dining room if you want to look into renting a space.
Check on happy hours if you want to go sometime for light bites and drinks! Many restaurants have pretty good ones if you can work it out with your schedule.
I hope you enjoy all these restaurants as much as I did!
This post was all about the best places to eat in Nashville!
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