A World of Flavor in Music City

Nashville may be famous for hot chicken, biscuits and barbecue, but in Music City, that’s only the opening act. Across the city, restaurants draw inspiration from cultures and culinary traditions around the world, from Mexico and Italy to the Mediterranean, Asia and beyond. From neighborhood favorites and lively cantinas to rooftop destinations and acclaimed dining rooms, there’s plenty to discover beyond Nashville’s best-known dishes.

Grab your passport. This is a world tour of flavor, Music City style.

First Stop: Mexico

Begin the journey with bold flavors, bright cocktails and plenty of reasons to gather around the table in Nashville’s Mexican dining scene. Visit Maíz de la Vida for James Beard Award semifinalist chef Julio Hernandez’s menu rooted in Mexican tradition, or grab tacos from local favorites Mas Tacos Por Favor and Alebrije. Head to Calacas to explore one of the city’s standout tequila and mezcal selections, or take in modern Mexican fare and rooftop views at Lona. From a quick taco stop to a night of cocktails and shared plates, Nashville offers plenty of ways to explore Mexican flavors.

Next Stop: Italy

Make your way to Italy with handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and regional specialties across Nashville. Dig into house-made pasta at iggy’s, a nationally recognized restaurant that has quickly become a local favorite, savor refined Italian cuisine at Yolan, or find your "place" with upscale, coastal Italian fare at Luogo ("place" in Italian). At St. Vito Focacceria, a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, Sicilian-style sfincione takes center stage in an intimate setting. From nationally recognized dining to neighborhood favorites, there are plenty of ways to get a taste of Italy in Music City.

MEDITERRANEAN/MIDDLE EASTERN

Explore Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors at restaurants across Nashville. Butcher & Bee serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes built around seasonal ingredients and shareable plates, while Aba and Sadie’s offer their own takes on Mediterranean cuisine.

Nashville’s Middle Eastern dining scene is equally worth exploring. House of Kabob, a longtime favorite in Nashville’s Kurdish community, serves traditional dishes and grilled specialties, while Edessa showcases nationally recognized Turkish and Kurdish cuisine. Together, these restaurants offer a taste of the rich culinary traditions and communities that continue to shape Nashville’s dining scene.

Next Stop: Japan

Next up, Japan. Nashville has no shortage of great Japanese restaurants, from casual neighborhood spots to more elevated dining experiences. Sister restaurants Kisser and Babychan offer distinct takes on Japanese-inspired fare, while Sushi-san serves sushi, sashimi and hand rolls in a lively setting. Explore an intimate tasting experience at Kase x Noko, or head to Hattori Nori for made-to-order handrolls. Locust, one of Nashville’s MICHELIN-starred restaurants, rounds out the list with chef Trevor Moran’s inventive approach to Japanese-inspired cuisine and a constantly evolving menu.

Final Stop: Asia

Continue the journey with flavors and influences from across Asia. Noko brings an Asian-inspired approach to wood-fired cooking, while International Market draws on Thai traditions and family recipes. At Tailor, chef Vivek Surti showcases his Gujarati heritage through a distinctive dining experience. Chauhan Ale & Masala House, from celebrity chef and Top Chef judge Maneet Chauhan, blends Indian flavors with Southern influences for a uniquely Nashville take on Indian cuisine.