8 Essential Nashville Restaurants

Nashville may be known for its country music and streets lined with Honky Tonks, but in recent years, it has also become the home to many notable restaurants. From cutting-edge cuisine to Southern comfort food, the options are endless. We hope you’re hungry...

Arnold’s Country Kitchen

605 8th Avenue South

Arnold’s has been serving up home-cooked Meat & 3 for over 30 years in their cafeteria-style steam line. The hardest part is deciding what to get--the peach pie is a non-negotiable though! Make sure to clear your lunch plans because they’re only open weekdays from 10:30 AM to 2:45 PM.

Mas Tacos Por Favor

732 Mcferrin Avenue

All the flavor without the frills; Mas Tacos Por Favor is a counter-order, cash only East Nashville taco shack providing authentic Mexican tacos. You can’t go wrong when it comes to choosing your tacos, but make sure to get elote (Mexican street corn) on the side.

The Pharmacy 

731 Mcferrin Avenue

The Pharmacy is a German-inspired burger parlor and beer garden delivering a creative selection of burgers and sausages along with old-fashioned sodas and an extensive beer list. We recommend trying the Stroganoff Burger -- a beef patty drenched in mushroom stroganoff bechamel, sour cream, caramelized onions & swiss cheese. It won’t be pretty to eat but it’ll taste delicious!

Monell’s

1235 6th Avenue North

Located in a cozy Victorian house in Germantown, Monell’s serves up family-style meals that will leave you so satisfied and full that you’ll basically need a forklift to remove you from the restaurant. Like we said, it’s family style, so don’t get alarmed when you’re seated at a long table with a bunch of strangers; you’ll be friends in no time. Just remember, pass the food around the table to the LEFT, and they’ll refill whatever you run out of.

Nicky’s Coal Fired Pizza

5026 Centennial Blvd

Craving pizza? Skip the carry out and head to Nicky’s Coal Fired Pizza located in The Nations. We have “Enrico,” Nicky’s coal-fired oven, to thank for providing the perfect char and flavor to every bite. The pizza may be the show-stopper but don’t let that keep you from trying their house-made pastas, focaccia, and charcuterie boards.

Prince’s Hot Chicken

5814 Nolensville Pike

If you couldn’t already guess by the long lines flowing outside the door of Prince’s Hot Chicken, their 70 years of existence and James Beard Award should have clued you in that this is quite possibly the best Nashville hot chicken that we’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. As a fair warning, Prince’s isn’t for the weak of heart (or stomach, in this case.) The mild chicken will give you plenty of flavor and spice so we don’t recommend going any hotter.

Rolf & Daughters

700 Taylor Street

Tucked within the picturesque Victorian style buildings and brick sidewalks of Germantown, Rolf & Daughters is serving up southern-influenced italian cuisine. From shareable small plates to hearty entrees, you can’t go wrong when it comes to choosing your meal. We have to admit though, we’re a bit partial to the handmade pasta dishes. Pro Tip: make a reservation beforehand on their website. It’s always busy!

Greko Greek Street Food 

704 Main Street

Looking for a quick and cheaper option? Head to Greko Greek Street Food in East Nashville to experience the authentic flavor and spirit from the streets of Greece. They have everything from the traditional fare--tzatziki, souvlaki, and baklava---to their own spin on the standard items like the Greko street fries. Every meat is cooked over a wood fire, pita is baked in-house daily, and the wine and olive oil are sourced from villages in Greece.

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