Nashville’s innovative music scene has raised the bar in other creative aspects of the city, one being its culinary scene. Dubbed “The Coolest, Tastiest City in the South” by Bon Appetit, Nashville’s creative spirit has infiltrated into its kitchens, turning them into the chef’s studio. From Southern fare to haute cuisine to quite literally everything in between, Nashville’s palate offers it all.

A trip to the South wouldn’t be complete without a meat-and-three; this concept will be loved by the whole family as it involves picking one meat and three vegetable side dishes (and yes, macaroni & cheese is considered a vegetable in the South). Some of Nashville’s staple meat-and-threes include Arnold’s, Swett’s and Loveless Cafe. Loveless Cafe has been a family favorite since 1951 when they started serving their famous fried chicken and biscuits. Retaining the quaint country charm and good cooking, Loveless Cafe serves up award-winning country ham and red eye gravy.

Farm-to-table menus have become very popular in the Nashville dining scene, from fine dining, to cozy neighborhood restaurants. Lockeland Table Community Kitchen and Bar, Etch, and Silo are all homes for creative, chef-driven cuisine with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Located alongside the Country Music Hall of Fame, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and the Music City Center, Etch is the perfect location to stop by before and after events.

The Southern Steak & Oyster Bar is great for a fun night out or a group event. The menu features a combination of indigenous flavors and exotic ingredients served in an inviting home-like atmosphere. Another fine dining option is The Catbird Seat. Start the evening with an artisan cocktail at The Patterson House, and take a walk upstairs to The Catbird Seat, a 34-seat restaurant featuring an ever-changing seven-course menu of seasonally inspired dishes.

For larger parties, Von Elrod's in Germantown serves up delicious hand-cranked sausages and giant pretzels. Grab a spot at a communal table and hoist a stein of craft beer from their 36 taps. Also accommodating to groups is Puckett’s, where every dish is served with a side of Southern hospitality. With mismatched tables and chairs and an eclectic clientele of farmers, songwriters, and country music stars, Puckett’s is a restaurant serving up a dining experience unlike any other.

Eating and drinking are high on the list of priorities in Nashville. So whether it's a family-friendly meal, dinner and a show or a romantic repast, the city will have what you’re looking for. Explore Nashville's food scene.