Nashville, Tennessee is a culturally rich destination, with plenty of attractions and amusements for tourists to explore and enjoy. One of the best ways to do this is through their food, which is deeply entrenched in Southern culture. Whatever brings you to Nashville, it would be a shame to not explore everything that the food scene has to offer. To help make sure you don’t miss anything, we’ve got our picks for the can’t-miss dishes during a trip to Nashville. So join us on a full day dining with our Nashville food tour.
Breakfast: Biscuits and Gravy
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A breakfast staple in many places in America, there are few places that take biscuits and gravy more seriously than Nashville. The standard gravy is a creamy gravy with tons of black pepper and crumbled pork sausage. For something a little more native to Nashville, try red-eye gravy, made from pan-fried ham drippings and strong black coffee. Preferred add-ons include country ham, fried eggs, melty cheddar cheese, or spicy chicken. Portions for biscuits and gravy tend to be pretty generous, so consider getting a half order. After all, we’ve still got plenty more dishes to explore before the day is over!
Brunch: Fried Green Tomatoes
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Another Southern staple, friend green tomatoes are the perfect appetizer to hold you over until lunch. Tart, unripe tomatoes are sliced thick, dipped in buttermilk and cornmeal crust, and then fried until crisp. They are typically served with “comeback” sauce, which is a mayonnaise-based remoulade that includes ingredients like ketchup, chili sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Finish with pimento cheese or chow-chow relish to complete the experience. These crispy treats are perfect on their own, but can also be ordered on a sandwich or as part of eggs benedict. However you choose to enjoy them, you’ll never look at unripe tomatoes the same.
Lunch: Hot Chicken Sandwich
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Crispy fried chicken, spicy cayenne sauces, tangy pickles and slaw, all on a soft brioche bun; this is a popular staple across the States. Nashville’s iteration of this American classic by drenching the chicken in a spicy cayenne oil bath for extra spicy flavor and a vibrant red hue. You can definitely find versions that are more mild in heat if you’re not up for it, but the hottest chicken sandwiches can be a fun challenge to see how much heat you can handle! Overall, the spicy chicken sandwich exemplifies how a simple dish can be transformed and adapted to showcase regional flavors and creativity, making it a favorite for spice seekers nationwide.
Dinner: Nashville Barbeque
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Nashville barbecue is a distinctive part of Tennessee’s culinary landscape, known for its emphasis on pork—particularly pulled pork shoulder—slow-cooked over hickory wood for a smoky, tender result. Unlike the sweet, saucy style found in nearby Memphis, Nashville barbecue often features a tangy, slightly spicy tomato-based sauce or a thin, vinegar-pepper sauce that complements the meat without overpowering it. Signature sides like Southern-style baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread frequently accompany barbecue platters at classic spots such as Martins Bar-B-Que Joint and Peg Leg Porker.
Desert: Chess Pie
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Chess pie is a beloved Southern dessert closely associated with Nashville and the broader region, celebrated for its rich simplicity and classic ingredients. The pie features a buttery, flaky pastry crust filled with a custard-like mixture of eggs, sugar, butter, and a small amount of cornmeal or flour that gives it a subtle texture and signature golden top. Variations often include a splash of vinegar or buttermilk to balance the sweetness, resulting in a sweet-tart, caramelized flavor profile unique to this pie. In Nashville, chess pie is a staple at diners, bakeries, often enjoyed plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. Its enduring popularity comes from its pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward preparation, making it a go-to for home bakers and restaurants alike.
