By: Kelsey Smith

Every time I have guests come to visit in Nashville, the entire trip is basically planned around food. No shame! There are Nashville staples as well as new must try restaurants, and you will be hard pressed to find something that everyone will enjoy! 

Here is a roundup of some of the newest must try places in Nashville.

Photos via Shokku Ramen Instagram

Shokku Ramen

With locations in Las Vegas and Houston, Nashville is the newest location for this spicy ramen favorite! If you are brave enough, you can try to defeat the Shinigami Challenge measuring at 4 million Scovilles units heat. No worries if you don’t like spicy, you will still find less mouth watering/heat inducing options.

Photos via Samurai Sushi Instagram

Samurai Sushi

Located in the heart of Germantown, you will want to check out this new sushi and Korean restaurant. Happy hour specials run Monday-Friday from 4:30pm-6pm. Note: they are closed on Mondays as well as between 2-4:30pm on weekdays.

Photos via Flatiron Instagram

Flatiron

When we say Flatiron has it all, we mean it! With dishes ranging from fried green tomatoes to spaghetti + meatballs, everyone in your group is sure to find something they like! They have weekend brunch and happy hour (at the bar top only) from 3-6pm during the week. Bonus: they accept reservations and parking is available in the lot behind Two Boots.

Photos via Assembly Food Hall in Fifth and Broadway Instagram

Fifth + Broadway

You most likely have seen fifth + broadway on your social media feed or know of someone who has been there…and with good reason! There is really nothing like it in Nashville. It is an outdoor shopping + dining center, but filled with class and local gems. Slim + Husky’s, Hattie B’s, No Baked, and Desano are just a few of the Nashville favorites you can get here. Some are full restaurants and others are part of the local food hall – a cafeteria style indoor dining room with so many choices you will have to come back again!

**Here is a recap of a past article we wrote on this beautiful addition to our city.** 

Photos via Elliston Place Soda Shop Instagram

Elliston Place Soda Shop

Truly a Nashville staple, the Soda Shop was established in 1904. In 2019 the owners began plans to restore the restaurant to its original glory, and in 2020 The Cumberland Telephone Exchange building right next door became the Elliston Place Soda Shop’s new home. A soda shop meets a meat and three is the best way to describe this classic restaurant that will take you back in time.

Photos via Sidebar Instagram

Sidebar

Sidebar is a carport turned bar that is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays fro 5pm-11pm. Grab your friends and head here for craft cocktails, beer, and live music. Close to downtown, you can join the fun on Broadway or stay here away from all the tourists.

Photos via Shep's Instagram

Shep’s Delicatessen

Located in the Five Points area of East Nashville, Shep’s is an ode to traditional NYC style Jewish deli’s. They have a $1 bagel happy hour every day from 1:30pm-2:30pm (or until they sell out) and really what is better than that?! 

Photos via Nashville Grange Instagram

Nashville Grange

Located inside the Grand Hyatt Nashville, Nashville Grange is a stylish + casual dining hall with incredible views of Broadway. They feature a Southern Tennessee to table menu and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bonus: they provide complimentary 2 hour valet parking while dining.

Photos via Lou/Na Instagram

Lou/Na

Located 25 floors above Music City in the Grand Hyatt Nashville, Lou/Na is the newest rooftop bar to offer cocktails, light bites, and amazing views of Nashville’s infamous skyline. Lou/na was inspired by the legendary Louisville and Nashville railroad that once passed directly through the site of the hotel, centuries ago.

Photos via Zeppelin Instagram

Zeppelin

Not just another rooftop bar, Zeppelin is the quirky unique vibe the owners think Nashville wants. Neon hued lights wash the open and airy room while the Mediterranean inspired food will leave you wanting more. This is no doubt a place you will want to try (and take pictures of) at least once.