No matter what kinds of foods you gravitate toward, it’s hard to resist the veggie-focused restaurants in town. Nashville has made healthy strides in the past few years, ramping up its number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants as well as the quality (and creativity) of the dishes served. Whether you dabble in vegetarianism, are a fully committed vegan, or fall somewhere in between, here’s where to go for a plant-based, meat-free meal.
VEGETARIAN: No meat of any kind (red meat, poultry, seafood) and sometimes no animal byproducts (eggs, dairy, honey)
VEGAN: No meat of any kind (red meat, poultry, seafood) or animal byproducts of any kind (eggs, dairy, honey)
The Best Vegan AND Vegetarian Restaurants in Nashville
Avo
VEGAN
When it opened in Charlotte Pike’s OneC1ty complex in 2015, Avo became Nashville’s first fully vegan restaurant. Every morsel on the menu, from the kimchi spring rolls to the raw pad Thai to the avocado margarita, is plant-based and naturally gluten-free. Leave room for one of the specialty desserts, which include a chocolate tart and a dairy-free cheesecake.
Neighborhood: West End
E+Rose Wellness
VEGETARIAN
E+Rose Wellness is a plant-based eatery founded by a registered dietician. Their menu is thoughtfully curated and carefully crafted. Guests can expect made-to-order superfood bowls, superfood smoothies, toasts, and beverages. If you’re on the go, pre-made juices, salads, wraps, soups, and noodle bowls are almost always available at all locations.
Neighborhood: Gulch | Wedgewood-Houston | Downtown | SoBro | Brentwood
Graze
VEGAN
What this plant-based bistro and bar lack in size (it took over Silly Goose’s quaint quarters in East Nashville), it makes up for in menu options. Graze whips up small plates, seitan sandwiches, inventive salads, veggie burritos, fresh cocktails, and more, plus a killer weekend brunch—try the brunch tostadas.
Neighborhood: East Nashville
Grins Vegetarian Cafe
VEGETARIAN
Grins Vegetarian Cafe is located on the Vanderbilt campus but welcomes anyone craving fresh vegetarian (and certified kosher) fare. Opened over a decade ago by Fido’s Bob Bernstein, this friendly cafe serves breakfast items, paninis, wraps salads, and specials. Note that Grins closes for Jewish holidays and follows Vanderbilt’s schedule for holidays and seasonal breaks.
Neighborhood: West End
The Southern V
VEGAN
The Southern V is located off Buchanan Street near Germantown, offering a 100% plant-based, Southern-style menu. With items like fried chick’n, chick’n strips, and BBQ jackfruit nachos, you’d probably think you’re at a Nashville hot chicken joint instead of a vegan eatery. Have no fear, though—everything is made from plants.
Neighborhood: North Nashville
Sunflower Cafe
VEGAN + VEGETARIAN
Berry Hill’s Sunflower Cafe has been a popular spot for healthy fare since 2012. Most menu items are vegan (exceptions include optional gluten-free bread and cheese), and there’s an emphasis on local ingredients like produce. Known for its gourmet veggie burgers, the cafe also offers tasty wraps, giant salads, rice/quinoa bowls, and vegan barbecue options.
Neighborhood: Berry Hill
Vege-licious, LLC
VEGAN + VEGETARIAN
Vege-licious, LLC is known for its hearty plant-based soul food. The 100% vegan cafe serves all sorts of homestyle delights like mac-n-cheese, fried chicken, BBQ, and more. Stop by for a quick bit or a long delicious meal. Guests can expect affordable prices and mouth-watering dishes.
Neighborhood: West Nashville
Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Cuisine
VEGETARIAN
Woodlands is a longtime favorite of those who love vegetarian and/or Indian cuisine. This popular joint is tucked away at the bottom of the Continental condo building. The word on West End is that the original menu remains mostly intact.
Neighborhood: West End
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
VEGAN
Vegans can actually enjoy a nice meal (other than a salad) with their non-vegan friends at Blue Sushi Sake Grill. Blue’s menu has clearly marked vegan options throughout the menu and dedicated lists for vegan maki (18 options) and vegan nigiri (7 options). Shared vegan plates include crispy brussel sprouts, lettuce wraps, and even a vegan tuna tower by request.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Fifth + Broadway
Copper Branch
VEGAN
Copper Branch, a plant-based eatery out of Canada, only has two locations in the United States and Nashville is one of them. This super vegan-friendly destination in Downtown Nashville offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with creative options ranging from the spicy black bean burger to the general copper bowl. They also serve Nashville-based Bongo Java coffee, Southern Grist beer, and Booch Kombucha.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Best vegetarian & vegan Dishes
- Nicky’s Coal Fired: Plant-Based Fusilli (local oysters, lions mane mushrooms, almond ricotta, lemon-herb breadcrumbs)
- East Nashville Beer Works: any of their vegan pizza options
- MOTO: Agnolotti (mushrooms, sage, blueberry balsamic)
- Mas Tacos: Fried Avocado Tacos (shaved cabbage, onion, spicy dill yogurt)
- Two Ten Jack: Yasai Shoyu Ramen (vegetable broth, burnt corn, collards, benishoga, mayu)
- The Pharmacy: Falafel Burger (chickpea patty, yogurt raita, goat cheese, tomato, onion)
- Two Boots: “V for Vegan” (artichoke, red onion, shiitake mushrooms, sweet red pepper pesto, basil pesto, vegan cheese)
Is there another tasty veggie dish or restaurant in town? Tell us in the comments below!
Also See:
A few of my favorites that didn’t make this list: Quinoa Burger over Kale Salad at Burger Up; Spinach & Gorgonzola Salad with a slice of Veggie Pizza at Five Points Pizza; and a quick, hot vegetarian lunch can be found at Ajora Ethiopian Restaurant in the Arcade.
A few others that I feel are worth mentioning: Jamaicaway has some great vegan dishes. Koko’s ice cream. The Fox Bar and Cocktail Club. The Be-Hive has their Saturday deli, which is amazing. 312 pizza has a vegan menu.
The Southern V should definitely be on this list!
E+ROSE Wellness Cafe!
There are a couple of places downtown such as Ole Red and Deacon’s New South that have some wonderful vegan dishes!
Copper Branch, 100% plant based, vegan with a lot of GF options. They are located at 6th and Church by the Library. you can get validated parking during library hours, and if you have kids a lot of great events for the family at the park or library.