The Best Guide to Dining in Nashville

Great food and fantastic live music are what you can expect in many Nashville eateries, especially those that pride themselves on being an authentic honky-tonk. But, there are also plenty of places you can get a wonderful meal without live music in Nashville. Choose your favorite dining experience!

From fine dining to food trucks, Nashville is brimming with restaurants and eateries of every shape and size and for every pocketbook. Whether you are searching for delicious Southern fare or in the mood for international cuisine, you will find it here.

Music City seems to never sleep, so finding a great burger at two in the morning really is not a problem. However, if you are looking for a great steakhouse you will want to make reservations a week or more in advance.

Before heading out to sample the culinary delights of Nashville, stow your bags with a luggage storage service. There is no need to tote large bags and shopping parcels while dining in this iconic city.

Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina

Located on the 34^th floor of the JW Marriott, Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina is a renowned restaurant, especially when you are looking for one of the best steaks in Music City. All beef served is hormone-free and organic grass-fed.

The view from the 34^th floor is wonderful—when making your reservations, request a table near the windows. The menu boasts prime American beef, seasonal shellfish, and fresh salads along with over 500 wines to choose from.

The Chef and I on Ninth

This is not your typical fine dining establishment. The menu boasts gourmet dishes, as well as a multi-course tasting menu. Watch the chefs in action as they prepare scrumptious dishes with such flair and finesse.

There is something for everyone at the Chef and I on Ninth including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. For those looking for an interesting protein, try the elk tenderloin; it is absolutely delicious.

Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen

You cannot visit Nashville without trying Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen! Enjoy many of Paula’s own recipes, featured in her cookbooks and on her cooking shows. The menu is filled with American classics with a Southern twist.

The staff takes Southern hospitality to a whole new level and will make you feel right at home when you eat here. Try the fried chicken or spare ribs, but for starters order the fried tomatoes, a Southern dish that should be embraced.

Monell’s Dining & Catering

Monell’s has been a favorite spot for locals since 1995 and is one of the few restaurants that serve family-style. Simply come in, grab a seat and start passing dishes to your left. Their famous skillet fried chicken is served at each meal and is to die for.

You may sit down with a group of strangers at the same table but by the end of the meal, you will be swapping stories and tagging each other on social media like life-long friends. Check Monell’s Dining and Catering on Facebook for specials and hours.

Skull’s Rainbow Room

Located on the iconic Printer’s Alley, Skull’s Rainbow Room was founded in 1948. It is a unique blend of restaurant and nightclub all rolled into one fantastic package. The checkerboard stage has seen its fair share of great musicians.

Legends such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Etta James, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, and Patsy Cline have performed here. Make a reservation at least a week in advance to ensure you get to experience this amazing restaurant.

Joey’s House of Pizza

There is no other place in Nashville where you can enjoy authentic New York-style pizza. Joey’s House of Pizza is the real deal and is family-owned and operated by Brooklyn transplants. The menu boasts true New York and Italian flavors.

Grab a slice of pizza or an order of Italian pasta, a salad, or a sub. No matter what you order it will be bursting with flavors that will leave your mouth watering. Vegan and vegetarian options are available for those with special diets.

Etch Restaurant

Don’t miss the chance to dine at Etch, where dishes have been carefully created by Chef Deb Paquette. Save plenty of room to sample the delectable desserts from acclaimed Pastry Chef Megan Williams.

Make your reservations in advance and head over to the Encore Tower for an evening of culinary excellence at Etch. The menu has an array of tempting dishes, including wonderful vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. From shrimp to salad, everything is divine.

Robert’s Western World

Make this eatery a must-stop on your culinary journey. There is no other restaurant like the Honky Tonk Grill at Robert’s Western World. If you are counting calories, put that aside and enjoy this restaurant! Start your meal off with an order of fried pickle spears.

The menu features Angus burgers that are thick and juicy, the basket of fries or sweet potato fries seems to be never-ending, and the moon pies are bursting with sweetness. Give the fried bologna sandwich a try if you are looking for something interesting.

Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse

Nashville Scene’s “Best of Nashville Reader’s Poll” voted Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse the Best Steakhouse in Nashville in 2019. You do not want to miss this dining experience for the chance to enjoy USDA prime steaks and fresh seafood.

The menu is extensive and the nightly specials are worth coming back time and again to try. The truffle butter served with the fresh-baked rolls is exquisite. Save plenty of room for dessert; the ricotta donuts are a treat as is the goo goo cluster pie.

You will have no problem finding interesting and downright unique places to dine when you are in Nashville. Music City is best known for its entertainment qualities and many restaurants offer live music. Whether you are searching for a fine dining establishment or a down-home honky-tonk, you will find it here!

Resources:
https://nashvillebourbonsteak.com/
https://www.thechefandinashville.com/
https://pauladeensfamilykitchen.com/
https://www.facebook.com/monellstn/
https://www.skullsrainbowroom.com/
https://www.joeyshouseofpizza.com/#home-section
https://etchrestaurant.com/
https://robertswesternworld.com/
https://www.jeffruby.com/nashville
https://www.darfonsrestaurant.com/