When the new year rolls around so do all sorts of lists and plans and goals for the twelve months swiftly on their way. Here in Nashville, the city has exploded into one of the top foodie destinations in the nation, and we’ve put together an entire year of great hot spots to eat and drink and be merry. How many of these bucket list restaurants in Nashville have you experienced for yourself? We love them all, but can’t wait to hear your thoughts in the comments!

1. January: Josephine
Josephine - Facebook
2316 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, USA
Josephine - Facebook
As the first of the best restaurants in Nashville, Josephine is a great spot to start the year, especially since locally-sourced ingredients play front and center on the seasonal menu. You'll find classic, hearty dishes throughout the year and a happy hour that includes cheesesteak. Don't skip the wine list, either! It's a doozy and perfect for a cozy date night out.
2. February: Folk
Folk - Facebook
823 Meridian St, Nashville, TN 37207, USA
Folk - Facebook
Folk opened its doors a few years ago in East Nashville and continues to serve the best Neapolitan-style pizzas in the business. If you're going for an appetizer make sure you try the homemade sourdough bread, and the cocktail menu is perfectly situated to offset the seasonal pies.
3. March: Margot
Margot Cafe - Facebook
1017 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206, USA
Margot Cafe - Facebook
Margot is an intimate eatery located in East Nashville in the 5 Points area. Not only is it located in one of the most walkable areas in the city, but it also serves up a seasonal, French-inspired menu that runs the gamut from roast chicken to ravioli.
4. April: Henrietta Red
Henrietta Red - Facebook
1200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
Henrietta Red - Facebook
When April rolls around, Henrietta Red and its fresh seafood add the perfect bite to the slow change of the seasons. The chic space serves quality seafood small plates with an emphasis on platters of oysters. Yum!
5. May: Ladybird Taco
Ladybird Taco - Facebook
2229 10th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, USA
Ladybird Taco - Facebook
Ladybird Taco is THE place for a breakfast taco here in Nashville, and the open, airy interior is welcoming for parties of all sizes. Make sure you come with a little time to spare, though. These foil-wrapped tacos are made fresh for every visitor and the line can get a bit long!
6. June: Emmy Squared
3821 Green Hills Village Dr, Nashville, TN 37215, USA
Emmy Squared - Facebook
Emmy Squared has a few locations here in Nashville nowadays, and it's an imported pizzeria that serves hefty slices of pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. You'll also find locally sourced ingredients and products are consistently found on the menu.
7. July: City House
City House - Facebook
1222 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
City House - Facebook
City House has long been a Music City hot spot, and it's where you'll find rustic Italian fare served in a stunning Germantown space. The pork belly pizza is a cult classic and the Sunday suppers are truly indulgent. Another fun thing to note? City House was the first spot in Nashville that snagged a James Beard Award for its head chef, Tandy Wilson.
8. August: Mas Tacos Por Favor
Sam H/Google
732 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206, USA
Matthew masters/Google
Mas Tacos is THE cult classic favorite of Nashville. What used to be a cash-only eatery has expanded its $3 taco into the credit card realm and only continues to grow in popularity. We'd recommend the pork taco or perhaps one of the daily specials like fried avocado tacos. Feeling a little low? The tortilla soup is sure to cheer you up, and it has quite a bite!
9. September: Chauhan Ale and Masala House
Chauhan Ale and Masala House - Facebook
123 12th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Chauhan Ale and Masala House - Facebook
Indian food in Nashville doesn't tend to get the attention it deserves, and Chauhan is one of the premier spots in the city. Located in the Gulch, Chauhan's take on upscale Indian street food is elevated by the moody space and Bollywood movies projected on the walls.
10. October: Redheaded Stranger
Redheaded Stranger - Facebook
305 Arrington St, Nashville, TN 37207, USA
Redheaded Stranger - Facebook
Redheaded Stranger is a Tex-Mex dream on the east side of the city, known for its quirky take on the Crunchwrap and multiple hot sauce options for tacos. Your queso and guac are served with flour tortillas instead of chips, so be aware, and make sure you snag a Topo Chico if you're parched.
11. November: Slim & Husky's Pizza Beeria
Slim & Husky's Pizza Beeria - Facebook
911 Buchanan St, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
Slim & Husky's Pizza Beeria - Facebook
Slim & Husky's opened a few years ago to local fanfare and has only continued to grow and expand in recent years. The make-your-own-pizza concept may not be new, but the locally owned and operated eatery focuses on indulgent toppings served with aplomb. You can choose a slim or husky size depending on your mood and nosh on freshly baked pizza to your heart's content.
12. December: Yolan
Yolan - Facebook
403 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, USA
Yolan - Facebook
Yolan is located in the new Joseph Hotel in downtown Nashville, and at its helm, you'll find James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Mantuano and his wife, wine expert Cathy Mantuano. Expect incredible service and a tasting menu that serves up some of the best pasta in the business.

What an incredible bucket list of the best restaurants in Nashville! How many will you be knocking off your bucket list…?

If you’re looking to eat somewhere that honors the bbq-infused foodie culture of the south, Central BBQ is also a hit!

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More to Explore

Bucket List Restaurants in Nashville

William Suphan | November 21, 2022

What are the most iconic foods in Nashville?

The most iconic foods in Nashville include:

  • Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich - invented right here in Nashville.
  • Biscuits - A Southern staple that Nashville has perfected.
  • Meat and Three - Nashville’s iconic version of a buffet.
  • Sweet Potato Pancakes - The best breakfast in Nashville.
  • GooGoo Clusters - A chocolate confection Nashville is known for.

Find out where you can get these and several other iconic foods in Nashville you should have tried by now. Once you've tried them, let us know your favorites.

What are the best places to get hot chicken in Nashville?

The best places to get hot chicken in Nashville are:

  • Acme Feed & Seed
  • The Farm House
  • 400 Degrees Hot Chicken
  • Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish
  • Pepperfire Hot Chicken
  • Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
  • Prince’s Hot Chicken

There’s one more bonus location you should definitely try out. Find out about this little-known hot chicken joint in Nashville that has ten spice levels to choose from. Make your way to Nashville to try out this hidden gem that is one of the best places to get hot chicken in Nashville. 

What are the best Mom & Pop restaurants in Nashville?

The best Mom & Pop restaurants in Nashville are:

  • Back Allery Diner - Nashvillebar food at its best.
  • Big Al’s Deli - Southern deli staples with big portions.
  • Athen’s Family Restaurant - Especially known for its massive stack of pancakes.
  • Arnold’s Country Kitchen - An iconic place for a Meat and Three.

These are just some of the best Mom & Pop restaurants in Nashville. Find out about a few more and check them off your bucket list as soon as possible. Plus, it'll be nice to support a local family restaurant. 

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