Nashville has undergone a culinary transformation over the past decade. The city that was once defined by meat-and-three diners (which are still excellent) now has a dining scene that rivals Austin, Portland, and other food-first cities. Here's your guide to Nashville as a foodie destination.
Nashville Hot Chicken: The Iconic Dish
Nashville hot chicken is the city's most famous culinary export — a cayenne-spiced fried chicken served on white bread with pickles. Prince's Hot Chicken is the original, dating to the 1940s and still the benchmark. Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish in East Nashville is another long-standing institution beloved by locals. Hattie B's has become the most accessible option with multiple locations and a range of heat levels from Southernish (mild) to Shut the Cluck Up (dangerous). Each spot has its own take — try two for comparison.
Best James Beard-Recognized Restaurants in Nashville
Nashville has produced multiple James Beard Award nominees and winners in recent years. Henrietta Red (chef Julia Sullivan) is a seafood-focused Germantown restaurant that has garnered national acclaim. Rolf and Daughters (chef Philip Krajeck) has been one of Nashville's most critically celebrated restaurants since it opened. City House in Germantown (chef Tandy Wilson) earned a James Beard Award and remains one of Nashville's best wood-fired Italian restaurants.
Nashville's Best Breakfast and Brunch
Biscuit Love in The Gulch and Hillsboro Village is Nashville's most beloved brunch spot — the Bonuts (biscuit doughnuts with lemon mascarpone) are worth the wait. Café Roze in East Nashville is a beautiful all-day café with outstanding coffee and brunch dishes. Mitchell Delicatessen in East Nashville is a neighborhood institution for Saturday morning sandwiches and breakfast. The Pancake Pantry in Hillsboro Village has had lines out the door since 1961 — it's earned them.
Nashville Barbecue and Southern Food
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint is widely considered the best whole-hog barbecue in Nashville, with multiple locations. Jack's Bar-B-Que on Broadway has been a tourist and local staple for decades. The Loveless Café at the end of the Natchez Trace Parkway is a legendary Tennessee breakfast and Southern cooking institution — the biscuits are exceptional. Arnold's Country Kitchen is the city's most beloved meat-and-three — a lunch-only spot that locals guard as a secret.
Nashville Food Neighborhoods
Germantown is Nashville's most restaurant-dense upscale neighborhood — Rolf and Daughters, City House, Henrietta Red, and several other acclaimed spots are all within walking distance. East Nashville has developed a thriving independent restaurant scene over the past decade. 12 South has a concentrated strip of excellent cafes and restaurants. The Gulch is home to Biscuit Love, The 404 Kitchen, and several rooftop dining options.
Stock Your Rental for Foodie Pre-Gaming
Foodies know that the best meals often start before you leave the house. Whether you're building a cheese board before heading out for a big dinner, or stocking the fridge with Tennessee cheeses and local goods you picked up at the farmers market, Music City Weekend Co. can have your rental stocked with quality essentials before you arrive. Shop the full catalog at musiccityweekend.co/shop, or learn more about Nashville grocery delivery and fridge stocking.
Nashville Food FAQs
Q: What is Nashville known for food-wise? A: Nashville hot chicken is the most famous export. The city also has excellent barbecue, a world-class fine dining scene, and standout brunch spots. Q: What are the must-eat foods in Nashville? A: Nashville hot chicken, a meat-and-three at Arnold's, biscuits at the Loveless Café, brunch at Biscuit Love, and a dinner at Rolf and Daughters or Henrietta Red. Q: Is Nashville food expensive? A: It ranges widely — hot chicken at Prince's is under $15; a dinner at Henrietta Red or The 404 Kitchen can run $80–100+ per person with drinks.