Tennessee is the Volunteer State, a land where Appalachian mountain mist meets Mississippi Delta soul. From the neon honky-tonks of Nashville and the legendary blues clubs of Beale Street to the ancient hollows of the Great Smoky Mountains and the white-water rivers of the Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee delivers an extraordinary range of experiences. Home to more live music per capita than almost any state, birthplace of country, blues, and rock-and-roll, and blessed with stunning natural landscapes, Tennessee is a destination that rewards every type of traveler.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Husk Nashville
Popular Southern American restaurant in Tennessee.
Known for: Acclaimed Southern kitchen inside a restored 1904 Victorian house; menu changes daily based on seasonal ingredients
37 Rutledge St, Nashville, TN 37210
Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
Popular Nashville Hot Chicken restaurant in Tennessee.
Known for: The original Nashville hot chicken shack — family recipe since the 1930s; heat levels are genuinely hot
5814 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
The Catbird Seat
Popular Modern American (Tasting Menu) restaurant in Tennessee.
Known for: Counter-style chef's table seating 22; one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the South; BYOB allowed
1711 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203
Loveless Cafe
Popular Southern Comfort / Breakfast restaurant in Tennessee.
Known for: Tennessee institution since 1951; the quintessential Nashville Southern breakfast destination at the entrance to the Natchez Trace
8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221
Central BBQ
Popular Memphis Barbecue restaurant in Tennessee.
Known for: Award-winning Memphis-style BBQ with both wet and dry preparations; multiple award winner at Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
2249 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
Cozy Corner Restaurant
Popular Memphis Barbecue restaurant in Tennessee.
Known for: Legendary family-owned Memphis BBQ joint since 1977; cash-friendly neighborhood institution beloved by locals
745 N Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38105
The Old Mill Restaurant
Popular Southern / Appalachian restaurant in Tennessee.
Known for: Operates in the historic 1830 Old Mill beside the Little Pigeon River; stone-ground grains milled on the premises
164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Easy Bistro & Bar
Popular Modern American / French restaurant in Tennessee.
Known for: Sophisticated French-Southern bistro with James Beard-nominated kitchen; best fine dining in Chattanooga
203 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
American
Memphis Barbecue
Nashville Hot Chicken
French
Mexican
Middle Eastern
Southern
Southern Breakfast
Southern Comfort
Southern Continental
Southern Family
Southern Meat
Steakhouse
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |