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Breakfast & Brunch

When you’re ready to start the day.

Milk & Honey

Photo: Milk & Honey

The Gulch

Menu | $

No southern vacation is complete without at least one big brunch. Milk and Honey may have some of the longest lines in Nashville, but for thousands, it’s well worth the wait. This legendary brunch spot has a diverse menu of pastries and entrees, each seemingly taking inspiration from all corners of the world.

Biscuit Love

Photo: Biscuit Love

The Gulch, Hillsboro

Menu | $

Biscuit Love is one of the most iconic restaurants Nashville has to offer because it’s the definition of southern brunch. Just like the name suggests, this restaurant cooks up some of the best biscuit dishes that you can ever dream up. But, don’t stop at the biscuits! Their menu also includes cocktails, entrees, and sweet treats all at a budget-friendly price point.

Another Broken Egg

Photo: Another Broken Egg

Downtown, West Nashville

Menu | $

Ask about a dozen people and probably half of them will say their favorite breakfast location is Another Broken Egg. The flavors served in each dish are indescribably good, the entire staff exhibits that one-of-a-kind southern hospitality, and the locations are in the midst of two of the most bustling areas in Nashville!

The Pancake Pantry

Photo: Pancake Pantry

Downton, Hillsboro

Menu | $

Don’t let the name fool you, this brunch location offers up more than just fluffy pancakes. The Pancake Pantry prides itself on making things “from scratch every morning,” which you can taste in each bite. The quality, the variety, and the affordability make this restaurant a premier brunch spot we’re sure we’ll soon become your newest favorite! 

Frothy Monkey

Photo: Frothy Monkey

Downtown, 12South, West, East Nashville

Menu | $

This trendy restaurant is a Nashville staple and it has the lines out the door to prove it. From the fresh pastries to the unique drinks like the one called E.T., this brunch spot is a delicious and affordable must-try! 

Lunch

When you need to satisfy a mid-day craving.

Coco’s Italian Market & Restaurant 

Photo: Coco’s Italian Market & Restaurant

West Nashville

Menu | $

You’d be surprised at how many great Italian spots have made a home in this southern city. Coco’s Italian menu is made up of some of the most diverse—and most affordable—Italian dishes you can find. To make things even better, you can always browse the market for grocery items fresh from Italy while you wait for your order. 

Trattoria Il Mulino

Photo: Trattoria Il Mulino

Downtown

Menu | $-$$

If you looking for a little more upscale Italian dining, Trattoria’s is the answer. This iconic Italian restaurant originated in New York and seems to have brought much of an Italian-American flair with it. Its downtown hotspot is famous for having delicious dishes, great wine, and a romantic or special occasion atmosphere. 

Nashville Venezuela Food

Photo: Nashville Venezuela Food

Nolensville Pike

Menu | $

Nashville may be famous for its country culture, but it’s truly a growing diverse city with local restaurants celebrating food from all over the world. Nashville Venezuela Food is home to some of the tastiest South American food you’ll ever find in the American South, and is simply one of the best places to eat in Nashville. Their mouthwatering food is authentic with great portion sizes and excellent prices! 

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Photo: Hattie B’s Chicken

Near Downtown

Menu | $

Nashville Hot Chicken just may be the city’s third most famous export—aside from country music and Miley Cyrus, of course. Though this spicy chicken can now be found nationwide, many restaurants in Nashville serve up some of the best and most authentic hot chicken you can find in the country. But, who makes the best Nashville Hot Chicken? Usually, saying an answer to that question will result in a fight amongst locals. So I’ll just say this, there’s a reason Hattie B’s Hot Chicken has four locations and over 20,000 thousand nearly 5-star reviews.

Dinner

When you’re ready to finish the day

Virago

Photo: Virago

Near Downtown

Menu | $$-$$$

Asian cuisine may not be as popular as Mexican or American dishes in this city, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have your fair share of good options. Virago is a chic Asian fusion restaurant that specializes in crafting some of the best sushi in Nashville. 

Lockeland Table

Photo: Lockeland Table

Near East Nashville

Menu | $-$$

This local favorite serves up dishes with a southern cadence in a restaurant whose aesthetic can best be described as a mix of rustic industrialism. The restaurant’s community hour has some of the most affordable dishes in the city. Get there for early dinner if you want great prices and even better modernly homespun food!

Josephine

Photo: Josephine

12South

Menu | $$-$$$

Josephine’s may be a lesser-known gem, but it is still the ideal location if you want great wine with a great meal. Though the feel of the restaurant may be opulent, there’s no strict dress code, meaning you could wear your favorite comfy clothes, all while eating a 5-star-rated meal of halibut and scallops.

Late Night

When you’re not quite ready to go home.

The Diner

Photo: The Diner

Downtown

Menu | $-$$

Nightlife in Nashville rarely settles. That’s why it’s a good thing some great restaurants stay open well into the night. The Diner is a downtown hotspot that is open until 2am on weekends. Its diverse menu specializes in American cuisine and Southern comfort food—and drinks, of course! 

The Skull’s Rainbow Room

Photo: The Skull’s Rainbow Room

Downtown

Menu | $$

Why stop the party to eat dinner? The Skull’s Rainbow Room will bring the fun while you eat! This downtown restaurant frequently showcases live burlesque shows and is open until 2am daily. Between the vibrant live music and cooked-to-perfection dishes, a night here just may be one of the best nights of your life! 

House of Cards

Photo: House of Cards

Downtown

Menu | $$-$$$

A restaurant with a dress code is almost certain to be a fine dining establishment. This downtown restaurant is open until midnight and will grant you an unparalleled experience, with up to four courses, food you’ll remember for a lifetime, and an ambiance that will make sure you feel extra special. 

Vegan

When you’re looking for tasty plant-based food.

The Wild Cow

Photo: The Wild Cow

East Nashville

Menu | $

Another fun fact that you may not know about Nashville is that it is home to about a dozen (or more!) vegan restaurants! Of all the vegan restaurants in Nashville, The Wild Cow has some of the best plant-based game day food and it’s served with great prices to match!

AVO

Photo: Avo

West Nashville

Menu | $

AVO’s diverse menu ranges from some of the most delicious vegan nachos to succulent cauliflower steak to a fudgy CBD brownie. The only thing that may be better than AVO’s affordable and tasty menu is its location—right in the heart of a trendy, fun zone that has a public volleyball court and multiple other Insta-worthy spots! 

The Southern V

Photo: The Southern V

North Nashville

Menu | $

Vegan southern food isn’t something you hear often. Good thing The Southern V is serving up some of the best plant-based comfort dishes you’ll find anywhere!  This to-go restaurant is perfect for when you want to grab some food and take it to eat in the park at lunchtime. 

Graze Nashville

Photo: Graze

East Nashville

Menu | $

Graze is a trendy East Nashville restaurant that seems to specialize in vegan Tex-Mex. Whether you go for brunch or dinner, this local favorite has portion sizes big enough to share, affordable pricing, and meat substitutions so good you won’t even be able to tell it’s not the real thing!

Sunflower Bakehouse

Photo: Sunflower Bakehouse

Hermitage

Menu | $

If you have a never-ending sweet tooth like me, you’re probably wondering who makes the best vegan desserts. Look no further than Sunflower Bakehouse! This budget-friendly, vegan and gluten-free bakery focuses on making the best pastries in town and smoothies, too. They also serve a wide range of delicious vegan and gluten-free meals and snacks, including salads, pastas, burgers, and more!