A Local’s Guide to the Best East Nashville Restaurants
Last updated: 4/3/26
Admittedly, I might be biased, but East Nashville seems to be home to a greater proportion of the best restaurants in Nashville than any other part of the city. There are so many good choices for where to eat.
I covered a lot of the top East Nashville restaurants in my East Nashville neighborhood guide, but there are even more that deserve to be highlighted.
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The Best Restaurants in East Nashville
I haven’t made it to every restaurant in East Nashville, but I’m working on it. (So if I haven’t included your favorite, I either haven’t been there, or I’ve been and didn’t like it).
Here are the ones you need to know about so far, in my opinion.
Peninsula
Peninsula is absolutely one of my favorite restaurants in East Nashville. It’s a small and intimate spot on Eastland serving Spanish and French dishes. The menu changes frequently depending on what’s in season. The staff does a great job of helping you pick what you’ll like the most.
The restaurant makes a great date night spot. Peninsula feels special without feeling stuffy or extravagant. It’s on the pricier side, but fair for the quality of food and the care that goes into the entire experience.
People also get really excited about their gin and tonic menu, so that’s good to know if you like cocktails.
Google Maps | Peninsula Website
Joyland
It’s easy to find burgers all over Nashville, and Joyland’s are some of the best in the city. The restaurant is one of Chef Sean Brock’s projects, but it’s very different from his other restaurants in the area.
Joyland is a very casual restaurant serving basic, but delicious burgers. The menu also includes fried chicken and fries plus milkshakes.
I haven’t tried every burger in Nashville yet, but I’m pretty sure these are some of the best!
Google Maps | Joyland Website | 🍽️ Read my full review of Joyland
Turkey and the Wolf
Turkey and the Wolf is a New Orleans establishment that has recently opened a location in East Nashville. The atmosphere is kitschy and fun, and the food is outstanding. The menu is carefully curated with several sandwich options and a few sides. I tried the fried bologna sandwich with housemade mustard, and I was not prepared for just how good it would be! I like the frozen margs as well.
The restaurant can get busy, and Turkey and the Wolf does not take reservations. So give yourself plenty of time. Also, be aware that most of the seating is outdoors. It’s a really nice setting on pretty days, and the food is still worth getting even when the weather is less pleasant.
Google Maps | Turkey and the Wolf Website | 🍽️ Read my full review of Turkey and the Wolf
Five Points Pizza
The East location of Five Points Pizza is incredibly popular for good reason – the pizza is delicious! If you’re able to get the lunch special, you can get two slices plus a drink for under $11, which is an amazing price for lunch in Nashville.
My personal favorite is the Dave’s pie topped with prosciutto and basil, but there isn’t a bad pizza on the menu. You can either get a pizza to go or eat at the restaurant. I do both on a pretty frequent basis.
Google Maps | Five Points Pizza Website | 🍽️ Read my full review of Five Points Pizza
Folk
Another great place for a pizza is at Folk, but it’s much more than just a pizza place. The menu is Italian-inspired and based around local, seasonal produce. I’ve loved basically everything I’ve tried here.
The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. It feels very much like a neighborhood spot. I would eat here every week if I could. (And, I can’t wait for my daughters to be old enough to join me every once in a while.)
Redheaded Stranger
Redheaded Stranger is super popular thanks to its photo-friendly decor. You might have to wait in line for a while on some days, but the food is good. The Tex-Mex-inspired restaurant has great tacos and margaritas. Plus, I absolutely love their “totchos,” which are tater tots topped with loaded nachos toppings!
Google Maps | Redheaded Stranger Website | 🍽️ Read my full review of Redheaded Stranger
Audrey
Audrey is an upscale East Nashville restaurant originally by Sean Brock and now led by Sam Jett that pays tribute to Appalachian cuisine. Obviously, the food quality and the experience as a whole is outstanding. You will probably need to make reservations well in advance.
I’d recommend Audrey for serious foodies. When I first went the only option was for a prix fixe menu, and while the food was good, it was very pricey and more than we could actually eat.
However, you can now order individual dishes at both lunch and dinner. We’ve been back a second time for lunch since they made this change and had a great meal.
The restaurant also has a bar called Upstairs at Audrey where everything on the menu from drinks to snacks are just $5 each. I haven’t had a chance to visit this part yet, but I hope to soon!
BoomBozz Pizza
For families with children, BoomBozz Pizza is a favorite. The food is good. You really can’t go wrong with any of their pizzas. (And the jumbo tater tots filled with cheese, called tater kegs, are absolutely worth ordering as an appetizer!)
However, the real draw for families is the playground area outside. Kids can have fun on the slides and other equipment while waiting for the food. It’s a nice, low-pressure outing for all ages.
Google Maps | Boombozz Website
Butcher and Bee
Butcher and Bee is a Mediterranean restaurant offering a selection of small plates perfect for sharing with the table. The whipped feta is one of the most popular dishes. Some people think the restaurant is overhyped, but we’ve been multiple times and have always enjoyed the experience.
Google Maps | Butcher and Bee Website
The Treehouse
For a unique experience (and delicious food), the Treehouse is the place to go. It’s a farm-to-table restaurant that does, in fact, have a treehouse.
I’ve never gotten a reservation for the treehouse portion, but the rest of the restaurant is also very charming. It’s a great place to go with friends!
Google Maps | The Treehouse Website
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden
The Pharmacy’s menu is a combo of burger and German food options, which sounds unusual at first, but works together really well. Whether you pick the currywurst or the Pharmacy Burger, the food is best enjoyed in the beautiful outdoor garden.
When I first moved to East Nashville, I couldn’t understand why The Pharmacy was the place to be in the spring and summer, but the outdoor beer garden really is the perfect spot.
Also, the Pharmacy has a variety of sodas available from the soda fountain if you’d rather have a non-alcoholic drink that feels special.
Google Maps | The Pharmacy Website
FatBelly Pretzel Bakery and Deli
FatBelly Pretzel Bakery and Deli is incredibly popular. There’s a constant stream of people coming in to order pretzels or sandwiches. I love all of the pretzels here, but my go-to is the salted pretzel with the cheddar cheese dip.
The sandwiches here are something as well. I’ve tried the G-Netty with chicken salad, and it was way more than I could finish in one sitting. I know it’s a cliche to say you can’t really go wrong with anything here, but in this case, it’s true.
Google Maps | FatBelly Pretzel Website | 🍽️ Read my full review of FatBelly Pretzel
Bolton’s Famous Hot Chicken and Fish
Bolton’s is the go-to place for hot chicken in East Nashville. The menu is small with just a couple options for chicken, fish, and sides, but they do it well.
Personally, I get the non-spicy option because I like my taste buds intact, but you can get as hot as you can handle. We always get our order to go, but there is some outdoor seating available.
Google Maps | Bolton’s Website
Boston Commons
Boston Commons is a New England-inspired pub, which sounds like an odd choice for East Nashville. However, the restaurant’s previous name was “Batter’d and Fried,” so it really isn’t that out of place among Southern cuisine.
Honestly, the only thing I’ve tried here was the fish & chips sampler, but every single type of fish was so good that I had to include this as a recommendation. I don’t know whether anything else on the menu is good–the fish & chips is absolutely worth getting though!
Also, someone else in the restaurant ordered the cobbler for dessert, and it looked amazing. So, consider adding that to your order. I regret not getting one.
Google Maps | Boston Commons Website
Hearts
Hearts is only open for breakfast and lunch, but you need to make time in your day to eat there! The restaurant serves Australian-style brunch. I love the twice-baked French toast. They have to be making their own bread because if they aren’t, I need to know where I can get it for myself.
The East Nashville Hearts location is cozy and very vibey. Any time that there’s a parking spot open, I’d recommend stopping. It’s just that good!
Google Maps | Hearts Website | 🍽️ Read my full review of Hearts
East Nashville Beer Works
While I don’t go to a lot of breweries, I had to include East Nashville Beer Works on this list. It’s a very popular spot that’s both family-friendly and dog-friendly. There’s even a play structure where kids can have fun while their parents socialize.
East Nashville Beer Works hosts lots of fun pop-up events and also works with local organizations to do fundraisers. I don’t drink beer, but I do get the white pizza every time that I go, and it’s always good. In general, the brewery is just a great spot to hang out with friends and family.
Google Maps | East Nashville Beer Works Website
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Thanks for reading my recommendations for restaurants in East Nashville. I’m constantly trying out new places in East (and across Nashville) so be sure to come back for updates.
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