What Are the Best Places to Eat and Drink in Nashville?

In the last year, a record-breaking number of people have visited Nashville, Tennessee. In fact, 15.2 million people visited the city in 2018, which is nearly five percent more than visited in 2017.

There are tons of things to see and do in Music City, U.S.A., but there are also lots of incredible places to eat in Nashville.

If you’re looking to stuff your face with the best fare that Tennessee has to offer, Nashville is the place to go.

Read on to learn more about the best places to eat and drink while in Nashville.

Best Time to Visit Nashville

Nashville is a stunning city with beautiful weather throughout the year. The most popular time to visit the city is between April and October.

Keep in mind, though, that during the summer months — June through August — things do get pretty hot and humid. If you aren’t bothered by the heat, though, this is when the city really comes alive!

The winter is considered the low season in Nashville, and the weather cools down quite a bit (although it still stays in the mid-50s for the most part). If you’re okay with chillier weather, this might be a better time for you to visit since there will likely be fewer tourists.

Best Places to Eat in Nashville

Whether you decide to visit Nashville during peak season or during the off-season, there are plenty of amazing restaurants to enjoy all year-round. The following are some of the best places to visit while you’re in Nashville:

Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack

It wouldn’t be a visit to Nashville without eating some delicious fried chicken. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack is the place to go if you’re looking for out-of-this-world fried chicken dishes.

This restaurant has been in business for more than 70 years and even boasts a James Beard Award. They’re spicy fried chicken is to die for and is definitely worth the wait.

You’ve never tried hot fried chicken until you’ve eaten at Prince’s.

Margot Cafe and Bar

At Margot Cafe and Bar, located in a revamped service station, the menu selections change on a daily basis.

This restaurant offers a wide range of Southern dishes that have a unique French flair added to them.

Margot McCormack, the chef and owner, has strict standards for the quality of food that she prepares, so you can rest easy knowing you’re always enjoying the freshest produce and proteins she could get her hands on.

If you’re lucky, during your stay in Nashville, you’ll have a chance to attend one of the restaurant’s famous theme dinners!

Rolf and Daughters

If you’re looking for great Mediterranean food, a visit to Rolf and Daughters is a must.

Rolf and Daughters features a variety of small plates and serves everything from eclectic wines to garganelli verde with pork ragout.

The menu changes on a regular basis, so you’ll always get something new and unique when you pay this restaurant a visit.

Butcher & Bee

Butcher & Bee is another great place to visit if you’re in the mood for Mediterranean food.

Butcher & Bee also features a variety of small plates full of incredible seasonings and rich flavors. The restaurant’s dishes are always loaded with fresh and seasonal favorites, too, so you’ll always feel good about what you’re enjoying.

Everything on the menu at Butcher & Bee is delicious, but you absolutely have to try the whipped feta!

Arnold’s Country Kitchen

If you’re looking for a classic “meat-and-three” meal — a serving of meat with three servings of vegetables — while in Nashville, you definitely need to check out Arnold’s Country Kitchen.

You’ll get to enjoy a wide range of Nashville classics while you’re here, including favorites like fried chicken, creamed corn, and macaroni and cheese.

Keep in mind that Arnold’s Country Kitchen is only open during the week for lunch, so you’ll have to plan your visit accordingly.

Bastion

According to this blog post, Bastion is one of the best restaurants to visit in Nashville if you want to enjoy a romantic date night.

Run by chef Josh Habiger, Bastion allows you to enjoy gourmet meals in a place with a friendly, casual ambiance.

Bastion is a small restaurant — just 24 seats — and it fills up fast, so you’ll need to get a reservation online if you want to be guaranteed a spot.

Remember that the restaurant is 21 and up, too, so it’s the perfect place to go if you want to drink a few cocktails or enjoy your own bottle of wine (there is a $25 corkage fee) with your meal.

Pastaria Nashville

Pastaria Nashville is another restaurant in Nashville that has won a James Beard Award.

Run by chef Gerard Craft, Pastaria’s menu features a variety of delicious Italian dishes, from wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta to incredible gelato.

While you’re waiting for your meal to arrive, you also get to watch the chefs at work as you enjoy delicious cocktails and other refreshing beverages.

Catbird Seat

For a truly modern dining experience, you have to pay a visit to Catbird Seat. Catbird Seat’s menu changes often and usually is centered around a unique theme — it sometimes takes a while to figure out the theme, so don’t worry if you’re a little lost at first!

While you’re here in this intimate restaurant (just 22 seats around a U-shaped table) you’ll get to enjoy several incredible individual courses prepared by a chef who puts on a once-in-a-lifetime show.

If you value experiences just as much as you value good food, this is the place to go.

Start Planning Your Trip Today

As you can see, there are tons of great places to go during your stay. Keep this list in mind and you’ll have no trouble finding delicious places to eat in Nashville.

Do you need more help planning your trip to Nashville?

It doesn’t matter if you need help choosing hotels or want to make sure you stay on track with your health and fitness goals while you travel, we’ve got lots of resources available for you.

Be sure to browse our online magazine for some more healthy lifestyle tips!