It’s rare for a newbie to become a universal favorite so instantly. But that’s exactly what happened after Noko landed in East Nashville in 2023. An excellent wood-fired, Asian-inspired menu first drew diners here, and it’s the warm service that keeps us coming back. Chef Dung “Junior” Vo shares stories about his favorite childhood foods on the menu, and the staff makes everyone feel like a regular. The District Sando—a Japan-inspired grilled cheese punched up with togarashi—is a must.

When I want dinner to feel like a getaway, I take the scenic drive to Leiper’s Fork, a historic village about 30 miles from Nashville. It’s home to Southall Farm & Inn, a luxe retreat that includes January, an epic onsite restaurant with an always-changing menu. Executive chef Andrew Klamar and sous chef Nate Leonard source ingredients from the property’s apiary, greenhouses, and orchards, resulting in inspired dishes like beet escabeche and duck with sunchokes and sunflower.

Nashville’s strip malls are known to house secrets, and 615chuTNey is one of the most surprising of them all. The South Indian dishes here are to die for, whether that means pickled and steamed rice cakes, spicy Chettinad egg curry, or lentil stew with tamarind broth—bonus points for the bottomless rice. It’ll all be delivered to your table by a friendly robot named Singam, a pandemic-induced solution to staffing shortages.

Judging from its excellent seafood restaurants, you wouldn’t know that Nashville is landlocked. One of the standouts includes Joe Muer Seafood, a special occasion go-to for glamorous interiors and celebration-worthy specials like fresh lobster and crab flown in daily from around the globe. The dishes here are all presented with a little flair, like lobster bisque poured tableside and one show-stopping raw bar plateau.

When I’m looking for a quality Italian meal in a lively setting, Ophelia’s tops the list. The pizzas and pastas were made for sharing, though it’ll be tough to give up bites of the signature lasagna in a creamy bechamel sauce once you try it. Thoughtful design touches make the experience even better, from the intriguing photo-covered gallery walls to the elegant floral serving dishes.

For a laid-back seafood option that’s also impressive, I head to The Optimist. The insides channel a luxe fishing village with ship-inspired bathrooms and a dazzling stained-glass wall. Go with a group to tear into one of the seafood plateaus with—my absolute favorite—smoked-fish dip. Plus, every meal here starts with bread service that includes fluffy, buttery rolls.

Steakhouses and special occasions go hand in hand, and you have plenty of options when celebrating in Nashville. Oak is my favorite because it’s equal parts stunnings—soaring ceilings, a marble bar, and gorgeous oak accents—and delicious. Fill up on filet mignon and potatoes whipped with garlic and crème fraîche before heading to a concert or a hockey game (Bridgestone Arena is right across the street). And cap off your evening with a glass of red and espresso-soaked chocolate cake.

I’ll always give credit where it’s due, and Charleston deserves a shoutout for its influence on Nashville’s restaurants. We’ve imported chefs and concepts from the Holy City, including sushi hotspot O-Ku. The Nashville edition is just as good as the OG, serving sustainably sourced sushi with local twists. The signature makimono menu pushes the envelope on tradition—try the Nashvegas roll with crab, spicy tuna, goat cheese mousse, and sweet and spicy sauces.

Mere Bulles’s vintage mansion setting makes it the perfect spot for an impressive lunch meeting or a special-occasion dinner. Choose between Southern hits like shrimp and grits and short rib, steaks, and even oysters—just be sure to order a cup of she-crab soup to start. Mere Bulles is one of the only places in the city that serves this decadent Lowcountry staple.

There are three separate occasions that warrant a recommendation to Geist: a weekend brunch, an intimate date, or an outdoor toast on a sunny day. Tucked inside an early 1900s blacksmith shop, the dining room drips with historic elegance. There’s a chic menu to match, featuring tuna crudo, beef tenderloin, and housemade pastas. If you’re raising a glass to something extra-special, you can’t do better than Geist’s outdoor Champagne garden.