Quick answer
Nashville's food renaissance stretches far beyond hot chicken. From James Beard Award winners and a Michelin-starred tasting menu to legendary meat-and-threes and whole-hog BBQ, this guide covers 10 of the best restaurants in Nashville, with prices ranging from $10 to $239 per person.
- Best overall
- The Catbird Seat — Michelin-starred, James Beard semifinalist 2026
- Price range
- $10 – $239 per person
- Top pick
- The Catbird Seat — $$$$ — 4.8★ (515 reviews)
- Must-try
- Prince's Hot Chicken — the original Nashville hot chicken since the 1930s
Top verdicts
- Prince's Hot Chicken: Where Nashville hot chicken was born — the fiery original since the 1930s.
- The Catbird Seat: Michelin-starred tasting menu — Nashville's most celebrated fine dining experience.
- Arnold's Country Kitchen: James Beard-winning meat-and-three — the quintessential Nashville lunch.
Nashville's food scene has undergone a remarkable renaissance. Once known primarily for hot chicken and honky-tonk bars, Music City has evolved into one of America's most exciting dining destinations — earning Michelin stars, James Beard Awards, and a spot on every serious food lover's map.
The foundation remains deeply Southern: Prince's still serves the cayenne-blasted fried chicken that started it all in the 1930s, and Arnold's Country Kitchen dishes out cafeteria-line plates of roast beef and turnip greens that would make any grandmother proud. But Nashville's culinary identity now extends into Michelin-starred tasting menus at The Catbird Seat, Sean Brock's ingredient-driven Southern cuisine at Husk, the Mediterranean-meets-Dixie magic of Butcher & Bee, and the Italian-Southern fusion of Germantown's City House.
We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts across r/Nashville, r/VisitingNashville, r/NashvilleGoodEats, and local food forums, cross-referencing with critic rankings from Eater Nashville, Nashville Scene, The Infatuation, and The New York Times to build this guide.
Restaurant Map
How we built this list
We analyzed 200+ Reddit posts and 2,000+ comments across r/Nashville, r/VisitingNashville, r/NashvilleGoodEats, and r/TennesseeFood, cross-referencing with rankings from Eater Nashville, The Infatuation, Nashville Scene, The New York Times, and the Michelin Guide. Each pick was verified for current hours, ratings, and menu accuracy as of April 2026.
All 10 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Cuisine | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Prince's Hot Chicken | Hot Chicken | $ | 4.3★ | South Nashville |
| #2 | The Catbird Seat | Tasting Menu | $$$$ | 4.8★ | The Gulch |
| #3 | Husk | Southern | $$$ | 4.4★ | Rutledge Hill |
| #4 | Arnold's Country Kitchen | Meat-and-Three | $ | 4.5★ | Downtown |
| #5 | Butcher & Bee | Mediterranean-Southern | $$ | 4.4★ | East Nashville |
| #6 | City House | Italian-Southern | $$$ | 4.5★ | Germantown |
| #7 | Rolf and Daughters | New American | $$$ | 4.6★ | Germantown |
| #8 | Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint | BBQ | $$ | 4.4★ | Downtown |
| #9 | Henrietta Red | Oyster Bar | $$$ | 4.6★ | Germantown |
| #10 | Hattie B's Hot Chicken | Hot Chicken | $$ | 4.6★ | Midtown |
Quick Picks by Style
1Prince's Hot Chicken
Hot ChickenQuick comparison
- Best for
- The original Nashville hot chicken experience at the place that started it all
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 3,800+ reviews · The original since the 1930s · Multiple heat levels
- Price / value
- $ · $8–$15 per plate
- What to order
- The hot chicken breast or leg quarter on white bread with pickles — start at Medium heat unless you're experienced, then work up to Hot or Extra Hot
- Insider tip
- The Nolensville Pike location has the best vibe. Expect a wait — everything is made to order. Bring cash just in case. The heat is no joke; Extra Hot will ruin your afternoon.
🕐 Hours
2The Catbird Seat
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Nashville's ultimate fine dining experience — a Michelin-starred 15-course tasting menu
- Strengths
- 4.8★ from 515 reviews · 1 Michelin star · James Beard semifinalist 2026 · 24-seat intimate counter
- Price / value
- $$$$ · $185–$239 per person plus optional beverage pairing
- What to order
- The prix fixe tasting menu — it's the only option. 15 courses of seasonal, creative dishes that change regularly. Add the beverage pairing for the full experience.
- Insider tip
- Book 2–4 weeks in advance on their website. Entrance is on Paseo Pl behind the building, 5th floor. Valet parking available Wed–Sat from 4 PM.
🕐 Hours
3Husk
SouthernQuick comparison
- Best for
- Elevated Southern cuisine from James Beard-winning Chef Sean Brock
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 3,200+ reviews · James Beard Award winner · 100% Southern-sourced ingredients
- Price / value
- $$$ · $50–$80 per person
- What to order
- The menu changes daily based on local availability. The cheeseburger at lunch is legendary. At dinner, trust the kitchen — the cornbread and any heritage pork dish are always outstanding.
- Insider tip
- Saturday and Sunday brunch (10 AM–2 PM) is more accessible than dinner and equally excellent. The restaurant is in a historic home just south of Broadway — the patio is beautiful in spring and fall.
🕐 Hours
4Arnold's Country Kitchen
Meat-and-ThreeQuick comparison
- Best for
- The quintessential Nashville meat-and-three experience — comfort food perfection
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 7,088 reviews · James Beard America's Classics Award · Family-owned since 1982
- Price / value
- $ · $15–$25 per person
- What to order
- Pick one meat (the roast beef is legendary) and three sides (mac and cheese, turnip greens, and fried okra are the holy trinity). Always get cornbread. The chocolate pie is exceptional.
- Insider tip
- Lunch only — they close at 2:45 PM weekdays and 3 PM Saturday. Go before 11:30 AM to beat the line. Closed Sundays. The line moves fast but can wrap around the building at peak times.
🕐 Hours
5Butcher & Bee
Mediterranean-SouthernQuick comparison
- Best for
- Creative Mediterranean-Southern fusion in East Nashville's coolest dining room
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 1,262 reviews · Seasonal menu · Exceptional weekend brunch
- Price / value
- $$ · $30–$50 per person
- What to order
- Start with the legendary whipped feta dip. The mezze platter is outstanding. Any seasonal vegetable dish will surprise you. The weekend brunch is one of Nashville's best.
- Insider tip
- Reservations strongly recommended for dinner, especially weekends. Walk-in seating at the bar is sometimes available. Saturday/Sunday brunch (10 AM–2 PM) is a local favorite.
🕐 Hours
6City House
Italian-SouthernQuick comparison
- Best for
- Italian-Southern fusion in Germantown from a James Beard Award-winning chef
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 859 reviews · James Beard Best Chef Southeast · Handmade pasta · Great pizza
- Price / value
- $$$ · $45–$70 per person
- What to order
- The belly ham pizza is legendary. The bread gnocchi and fusilli are standout pastas. Order multiple small plates to share — portions are meant for communal dining.
- Insider tip
- The outdoor patio in Germantown is one of the best dinner settings in Nashville. Book ahead for weekends. The bar area sometimes has walk-in availability.
🕐 Hours
7Rolf and Daughters
New AmericanQuick comparison
- Best for
- Inventive house-made pasta and seasonal vegetable dishes in a stunning Germantown setting
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1,124 reviews · Named Best New Restaurant by Bon Appétit & Esquire · Stunning space
- Price / value
- $$$ · $50–$75 per person
- What to order
- Any house-made pasta — they're all exceptional. The seasonal vegetable preparations are creative and beautiful. Save room for dessert — the pastry program is outstanding.
- Insider tip
- Located in the 100-year-old Werthan Factory building. The soaring ceilings and industrial-chic vibe make it one of Nashville's most beautiful dining rooms. Reservations essential.
🕐 Hours
8Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
BBQQuick comparison
- Best for
- Authentic West Tennessee whole-hog barbecue in downtown Nashville
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 3,613 reviews · Whole-hog tradition · Everything made from scratch daily
- Price / value
- $$ · $15–$30 per person
- What to order
- The brisket is legendary — incredibly tender with deep smoke flavor. The smoked wings have a jerky-like texture that's addictive. The catfish is an underrated pick. Sides are all made from scratch daily.
- Insider tip
- The Downtown 4th Ave location has the most seating and is walking distance from Broadway. Go early — popular items sell out. The Belmont Blvd location is a local favorite.
🕐 Hours
9Henrietta Red
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Exceptional oysters and seasonal seafood in Nashville's most beautiful dining room
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1,125 reviews · Bon Appétit & GQ Best New Restaurant · James Beard semifinalist
- Price / value
- $$$ · $50–$80 per person
- What to order
- Start at the oyster bar — they rotate varieties daily. The seasonal dishes meant for sharing are consistently excellent. Saturday/Sunday brunch features a stunning oyster and pastry spread.
- Insider tip
- The enclosed patio is temperature-controlled year-round and gorgeous. Brunch (Sat–Sun 10 AM–2 PM) is more relaxed than dinner. Reservations essential for dinner, especially weekends.
🕐 Hours
10Hattie B's Hot Chicken
Hot ChickenQuick comparison
- Best for
- The most polished, accessible hot chicken experience with consistently great quality
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 7,884 reviews · Multiple locations · Well-calibrated heat levels · Great sides
- Price / value
- $$ · $12–$20 per plate
- What to order
- The dark meat (leg quarter) at Hot heat level is the sweet spot. Southern sides are excellent — the pimento mac and cheese and the baked beans are standouts. The banana pudding is a must.
- Insider tip
- Go to the Midtown location on 19th Ave for the original experience. The line looks long but moves fast — 20–30 minutes typical. The Charlotte Ave location often has shorter waits. Open late on Fri–Sat (until midnight).
🕐 Hours
Planning Your Nashville Food Crawl
Reservations
The Catbird Seat requires booking 2–4 weeks ahead. Husk, City House, Rolf and Daughters, and Henrietta Red strongly recommend reservations, especially weekends. Casual spots like Prince’s, Arnold’s, Hattie B’s, and Martin’s are walk-in only.
Best Times to Avoid Lines
Arnold’s opens at 10:30 AM — arrive before 11:30 to beat the rush. Hattie B’s is busiest Saturday 12–2 PM; weekday lunches are much calmer. Prince’s moves slowly because everything is made to order — weekday evenings are quieter.
Recommended Food Crawl Route
The Nashville Essential (full day): Start at Arnold’s for a meat-and-three lunch (arrive by 11 AM), walk down 8th Ave to Martin’s for smoked wings, head to Prince’s for an afternoon hot chicken snack, then finish with dinner in Germantown at City House or Rolf and Daughters.
Getting Around
Downtown, Germantown, and The Gulch are all walkable from each other. East Nashville and Midtown are a short rideshare away. Prince’s on Nolensville Pike requires a car or rideshare (15 minutes from downtown). Parking is generally easy at most spots except Broadway-area restaurants on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is Nashville best known for?
Nashville is best known for hot chicken — a fiery, cayenne-laced fried chicken that originated at Prince’s Hot Chicken in the 1930s. Beyond hot chicken, Nashville is famous for meat-and-three restaurants (a meat entree with three sides), Southern BBQ, biscuits, and an increasingly diverse fine dining scene that has earned multiple James Beard Awards and Michelin stars.
What is the best restaurant in Nashville?
The Catbird Seat is widely considered Nashville’s best restaurant — it holds a Michelin star and was a James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant in 2026. For the best overall Nashville food experience, Prince’s Hot Chicken (the original), Husk (elevated Southern), and Arnold’s Country Kitchen (classic meat-and-three) are essential stops.
Where should I eat hot chicken in Nashville?
Prince’s Hot Chicken is the original and remains the gold standard — they invented the style in the 1930s. Hattie B’s is the most popular and tourist-friendly option with multiple locations. For the best experience, try both — they each bring something different to the table.
What is a meat-and-three restaurant?
A meat-and-three is a Nashville dining tradition where you choose one meat entree (like fried chicken, meatloaf, or pork chops) plus three side dishes (like mac and cheese, turnip greens, fried okra, or cornbread). Arnold’s Country Kitchen is the city’s most celebrated meat-and-three, winning a James Beard America’s Classic Award.
Is Nashville expensive to eat out?
Nashville offers dining at every price point. Legendary spots like Prince’s Hot Chicken and Arnold’s Country Kitchen run $10–20 per person. Mid-range restaurants like Butcher & Bee and Martin’s Bar-B-Que are $20–40. Fine dining at Husk or City House runs $50–80. A splurge at The Catbird Seat is $185–239 for the tasting menu.
Which Nashville neighborhoods are best for food?
Germantown is Nashville’s top dining neighborhood, home to City House, Rolf and Daughters, and Henrietta Red. East Nashville has Butcher & Bee and a thriving indie food scene. The Gulch houses The Catbird Seat. Midtown has Hattie B’s. Downtown/SoBro has Arnold’s Country Kitchen and Martin’s Bar-B-Que.
Do I need reservations at Nashville restaurants?
It depends. The Catbird Seat requires reservations well in advance (2–4 weeks). Husk, City House, Rolf and Daughters, and Henrietta Red all strongly recommend reservations, especially on weekends. Casual spots like Prince’s, Hattie B’s, Arnold’s, and Martin’s are walk-in only — just be prepared to wait in line at peak times.
Can I visit multiple Nashville restaurants in one day?
Absolutely. A great Nashville food crawl: start with Arnold’s Country Kitchen for lunch (closes at 2:45 PM), walk to Martin’s Bar-B-Que for a smoked wing snack, then head to Germantown for dinner at City House or Rolf and Daughters. Or do a hot chicken crawl: Prince’s for the original and Hattie B’s for the polished version.
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