In recent years, Nashville has become known for its food scene, almost as much as its nonstop live music. The city has drawn in renowned chefs, from all over the world, to put their mark on the culinary scene, with diverse menus, inspired locally and globally.

While there are by now hundreds of restaurants, for every palate and price point, we picked ten of our favorites to enjoy in 2025.

1. Luogo

It’s hard to imagine any restaurant list we make without Luogo being at the top. It’s just that good. From the impeccable service to the seasonal menu, featuring fresh, in-season ingredients, to the hand-crafted unique cocktails, dining at Luogo is an experience like nothing else in Nashville. Try the generously-sized Arancini del Luogo or Potato and Zucchini Chips to begin, enjoy their Pappardelle with Duck Ragu or Rigatoni Bolognese for the main course, and end the night with made-to-order Bombolini. And definitely don’t skip their craft cocktails, like an Artico Old Fashioned or a Northern Lights Daiquiri.

211 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

2. The Henry

The Henry is relatively new to Nashville, but it’s already become one of the busiest, and most highly-recommended, places to eat in Music City. Crafting a blend of cuisines into a cohesive restaurant, The Henry offers everything from sushi to seafood to comfort foods. Try the Short Rib Potstickers, Spicy Tuna & Crispy Rice sushi, Bolognese or Korean Prime Skirt Steak for the main course, and the Molten Butter Cake for dessert, along with any of their uniquely-created cocktails. As a bonus, The Henry also offers breakfast and lunch, or brunch on the weekends, plus a children’s menu.

Also worth noting: The Henry makes it a point to offer the best service in Nashville, which they succeed at, every time.

2803 12th Avenue South, Suite 105, Nashville, TN 37204

3. The Finch

The Finch offers all the draws of eating downtown — great menu, unique cocktails, beautiful ambiance — without any of the hassle. In addition to making sure their menu items are affordable, a rarity in Music City, they also offer refreshingly inexpensive parking, just $3 at lunch and $7 at dinner. Try the Chicken Fried Chicken for just $18, or Blackened Red Fish Tacos for just $17. Don’t miss their flight of three mini martinis for just $17, and save room for the Cast Iron Cookie, big enough to share.

111 10th Ave S #310, Nashville, TN 37203

4. Ophelia’s Pizza + Bar

Take a step back in time, and across the ocean, by visiting Ophelia’s Pizza + Bar. With an ambience inspired by the Shakespearean tragedy, and a menu that is authentically Italian, Ophelia’s offers portions that are big enough to share, with prices that are also affordable. Try the Truffle or Bacon Affumicato pizza, and don’t miss their Branzino, or their famous Ophelia’s Lasagna, all paired with any of their expertly-made cocktails. Don’t leave without trying their Big Fat Cream Puff, topped off tableside with warm chocolate ganache.

401 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219

5. Harper’s

Harper’s puts a lot of attention into every detail of every dish, which is why it’s included on our list. With some items a bit pricier than some of the other Nashville restaurants (like their 30-ounce Australian Wagyu Tomahawk for $270), it’s a worthwhile investment for locals, tourists, and those just wanting a night to remember. Their dinner menu, which includes a raw bar, also offers more affordable options, like their Steakhouse Burger or Rigatoni Alla Vodka, paired with their Crispy Brussel Sprouts or Roasted Garlic Alfredo Mac.

Harper’s also offers a Prix Fixe Friday lunch for $34, which includes four soup or salad options plus four entree choices. Harper’s also serves brunch on Saturdays, with some of their regular menu items plus entrees like Créme Brulée French Toast and their famous Nashville Chicken and Waflle Tower.

Wisely, Harper’s offers Large Format dessert options, intended to be shared by the table. Try the 12-Layer Chocolate Cake.

2 Lea Ave, Nashville, TN 37210

 

6. Loveless Cafe

In a city that is notorious for its new and cutting-edge menus, Loveless has remained true to the food they have made since opening in 1951. Loveless Cafe offers breakfast all day, along with tantalizing, nostalgic items like their Open-Face Meatloaf Sandwich or their Country Fried Steak, plus their world-famous biscuits which come with every meal.

If you’re ever missing a homecooked meal like Grandma made it, head to Loveless Cafe. They also offer pantry and gift items, plus whole pies to take home.

8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221

7. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

Like Loveless Cafe, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint has stayed true to their homecooked menu for years, and it works for them. So well, in fact, that what started in 2006 from a desire to preserve the West Tennessee way of making whole-hog BBQ in a tiny 950-square foot, 12-table spot, turned into nine locations spanning four states. For the BBQ lover, there isn’t a better place than Martin’s, which offers everything from BBQ Nachos to Sliced Brisket or Pulled Pork Shoulder sandwiches, plus BBQ trays, Smoked Wings, Redneck Tacos and more, paired with sides like hushpuppies or a hoecake. Bring it to your home for a gathering, or just because, with their catering options as well.

Multiple locations

8. Adele’s

Everything at Adele’s is as fresh as it comes, with an option to sit in front of the kitchen and watch as the food is being prepared. From their generously-portioned cornbread, to their Gnocchi or Crispy Eggplant, Adele’s offers items for everyone from the meat lover to those who eat gluten-free, vegan and more. Adele’s also has a brunch buffet that is unmatched anywhere in Nashville, with more than 20 items, such as their famous Kale Salad, Johnny Cakes, White Cheddar Mac and Cheese, Blackened Shrimp, plus Chocolate Budino and Pecan Pie for dessert.

Adele’s also offers holiday and special-occasion meals throughout the year, but make your reservations early, because they will definitely sell out quickly.

1210 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203

9. Sadie’s

Sadie’s puts attention and detail into items on their Mediterranean-inspired seasonal menus, including their cocktails, which change periodically. But what does not change is their amazing, inspired menu. In what is becoming an anomaly in Nashville, Sadie’s also offers lunch, with items such as Whipped Feta, Israeli Salad, Pulled Lamb Gyro, Falafel and more. Express lunch options are available for those in a hurry. Dinner items include a Moroccan Spiced Ribeye, Blackberry Pomegranate Glazed Salmon and more. End the meal on a sweet note, with their Frozen Greek Yogurt for just $6. Weekend brunch is also available

1200 Villa Place, Nashville, TN 37212

10. The Twelve Thirty Club

There are too many reasons to visit The Twelve Thirty Club to mention, but two of those reasons include the variety and the view. It is entirely possible to enjoy several different experiences, without ever leaving the building. Start with the Supper Club, complete with upscale fine dining, including a Seafood and Sushi Bar, plus steaks, fish, chicken and more.

From there, head to the Honky Tonk for a Crispy Fish or Warm Pastrami sandwich, or Steak Frites or their Short Rib Pot Pie. End the night on the Rooftop, with Salt-Crusted Warm Pretzels, or Spicy Tuna Crisp Rice, alongside a Kentucky Old Fashioned or Perfect Passion Fruit and Guava Margarita. But unforgettable food aside, there isn’t anywhere else in Nashville that offers the rooftop views like The Twelve Thirty Club, which alone makes it worth a visit, again and again, not to mention their rotating list of top-notch performers.

550 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203