The Top 10 Restaurants In Smyrna Tennessee

Smyrna is a small town in the Nashville, Tennessee area, and was an important location during the American Civil War. Having started as an agricultural community, Smyrna is now home to a large Nissan factory. Not far from the Tennessee state capital of Nashville, Smyrna is well situated to explore the rich musical heritage of the USA. Read on to discover 10 restaurants for great cuisine in Smyrna.

1. La Tavola

Restaurant, Italian

La Tavola, also known as Massimo’s Tavola, named after chef patron Massimo Esposito, is a fine Italian restaurant in Smyrna. Massimo is a certified chef from the culinary school of Naples, Italy, from where he originally hails. Guests can expect to dine on authentic Italian cuisine as Massimo hopes to connect the residents of middle Tennessee with his native Italy. Main dishes include chicken, veal and eggplant parmigiana, and all of the above come breaded with cheese and marinara sauce over pasta. Massimo also prepares an excellent cheese lasagne, which comes stuffed with parmesan, ricotta, mozzarella and fresh tomatoes.

2. Omni Hut

Restaurant, Vegetarian

Omni Hut, a staple in Smyrna for the last 53 years, serves up fresh Polynesian food. James F. Walls, a retired US air force pilot who was inspired by his travels and love of good Asian food, founded the restaurant after leaving the military. Due to his experiences across many countries, it is unsurprising that the restaurant’s menu features many different cuisines from across South East Asia. Appetizers such as Polynesian pit ribs, won tons and teriyaki beef sticks are a great way to kick off the proceedings, while main meals include beef chop suey, sweet and pungent pork, and various foo yong (Chinese-style omelette) dishes.

3. Carpe Café

Cafe, American

Carpe Café is attached to Carpe Artista, Smyrna’s number one non-profit art center. The center helps provide artistic development and creative training to the local community, in order to help children (and some adults) make the most of their surroundings. Carpe Artista is currently working on a project to install 2,500 creative leaders in 20 global locations by 2025. By visiting the café, tourists can help support this goal. The café serves all manner of breakfast and lunch items, including comforting treats such as potato casserole with smoked gouda, or big, club-style sandwiches which are sure to make for a delicious and filling meal.

5. Parthenon Grille

Restaurant, American, Mediterranean, Greek

The Parthenon Grille in Murfreesboro, just a short ride from Smyrna,is a family-run Greek restaurant. The restaurant first opened some 32 years ago when founders George and Toula first arrived in Tennessee. Since then, the restaurant has passed down to the couple’s daughter Kathy and her husband Angelo. Angelo in particular is an acclaimed chef, having been trained in Greece, Germany and France, he previously owned two restaurants in Athens. Meze and starter options at the Parthenon Grille include Greek style ribs, fried squid, and bacon wrapped scallops, while mains from the grill count souvlaki and grilled lamb chops among them.

6. Hickory Falls Grille

Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan

Hickory Falls Grille in Smyrna is a family-friendly restaurant specializing in broiled and barbecued meat dishes. The interior is decorated with exposed brick work and quarry stone, while dark wooden tables are generously spaced throughout the dining area. Items from the grill include all manner of steaks, ranging from cuts such as sirloin, the ribeye, and New York strip steak. Other main menu items include southern style fried chicken, hickory fried pork chops, and parmesan crusted chicken. The Hickory Falls Grille also boasts an extensive brunch menu. Indulgent dishes such as French toast with bacon and maple syrup or eggs Benedict make for the perfect weekend treat.

7. Mi Tierra

Restaurant, Mexican

Winner of the best appetizer for the fifth year in a row (for its now famous hand made guacamole) at the taste of Smyrna, Mi Tierra is the Mexican restaurant with something for everyone. The authenticity of the dishes created ranges from the sublimely Mexican, to the totally gringo, making sure that all tastes are catered to. The restaurant, run by the Zavala family, first opened in 2010, becoming a well-known fixture in the local area. Mexican specialties include burritos, carnitas and more, as well as chili verde. Pork is cooked in a green chili sauce, and served with rice and beans.

Reel Fish Market

The Reel Fish Market in Smyrna serves up authentic Cajun fish dishes to an ever-appreciative (and hungry) Tennessee population. In a state more famous for its stunning array of barbecue food, it’s no surprise that the Reel Fish Market is considered something of a hidden gem in these parts. The restaurant serves up great po-boys, Louisiana specialty sandwiches of fried fish in French-style baguettes, as well as piping hot piles of freshly steamed or fried seafood dishes. The team is well known throughout the local area and Reel Fish Market has built up a dedicated following over the years, finding space could be difficult.

Reel Fish Market, 1932 Almaville Rd, Smyrna, TN, US, +1 615-812-3500

8. Breaking Bread

Restaurant, American

Described as cute and quaint online, Breaking Bread is as good an example as any guests will find of traditional southern hospitality. This innocuous little restaurant specializes in making the food your mother does, only better. The staff is known for being friendly and hospitable, often going the extra mile to make sure that guests are accommodated as far as possible. The breakfast is particularly well received, with an all-you-can-eat option, including eggs, bacon, pancakes, sausage and more, available until 11 am on Saturday mornings.

9. Thida Thai

Restaurant, Thai

Thida Thai executes fragrant Thai and southeast Asian food to perfection. The restaurant offers both dine-in and take out options, which means that if guests are just passing through Smyrna on their way to Nashville, they can grab a quick bite to eat. Main dishes include fragrant south east Asian curries, such as beef massaman curry, Thai red and green curry, and more. Diners can start their evenings with a choice of appetizers ranging from spring rolls to deep fried shrimp.

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