Featured image: Samantha Labrecque Semle
“What’s your favorite restaurant in Nashville” is the age old question I am most often asked. And since I like to think of myself as a foodie by nature that loves trying different places and new-to-me cuisine, (think: sea urchin and foies gras) I also find myself often retreating back to a handful of well-known and loved restaurants—my favorites, if you will—that are serving up nothing but downright, delicious food.
Noko | East
Arguably Nashville’s hottest restaurant, Noko is an Asian-inspired, wood-fired eatery with limited reservation availability and for good reason: the people are great and the food is even better. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time dining at Noko, the team sets the bar high when it comes to eating out. While you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, some of my go-to’s include the tuna crispy rice, east side shrimp, dumplings, and the burnt end lettuce wraps. Really, just go ahead and order one of everything on the menu… we aren’t judging!
Bella Napoli | Edgehill
Tucked in the back courtyard of Edgehill Village, Bella Napoli reminds me of the great, hole-in-the-wall Italian places I can find back home in Boston. It’s dimly lit and compact, but authentic with the sound of Italian dialect coming from the kitchen. When missing New England or just in need of some really good pizza Napoletana and savory red sauce plates, Bella Napoli certainly dishes out the comfort.
Mojo’s Tacos | Franklin
Mojo’s was one of the first restaurants I visited when I moved to Nashville, and it has been in my rotating lineup since. The come-as-you-are, family-friendly atmosphere at all three of their locations lend itself to a fresh take on a Tennessee taco shop. We suggest going with a group and trying all different taco varieties, but if you must choose: go for the two tacos and a side combo, specifically the smashburger taco (the accompanying morita sauce is to-die-for) and the brisket taco, with a side of chips and smoky salsa. And while the line gets long, don’t be deterred because this quick-service joint really does move quick.
Maíz de la Vida Food Truck at Chopper | East
There might not be a more fulfilling, casual culinary experience in Nashville than at the Maiz de la Vida Food Truck. While not technically a restaurant (they do have a bricks-and-mortar in North Nashville and The Gulch), I’m loyal to the OG truck parked outside Chopper. There’s nothing quite like drowning in their beef birria and consommé while sipping some of the best cocktails East of the Cumberland.
The Loveless Cafe | Bellevue
A Nashville staple since 1951, no list would be complete without a mention of Loveless. To me, Southern hospitality doesn’t get any sweeter than this. The restaurant is packed for breakfast-goers on weekends with many times a long wait, but their made-from-scratch biscuits and preserves, plus other Southern bites like the fried chicken and and country ham make up for it. If you’re like me and prefer to skip the crowds, here’s a tip: go for dinner! It’s much less crowded and breakfast is served all day long.
Culaccino | Franklin
A Franklin mainstay and go-to spot for date night, gals night, or family dinner, Culaccino is a local gem and community favorite. While the menu changes seasonally, there’s several long standing, can’t-miss dishes I gravitate towards, including the tonnarelli, campanelle, and l’unico pizza. If you’re looking to try more than one pasta dish, you can request a half-size portion for the best of both worlds. And if you’re a cheese lover like me, use any leftover whipped ricotta from the bread service on the crust of your pizza to take it up a notch further.
Lola | Sylvan Park
Lola is a neighborhood Spanish tapas restaurant and bar, serving small plates that are rich in flavor and depth. Saddle up to the bar or take a seat in the contemporary and sleek dining room, where you’ll take your tastebuds on a culinary journey. While the menu frequently changes, you can expect shareable plates like tomatoes tartare, pan tumaca, papas bravas, rojo albondigas, and more, plus the burnt basque cheesecake for dessert.
Sperry’s Restaurant | Belle Meade
A true Nashville institution, Sperry’s is a pillar of old-school steakhouse dining. The salad bar is a fan favorite, the cuts of steak are considerable, and the table side bananas foster is just legendary. I spend my whole meal (which usually consists of escargot to start followed by steak frites and a side of Burgundy mushroom sauce) dreaming about the dessert, and I savor every last bite of banana wishing I could experience the divine moment all over again.
Proper Bagel | 12 South
Tip: Get there early before they sell out, because they do. After your first bite, you’ll understand why. The kettle-boiled, New York-style bagels are fresh and both spreads and sandwich options are aplenty. Whether you opt for cream cheese schemer, a smoked fish, or salad sandwich, I’m certain you will add Proper Bagel to your weekend morning routine like so many Nashvillians do.
Peg Leg Porker | The Gulch
A no frills, old-school BBQ joint with finger lickin’ good barbecue? It’s everything you want Tennessee barbecue to be. While it’s nearly impossible to decide on which smoked meat to order, but the dry rubbed ribs and pulled pork are usually on my mind. One thing’s for certain, though: a double portion of mac-and-cheese will always be on my tray.
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