The Best Steakhouse Restaurants in Nashville

Back in 1934, chain restaurants and architecture based on trademarked culinary prowess were largely unheard of. This is likely why Jimmy Kelly’s — Nashville’s oldest steakhouse — opened in a Southern mansion that year. It’s been in the family ever since that point and has become a staple in the city. Every piece of décor, ranging from the wallpaper and vintage paintings to the antique clocks and fireplace mantel, harken back to a simpler time. While calamari and racks of lamb are certainly available, patrons who never try the filet mignon or chateaubriand are doing themselves a disservice.

Located in the Hermitage Hotel, the Capitol Grille is the oldest Southern restaurant in the city. Serving guests since 1910, its focus revolves around creating authentic Nashville cuisine — often with creative twists on popular Southern dishes — by utilizing fresh and local ingredients. Everything from the table linens to the grand staircase scream “luxury,” but this can be expected since the Hermitage is one of the city’s most premier hotels. Unique offerings such as the roasted baby beet salad and hot chicken confit are classic staples, but the bone-in ribeye and veal porterhouse no doubt make this one of the best steak restaurants in Nashville.

Everyone from country music stars to NBA greats have dined in this Nashville steakhouse, but even if patrons show up when there’s not a celebrity in attendance, hundreds of caricatures of stars past and present line the walls. Every other piece of décor and design in this eatery focuses on simplicity. Even with this being the case, there’s still something special about enjoying a New York strip or filet mignon — always corn-fed and hand-selected — while dining in view of an animated Fred Thompson or Batman.

This eatery is across from the Music City Center and directly connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, but it’s the consistently great food that keeps the seats packed. The décor is as elegant as one would expect from a restaurant housed in the exclusive Omni Nashville Hotel. Patrons can enjoy a nice quiet dinner in a booth or sit at the bar to watch the game. The fried calamari or lobster bisque is a great way to start the night, but the veal porterhouse and Kansas City Strip will be what steals the show.

Right on their website, this restaurant professes to have the best steak in Nashville. To be completely honest, they might just be right. The specialty cuts, such as the tomahawk ribeye and bone-in New York strip, certainly put them in the running. Those who like things simple can opt for the petite filet or porterhouse for two if they’ve got a guest. The décor is unique — including random plates plastered to the wall — but it’s the plates that come out at 500 degrees to keep the steaks hot that really matter.

Located in the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, this restaurant was given the “Old Hickory” moniker as a nod to President Andrew Jackson. The décor can be boiled down to one word: exquisite. The Antebellum architecture is surrounded by lush greenery, but the escargot and seafood tower appetizers attest to the fact that patrons are far removed from the forest. The ribeye steak and NY strip can’t be missed, but everyone should try the 30-ounce Old Hickory steak at least once.

The first thing that pops in someone’s head when they hear "best steak in Nashville" probably isn’t charred octopus or artisanal cheese and meat. That will change with the Oak Steakhouse. A variety of tasty appetizers are only improved upon by the filet mignon, prime tomahawk, dry aged prime NY strip, and other cuts of red meat. The seating and impressive staircase convey a classy and contemporary feel, and not a single guest has yet complained about this atmosphere being combined with industrial lighting and a wood-slatted ceiling.

Fancy linens, extravagant lighting, and luxury seating all make this steakhouse an undeniably fine dining experience. Of course, patrons can also wind down at the bar — colloquially and professionally known as Bar 12.21. For over 30 years, Morton’s The Steakhouse has remained a top selection for anyone craving a great steak. This no doubt has a little something to do with offerings like the prime Manhattan cut, Cajun ribeye, and center-cut filet mignon. Having a piece of the cheesecake afterwards is just an added bonus.

A complimentary valet sets the stage for an unparalleled steakhouse experience. The antique furnishings and décor — which include a great vintage barber chair and a shoeshine bench in the waiting area — shows just how much detail went into making this eatery a unique spot in the steakhouse arena. Whether a patron is enjoying the Cowboy Steak or one of the four handcrafted filet mignon offerings, the cuisine is only half the fun thanks to nightly entertainment and even a cigar bar for those who are interested.

After emerging from the Ring of Fire that is the Johnny Cash Museum, many people take note of the energetic bar scene at Del Frisco’s. Once they make their way inside, though, they’ll soon realize that this eatery has some of the best steaks in Nashville. Both brunch and lunch are on the menu, but for those hankering for a hearty dinner, the wild mushroom flatbread and Grille Salad are just an introduction to the roasted prime rib, filet mignon, or prime NY strip.

The tablecloth and napkins are made from fine linen, and the wine display is so expansive that Jack Daniels would probably be intimidated. Add this to the wine glasses and dimly lit light fixtures, and Fleming’s Steakhouse stands out as a great opportunity to have a lovely and relaxing evening out. The offerings at the chef’s table change throughout the year, but with permanent fixtures like “Tomahawk Tuesday” and “Mondays at Fleming’s” (featuring lobster and filet mignon), there’s never a wrong time to visit this hot spot.

This expansive restaurant has giant maps of Nashville etched on its massive mirrors, and the contemporary lighting combined with unique seating come together to create an interior designer’s heavenly dream. Sunday brunch features a jazz trio, and the Piano Bar offers live entertainment nightly. The eatery focuses on Southern-style cooking, and this influence is undeniable when tasting the New Orleans BBQ shrimp or fried green tomatoes. Still, no one should walk out without trying the Cowboy Ribeye or another Char classic steak.

Those who care as much about ambiance as they do enjoying the best steak in Nashville will be pleasantly surprised at Sambuca Restaurant. Technically referred to as a “supper club,” this eatery features live music nightly that transcends specific genres. Depending on the day someone visits, they could hear anything from crooners and jazz to Top 40. The glass-enclosed Skyloft overlooks the city’s skyline and the European interior design exudes an aura of class that cannot be denied. Of course, this is all in addition to great steak dishes ranging from a prime ribeye to a filet and lobster tail.

Known to have some of Nashville’s finest Italian food, Valentino’s also made a mark in the city’s steak scene. The Bucatina and Frutti di Mare pastas will take guests back to the old country, but the New York strip and bone-in ribeye will snatch them right back to Tennessee. Of course, there are Italian touches even in the steaks — such as Fiorentina butter. Patrons also enjoy a unique setting that includes vintage posters, worn brick, and live entertainment.

This eatery combines casual with fine dining, and being located in a renovated car wash, this seems like the appropriate combination. Stone fireplaces, rounded booths, and custom woodwork make the interior an impressive display. And if anyone asks, yes — there is a tree growing in the outdoor patio area. Guests can also sit in the gazebo or take a look directly into the meat curing room. When it’s time to eat, though, the daily features always include hand-cut USDA Prime steaks.

The brass and copper details in this eatery snatch the 1950s building out of the past and thrust it directly into the world of art deco. The lighting features are unlike anything seen in other eateries around the city. Fortunately, the food is just as impressive. Short ribs can be seen hanging over the woodfire grill, but meat lovers also have the option for tomahawk ribeye, Japanese wagyu, and the Titan Cut, 48-ounce porterhouse. The roasted sweet potato pie or Deacon’s “Mud Pie” are great after a enjoying one of the best steaks in Nashville, but at 48 ounces, that dessert might need a to-go box.