The 17 Best Downtown Nashville Restaurants in 2025
If you’re in the mood for Southern comfort food, contemporary fusion or maybe a refined fine dining experience, checking out Downtown Nashville Restaurants is the way to go. Nashville’s ever-evolving food scene, complete with an incredible range of flavors and experiences, is perfect for both residents and tourists.
Among these 17 best Nashville Downtown restaurants, you’ll find everything from hidden gems in historic buildings to bustling rooftop spots with skyline views. Are you seeking a quick bite before a show or a romantic dinner with a view? Either way, the heart of Music City is full of unforgettable dining options.
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17 Best Restaurants in Downtown Nashville, TN
1. Puckett’s Restaurant
In the heart of Nashville, Puckett’s Restaurant is a beloved institution known for its Southern hospitality and down-home cooking. Originally a grocery store, Puckett’s has transformed into a well-known restaurant chain that maintains its small-town roots and serves classic Southern dishes with a modern twist. Located on Church Street, this Downtown Nashville restaurant offers a comfortable, inviting atmosphere that draws both locals and tourists.
The Vibe
Puckett’s is a must-visit Downtown Nashville restaurant for anyone seeking laid-back hospitality, with its roots firmly in Southern cooking and welcoming vibes. It’s the kind of place where you can dress casually, and in which you’ll likely see a mix of families, friends and couples enjoying hearty meals.
What to Order
The Nashville hot chicken bites are exceptional — hand-battered, fried and seasoned with the restaurant's own blend of spices. The smoked meatloaf is also a must-try, packed with rich, smoky flavors and served with traditional sides like mushroom gravy and green beans.
Puckett's Restaurant | 500 Church St., Nashville, TN 37219 | $$
2. Sambuca
Are you looking for food as well as other things to do in Nashville on a night out? A stop at Sambuca on 12th Avenue offers not only great food but live music and dancing for an unforgettable night.
The Vibe
Chic and vibrant, Sambuca is a Downtown Nashville restaurant with a stylish interior that’s perfect for a night out. Located in The Gulch, it’s bustling, especially on weekends, when diners come for the music and stay for the food.
What to Order
To start, share a grazing board packed with seasonal meat, cheese, fruit, nuts and crackers, before tucking into your own order of smoked chile salmon, served with angel hair pasta, seasonal veg and smoked chile coconut broth. Pair it with one of this Downtown Nashville restaurant’s signature cocktails to complete the experience.
Sambuca | 601 12th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203 | $$$
3. Black Rabbit
Known for its cozy, intimate atmosphere and small plates perfect for sharing, Black Rabbit is next on our list of Downtown Nashville restaurants. This spot is celebrated for its creative dishes and moody, candlelit ambiance, perfect if you’re looking for date ideas in Nashville.
The Vibe
If a lively atmosphere is key to your search for Downtown Nashville restaurants, Black Rabbit may not be for you. Instead, it’s known for its small plates and intimate setting. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with dim lighting and a cozy speakeasy feel. Perfect for a date night, it feels intimate and unique yet relaxed enough for casual dinners.
What to Order
The bone-in pork chop here is a crowd favorite — a tender, flavorful cut served with wholegrain mustard sauce, Brussels sprouts, balsamic, onion and garlic. Pair it with your choice of craft cocktail and discover why locals love this Downtown Nashville restaurant.
Black Rabbit | 218 3rd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$$
4. The Stillery
For a true Nashville experience with live music and a menu that highlights Southern flavor, head to The Stillery. Located in a bustling area on 2nd Avenue North, it’s a lively venue that draws crowds of music lovers and foodies alike.
The Vibe
If you’re looking for birthday ideas in Nashville, The Stillery offers some of the best food in Downtown Nashville, combining it with excellent live music.
What to Order
Any of the rustic pies are sure to fill a gap. From the Plain Jane with red sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan and herbs, to the sticky sweet featuring pepperoni, mushroom, feta, red sauce, two cheeses, hot honey and herbs, there are lots to choose from, and they’re all delicious.
The Stillery | 113 2nd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$
5. Gray & Dudley
Gray & Dudley brings art and food together in the 21c Museum Hotel, making for an unforgettable dining experience. Like many other Downtown Nashville restaurants, it’s a place where diners can enjoy elevated dishes in a refined yet accessible setting, perfect for special occasions.
The Vibe
Sophisticated but unpretentious, Gray & Dudley’s atmosphere, elegant touches and modern-art-inspired décor make it one of the more upscale Downtown Nashville restaurants.
What to Order
Since you’re eating in Nashville, why not order the Nashville crispy chicken? Served simply with collared greens, corn bread and hot honey (and sometimes as a special sandwich with tomato soup on the side) it’s a customer favorite for a reason.
Gray & Dudley | 222 3rd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$$
6. Adele’s
Of all the Downtown Nashville restaurants, Adele’s is one of the best farm-to-table options, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and high-quality flavors.
The Vibe
Offering a casual but refined atmosphere, complete with a lovely open-air patio for enjoying Nashville’s weather, Adele’s is as well suited to casual dinners as it is to those seeking breakfast in Nashville.
What to Order
Start with a plate of blistered shishitos or a bowl of mussels with chorizo, fennel tomato, cilantro and grilled bread. For your main, it’s a tough call, but whatever you order for yourself, be sure to add a portion of rosemary and pecorino potatoes for the table.
Adele’s | 1210 McGavock St., Nashville, TN 37203 | $$$
7. Skull’s Rainbow Room
No list of Downtown Nashville restaurants would be complete without a mention of Skull’s Rainbow Room, a legendary spot in Printers Alley. Established in 1948, it’s famous for its speakeasy vibe and burlesque shows.
The Vibe
For those seeking a unique atmosphere on Downtown Nashville’s restaurant scene, Skull’s Rainbow Room, with its vintage speakeasy vibes, is perfect for a romantic night out.
What to Order
Before tucking into your perfectly prepared filet entrée, be sure to kick things off with the lobster bisque, a creamy, luxurious dish that perfectly complements the vintage ambiance.
Skull’s Rainbow Room | 222 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37219 | $$$
8. Trattoria Il Mulino
Offering one of the most authentic Italian experiences of all Downtown Nashville restaurants, Trattoria Il Mulino has a menu that’s steeped in classic Italian flavors. The wine list is extensive too, and live music is occasionally featured, making it an ideal choice for a refined evening out.
The Vibe
Elegant yet comfortable, Trattoria Il Mulino has a polished atmosphere that feels inviting. It’s a great choice for a sophisticated date night spent enjoying one of the best Downtown Nashville restaurants.
What to Order
Order the ricotta meatballs to start. For mains, if a classic Italian pizza cooked to perfection is why you decided to dine here for the evening, you won’t go wrong with a Margherita.
Trattoria Il Mulino | 144 Rep. John Lewis Way S., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$$
9. Yolan
Located on 4th Avenue South, Yolan is a fine Italian dining destination in Nashville that’s known for its exquisite wine pairings and beautifully crafted dishes. The restaurant celebrates Italian culinary traditions with a contemporary twist.
The Vibe
Yolan’s atmosphere is elegant and modern, making it perfect for a special occasion or an upscale dining experience. Expect an elevated setting that matches the quality of the cuisine in this Downtown Nashville restaurant.
What to Order
The cacio e pepe pasta, with mafalde, pecorino Romano and black pepper, is a simple yet masterfully prepared dish that embodies the very spirit of Italian cuisine. The desserts are sure to tempt you, each a work of art that you’ll feel guilty for disturbing with a spoon!
Yolan | 403 4th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$$
10. Bakersfield Tacos
A vibrant and lively spot, Bakersfield Tacos is a Downtown Nashville restaurant known for its Mexican-inspired cuisine and unique cocktail menu. It’s a popular spot for those looking to enjoy great food in a festive setting.
The Vibe
Bright, fun and bustling, Bakersfield Tacos has a spirited vibe that feels casual yet exciting. It’s ideal for groups and casual outings.
What to Order
The short rib tacos are a must-have, filled with braised short rib, queso fresco, guacamole, red cabbage, pickled fresno and chives for an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Bakersfield Tacos | 201 3rd Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$
11. Acme Feed & Seed
Bringing multi-level dining and entertainment spaces to the Nashville restaurant scene, Acme Feed & Seed is the perfect Downtown Nashville restaurant for those who want a night filled with music, Southern fare and rooftop views.
The Vibe
Located on Broadway, the historic building of Acme Feed & Seed offers a laid-back vibe on the first floor, a honky-tonk feel on the second and a lively rooftop experience with sweeping city views.
What to Order
A menu filled with signature items makes a tough decision inevitable here. That said, this Downtown Nashville restaurant's wings — available with three different dressings and as half- and full-orders — are always popular.
Acme Feed & Seed | 101 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201 | $$
12. Etch
Located on Demonbreun St., Etch is a standout among Downtown Nashville restaurants for its inventive, global-inspired menu. With an open kitchen and artistic, inviting décor, Etch creates a dining experience that’s as visually pleasing as it is flavorful.
The Vibe
Stylish and modern, Etch has a welcoming, upscale ambiance that’s common for Downtown Nashville restaurants. The open kitchen adds a unique touch, allowing guests to catch a glimpse of the chefs at work.
What to Order
Since the menu is packed with stand-out dishes, it’s tough to pick just one. That said, few, if any other Downtown Nashville restaurants offer venison with accompaniments like duck fat pearl onions, harissa cranberries and walnut mint relish (to name just a few!).
Etch | 303 Demonbreun St., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$$
13. The Rutledge
A chic, speakeasy-inspired Downtown Nashville restaurant located on 1st Avenue South, The Rutledge is known for its stylish ambiance and focus on high-quality ingredients. It’s a popular spot for family celebrations.
The Vibe
With dim lighting and a touch of glamor, The Rutledge has an intimate, upscale vibe that makes it perfect for a memorable night out.
What to Order
A host of shareable appetizers and entrées can be ordered here. If you’re looking for Downtown Nashville restaurants that perfectly cooked steak, the 8-ounce filet mignon may just be on your hit list.
The Rutledge | 151 1st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$$
14. The Farm House
For classic Southern flavors in a cozy setting, Downtown Nashville restaurants like The Farm House deliver on tradition while offering fresh, inventive twists.
The Vibe
Rustic yet polished, The Farm House has a cozy, welcoming vibe that feels down-to-earth and inviting. This Downtown Nashville restaurant offers a great spot to relax with friends or family in a casual setting.
What to Order
Whatever you order as your entrée (options range from trout to a hearty bison burger), be sure to split a portion of deviled eggs with the table. Stopping by or brunch? Good choice — this Downtown Nashville restaurant claims to serve the best in the city!
The Farm House | 210 Almond St., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$
15. The Palm Restaurant
With roots going back to the 1920s, The Palm Restaurant is a classic American steakhouse with a strong reputation for high-quality food and exceptional service. The Palm is one of those Downtown Nashville restaurants you simply can’t miss.
The Vibe
Elegant and classic, The Palm has a timeless feel with dark wood décor and a formal, upscale setting, making it an excellent choice among Downtown Nashville restaurants for a formal night out.
What to Order
Whatever steak you have in mind, be sure to try something from this Downtown Nashville restaurant’s cold bar first. The seared sesame-crusted tuna would definitely do, but then so would an order of oysters on the half shell. Decisions, decisions!
The Palm Restaurant | 140 5th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37201 | $$$$
16. 417 Union
Offering some of the best food in Downtown Nashville, 417 Union is a nostalgic diner with historic charm, featuring décor characterized by World War II and Civil War memorabilia. This double-story restaurant is beloved for its hearty breakfasts and Southern comfort food.
The Vibe
Quaint and cozy, 417 Union has a relaxed atmosphere that feels like a step back in time. It’s a place to enjoy comfort food in a unique, laid-back setting.
What to Order
If you're stopping by for brunch, the menu at this Downtown Nashville restaurant will have you spoiled for choice. The pork chop breakfast is pretty much as you’d expect — a combination of eggs, potatoes, a buttermilk biscuit and country gravy centered around a tender-centered and crispy breaded pork chop.
417 Union | 417 Union St., Nashville, TN 37219 | $$
17. The Southern Steak & Oyster
The Southern Steak & Oyster brings a sophisticated twist to traditional Southern dishes. This popular restaurant serves up regional favorites with a creative approach in a lively, bustling environment.
The Vibe
Vibrant and stylish, The Southern Steak & Oyster has a modern interior with a welcoming Southern charm. It’s the perfect spot for a casual but memorable meal.
What to Order
A portion of fried sprouts with sweet chile aioli and toasted sesame elevates humble Brussels to new heights. If you arrive at this Downtown Nashville restaurant with an appetite, a half-rack of smoked baby back ribs is sure to hit the spot, served with coleslaw and sweet potatoes. If you’re super hungry, don’t worry — a full rack is also available!
The Southern Steak & Oyster | 150 3rd Ave. S. Ste. 110, Nashville, TN 37201 | $$$
Discover the Best Nashville Food
Whether you’re a Nashville local or just visiting, exploring Downtown Nashville restaurants is a must for food lovers. And if you’d like to experience the city’s diverse culinary scene with the expertise of a local guide, food tours in Nashville are the way to go.
With food tours of Downtown Nashville restaurants, you can explore iconic eateries, hidden gems and trending spots while learning about Nashville’s rich cultural history and food traditions. Seasoned Nashville residents seem to love these food tours just as much as first-time visitors, as they provide a more curated taste of the city and highlight unique dishes.
Well, there you have it! A rundown of the best Downtown Nashville restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual bite, a romantic date night for two or an upscale meal in celebration of a milestone birthday, there’s a restaurant for you. All you need to do is choose which you’ll visit first!
For even more ways to explore Nashville and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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