East Nashville has long been one of the city’s most creative, eclectic neighborhoods. It’s a place where musicians, artists, and chefs all seem to cross paths. It’s also home to some of the best dining in town. From chef-driven tasting menus to neighborhood joints serving elevated comfort food, the East Nashville restaurants scene offers a little bit of everything. Read our full East Nashville guide here.
If you’re wondering where to eat in East Nashville, this guide will walk you through the spots locals actually recommend, the ones we take our friends to when they come to town.
Where to Eat in East Nashville
East Nashville has something for every craving: globally inspired menus, Nashville-style comfort food, and bakeries that locals line up for. Here’s our guide to the best places to eat in East Nashville, broken down by local favorites.
Butcher & Bee
Middle Eastern - Inspired Plates in a Bright, Modern Space
Known for vibrant Middle Eastern–inspired dishes and a commitment to seasonal ingredients, Butcher & Bee is a fixture in the East Nashville dining scene. The bright, airy dining room is filled with natural light and greenery, making it equally great for brunch with friends or a romantic dinner.
Signature dishes like the whipped feta with fermented honey are always on the menu for a reason, us locals can’t get enough. The mezze spreads are perfect for sharing, while mains like harissa chicken or seasonal vegetable plates showcase Nashville’s access to fresh, local produce. Cocktails lean toward the herbaceous and refreshing, and the wine list features plenty of natural and small-production labels.
“Every bite here is a surprise. The whipped feta with honey is my all-time favorite appetizer in Nashville.”
Sarah M. · Google Reviews · April 2025Great for: Date nights, adventurous eaters
Local tip: Brunch here is just as strong as dinner, especially the shakshuka.
Lockeland Table
Wood-Fired Pizzas and Seasonal Entrees in a Historic Setting
Set in a renovated historic building, Lockeland Table blends fine dining with a neighborhood feel. Chef Hal Holden-Bache is known for wood-fired pizzas, seasonal entrees, and a menu that manages to feel both elevated and approachable. The warm, brick-lined interior and open kitchen make it as cozy as it is elegant.
The nightly “Community Hour” from 4 to 6 PM is a tradition here, offering discounted bites and cocktails while donating a portion of proceeds to local schools. Menu favorites include the fig and prosciutto pizza, wood-grilled steaks, and inventive vegetable sides that steal the show.
“Lockeland Table feels like your neighborhood spot, but with fine-dining quality food.”
Josh W. · Yelp · March 2025Great for: Dinner with friends, family gatherings
Local tip: Sit at the chef’s counter to watch the wood oven in action.
Margot Café & Bar
French- and Italian-Inspired Cuisine Since 2001
One of East Nashville’s culinary pioneers, Margot Café & Bar has been serving market-driven French- and Italian-inspired menus since 2001. Chef Margot McCormack was one of the first to put East Nashville dining on the map, and her commitment to seasonal, local ingredients has never wavered.
Margot has announced its final day of service: June 5, 2026, exactly 25 years to the day after opening.
Margot McCormack survived 9/11, the 2008 recession, the 2010 flood, the 2020 tornado, COVID, and decades of industry pressure. She told the city the last five years were harder than the first 20 put together. If you’ve ever wanted to eat at Margot, this is the year to go. Bring your closest people, order a glass of wine, and stay long enough to thank her. Read the full story of why Margot and other beloved Nashville spots are closing.
The rotating menu might include handmade pasta with spring peas, roasted chicken with wild mushrooms, or pan-seared fish with citrus beurre blanc. Brunch here feels like a hidden secret, think perfectly poached eggs over brioche, seasonal frittatas, and strong coffee in handmade mugs.
Great for: Special occasions, leisurely brunch
Local tip: The patio is magical in spring and fall.
Five Points Pizza
New York–Style Pizza and a Neighborhood Tap List
For many locals, Five Points Pizza is synonymous with East Nashville pizza. They’ve nailed New York style slices and whole pies, and their garlic knots are the stuff of legend. The space is casual and energetic, with quick service and a rotating selection of local craft beers.
Popular pizzas include the Hot Hawaiian with jalapeños and the classic pepperoni. It’s an ideal pre-show or post-brewery stop, especially if you grab a slice and a pint before heading out for live music.
“The garlic knots are worth the trip alone.”
Emily K. · Google Reviews · February 2025Great for: Late-night eats, casual group dinners
Local tip: Grab a slice from the walk-up window after a Music City Brewery Hop.
Mas Tacos Por Favor
Beloved Taco Spot with a Cult Following
What started as a food truck is now one of the most famous East Nashville restaurants. Mas Tacos Por Favor keeps things simple: cash-only counter service, mismatched tables, and a chalkboard menu that doesn’t need over-explaining.
The fried avocado taco is a local classic, and the tortilla soup is beloved year-round. But here’s the insider move: Go on Thursdays for the pickled cactus and chorizo taco - the staff swear it was made by God Himself, and it’s one of the best tacos I’ve ever had.
Great for: Quick, flavorful lunch or dinner
Local tip: Thursday’s special is worth rearranging your trip for.
Pelican & Pig
Wood-Fired Cooking and Standout Pastries
Pelican & Pig and Slow Hand Coffee + Bakeshop next door closed permanently on March 14, 2026, after seven years on Gallatin Avenue.
Nick and Audra Guidry built one of East Nashville’s most beloved restaurants, named Eater’s Restaurant of the Year their first year out and later featured on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil. They cited the same property tax pressure squeezing every other independent in the city. The good news: they live in Lebanon and have been quietly building a Wilson County food empire for years. Slow Hand Bakehouse, Olivia Craft Cocktail and Oyster Bar, and Leon’s Famous Deli in Mt. Juliet are all still serving the same Guidry food. Read the full story of why Pelican & Pig and other beloved Nashville spots are closing.
While Pelican & Pig was here, owners Nick and Audra Guidry built it around the magic of open-fire cooking. The wood-fired grill added smoky depth to everything from ember-roasted carrots to perfectly seared steaks. Audra’s pastry background shone in desserts like chocolate tart with smoked salt or seasonal fruit galettes. The industrial-chic space was warm and intimate, with the grill in full view from most tables.
Rosemary & Beauty Queen
Cocktails, Small Plates, and a Garden Patio
Part cocktail lounge, part restaurant, Rosemary & Beauty Queen is a go-to for brunch, happy hour, and late-night bites. The converted Victorian-style house has multiple rooms, a sprawling patio, and an atmosphere that’s both stylish and relaxed.
The menu mixes Southern staples with global touches, think pimento cheese with house crackers, shrimp tostadas, and smoked chicken salad.
Great for: Brunch with friends, late-night bites
Local tip: Start with happy hour cocktails and stay for the DJ sets.
Xiao Bao
Asian Street Food with a Southern Twist
Xiao Bao brings East and Southeast Asian street food to East Nashville, with dishes like spicy mapo tofu, crispy okonomiyaki, and fluffy bao buns. The bright, casual space makes it an easy spot for a lively dinner.
Cocktails and local beers round out the menu, designed to complement the bold, spicy flavors. Don’t skip dessert if it’s on offer, past menus have included green tea ice cream and sesame cookies.
“East Nashville needed a place like this with bold flavors, great cocktails, and a fun atmosphere.”
Chris L. · Yelp · January 2025Great for: Sharing plates, adventurous flavors
Local tip: Ask about the daily dumpling special because they sell out fast.
Noko
Wood-Fired Asian Fusion in a Sleek Setting
Noko blends Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian influences into a wood-fired menu that’s been one of Nashville’s hottest tickets since opening. Expect dishes like miso-glazed black cod, wagyu beef with house-made kimchi, and whole fish kissed by open flame.
The sleek, modern dining room puts the wood fire at center stage, and service is polished without being stuffy.
Great for: Celebrations, foodie date nights
Local tip: If the smoked short rib is on the menu, order it, no questions asked.
Kāse by Noko
14-Seat Japanese-Inspired Dining Experience
Kāse by Noko offers one of the most exclusive dining experiences in Nashville. With just 14 seats arranged around the counter, where chefs prepare Japanese-inspired small plates and pour curated sake pairings.
Every course is artfully plated and seasonally driven. Reservations are so competitive that they often book within minutes of going live.
Great for: Tasting menus, sake pairings, special occasions
Local tip: Set an alert for reservations and choose counter seating for the full experience.
Peninsula
Spanish- and French-Inspired Plates in a Cozy Setting
Peninsula brings flavors from Spain, France, and Portugal to a tiny, warmly lit dining room in East Nashville. The menu changes regularly, but you might find charred octopus, lamb with romesco, or fresh oysters with shallot mignonette.
The wine list focuses on Old World bottles that pair perfectly with the food, and the staff are skilled at helping you choose.
“This is the kind of place you can sit and talk for hours over amazing food and wine.”
Lauren R. · Google Reviews · February 2025Great for: Romantic dinners, wine lovers, special occasions
Local tip: Trust the specials, they’re often the best thing on the menu.
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East Nashville isn’t just about eating, it’s also one of the city’s best spots for breweries, cocktail bars, and live music.
FAQs: East Nashville Dining
What is East Nashville known for?
Creative dining, locally owned restaurants, and a thriving bar and brewery scene.
Where to eat in East Nashville for brunch?
Butcher & Bee, Margot Café & Bar, and Rosemary & Beauty Queen.
What are the best East Nashville restaurants for dinner?
Lockeland Table, Noko, Peninsula, and Margot (until June 5, 2026).
Is East Nashville walkable for dining?
Yes, especially around Five Points.
What food is East Nashville known for?
Innovative chef-driven menus, standout brunch spots, and neighborhood staples like Mas Tacos Por Favor.
Final Bite: Why East Nashville Should Be on Your Foodie List
From long-time institutions to exciting newcomers, East Nashville restaurants offer something for every palate. Whether you want a leisurely brunch, a chef’s tasting menu, or a quick taco run, this neighborhood delivers.
Related Posts:
East Nashville for Foodies: Where to Eat, Drink, and Explore
Best BBQ in Nashville: The Ultimate Local Guide to Ribs, Brisket, and More
The Ultimate Guide to Whiskey in Nashville: Tastings, Tours & Bars
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