Discover Trending Restaurants in Nashville

Some trendy restaurants serve cool new food combinations, while those like The Palm keep to the classics, leavened with more than a hint of humor and pop culture. The caricature-covered walls offer plenty of talking points in this fine dining restaurant located across from the Bridgestone Arena. The menu is full of prime cuts of steak, seafood fresh from the sea, and an array of Italian specialties for a meal to remember. Try the double-cut New York strip for a shareable entree, or dig into a flaky and tender Chilean sea bass served with a toasted corn relish.

Trattoria Il Mulino blends chic decor with rustic touches for an ambiance that draws a seriously trendy crowd. The exposed brick floors contrast with elegant light fixtures for a cool and relaxing experience. The menu includes power lunches with a prix fixe option, so diners can get in, enjoy great food, and get right back to work. The dinner menu is a delightful array of Italian classics like a rich tuna tartare, peppery arugula salad, and umami mushroom ravioli. Pasta, grilled items, and even pizza help make this one of the best trending restaurants in Nashville.

Take a step back in time when entering Bob's Steak & Chop House. The industrial front is a complete contrast to the gentlemen's club interior. Leather seats, wood-paneled walls, muted carpet, and booths with round tables all harken back to a more relaxed time when dinner was a long, drawn-out affair. The combination of relaxed dining and modern cooking helps keep this establishment as one of the best trending restaurants in Nashville. The menu matches classic comfort foods next to an excellent selection of prime cuts. From the bone-in ribeye to the t-bone, the beef is the star. Every entree comes with a comforting side of glazed carrots and potato, served baked, smashed, or skillet fried.

A clean and airy space is the hallmark at Park Cafe, where the service is quick and the menu includes a range of small and large plates. The farm-to-table trend is alive and well here, with many of the ingredients directly sourced from local producers. Enjoy a cheese plate with a seasonal garnish or order a larger selection of small plates like the chorizo-stuffed dates or steamed mussels, for a meal designed to share. The large plates include everything from filet mignon to a vegan Creole curry.

Step into a small and intimate bistro-style dining experience when walking through the front doors of The Yellow Porch. The low lighting and warm ochre colors used in the decor contrast with the black tablecloths and place settings. The food is an interesting combination of global flavors with lamb meatballs served with a spicy red mole sauce or sorghum-infused duck breast topped with blueberry chutney. Unexpected combinations make every bite a fun and delicious surprise.

One of New York's most iconic Italian restaurants, Giovanni's Ristorante, made the move to Nashville and brought along authentic flavors and an elegant atmosphere. White tablecloths, dark chairs, and soft lighting make meals at this restaurant an experience to savor. All of the traditional Italian courses make an appearance, from the antipasti to the dolce. Classics like carpaccio share space with innovative new dishes like grilled octopus served on a bed of chickpeas and covered with a roasted pepper sauce. The salad course can be a meal all on its own, with add-ons like grilled chicken or shrimp. Pasta comes with a choice of toppings such as meatballs or Italian sausage. Just remember to save some room for dessert as the traditional tiramisu is worth waiting for.

Enjoy traditional Chinese street fare in an elegant, upscale atmosphere at Tansuo. The food might share their names with standard items from a carryout menu, but the Peking duck and General Tso's chicken get a distinct upgrade. Every simple ingredient gets careful treatment to create plates with panache. Dumplings come in a traditional bamboo steamer bowl, topped with a flower. The Peking duck is lustrous and shiny, and there is a distinct crunching sounds when the fork first breaks its skin. Visit for Dim Sum Mondays or Wok & Wonton Wednesdays for themed dishes that hit all the right notes.

Some restaurants use kitschy decor or passing fads to gain an audience, but at Midtown Cafe, it's all about the food. The decor is casual, with indirect lighting and lots of brown creating a neutral background for the stars on the menu. This classic Southern restaurant serves up country favorites at any time of day, with an extensive breakfast and brunch menu that leads right into dinner. Order a custom omelet, pick up a plate of huevos tostada, or enjoy the fried green tomato Benedict to take the edge off the morning. At night, the prime meatloaf or Coca-Cola BBQ beef short ribs both blend homemade flavors with fun add-ons like the tomato herb gravy or mushroom risotto.

Enjoy the tropical atmosphere at Cabana, where potted trees bring the Caribbean inside. The atmosphere is hip and casual, giving off an almost cafeteria-style vibe with plastic chairs pulled up to undressed tables. The menu is full of small plate items, pizza, and a few larger plates of food, so small groups can mix and match for a shareable feast. Sweet potato biscuits and cheddar grit fritters offer a taste of the South, while the lobster mac and cheese comes with a sprinkle of Tennessee prosciutto. Dig into a heaping portion of shepherd's pie or an overflowing platter of the BBQ spicy sweet tea half chicken, which comes with classic corn pudding and ham-braised collard greens. Talk about comfort food taken up a notch!

Classic pub dining never goes out of style, which is exactly what brings diners to Hemingway's Bar and Hideaway, one of the best trending restaurants in Nashville. From big plates drenched with poutine to crispy brussels sprouts, the food is a collage of Southern classics and great bar food. Fried chicken, black pepper gravy, hot sauce, and cheese curds turn a classic French dish into something unapologetically Southern. The double-cut pork chop is meaty, smoky, and tender, while the ribeye is well-marbled and aged for extra tenderness. Even the gnocchi goes to unexpected places with blue crab, peas, mint, chile, and lemon butter. Exceptional flavors, served in an unpretentious, laid-back atmosphere with a full bar, make meals here a great choice for a night out with friends.

Warm wood paneling and plenty of lighting set the stage for an energetic evening at Nada. This fresh take on Mexican street food starts with sharable plates like the guacamole or loaded queso. The quesadilla comes with chicken, steak, or as a vegetarian option. Mix and match tacos to create a filling platter of grab-and-go bites. Just be sure to save some room for the creamy butterscotch flan with toasted coconut cream or the chocolate terrine — both decadent ends to a meal.

For those looking for good food that's good for the body, True Food Kitchen is a prime destination. The seasonal menu has plenty of Mediterranean presence on a globally inspired menu with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Kale guacamole, quinoa salads, ancient grain bowls, and other healthy dishes make up the bulk of the menu. Every dish comes with calorie information, making it easy to order something that fits into any diet plan.