Nashville’s got a beat, and it’s not just coming from the honky-tonks on Broadway. These days, Music City is serving up a plate of flavors so diverse and delicious, it’ll make your head spin faster than a steel guitar solo.
We’re talking about a food scene that has absolutely exploded. You’ve got your tried-and-true meat-and-threes sitting pretty next to James Beard-nominated tasting menus, and funky food trucks that turned into brick-and-mortar empires. It’s a delicious mess in the best way possible.
So, whether you’re a local looking for your new Friday night spot or a visitor hoping to eat your way through town (no judgment here), you’ve landed in the right place. Forget the generic tourist traps. We’re diving fork-first into the 13 best restaurants in Nashville that are killing it right now.
From life-changing barbecue to vegan spots that’ll convert even the most devoted carnivore, this list is your all-access pass to the best restaurants in Nashville. Trust me, your taste buds are about to throw a party.
1. Noko
Let’s kick things off in East Nashville at a place that’s small in size but massive in reputation. Noko isn’t just one of the best restaurants in Nashville right now; it’s one of the best in the entire country. We’re talking a recent No. 24 slot on Yelp’s Top 100 U.S. Restaurants for 2026.
And honestly? It deserves every bit of that hype. This place is an Asian-inspired, wood-fired wonderland with only 14 seats. You heard that right—14. So, you need to plan ahead, or get lucky.
Chef Dung “Junior” Vo is the wizard behind the curtain, and he’s doing things with fire that should probably be illegal. The menu is a tight, curated experience where every single dish that comes out of that kitchen looks like a piece of art.
We’re talking small plates meant for sharing, so bring your squad or your most adventurous date. The whole vibe is upscale but relaxed, like you’re at a really fancy dinner party at a friend’s super-talented cousin’s house.
You absolutely cannot miss the dry-aged beef. It’s cooked over an open flame and arrives with a crust that’ll make you weak in the knees. But don’t sleep on the veggies either—they get the same star treatment.
Getting a reservation here might feel like winning the lottery, but if you snag one, you’ve just secured a seat at one of the most coveted tables in town.
It’s a culinary experience that sticks with you, and a prime example of why Nashville’s dining scene is on every foodie’s radar. For a truly special night out, this is your spot.
2. Maiz de la Vida
Over in the Gulch, Maiz de la Vida is doing something truly special, and the rest of the country is finally catching on. This place just landed a spot on USA TODAY’s list of the best restaurants in America for 2026, and honestly, it was only a matter of time.
Chef Julio Hernandez started making tortillas in his garage back in 2020. A garage! Now, he’s a two-time James Beard Award finalist with a bustling restaurant that’s changing the way people think about Mexican food. It’s a hell of a story, and the food is even better.
This isn’t your average taco joint. This is upscale, modern Mexican cuisine that pays deep respect to tradition while doing its own bold thing. The star of the show? The corn. It’s the foundation of everything.
Hernandez uses heirloom corn and grinds it in-house to make those incredible, pillowy tortillas that you’ll dream about for weeks. The duck mole is legendary—complex, rich, and comforting all at once.
And the aguachile? A bright, citrusy punch of flavor that wakes up your whole palate.
The atmosphere is just as vibrant as the food. It’s colorful, loud, and full of life—the kind of place where you want to linger for hours. It’s easily one of the best restaurants in Nashville for a celebration or just a Tuesday that needs a serious upgrade.
Maiz de la Vida isn’t just serving a meal; it’s sharing a piece of culture and history on a plate. You’ll walk out not just full, but genuinely moved.
3. The Butter Milk Ranch
If you haven’t been to The Butter Milk Ranch in the 12 South district yet, what are you even doing? This place is a daytime dining dream, and people are willing to wait—like, two-and-a-half hours on a weekend—to get in.
It’s that popular. And no, it’s not just for the ‘gram (though the decor is ridiculously cute). It’s because the food is consistently, knock-your-socks-off good. From the moment you step in, with its rustic-charm-meets-modern-touches vibe, you just know you’re in for a treat.
They’re serving up everything from flaky, buttery croissants and expertly brewed coffee to hearty sandwiches and fresh-baked pastries that’ll make you want to buy a dozen. But the real magic happens in the dining room, where a chef-driven brunch menu is served all week long.
We’re talking creative dishes that go way beyond your standard eggs and bacon. It’s the kind of spot where you can grab a quick pastry and coffee to go, or settle in for a long, luxurious bratch with your besties.
Even on a “slow” day, they’re serving about 600 people . Six hundred! That tells you everything you need to know about the consistency and quality here. It’s no wonder Yelp named it one of the Top 100 Brunch Spots in 2024.
For anyone looking for the best restaurants in Nashville for a picture-perfect, genuinely delicious meal any time of day, The Butter Milk Ranch is a must. Just maybe go on a weekday if you want to avoid the epic line.
4. Degthai
Tucked away on Nolensville Pike, Degthai is the kind of place that feels like a secret—except the secret is definitely out. This vibrant Thai spot has been climbing the ranks on Yelp’s national lists for a couple of years now, landing at No. 28 in the U.S. for 2026.
And the reviews don’t lie: “Go ahead and believe the hype. Degthai is that good,” reads one . The atmosphere is bright, relaxed, and incredibly friendly, making you feel welcome the second you walk through the door.
But let’s talk about the food, because it’s exceptional. The portions here are borderline ridiculous—in the best way. One reviewer pointed out that the portions are big enough for two or three meals, which is a rarity these days.
You’re getting incredible value for your money without any sacrifice on taste. The curries are rich and fragrant, the noodles are perfectly cooked, and the flavors are bold and authentic.
Here’s another thing that makes Degthai a standout among the best restaurants in Nashville: they cater to everyone. They have a ton of vegetarian and vegan options clearly marked, so everyone at the table can find something to get excited about.
It’s a beloved, community-focused spot that proves you don’t need white tablecloths to serve world-class food. Just come hungry and be prepared to leave with leftovers.
5. Monell’s Dining & Catering
Okay, folks, we need to talk about a true Nashville institution. Monell’s in Germantown isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. This place has been a staple for Southern classics forever, and it landed at No. 84 on that same Yelp Top 100 list . But here’s the kicker: you don’t just order food here.
You sit at a big, family-style table with strangers who become friends by the end of the meal. You pass bowls of fried chicken, cheese grits, mac and cheese, green beans, and mashed potatoes around like you’ve known each other for years. It’s chaotic and beautiful.
The vibe is pure Southern hospitality. One Yelp review perfectly sums it up: “Eat. Drink the sweet tea. Make new friends. Eat some more. Laugh… Eat the pie. Roll out”.
That’s the Monell’s motto right there. The food is comforting, hearty, and unpretentious. It’s the kind of cooking that reminds you of Sunday dinners at your grandmother’s house. The menu rotates, but you can always count on classics like their famous fried chicken.
It’s a fantastic option for large groups, but even if you’re flying solo, you’ll have a table full of new buddies by the time the biscuits arrive. For good old Southern food at a good price, served with a heaping side of human connection, Monell’s is untouchable.
It’s a cornerstone of what makes the best restaurants in Nashville so special: they feed your belly and your soul.
6. The Wild Cow
Alright, let’s switch gears and head back to Eastland Avenue to a place that proves plant-based eating is anything but boring. The Wild Cow is a vegetarian and vegan hotspot that even meat-eaters absolutely adore.
Their whole philosophy is about fresh, local, and honest food. Fun fact: they don’t even own a freezer or a microwave . Everything is made from scratch with love and ingredients that are often organic and locally sourced.
The menu is massive. We’re talking tacos, hearty soups, creative wraps, fresh salads, and stacked sandwiches. Then there are the “deep dishes”—think comforting bowls of goodness that will fill you right up.
Trying to decide what to order can take a while because you’ll want one of everything. The flavors are global and punchy, proving that you don’t need meat to have a satisfying, protein-packed meal.
They also have a rotating selection of baked goods and even raw cakes if that’s your thing. The vibe is casual, colorful, and welcoming to everyone.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just a curious carnivore, The Wild Cow is a game-changer. It’s easily one of the best restaurants in Nashville for anyone who believes that food should make you feel good, inside and out.
7. Junior
In the ever-evolving landscape of East Nashville, Junior has arrived, and it’s a total stunner. From Philip Krajeck, the genius behind Rolf and Daughters and Folk, this 50-seat fine-dining spot is the definition of a perfect night out.
It recently made USA TODAY’s list of the best restaurants in the country, and for good reason. It has all the trappings of a formal restaurant—white tablecloths, elegant glassware, an impeccable front-of-house team—but it never feels stuffy or pretentious. It’s confident, warm, and utterly precise.
The menu is rooted in classic technique and a deep respect for ingredients. This isn’t food covered in smoke and mirrors; it’s food that trusts its components.
You might find a dry-aged Black Hawk bavette cooked over fire, its flavor so deep and beefy it’s almost a spiritual experience.
Or a single barbajuan—a fried pastry—stuffed with intensely sweet summer corn from a local farm. The porridge bread made with Anson Mills Farro Verde is a lesson in how simple things can be extraordinary when done right .
Dining at Junior feels like an occasion, whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just the fact that you made it through the week.
It’s a place where the food is so focused and clear that it commands your full attention. For those seeking a top-tier culinary experience, Junior is quickly cementing its place among the absolute best restaurants in Nashville.
8. Woodlands
For a trip across the globe without leaving Nashville, head to West End Avenue and step into Woodlands. This spot was actually voted the best ethnic vegetarian restaurant by a Nashville magazine, and it’s not hard to see why.
Woodlands serves up authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine, and the vast majority of the menu is vegan and gluten-free as well. It’s a paradise for anyone with dietary restrictions, but more importantly, it’s just a fantastic restaurant, period.
Indian food, in its most authentic form, is often vegetarian, so places like Woodlands don’t have to “adapt” anything. The flavors are bold, complex, and utterly satisfying. You have to try the dosas—those gigantic, crispy rice crepes filled with spiced potatoes.
They are a work of art. The thalis, which offer a little bit of everything on a silver platter, are perfect for the indecisive eater. And don’t even get me started on the pakoras; they’re the ideal crunchy, savory snack.
The staff here are famously kind and helpful, always willing to walk you through the extensive menu if you’re new to this style of cooking.
It’s a colorful, aromatic, and welcoming space that proves some of the best restaurants in Nashville are the ones serving up centuries-old traditions with a smile.
9. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
You can’t have a list of the best restaurants in Nashville without talking about ‘cue. And while there are many contenders, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint is an absolute heavyweight. This place has become synonymous with Nashville barbecue, and for my money, it’s the gold standard.
They’ve built a reputation on whole-hog barbecue, cooked low and slow over hickory wood the old-school way. It’s a craft, and they’ve perfected it.
The meat here is consistently on point. The pulled pork is smoky, tender, and piled high. The ribs? They’ve got a perfect bark and a rub that sings. But the real star is the brisket.
It’s juicy, with a deep smoke ring and a peppery crust that’s just chef’s kiss. And you have to try their banana pudding. It’s not an afterthought; it’s a legendary dessert in its own right that people drive across town for.
The vibe is casual, communal, and always buzzing. Picnic tables, trays lined with butcher paper, and a dozen different sauces on the table to mix and match.
The West Nashville location on Belmont Blvd is a favorite hangout. Whether you’re a “dry rub” purist or a “wet sauce” kind of person, Martin’s delivers every single time. It’s a true Nashville treasure.
10. Sunflower Cafe
Tucked away in a little strip mall in Berry Hill, Sunflower Cafe is a gem that vegans and non-vegans alike have been keeping to themselves for years. This place is all about creative, healthy, and incredibly flavorful food.
It’s a casual, bright, and cheerful spot where you order at the counter and then dig into some of the most inventive vegetarian and vegan fare in the city.
What sets Sunflower apart is its global inspiration. Sure, they have great veggie burgers and wraps.
But why order a standard burger when you can get a Vietnamese Banh Mi-style burger piled high with pickled veggies and sriracha mayo on a whole wheat bun? Or a curried chickpea wrap that’s bursting with warm, aromatic spices?.
They also have a great selection of smoothies and fresh juices to wash it all down.
It’s the kind of place you go to for lunch and feel energized for the rest of the day. The food is light but satisfying, and packed with protein and good stuff.
It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or bland. For a quick, delicious, and wholesome meal, Sunflower Cafe is a standout and easily one of the best restaurants in Nashville for a guilt-free feast.
11. Peg Leg Porker
Over in the Gulch, you’ll find Peg Leg Porker, a barbecue joint that’s about as Southern as it gets. Named for pitmaster Carey Bringle (yes, he has a prosthetic leg), this place oozes authenticity from every pore.
The interior is bare-bones, with a concrete floor and a few picnic tables, and there’s a nice little patio out back. No frills, just killer ‘cue.
And that ‘cue is something special. Peg Leg Porker is famous for its dry-rubbed ribs. The rub is a secret blend of spices that creates an incredible bark, and the meat is so tender it practically falls off the bone.
The pulled pork is another winner—smoky, juicy, and perfect with a splash of their tangy vinegar sauce. But here’s a pro tip: get the baked beans. They have burnt ends mixed in, making them arguably the best barbecue side dish in the entire city.
The smell of hickory smoke hits you from down the block, drawing you in like a cartoon character floating through the air. It’s a no-nonsense, meat-centric joint that represents the very best of Tennessee barbecue.
When you’re looking for the best restaurants in Nashville to get your hands dirty and your belly full, Peg Leg Porker is the real deal.
12. Avo
Tucked away in Midtown, Avo is a charming little spot that feels like a cozy European bistro. It’s a vegetarian restaurant, but like the others on this list, it’s so much more than that.
The focus here is on seasonal, thoughtful small plates meant for sharing. The name might make you think of avocado toast, and while they probably do that well, the menu goes way deeper.
Think creative salads with interesting textures, wood-fired flatbreads with inventive toppings, and hearty vegetable dishes that could easily be a main course. The menu changes with the seasons, so you’re always getting the freshest stuff available.
It’s a great place for a date or a low-key dinner with friends where you can order a bunch of dishes and pass them around the table. The atmosphere is warm, intimate, and just the right amount of romantic.
Avo is a perfect example of Nashville’s diverse dining scene. It shows that a restaurant doesn’t need a steak on the menu to be taken seriously. It’s all about flavor, technique, and letting the ingredients shine.
For a relaxed, delicious, and beautifully prepared meal, Avo is a total standout and deserves its spot on any list of the best restaurants in Nashville .
13. Edley‘s Bar-B-Que
We’re rounding out this list with another crowd-pleaser: Edley‘s Bar-B-Que. With a few locations around town (the 12 South spot is a particular favorite), Edley’s is the definition of a neighborhood joint that happens to serve world-class barbecue.
It’s casual, loud, fun, and the food is consistently excellent. They’ve got that urban-rustic vibe down pat, with plenty of outdoor seating that’s perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Their menu is a little more expansive than some of the purist spots. Of course, you’ve got your standards: smoky ribs, tender brisket, and pulled pork.
But they also do fun stuff like BBQ tacos and loaded potato cakes that are dangerously good. The sides here are also top-tier—the mac and cheese is creamy and cheesy, and the banana pudding is a legitimate contender for the best in town.
It’s the kind of place where you can grab a beer, kick back, and just enjoy life. The service is friendly, the portions are generous, and the prices are fair.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick sandwich at the counter or sitting down for a full rack of ribs with the family, Edley’s never disappoints. It’s an essential stop on any tour of the best restaurants in Nashville.
Conclusion
So there you have it—a curated tour through the very best plates that Music City has to offer right now.
From the white tablecloths of Junior to the communal tables of Monell‘s, from the wood-fired artistry of Noko to the plant-powered magic of The Wild Cow, Nashville’s dining scene is more vibrant and delicious than ever.
These aren’t just places to eat; they’re places to experience, to connect, and to create memories.
Now, don’t just sit there drooling. Get out there and make a reservation (seriously, for some of these, you’ll need to). Grab your keys, your appetite, and maybe a pair of stretchy pants. Nashville is waiting to feed you. Your new favorite restaurant is on this list—go find it.