Savor the Best of Music City with These Classy Restaurants

Fine dining in Nashville is a true adventure in taste and tradition. This city, known worldwide for its rich musical heritage, also boasts an impressive number of restaurants where culinary excellence is the standard. 

Nashville’s top chefs and restaurateurs have created spaces that offer an unparalleled dining experience, combining the flavors of the South with innovative cuisine from around the world. And the variety is incredible—yes, you’ll get the hot chicken stands and BBQs, but you’ll also find rarer, more specialized dishes that will keep you coming back meal after meal. 

Let’s look at Nashville’s finest establishments, each with a unique approach to food and hospitality. From intimate settings focusing on seasonal ingredients to luxurious steakhouses with world-class service, get ready to explore the culinary delights that make Nashville a must-visit destination for food lovers.

TL;DR

• Locust: Known for its innovative seasonal ingredients and intimate atmosphere.
• Catbird Seat: Offers an ever-changing chef-driven tasting menu in an interactive setup.
• Yolan: Celebrates Italian cuisine with authentic, beautifully crafted dishes.
• Husk: Breathes new life into Southern cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.
• Chef & I: Provides an interactive dining journey with a focus on customization.
• Bourbon Steak: Famous for dry-aged steaks, an impressive whiskey selection, and stunning city views.
• Kayne Prime: Prime cuts, a chic steakhouse vibe, and a rooftop lounge.
• Oak: Specializes in steaks and seafood cooked over a wood-fired grill.
• Etch: Offers Mediterranean-inspired flavors in Nashville’s downtown.
• Eddie V’s: Known for prime steaks, fresh seafood, and live jazz music.
• Rolf & Daughters: Rustic charm meets sophisticated dishes, emphasizing seasonal ingredients.
• House of Cards: A magical dining experience with live performances and a speakeasy vibe.
• Skull’s Rainbow Room: A historic jazz lounge offering fine dining with burlesque and live music.
• Halls Chophouse: Family-owned, known for treating guests like royalty with live piano music.
• Urban Grub: Blends Southern soul with fresh seafood in an eclectic setting.
• Jeff Ruby’s: A glamorous art deco eatery with unparalleled service and prime steaks.
• E3 Chophouse: Focuses on sustainability and ethical sourcing, offering farm-to-table steakhouse fare.
• 5th & Taylor: Honors American cuisine in an industrial-chic setting with inventive menu options.
• Chateau West: Combines southern French elegance with Nashville hospitality, offering classic French dishes.

The Essence of Fine Dining: Nashville Style

It’s a given that Nashville’s fine dining scene offers exceptional-quality food and supremely elegant settings. But also on offer is an unmistakable warmth that greets you at the door, the creative minds in the kitchens, and the lovingly sourced local ingredients that come together on your plate. It’s a place where Southern hospitality meets top-made dishes.

In Nashville, fine dining blends tradition with innovation. Chefs here used their dishes to share stories of the region, its people, and their passion for food. Whether you’re sampling a modern twist on a Southern classic or a bold new flavor, each meal invites you to explore the depth and diversity of Nashville, one scrumptious bite at a time.

The Top Fine Dining Restaurants Nashville Has to Offer

Locust

Website: www.locustnashville.com

Address: 2305 12th Ave S., Nashville, TN 37204

Neighborhood: 12 South

Price Range: $$$$

Locust sets itself apart with its intimate atmosphere. Chefs showcase their art through seasonal ingredients and imaginative flavor combinations. Trevor Moran, the head chef, is a James Beard 2024 Semi-Finalist. The setting, marked by minimalist decor and thoughtful service, complements the exquisite culinary experience, making it a standout in Nashville’s dining scene. Locust is dedicated to creating a personal and innovative dining experience. After some recent changes, lunch is the only full-menu meal, and reservations are required. Dinner is walk-in only, with dumplings and drinks on display. Reservations open on the first of the month preceding your desired dining month. You’ll pay a $50 deposit, which will then be taken off your bill. 

Signature Dish: The menu changes constantly, so you won’t find what’s available online. Rumor has it that the owner loves experimenting with dumplings and kakigori (a Japanese-styled shaved ice). The Toki highballs are bottled in-house, making them a one-off beverage to savor with your meal. 

Catbird Seat

Website: www.thecatbirdseatrestaurant.com

Address: 1711 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203

Neighborhood: Midtown

Price Range: $$$$

Dining at Catbird Seat is a culinary adventure. It offers a chef-driven, ever-changing tasting menu in an interactive setting. Guests are seated around a U-shaped counter, offering a front-row seat to the magic happening in the kitchen. This setup serves to break down the barrier between chef and diner and also adds an element of novelty and engagement to the dining experience, making each visit unlike any other.

Signature Dish: This is another restaurant with a revolving menu, making every meal a mystery. One thing is certain: whatever is cooked up will be one of the most interesting meals of your life. Their tasting menu consists of 12-20 courses. Anticipate dishes like Duck Tartare with cashew and rose essence, bay scallop with rambutan, and dark roux ice cream. You’ll also learn about each course as it comes out, making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Yolan

Website: www.yolannashville.com

Address: 403 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

Neighborhood: SOBRO

Price Range: $$$$

Yolan is a love letter to Italian cuisine and hospitality, blending timeless traditions with modern techniques. The restaurant’s elegant ambiance and comprehensive wine list promise a dining experience that’s refined and delightful. Focusing on authentic, beautifully crafted dishes, Yolan invites diners to explore the depth and diversity of Italian flavors in a luxurious and welcoming setting.

Signature Dish: The house-made gnocchi with black winter truffle, ricotta, and parmigiano-reggiano showcases this restaurant’s skill in the kitchen. Simple in concept yet rich in flavor, this dish is a testament to the beauty of high-quality ingredients combined with masterful execution, delivering a comforting and decadent taste of Italy.

Husk

Website: www.husknashville.com

Address: 37 Rutledge St, Nashville, TN 37210

Neighborhood: Rutledge Hill

Price Range: $$$$

Husk breathes new life into Southern cuisine, embracing locally sourced ingredients and celebrating the region’s rich culinary traditions. The original location is in Charleston, but you don’t have to take a trip to experience its amazing food options. The restaurant has one simple rule about what goes on your plate: if it doesn’t come from the South, it’s not coming through the door. Set in a historic mansion, Husk offers a successful blend of heritage and innovation. Its commitment to authenticity and quality has made it a cornerstone of Nashville’s dining scene. Locals love that Sean Brock, one of the original executive chefs, now lives in Nashville where he runs several of our favorite restaurants. 

Signature Dish: The menu frequently changes, but you can’t go wrong with traditional Southern meals. We’re talking about cast-iron cornbread or buttermilk cheddar biscuits, country ham, heritage chicken, and BBQ pork rinds. Of course, the Shrimp and Grits is one of our favorites and is worth a try. 

Chef & I

Website: www.thechefandinashville.com 

Address: 1922 Adelicia St, Nashville, TN 37212

Neighborhood: Midtown

Price Range: $$$

At Chef & I, dining is an interactive journey unlike any other. Here, guests have the unique opportunity to collaborate with the chef to customize their dishes, making each meal a personalized adventure. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere and emphasis on connection add a fresh element to the dining experience.

Signature Dish: The daily promotions and events are constantly changing, but the concept of building your own seafood dish, with a selection of fresh elements and tasty accompaniments, encapsulates the essence of Chef & I. 

Bourbon Steak

Website: nashvillebourbonsteak.com

Address: 201 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Neighborhood: The Gulch

Price Range: $$$$

Bourbon Steak is one of the top steakhouses in Nashville, both figuratively and literally. It’s located on top of the JW Marriott, one of the most popular hotels on Broadway. Known for its meticulously dry-aged steaks and impressive whiskey selection, this sleek eatery offers some of the best fine dining Nashville can offer, thanks to its Michelin-star chef. The added draw of a rooftop patio and 360-degree view of the city means that dining here is truly unforgettable. 

Signature Dish: The dry-aged ribeye, crowned with a dollop of rich truffle butter, is a masterpiece of meat preparation. The aging process intensifies the flavor, resulting in a tender and robust steak, making every bite a luxurious indulgence.

Kayne Prime

Website: www.mstreetnashville.com/kayne-prime

Address: 1103 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203

Neighborhood: The Gulch

Price Range: $$$$

Kayne Prime, celebrated for its prime cuts of meat, merges the ambiance of a chic steakhouse with Nashville’s modern culinary scene. Its rooftop lounge offers panoramic views of the city, setting the stage for memorable special occasions. Kayne Prime manages to create a dining experience that’s both grand and intimate. Its full gluten-free menu makes it ideal for celiacs and those with wheat allergies.

Signature Dish: The A5 Wagyu filet mignon defines the art of steak. Sourced from the finest Wagyu, each slice is buttery, rich, and exquisitely marbled, offering an unparalleled taste of luxury. Of course, the market seafood options are also hard to beat. Try the sea bass with yuzu glaze to delight your taste buds. 

Oak

Website: www.oaksteakhousenashville.com

Address: 801 Clark Pl, Nashville, TN 37203

Neighborhood: The Gulch

Price Range: $$$$

If you’re seeking the warmth of a wood-fired grill specializing in steaks and seafood, Oak is for you. The restaurant’s refined ambiance and an expansive wine list set the stage for an inviting fine dining experience. Oak’s mastery of the grill and its commitment to quality ingredients make it a Nashville gem.

Signature Dish: Served alongside white cheddar mac and cheese, the prime ribeye is a must-try. The steak’s smoky, charred exterior complements the creamy, rich decadence of the mac and cheese, crafting a duo that’s simply irresistible.

Etch

Website: www.etchrestaurant.com

Address: 303 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37201

Neighborhood: Downtown

Price Range: $$$

Etch offers Mediterranean-inspired flavors against the backdrop of Nashville’s bustling downtown. Its open kitchen concept invites diners into an energetic atmosphere where creative culinary combinations take center stage. Etch’s cuisine is both inventive and approachable, making it a great spot for those eager to explore new flavors.

Signature Dish: Adventurous eaters should try the Chef’s Creation, an ever-changing meal that allows the chef to use their imagination to create something memorable. Otherwise, try the Moroccan Bastilla. This saffron eggplant dish features flavors from the Mediterranean so fresh that you might forget you’re in the South. 

Eddie V’s

Website: www.eddiev.com

Address: 590 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Neighborhood: Downtown

Price Range: $$$$

Eddie V’s distinguishes itself with an unmatched blend of prime steaks and fresh seafood, all enjoyed to the smooth sounds of live jazz music. The delightful setting, marked by dim lighting and splendid decor, provides the perfect ambiance for a night of culinary luxury. Every detail, from the atmosphere to the plating, is designed to thrill all your senses.

Signature Dish: Eddie V’s seafood expertise is evident in the Chilean sea bass, steamed Hong Kong style. The perfectly cooked bass, with its flaky texture and rich umami flavor, is a sublime choice for those seeking a standout seafood dish.

Rolf & Daughters

Website: www.rolfanddaughters.com

Address: 700 Taylor St, Nashville, TN 37208

Neighborhood: Germantown

Price Range: $$$

Rolf & Daughters brings rustic charm to the Nashville fine dining scene, blending industrial decor with communal tables that invite conversation and connection. This spot stands out for its approach to simple yet sophisticated dishes, emphasizing house-made dishes and seasonal ingredients. It’s a place where the joy of sharing a meal shines, encouraging diners to explore a menu that celebrates the beauty of simplicity and the local bounty.

Signature Dish: The bigeye tuna with benne seed, nori, and smoke roe is a local favorite that pairs wonderfully with Rolf & Daughters’ homemade sourdough bread and seaweed butter. 

House of Cards

Website: www.hocnashville.com

Address: 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

Neighborhood: Downtown

Price Range: $$$$

House of Cards is more than a restaurant—an escape to a world of magic and mystery. With its innovative blend of exceptional dining and live magic performances, this underground jewel offers a captivating, entertaining experience. The vintage, speakeasy ambiance adds to the fun and games, making every visit feel like you’re entering another era.

Signature Dish: While the menu is as eclectic as the entertainment, the NY strip stands out as a star performance. Choose from several house-made steak rubs to add extra flavor, and don’t forget the bone marrow butter to give the perfectly cooked meat a little extra zing. 

Skull’s Rainbow Room

Website: www.skullsrainbowroom.com

Address: 222 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37201

Neighborhood: Downtown/Printer’s Alley

Price Range: $$$$

Skull’s Rainbow Room is a treasure trove of Nashville history, offering a dining experience steeped in the legacy of legendary performers. This iconic jazz lounge and supper club pairs classic cocktails and fine dining with burlesque and live music, transporting guests to the golden era of nightlife, including a fabulous Burlesque show.  The music, glitz, glamor and glitter certainly make every night at Skull’s a nostalgic and exciting journey.

Signature Dish: The New Zealand Rack of Lamb flaunts the luxury and indulgence of a bygone era. 

Halls Chophouse

Website: hallschophousenashville.com

Address: 1600 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203

Neighborhood: Midtown/West End

Price Range: $$$$

Halls Chophouse is a family-owned business that prides itself on treating every guest like royalty. Live piano music adds an extra layer of warmth to the dining experience. With its impeccable service and menu highlighting the best steakhouse traditions, Halls Chophouse stands as a beacon of fine dining in Nashville.

Signature Dish: The dry-aged bone-in ribeye is a standout offering, created using a process that gives a deep, concentrated flavor. For dessert, try the Dutch Apple Pie. 

Urban Grub

Website: www.urbangrub.net

Address: 2506 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

Neighborhood: 12 South

Price Range: $$$

Urban Grub’s novel concept blends the soul of Southern cuisine with the freshness of seafood in an eclectic setting. This restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining spaces, including an oyster bar and a charming patio. It celebrates Nashville’s culinary diversity, making Urban Grub a favorite among locals (it’s certainly our favorite place to grab a bite) and visitors alike 

Signature Dish: The steak and biscuits is a playful yet sophisticated take on Nashville’s meat-and-carbs combination. The filet pairs deliciously with the savory biscuits and bone marrow gravy. Don’t forget an order of the pork fries and wagyu beef belly, our favorite appetizers. 

Bonus: If you’re craving an unforgettable brunch experience, Urban Grub is the place to be! We recently had the privilege of visiting this gem, and let me tell you, they really know how to elevate the art of weekend indulgence.

As soon as we arrived, we were taken to their amazing outdoor patio area, complete with a cozy fire pit that set the mood for a truly special occasion. Now, their regular brunch menu is already a delight, but the real stars of the show are their elevated brunch cocktails. Imagine sipping on a perfectly crafted espresso martini or a bubbly, fruit-infused mimosa – it’s the stuff that brunch dreams on a Sunday are made of.

For the main event, you’ve got some classic favorites like the Spring Chicken and the Steak and Biscuits. Still, the real showstoppers are their handcrafted artisanal omelets, the decadent Crab Benedict, the soulful Shrimp and Grits, and – wait for it – the Lobster Patty Melt and the Thor Dry Aged Burger. 

But the real cherry on top? The Lemon and Raspberry Pop Tarts. These little babies are the perfect way to kick off your brunch in style. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll be hooked.

Jeff Ruby’s

Website: www.jeffruby.com/nashville

Address: 300 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219

Neighborhood: Downtown

Price Range: $$$$

Jeff Ruby’s takes you to a world where dining is an experience to be savored and remembered. With its glamorous art deco decor and scene-setting live music, this gorgeous eatery merges the past with the present. Known for its unparalleled service and attention to detail, Jeff Ruby’s stands out as a treat-worthy dining spot.

Signature Dish: You can’t go wrong with one of their U.S.D.A. Prime or Wagyu Steaks. Or for a surf & turf that will have your taste buds begging for more (even if your stomach has had enough), try combining a house-made sushi roll with a barrel-cut filet mignon. 

E3 Chophouse

Website: www.e3chophouse.com

Address: 1628 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212

Neighborhood: Hillsboro Village

Price Range: $$$

E3 Chophouse brings a refreshing focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing to the Nashville dining scene. This steakhouse offers a cozy interior and a commitment to quality that’s evident in every dish. Their farm-to-table approach ensures that each meal tastes good and feels good, aligning with the values of conscious diners who seek both quality and integrity in their dining choices.

Signature Dish: Accentuated with seared scallops, the E3 ribeye showcases E3 Chophouse’s dedication to flavor. The freshness of the seafood perfectly balances the meat’s natural richness, creating a perfect combination. 

5th & Taylor

Website: www.5thandtaylor.com

Address: 1411 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Neighborhood: Germantown

Price Range: $$$

5th & Taylor pays homage to American cuisine in a setting that beautifully blends industrial aesthetics with Southern comfort. Located in a repurposed warehouse, this restaurant honor’s Nashville roots while embracing a modern cooking style. The inventive menu and warm, inviting atmosphere make 5th & Taylor a beloved spot for locals and visitors seeking a meal that feels like home—yet surprises at every turn.

Signature Dish: The short rib, served with acorn squash and date compote, is a standout offering that marries traditional Southern flavors with a hint of modern flair. If you’re craving something from the wood-fired grill, go for the black hawk American Wagyu with beef fat butter, oxtail gravy, and mashed potatoes. 

Chateau West

Website: www.chateauwestrestaurant.com

Address: 3401 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Neighborhood: West End

Price Range: $$$

When you combine southern French elegance with Nashville’s Southern hospitality, you get Chateau West. This fine dining establishment offers a romantic and refined milieu. Guests are transported to a world of white tablecloths, sparkling chandeliers, and an extensive wine cellar—much like a French restaurant. 

Signature Dish: The coq au vin, accompanied by mushrooms, onions, potatoes, and carrots, is a classic French dish reimagined with a touch of luxury. Or go for the slow-cooked chicken, tender and infused with the rich flavors of wine, exquisitely paired with potatoes. It might feel indulgent, but you’re worth it. 

Dine with a Side of Nashville’s Charm

When you dine at one of Nashville’s fine eateries, you’re stepping right into the city’s core as well as signing up for a delicious meal. Beyond the exquisite dishes, these restaurants are steeped in local flair—from buildings that whisper tales of the past to interiors exhibiting the creativity of Nashville’s art scene. It’s not uncommon to find yourself enjoying a meal in a restored historic mansion or a space adorned with works by local artists.

Many dining spots also offer the quintessential Nashville soundtrack: live music. Imagine savoring a chef’s special while being serenaded by the soothing sounds of a local guitarist or a jazz ensemble, adding an extra layer of poignance to an already perfect evening. This blend of flavors, sights, and sounds can be an intoxicating experience closely intertwined with Nashville’s distinctive charm.

Making the Most of Your Fine Dining Experience: Nashville

A little planning goes a long way to ensure your time in Nashville’s fine dining scene is as flawless as the cuisine. 

Reservations: a must in most establishments. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment, especially on weekends or special occasions. Make sure to check OpenTable or Resy a few weeks or even months in advance. 

Dress codes: while Nashville is known for its laid-back vibe, fine dining venues often appreciate a smart-casual approach. Think of it as part of the experience, dressing up to match the elegance of your surroundings.

Timing: consider dining during off-peak hours if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, or aim for prime time if you love a lively buzz. 

Logistics: remember to inquire about parking options or valet services so you can focus on the evening’s delights. In many cases, it’s just as easy to go carless as it is to find parking. 

Ready for an Unforgettable Fine Dining Experience, Nashville?

Now that you’ve had a glimpse into Nashville’s culinary wonders, why not turn the page from anticipation to experience? Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, craving a new adventure, or simply in the mood for something spectacular, Nashville’s fine dining scene is ready to welcome you. 

To fully immerse yourself in Nashville’s splendor, remember that a great meal is just the beginning. Let Nashville Luxury Stay be the home base for your culinary adventures. Our luxury accommodations give you the feel of being home while exploring everything Music City offers. Stay with us and find the perfect place to rest, relax, and reminisce about the incredible dining experiences you’ve enjoyed.

Your table awaits in Nashville. It’s an invitation to explore, taste, and create memories that will linger long after the last course has been served.