Local Love: The Best Places to Eat in Nashville

 

One thing is certain, there is no shortage of fantastic food in Nashville!  The greater Nashville area is home to nearly half of all the restaurants in the state and more and more open every single month!  Since moving here, it has been my goal to try out as many new hot spots as possible.  Seeing as the way to my heart is literally through my stomach, Nashville is quickly filling my entire heart.  One of Justin and my favorite things to enjoy in life is decadent food; from its presentation to its texture we have stumbled upon some really fantastic eateries in our new city.  Below, I put a little recap together listing all of my current favorites (which are mostly off the beaten path or not listed on your typical Nash scene guide).  Many of them on the below list have become staples to us so you’ll notice they won’t be overcrowded with tourists.  If you are local or planning a trip to see Nashville sometime soon, I hope you check many of them out!  And if you have any favorites that didn’t make my list, please send them my way as I always love trying something new.   *Side note, Nashville is incredible busy so always always make reservations least 2 weeks in advance.  Most reservations here are through a website called Open Table.

My Top Go-to Restaurants in Nashville:

Le sel  

This charming modern French bistro has as elegant of an atmosphere as it does food!  From it’s decadent cocktails to its chic decor you will feel like you just stepped off of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.   I recommend trying several small plates and sharing with friends so you can experience as much on the menu as possible.  Great for a charming date night out or a much needed girls brunch with a mimosa in hand.

Kayne Prime

One of Nashville’s top Steak Houses sure to please your pallet.  Its mouth watering dishes definitely won’t disappoint.  Servers here are so knowledgeable that they have to pass specific tests about its eclectic menu.  My favorite dishes here were the lobster popcorn and cotton candy bacon….heaven in your mouth!!!!

Two Ten Jack

I love this restaurant for many reasons.  The first is that it is in East Nashville which is an up and coming food and drink haven for hipsters.  Everything about east Nash oozes cool, from the people to the eateries. This Japanese inspired pub or ramen house offers Japanese comfort food that incorporates local southern ingredients.  Next, this urban gathering spot has one of the most fun menus I’ve seen, if you like to try new adventurous foods this is definitely your kinda place.  And lastly, its chill atmosphere is inviting and cozy.  They even let you enjoy dinner with your favorite pup on the patio.

Lockeland Table

This is currently my favorite restaurant in Nashville to date!  And I realize that is a big statement because I have so many favorites.   It’s nestled in my favorite east Nashville and truly embodies lots of historic charm.  It still resembles the 1930’s original Dry Goods Store it currently embodies and has managed to keep that supportive community feel.  The serves feel more like family and the food is prepared with love and passion.  Definitely put this stop on your list!!!

The Southern

Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, this hot spot is always bustling.  It is best known for their fresh oysters and a great happy hour.   Its southern flair offers a nice twist to everyday dishes by using exotic ingredients and savory flavors.

5th and Taylor

This restaurant boasts the most romantic ambiance in the city in an old historic warehouse with hundreds of dimly lit candles all throughout.  The food is right on par with the decor, my absolute favorite is the fried chicken drizzled with a chile honey sauce, it’s to die for!  It’s menu is familiar, but yet refined.  I love taking out of town guests here because it’s in one of my favorite areas of Nashville called Germantown.  Germantown offers some of the finest dining options as well as hippest decor in Nashville.

404 kitchen

This hidden gem is another favorite of mine because of its quaint size.  It’s located in another Nashville hot spot called the Gulch and if you aren’t careful you might just walk right by it.  It’s actually housed in a chic converted shipping container.  Its modern take on European cuisine gives its dishes bold flavors that last long after you’ve left.  If you are a whiskey fan, they have one of the larges sections in the city which is reason enough to go!  Remember this place is tiny so reservations are a must!

Henrietta Red

If oysters are your thing, then look no further Henrietta’s is all you need!  Another Germantown favorite, HR offers contemporary cooking and a full oyster bar.   With clean lines and sharp decor, you’ll never want to leave.

Marchè Artisan

This European style cafe is the best brunch spot in town.  Located in East Nashville in an elegantly rustic setting, Marché is a diner dashers dream.  With a full coffee bar and mimosas for the girls, everyone is certain to leave here satisfied.  My favorite dish is the fruit tartine made up of apples, brie, balsamic honey on toasted buttermilk currant! Yum. *Wait time here can be very long so try and go during the week.

 

 

Favorite Social Scene in Nashville:

Patterson House

If you ever wanted to go somewhere that feels like its a secret society then this is your place!  This cozy mellow speakeasy is in Nasvhille’s music row and usually has a waitlist that will make you want to run for the hills, but don’t!  It will likely be one of the best craft cocktails you have ever had in your life and you will feel as cool as James Dean just sitting there.  The mixologists put sweat tears and possibly unicorn dust into each drink to keep you craving more.

Pinewood Social

My favorite after dinner hang out scene.  From the trendy outdoor pools to the airstream in the back, it boasts one of the coolest vibes in our town. They even offer a full outdoor bocce ball court, ping pong table and have 6 reclaimed wooden bowling lanes.  If that’s not enough to get your game on friends, I’m not sure what will!  Gaming fun aside, the food and drinks here are right on point with all of my other Nashville favorites.  Don’t forget to grab an award-winning local coffee from Crema Coffee on your way out.

LA Jackson

The best views in Nashville in my opinion.  The LA Jackson is a swanky rooftop bar situated on top of the Thompson Hotel.  The drinks are innovative and the food delectable.  It’s a perfect after dinner hot spot and there is sure to be some great people watching for you.

Old Glory

Recently opened by two sisters, this old broiler room now turned bar is one of the hippest drink spots in town.  Located in the “oh so cool” Edgehill Village, this revitalized space is lined with exposed brick, several blocks of cement, and incorporates an old smokestack right in its core.   Its ambiance certainly won’t disappoint and neither will its drinks.

Bastion

Bastion has both an eclectic bar as well as an acclaimed kitchen.  This open and relaxed space is the perfect laid back hangout spot.  Justin and I dueled each other at Galaga and Pac Man for hours on the vintage arcade table.  Be sure to try one of their inventive cocktails as well as the nachos, but if it’s a full meal that you are after be sure to make dinner reservations on the restaurant side.

Merchants

Situated in the heart of Broadway, Merchants is a breath of fresh air.  When you walk in you won’t feel like you are in Honkey Tonk alley, but more like you stepped into an old luxury hotel.  It has an upscale diner feel with a large wrap-around bar.  They first greet you with complimentary Ranch flavored popcorn, I mean enough said right?  My favorite thing on the menu is the deviled eggs, they are to die for.  Be sure to stop here for a snack and try and snag a window seat, the people watching off Broadway is a must!

Swinging Doors (rooftop)

Over the past year this has become my go-to bar anytime I don’t want a crowd, but I want to hear great music downtown.   With strands of little white lights illuminating its patio, the rooftop bar is hidden right off Broadway and regularly features acoustic artists playing whatever the crowd desires.  The rooftop is only open on the weekends and promises amazing talent off the beaten path.  Be ready to have your favorites songs on standby because they often take multiple requests.

 

Places in Nashville I can’t wait to try:

Fin and Pearl

Rosepepper

Butcher Town Hall

The Catbird Seat

Public House Bar and kitchen

Etc

Happy stomach, happy heart!  I hope that you enjoy my favorite places to eat in Nashville.

*Via google images