Why Nashville’s food is more than just fried chicken

Why Nashville’s food is more than fried chicken | Soho House

The best restaurants to help you eat your way through the southern city

Monday 31 October 2022   By Julia Sullivan

Nashville may be known as Music City, but it’s fast becoming a food lover’s playground thanks to the ever growing culinary scene. 

As well as the food at Soho House Nashville, superstar chefs and celebrity restaurateurs (including Justin Timberlake and Sam Fox) have been heading south and shaking things up among local eateries. From haute cuisine and hot chicken to bao buns and brisket, Nashville’s food is more than just honky-tonk bars and burger joints on Broadway.

If there’s one person who knows all the ins and outs of dining in the city, it’s Julia Sullivan – the chef and restaurateur behind Nashville’s premier seafood restaurant, Henrietta Red. Here, she tells Soho House about her top food stops in the cit, including some insider’s tips that only a true Nashville food veteran could share.

Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House
Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House

Dozen Bakery 


Dozen is the kind of place that every food-loving local knows about, but keeps a secret from their out-of-towner friends. It’s a stone’s throw from Soho House, and the best place for flaky pastries, stuffed baguettes and fresh side salads, all of which are handmade by owner and local resident, Claire Meneely. 


What to order: the ginger molasses cookie. 

Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House
Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House

Bastion


This small restaurant is tucked away in the WeHo neighbourhood of Nashville and serves a multi-course tasting menu by chef Josh Habiger. It’s one of my favourite places to send locals and visitors alike. The ‘Big Bar’ is perfect for pre-dinner cocktails. Don’t miss the occasional appearance of Hip Hop Karaoke in the bar, either. It’s only seats 24, so make sure you book in advance.


What to order: the ‘I’ll Take Everything’ option featuring Navarro tapas.

Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House
Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House
Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House

Redheaded Stranger

From the same team that brought us Butcher & Bee comes this cosy homage to southwestern breakfast tacos that features various iterations of traditional morning meals tucked in tortilla. It’s a sizzling Tex-Mex addition to east Nashville. Plus, it’s got a dog-friendly patio, which is always a bonus. 

What to order: the brisket tacos with Dr. Pepper Hot Sauce and a Green Chili Cheeseburger.

 
Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House
Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House
Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House

Café Roze 

Julia Jaksic’s all-day cafe has all the makings of a long-term neighbourhood favourite. It oozes old-world charm and the menu is full of fresh, modern takes on Tennessean classics. For a quiet coffee, brunch with friends, or date night, this place is your best bet. Don’t miss Oyster & Martini Happy Hour (Monday to Friday, 4pm to 6pm) and live jazz music. 

What to order: the prime rib sandwich with homemade mayonnaise. 

Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House
Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House

Smith & Lentz 

Handcrafted and wood-fired pizzas and pies are the hallmark of this east side pizzeria and brewery. What makes this place stand out from the crowd is the house dough – distinctly chewy and crunchy with plenty of char from the open oven. Rotating specials are on offer each week. Beyond these star-of-the-show bakes, you’ll find ricotta dip with fresh sourdough, shaved Brussels sprouts and banana bread, along with a wide selection of IPAs and lager. 

What to order: any pizza, but don’t miss out on the small plates, either. 

Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House

The Southern V

Chef Tiffany Hancock and her husband Cliff serve veganised Southern comfort foods and desserts like fried chicken, waffles, mac and cheese and hot chicken at this sweet standalone in north Nashville. Family-owned and operated by native Nashvillians? What’s not to love. While you’re there, check out another Black-owned eatery, Slim + Husky’s.

What to order: hot chicken; it’s what Nashville is famous for.

Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House

East Side Banh Mi

This husband and wife-run restaurant draws inspiration from Vietnamese street food and soup stalls. Watch for a rainbow of pho options, noodles and sandwiches using local ingredients. Don’t miss the sandwich collaborations with other local chefs, and their chicken liver spread, which is available to buy. 

What to order: The impossible Vietnamese sandwich with Xiu Mai Impossible meatballs. 

Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House
Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House

Sperry’s

An ‘Old Nashville’ favourite in Belle Meade, this English-style steakhouse is a great spot to visit if you want a meal that revolves around meat and potatoes, or, what we call ‘meat and three’. Interesting fact: the owner opened the restaurant in 1974 and travelled to England to select the majority of the original decor. It’s a great place for special occasions. 

What to order: Prince William Blue Cheese Stuffed Filet or jumbo lobster tails.

 
Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House

Drusie & Darr at The Hermitage Hotel 

The food at Drusie & Darr by Jean-Georges reflects a passionate commitment to fresh, local ingredients. Its modern American menu changes with the seasons, focusing on artisanal and sustainable produce at its peak (most of it is grown at the hotel’s garden at Glen Leven). It’s a great spot for drinks and appetisers before a night out downtown. Don’t miss the opportunity for a selfie in the opulent restrooms.  

What to order: crunchy soft-shell crab with sugar snap remoulade.

Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House
Julia Sullivan's Guide to Nashvilles Food Scene | Soho House

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