Yes, there will always be good BBQ, hot chicken, and meat ‘n’ threes in Nashville—perhaps the best you’ve ever tasted. But if you limit your culinary sojourns to those dishes, you’ll be missing out on one of Nashville’s best features—the breadth and depth of its chef-driven restaurants. James Beard-Award nominees and winners are around every corner now, turning out creative spins on classic French dishes, modern Mediterranean, Japanese kakigōri, and, of course, time-honored Southern food. It will be hard to whittle down your must-eat list if you’re only in town for a weekend, but these noteworthy spots are a great start. Here are the best restaurants in Nashville.
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Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve.
