Nashville’s restaurant scene has been booming over the past decade. While many of the restaurants in town are affiliated with a hospitality group or large chain, Music City still has a variety of eateries that are unique solely to Nashville. Some spots have been a staple in the community for decades! Here is Nashville Guru’s guide to the Best Local Restaurants in Nashville with Only One Location.
CRITERIA FOR INCLUSION:
- Only one location
- 5+ years in business
- 4.4+ Google rating
- Not affiliated with a hospitality group
If your favorite local restaurant is missing and matches the criteria above, click here to let us know.
Best Local Restaurants in Nashville with Only One Location
Lockeland Table
Lockeland Table has been a staple in the Nashville community for over a decade. This cozy restaurant could be described as a true neighborhood eatery that is great for casual family meals and special anniversary dinners. If you love food and drink specials, you’ll want to stop by their Community Hour, which takes place Monday through Saturday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- When it Opened: August 2012
- Google Rating: 4.7 | 1,140+ reviews
Tailor Nashville
Tailor Nashville is an award-winning, dinner party-style restaurant that serves a creative menu of South Asian American cuisine. Each dining experience is two hours and includes multiple courses, explanations about the dishes, and top-notch service.
- Neighborhood: Germantown
- When it Opened: 2018
- Google Rating: 4.8 | 170+ reviews
Caffe Nonna
Caffe Nonna has been serving Italian cuisine to the Nashville community for over two decades. This charming rustic eatery features family recipes on the menu that have been around for over 100 years. The Arancini appetizer is a must-order.
- Neighborhood: Sylvan Park
- When it Opened: 1999
- Google Rating: 4.5 | 430+ reviews
Margot Café & Bar
Margot Café & Bar is a French-inspired restaurant that’s been open for over 20 years. The menu changes daily and is focused on locally-sourced ingredients. This beloved neighborhood gathering place is owned and operated by Chef Margot McCormack.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- When it Opened: June 2001
- Google Rating: 4.7 | 640+ reviews
City House
Some would say City House was Nashville’s first “it” restaurant. This cozy Italian spot features a seasonal menu of pasta, pizza, and locally-sourced meat and produce. The level of food and service attracts locals and tourists alike.
- Neighborhood: Germantown
- When it Opened: December 2007
- Google Rating: 4.5 | 870+ reviews
Hathorne
Hathorne is a casual fine-dining restaurant and bar located on Charlotte Pike. Owner and Chef John Stephenson created a menu that has a seasonal focus on new American cuisine. Their outdoor patio is pretty spacious, so when the weather is right, guests can enjoy their meals and drinks out in the fresh air.
- Neighborhood: Sylvan Park
- When it Opened: December 2018
- Google Rating: 4.7 | 440+ reviews
Lyra
Lyra is a modern Middle Eastern restaurant situated in the heart of East Nashville. The menu is full of flavor, seasonal dishes, and shareable plates. When weather permits, enjoy your dining experience out on their spacious patio.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- When it Opened: June 2018
- Google Rating: 4.6 | 550+ reviews
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answer. has remained a top dinner destination among locals and tourists for almost seven years. The globally-driven menu features shareable plates and seasonal entrees. We recommend pairing your meal with one of their creative cocktails.
- Neighborhood: Sylvan Park
- When it Opened: April 2017
- Google Rating: 4.7 | 430+ reviews
Valentino’s Ristorante
Valentino’s Ristorante is one of the oldest Italian restaurants in Nashville that is still popular to this day. The atmosphere is sophisticated and elegant, making it a perfect location for a date night or special occasion. The menu features bold Italian flavors, fresh ingredients, and fine wines.
- Neighborhood: West End
- When it Opened: 1991
- Google Rating: 4.6 | 430+ reviews
Peninsula
Peninsula is an Iberian eatery that serves a blend of modern Spanish and French cuisine. This restaurant is only open Thursday through Sunday with a limited amount of seats available each evening, therefore, reservations are highly recommended.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- When it Opened: October 2017
- Google Rating: 4.5 | 280+ reviews
lou
When dining at lou, guests can expect a European style with a present-day California vibe. This well-loved weekend brunch and dinner destination is situated in a quaint white home. Make a reservation between 5:30pm and 9:30pm on Sundays for a delicious Sunday Roast.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- When it Opened: September 2019
- Google Rating: 4.4 | 330+ reviews
Earnest Bar & Hideaway
Earnest Bar & Hideaway is a casual yet refined restaurant that is most known for its craft cocktails inspired by Ernest Hemingway. Whether you’re stopping in for brunch, dinner, or a late-night drink, you’re guaranteed a good time at this neighborhood favorite.
- Neighborhood: Wedgewood-Houston
- When it Opened: 2019
- Google Rating: 4.5 | 750+ reviews
casual local favorites
Athens Family Restaurant
Athens Family Restaurant is an authentic Mediterranean restaurant that’s been beloved by the Nashville community for decades. Previously located on 8th Avenue, this popular eatery found a new home on Belmont Boulevard. Stop in for all-day breakfast options, tasty platters, and Greek grub.
- Neighborhood: Belmont Blvd
- When it Opened: 2004
- Google Rating: 4.4 | 1,220+ reviews
Midtown Cafe
With being in business for over 35 years, Midtown Cafe offers diners a glimpse of old Nashville. This casual fine-dining restaurant, frequented by locals and tourists, serves breakfast, brunch, weekday lunch, dinner, and delicious desserts.
- Neighborhood: Midtown
- When it Opened: 1987
- Google Rating: 4.7 | 1,200+ reviews
Noshville
Noshville is an authentic New York-style delicatessen that has been in business for decades with the first location opening in 1996. The Midtown location closed its doors in 2015, but the Green Hills outpost is open and thriving. This low-key eatery serves the best Reuben Sandwich and Matzo Ball Soup you can find in Music City.
- Neighborhood: Green Hills
- When it Opened: 1996
- Google Rating: 4.5 | 900+ reviews
International Market
The International Market officially opened in 1975 on Belmont Boulevard. After 45 years of feeding Nashvillians authentic Thai cuisine, the popular eatery closed its doors in 2018. However, the children of the original owners reopened the International Market right across the street from the prior location in 2021. Stop in for lunch, dinner, and specialty goods.
- Neighborhood: Belmont Blvd
- When it Opened: original opening – 1975 | reopening – September 2021
- Google Rating: 4.4 | 290+ reviews
Brown’s Diner
The family-run restaurant Brown’s Diner was founded in 1927, and has been a favorite in Music City ever since. This popular diner in Hillsboro Village serves classic burgers, delicious hush puppies, crispy onion rings, and more. It is also home to Nashville’s oldest beer license.
- Neighborhood: Hillsboro Village
- When it Opened: 1927
- Google Rating: 4.5 | 740+ reviews
The Picnic Cafe
The Picnic Cafe is an adorable cafe that’s been a breakfast and lunch tradition in the West Nashville community for 40 years. Expect classic homestyle Southern fare and lovely hospitality.
- Neighborhood: Belle Meade
- When it Opened: 1983
- Google Rating: 4.5 | 360+ reviews
