The 10 Best Restaurants in Music Row, Nashville, USA

Chloe Hanschen

Music is so ingrained in Nashville, Tennessee’s culture that the town is nicknamed “Music City”. Music Row in Nashville accommodates many record labels, recording studios, and other music industries. Every year thousands of people visit this area; here is a list of places to dine after a long day of recording sessions or wandering this bustling city.

The Catbird Seat

The Catbird Seat is American fine dining at its best. Be prepared to make a reservation well in advance, as their reputation as one of the best restaurants in Nashville precedes itself. The restaurant’s unique layout adds to this one-of-a-kind experience as dinner is served around a u-shaped open kitchen; an interactive and intimate setting. The menus change daily, but some of their recent a la cartes have included innovative dishes like aged duck breast, buttered skate wing, and ice cream salad!
Address & Telephone Number: The Catbird Seat, 711 Division St, Nashville, TN, USA, +1 615 810 8200

1. The Row

Pub, Restaurant, Seafood, South American, American

The Row, Nashville
©Kmo139/Flickr
Located in the heart of music row, a stop at The Row is a must. Perfect for a night out with friends, this rustic restaurant and pub serves traditional southern fare. Their brunch and seafood are worth a stop and they have a selection of over 20 beers that are locally sourced. Adding to the casual and friendly atmosphere, every night at 6pm they have live music. Be on the lookout for special events that the restaurant holds, like during Country Music Awards Week.

2. Pancake Pantry

Restaurant, Caribbean, American, Vegetarian, Vegan

Pancake Pantry, Nashville
Image Courtesy of Jeni's
Start the morning off right with a stop at Pancake Pantry. Originally opened in 1961, this restaurant is a family business. The friendly and open atmosphere provides the perfect setting for breakfast and brunch. The restaurant strives to keep the family tradition going, while also adding new creative options to the menu. Many of their ingredients are locally sourced and hand made; in addition to their pancakes, they also offer sandwiches and salads for lunch.

3. Tavern

Gastropub, Pub, Pub Grub, American, Wine, Beer

After a long day of exploring the best of Nashville, unwind with a stop at Tavern. Known for its extensive list of drinks and creative cuisine, this local gastro-pub is open well into the night. At night, big games are shown on plasma TV screens throughout the pub and occasionally DJs come in to turn the place into a club. Tavern also serves delicious brunch, Nashville Lifestyles Readers Poll has awarded Best Brunch to Tavern.

4. Bound’ry Restaurant

Restaurant, Italian, Mexican, Chinese

Located in the heart of Music Row, Bound’ry Restaurant offers a memorable dining experience. The restaurant is spread over two floors and also offers patio seating. The warm ambiance inside and open fire pits outside make this restaurant perfect for all seasons. The restaurant boasts a diverse global menu that takes influence from Italian to Chinese to Mexican cuisine. Great service and food means that locals and tourists alike all come back for repeat visits.

5. Giovanni Ristorante

Restaurant, Italian

https://pixabay.com/en/italian-salad-basil-salad-tomatoes-2156726/
© Anestiev / Pipxabay
The ambiance alone makes Giovanni’s Ristorante a must, but combined with the food, this is a restaurant that should not be missed. The restaurant is spread over two floors and resembles an Italian villa. Many of the custom touches, such as the staircase, chandelier, and wine cellar, are imported from Italy. Although new to Nashville in 2008, the restaurant was originally based in New York for 27 years. Under Chef Giovanni Pinato’s guidance, the restaurant boasts fresh fish flown in from Europe and an extensive menu of traditional Italian cuisine.

6. Midtown Café

Cafe, Restaurant, American, French

Midtown Café, Nashville
©Thomas Hawk/Flickr
Midtown Café is truly a local Nashville restaurant. 1% of all the sales goes towards local community organizations and non-profits. This restaurant offers affordable fine dining with an intimate ambiance. The menu is known for its locally grown produce and features steaks and seafood. Chef Brian Uhl is noted for his wild game dishes; he has worked under many notable chefs, such as in the French Laundry, and brings his expertise to Nashville.

7. Rotiers Restaurant

Restaurant, American, Fast Food, Street Food

One of the oldest restaurants in Nashville, Rotiers Restaurant was founded in 1945. Today third-generation family members run the restaurant, and serve their family’s original recipe homemade milkshakes and cheeseburgers, giving the restaurant a comfortable, family-style atmosphere. This is the perfect destination for people wanting a nicer yet casual restaurant with well-priced food. Be sure to try their famous Cheeseburger on French Bread, which has won awards from USA Today and Food Network Magazine.

8. Kayne Prime

Restaurant, Steakhouse, American, Vegetarian

Kayne Prime Steakhouse fuses the traditional steakhouse with a boutique restaurant setting. The restaurant boasts farm-to-table food with an extensive wine and cocktail list to complement the cuisine, and features an impeccable rustic-modern interior that has won numerous awards. In addition to the award-winning interior, the dining room has views of the historic train yards, Union Station, and the Nashville Skyline. Kayne Prime has won numerous awards from Nashville Lifestyles and Open Table. Some of these awards include Best Overall Restaurant, Best Service, Best Food, and Best Ambiance (all top 10 awards).

9. South Street Restaurant

Bar, Restaurant, American, Seafood

Perfect for families with young children, South Street Restaurant serves traditional Southern food in a casual setting. The restaurant has been around for more than 20 years and people always come back for more. Open air seating with generous portion sizes makes this the perfect place for a casual and relaxed meal; be sure to check out the Tree House Oyster Bar. Their versatile and diverse menu includes a brunch, late night, and kids menu.

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