Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Nashville

"Pinewood Social offers two “dipping pools” (meant for sitting or standing as they aren’t large enough to fully swim). The outside patio also hosts a 30-foot Airstream food truck. Food is served all day and night while you enjoy the outdoor patio and soaking in one of the two dipping pools."

"A hard-to-miss neon sign welcomes you to this otherwise unassuming restaurant off Highway 100, just south of Nashville. Husband and wife Lon and Annie Loveless started the Loveless Cafe in the early 1950s as a motel/restaurant combination. Weary travelers would eat delicious homemade biscuits and fried chicken before getting some rest."

"Over and over we kept hearing about Loveless Cafe, so much so that we couldn’t skip it. Tim and I were surprised to learn that one of Nashville’s most popular restaurants is located so far from downtown. In fact, Loveless Cafe is thirty minutes away from downtown Nashville by car."

"Located in the Encore tower in Downtown Nashville, Etch is the latest culinary venture from Chef Deb Paquette and offers an excellent exceptional dining experience. Voted Nashville’s best chef multiple times, Etch’s creative menu promises to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey with every bite. The contemporary eatery boasts elegant and stylish décor with an open kitchen so you can see the master at work, however if you prefer a more private dining experience, there are two private rooms to choose from for those special occasions or business functions."

"This downtown spot is the brainchild of culinary master Deb Paquette, who whips up inventive fare, such as an octopus and shrimp bruschetta or a cauliflower steak. Deb has led the charge on Nashville’s food evolution and now has Char and Etc. in Green Hills, as well. It’s also one of my very favorites in town—and I’m not just saying it because my college roommate is the ace pastry chef (proud friend alert)!"

"This five-star dining experience features a global menu, and the kitchen presents each plate as if it is a work of art."

"When East Nashville institution Marche fell victim to the 2020 tornado that swept through Five Points, fans of the morning meal were disappointed because that was one of the best spots in town to linger over a casual brunch. Fortunately, chef/owner Margot McCormack expanded the hours at her eponymous flagship restaurant around the corner and added a weekend brunch. While the menu changes frequently based on the seasons and freshest ingredients, you can expect fantastic breakfast cocktails and coffee service, sticky pastries, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables showcased in parfaits and bowls, and classic bistro fare for main courses.How to book: Grab an inside or patio table via Resy."

"Chef Margot McCormack’s East Nashville daytime cafe Marche merged with Margot during the pandemic — so try sneaking in for a standout weekday morning meal. Carb-filled favorites include the fresh-baked breads and pastries, whatever tartine is in season, plus sweet or savory crepes. And one must occasionally splurge on the chocolate croissant French toast."

"The street-side smokers and walk-up window are still open for business at the Harding Place go-to. The usual suspects like spicy pork, chorizo, and chicken plus the harder-to-find buttery cabeza and lengua still hit the spot in taco form."

"We were sitting in the car trying to figure out where to try next, considering looking for an IHOP or Shoney’s so we could skip the lines, when Charlie noticed the Lipstick Lounge across the street. They were advertising brunch and had no line out the door like the others so we went for it. A few minutes after ordering our drinks and finally taking in our surroundings (the picture of the guy in a banana hammock on the wall!), we started to realize where we were at. Aaaand…it was actually a gay bar."

"Grab a tropical cocktail at Cabana, and it’s basically like you’re beachside!. The semi-private cabanas are all indoors, but the outdoor patio is still the perfect spot to enjoy 2-for-1 happy hour."

"Enjoy the tropical atmosphere at Cabana, where potted trees bring the Caribbean inside. The atmosphere is hip and casual, giving off an almost cafeteria-style vibe with plastic cha..."

"Slim & Husky’s made history in March 2021 when it became the first black-owned restaurant to open on the popular stretch of Broadway downtown. The new downtown Fifth + Broadway location of the hip-hop-inspired pizza joint serves the same menu of Slim + Husky staples: customizable pizzas, salads, and unique cinnamon rolls made with locally sourced ingredients. *Open for indoor, outdoor dining, delivery, and takeout."

"Located in the growing Buchanan Street neighborhood, Slim & Husky’s is serving up some seriously crowd-pleasing pizzas. Enjoy a pie and a cold one on the patio!"

"The Nashville Flea Market has been a Nashville tradition for over 50 years and has only had to cancel once due to inclement weather. Our team has worked hard to ensure that our vendors and patrons were able to attend the market every month as scheduled. Unfortunately, because of the current COVID 19 pandemic, we have had to place the Nashville Flea Market on hold temporarily until events of our size can safely resume."

"Nashville Flea Market is one of the best flea markets in the whole country. About 800 to 1200 vendors from a diverse array of states flock to this event, plus, this is one of the oldest flea markets and has been around for about 60 years. They offer a variety of items including furniture, clothing, jewelry, knick-knacks, and many more items."

"Belle Meade Plaza Shopping Center is a classic one-stop shop where you can find a bit of everything. From coffee shops to groceries, this shopping center is a great option for your daily needs. You can pass by after spending a day exploring Music City to do some groceries or eat in a nice restaurant."

"There are a lot of trees that surround the lake, which is great!. You can reach Cedar Creek Access Area in about 30 minutes from Downtown Nashville by car. The beach is to the northeast of the city."

"The former home of country music star Barbara Mandrell, the Fontanel Mansion has been transformed into a luxury retreat, which features memorabilia and belongings of various country music stars who have stayed here over the years. The Inn is conveniently located near Nashville, less than 15 minutes north of the city, but exists in a world apart. All of its luxury rooms and suites are dog-friendly, and family rooms are available for larger groups."

"Don't be surprised if your tour guide strums an original song on his or her guitar while you explore Fontanel Mansion, the former home of country-music superstar Barbara Mandrell. The house, constructed of pines... Library in Downtown & the Gulch"

"Premium soft-serve ice cream located just inside the OG Tailgate Brewery's lobby. Like "meat & 3," but with sweets and ice cream."