Goldie's Delicatessen near Vanderbilt, Nashville opened 2018 as the city's first kosher-style deli: pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, latkes and house-cured fish.
Tip: Kosher-style (not certified kosher); the Reuben sandwich and matzo ball soup are the canonical orders.
Address: 118 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Graze in East Nashville's Riverside Village area runs an entirely plant-based menu: bowls, sandwiches and weekend brunch since 2014. Plant-based since opening.
Tip: The Buffalo cauliflower wings are the under-the-radar order; weekend brunch books up by 11:00.
The Wild Cow on Eastland Avenue in East Nashville has run vegetarian and vegan plates since 2008: bowls, burgers, salads and a long-running Sunday brunch.
Tip: Mostly vegan with vegetarian-only items clearly marked; Buffalo tofu wrap is the cult order.
Calypso Cafe in Nashville has run a fast-casual Caribbean-leaning menu of black bean nachos, rotisserie chicken and bowls since 1983; vegetarian-friendly throughout.
Tip: Build your own bowl with brown rice, black beans and the curry coconut sauce. Multiple locations across the city.
Nicoletto's Italian Kitchen on Gallatin Pike in East Nashville handmakes gluten-free pasta in-house every morning, alongside traditional flour pastas and Sicilian plates.
Tip: Gluten-free menu rotates daily; the lasagne is the move for first-timers. Book ahead for weekend evenings.
I Dream of Weenie's East Nashville Woodland Street school-bus stand in Nashville serves hot dogs on gluten-free or wheat buns with house chili and toppings.
Tip: Gluten-free buns are the same price as regular; ask at the window. Cash and card; outdoor seating only.
Shawarma Shack on Gallatin Pike in East Nashville runs halal chicken and lamb shawarma plates and wraps. Family-run since 2018; consistently among the city's best.
Tip: The chicken shawarma wrap with garlic sauce is the canonical order; combo plates feed two.
