Ranked as one of the top five best up-and-coming cities by the Milken Institute in 2023, Nashville has become home to people from all over the world. The city’s multicultural identity offers an abundance of different flavors, making the selection of a restaurant rather challenging. Choosing a place for dinner can be a constant struggle for friend groups with different appetites or when trying to find a place to impress a visitor. I’ve compiled a list of nice restaurants in Nashville for a perfect Saturday dinner, serving as a guide to help you pick depending on your budget, favorite cuisine and desired ambiance. This concise yet comprehensive overview will definitely help you find a satisfying spot for your palate.
5th and Taylor
Price: $$$
5th and Taylor will not leave you disappointed. Located in Germantown, the restaurant has replaced the site of an old warehouse with a contemporary interior. Inside, you’ll find a spacious area with a high ceiling and a prominent statue of General Francis Nash in the center. If the weather allows for it, the restaurant also extends to an enclosed patio with an enormous diamond-shaped fountain that matches the exterior bar. The dim lighting in both spaces sets the perfect atmosphere for a night out. As a farm-to-table restaurant, it presents a wide selection of dishes inspired by Southern cuisine that are cooked with fresh and local ingredients. While all the options are exceptional, I particularly recommend the beef cheek pot roast and the crispy Brussels sprouts.
Lyra
Price: $$
In the heart of East Nashville rests Lyra, a restaurant that fuses original Middle Eastern flavors with modern cooking techniques. The indoor dining area of the restaurant features light blue and turquoise colors, evoking feelings of calmness and relaxation, which contrasts with the explosive flavors of the food. On a sunny day, dining under the shade of the trees that hug the patio offers a unique culinary experience. The minimalist decorations along with the subtle background music create an ambiance that is suitable for a nice dinner with friends or a date. Make sure to try their famous hummus, delicious pistachio-whipped feta and homemade pita baked in their wood-burning oven. Lyra also provides a wide selection of vegetarian dishes such as Imam Bayildi and Smoked Mushroom Borek. For those who like a meal rich in protein, I would recommend the Sumac fried chicken. People from around Nashville want to experience Lyra’s gastronomy, making the restaurant high in demand. Thus, consider making a reservation a few days in advance.
Xiao Bao
Price: $$
East Nashville undoubtedly hosts the top-rated restaurants in Nashville, and Xiao Bao is not an exception to the rule. Finding a restaurant on a weekend in Nashville without reservations is comparable to trying to purchase Taylor Swift tickets: impossible. Maybe restaurants keep rejecting you because they require a reservation and you are losing hope; if you’re thinking that Rothschild is the only remaining option, think again, because Xiao Bao has a “first come, first serve” policy. Although Xiao Bao is an ideal date night spot, going with friends can be equally fun, especially when reserving their private karaoke room for groups of more than six people. The staff is extremely friendly, and if you pay them frequent visits, they will recognize you and welcome you with an even more cheerful smile. I recommend indulging in their homemade bao buns, available with either lamb or pork belly fillings, and their renowned noodles made of a unique hand-pulled variety, requiring scissors for cutting. Xiao Bao has a constantly changing menu, meaning that revisiting to sample their latest creations will be a fulfilling experience.
Once Upon a Time in France
Price: $$-$$$
If you have a dream of taking pictures with the Eiffel Tower in the background and getting dinner at a romantic restaurant in Paris, the restaurant Once Upon a Time in France will transport you to the City of Lights. The petite restaurant’s interior design, skillfully chosen from the intricately detailed ceiling to the floor tiles, evokes the essence of an Auguste Renoir painting. The family that owns the restaurant is fluent in both French and English, so brush up on your French skills and impress your date. As a person who likes well-done steak, I was scared of tartare, but le steak tartare changed my mind. I would also recommend the boeuf bourguignon, which is slow-cooked beef in red wine and vegetables. To have a true French experience, finish your meal with a crème brulée.
The Smiling Elephant
Price: $$
If you love Satay, you should give The Smiling Elephant a try. The Thai restaurant is only a seven-minute drive from campus. Surrounded by plants to establish a tropical atmosphere, the restaurant has a laid-back vibe, making it ideal for a dinner with friends. Every day is dedicated to a unique curry at the restaurant, with my top pick being Panang, served on Saturdays. If you are a curry lover, you can refer to their website for a list of available types. The dishes are prepared by being fried and cooked lightly in either olive or grape seed oil, ensuring a healthy and easily digestible meal. No matter what entree you select, make sure to keep some space for dessert, which should be nothing other than their sticky rice with mango.
