Philip Krajeck's casual East Nashville sibling to Rolf and Daughters opened in 2018, running naturally leavened pizza and a vegetable-forward menu with natural wine.
Signature dishes: Naturally leavened pizza, Vegetable plates
Must order: The mushroom pizza and whatever bitter green is currently on the menu.
Tip: Closed Wednesdays. Walk-in seats at the long marble bar are the best move on a weeknight.
Address: 823 Meridian St, Nashville, TN 37207
A converted East Nashville church running 150 artisan wine selections and seasonal small plates, named to the New York Times 50 Best Restaurants list in 2024.
Signature: Seasonal small plates, Wine pairings
Order: Tell the sommelier your price range and let them build a flight with snacks.
Tip: The bar takes walk-ins; named Michelin American South Sommelier of the Year 2025.
Patrick Burke's Eastland Avenue ramen and izakaya counter in Nashville opened in 2014. The tonkotsu and miso ramens are the canonical bowls in East Nashville.
Signature: Tonkotsu ramen, Izakaya small plates
Order: Tonkotsu ramen with extra egg and chashu, plus the karaage chicken.
Tip: Happy hour 16:00 to 18:00 runs $5 plates and discounted sake; counter seats easier than booths.
Brian Lea and Leina Horii's 40-seat Highland Yards Japanese comfort-food room earned a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand and Garden and Gun Hot List in Nashville.
Signature: Okonomiyaki, Curry rice
Order: Okonomiyaki with bonito flakes, plus seasonal curry rice and karaage.
Tip: Lunch only Wednesday through Sunday. No reservations; queue starts before opening on weekends.
Teresa Mason's McFerrin Avenue taco counter in East Nashville opened as a converted Airstream and now runs full kitchen service. Cash-friendly, no-reservations.
Signature: Fried avocado taco, Tortilla soup
Order: Two fried avocado tacos and a bowl of chicken tortilla soup with avocado.
Tip: Closed Mondays. Lunch lines build by 12:00; arrive at 11:00 or after 14:00 for an easy seat.
A converted East Nashville church running 150 artisan wine selections and seasonal small plates, named to the New York Times 50 Best Restaurants list in 2024.
Signature: Seasonal small plates, Wine pairings
Order: Tell the sommelier your price range and let them build a flight with snacks.
Tip: The bar takes walk-ins; named Michelin American South Sommelier of the Year 2025.
Patrick Burke's Eastland Avenue ramen and izakaya counter in Nashville opened in 2014. The tonkotsu and miso ramens are the canonical bowls in East Nashville.
Signature: Tonkotsu ramen, Izakaya small plates
Order: Tonkotsu ramen with extra egg and chashu, plus the karaage chicken.
Tip: Happy hour 16:00 to 18:00 runs $5 plates and discounted sake; counter seats easier than booths.
Brian Lea and Leina Horii's 40-seat Highland Yards Japanese comfort-food room earned a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand and Garden and Gun Hot List in Nashville.
Signature: Okonomiyaki, Curry rice
Order: Okonomiyaki with bonito flakes, plus seasonal curry rice and karaage.
Tip: Lunch only Wednesday through Sunday. No reservations; queue starts before opening on weekends.
Teresa Mason's McFerrin Avenue taco counter in East Nashville opened as a converted Airstream and now runs full kitchen service. Cash-friendly, no-reservations.
Signature: Fried avocado taco, Tortilla soup
Order: Two fried avocado tacos and a bowl of chicken tortilla soup with avocado.
Tip: Closed Mondays. Lunch lines build by 12:00; arrive at 11:00 or after 14:00 for an easy seat.
The Bishop family's Midtown hot chicken counter in Nashville opened in 2012 and is the tourist-friendliest gateway to the dish. Six heat levels, pickles included.
Signature: Hot chicken, Pimento mac and cheese
Order: Hot chicken at Hot level, pimento mac, banana pudding.
Tip: Lines run 60 minutes at peak. Hit a satellite location (West, Downtown) or go off-peak for a faster seat.
Andre Prince Jeffries's family invented hot chicken in Nashville in the 1930s. The Nolensville shop runs the canonical version. James Beard America's Classic.
Signature: Hot chicken, Quarter dark
Order: Quarter dark, Medium heat, plain white bread with pickles.
Tip: The Nolensville location is the heart of the operation; the original Dickerson Pike shop closed and reopened on Broadway.
