Best Authentic Restaurants in East Nashville

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanBritish

Regions

Nashville

Neighborhoods

Belmont / HillsboroBrentwoodDonelsonDowntown / SobroEast NashvilleEdgehill

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

50 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Peninsula

4.9

Exceptional(216)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Modern European • East Nashville

Booked 22 times today

Located in the heart of East Nashville, Peninsula serves up sharable plates, old world wines, and Spanish style gin and tonics in an inviting and intimate space. James Beard nominated Chef Jake Howell's menu focuses on sustainable, local ingredients and features seasonal, creative dishes influenced by the Iberian Peninsula. Guests are encouraged to sample the flavors of Spain, Portugal and France while enjoying the rustic, yet modern surrounds.

2. House of Cards

4.8

Exceptional(6364)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Sobro

Booked 59 times today

a dining adventure like no other in Nashville. Discover a hidden underground space where classic American cuisine meets the art of illusion. As you enter through a secret tunnel, you'll find a stunning interior filled with antique magic artifacts and a multimillion-dollar collection of European antiques. Our handcrafted bar features one of Nashville's largest liquor selections, perfect for enjoying expertly crafted cocktails. Savor a menu of classic American dishes with a modern twist, made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From juicy steaks and fresh seafood to vegetarian and vegan options, there's something for everyone. The real enchantment comes from our world-class magicians, who will dazzle you with mind-boggling illusions and interactive performances throughout the evening. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a romantic night out, House of Cards promises an unforgettable experience.

3. Harper's

4.8

Exceptional(1672)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / Sobro

Booked 68 times today

Globally-inspired steakhouse with stunning design, unparalleled service and international cocktails.

A photo of Skull's Rainbow Room restaurant

4. Skull's Rainbow Room

4.8

Exceptional(5373)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French American • Downtown / Sobro

Booked 53 times today

Skull's Rainbow Room is a celebrated dining spot in Nashville's historic Printer's Alley district. It's been serving French American cuisine since 1948. The restaurant is known for its signature craft cocktails and award-winning dinner menu. Reviews often praise the authentic atmosphere, live jazz music, and outstanding food. As one reviewer put it, it's like 'stepping back in time.'

5. Bad Idea

4.5

Awesome(123)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Wine Bar • East Nashville

Booked 19 times today

Bad Idea is East Nashville's buzziest new restaurant from Sommelier Alex Burch and Executive Chef Colby Rasavong. It was honored as one of the 50 Best Restaurants in America in 2024 by the New York Times. New York Times food writer Brett Anderson remarks “Bad Idea may well be what many seasoned diners thought when they heard there was a wine bar specializing in envelope-pushing Lao food opening inside an East Nashville church. But given the level of cooking here, the name turned out to be a self-aware joke, rather than aself-own…[Rasavong] invests the weight of his life experience in food that stretches the boundaries ofSoutheast Asian cooking to the edge of Appalachia. And the wine list is wise beyond this restaurant’syears, mixing tantalizing obscurities, affordable crowd pleasers and connoisseur selections you’ll rarelyfind poured by the glass.” Bad Idea was also named a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in the 2025 JamesBeard Awards.

A photo of Ella’s by Christian Petroni restaurant

6. Ella’s by Christian Petroni

4.5

Awesome(840)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / Sobro

Booked 30 times today

Ella's by Christian Petroni is a SoBro restaurant serving seasonal coastal Italian cuisine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients, perfect for those seeking a taste of the Italian coast in the heart of Nashville.

7. Maiz De La Vida

4.8

Exceptional(334)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • The Gulch & North Gulch

Booked 30 times today

Maiz de la Vida Restaurant brings a vibrant atmosphere and fresh Heirloom corn based Mexican cuisine to Nashville. Enjoy handcrafted dishes and agave-based cocktails. Chef Julio Hernandez a James beard Emerging chef 2023 & best chef Southeast 2025 nominated first full-service concept. Located inside the former Antique mall.

A photo of Sinatra Bar & Lounge restaurant

8. Sinatra Bar & Lounge

4.8

Exceptional(2149)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / Sobro

Booked 43 times today

Located in Nashville's historic Printers Alley, Sinatra Bar & Lounge offers a journey back in time. Experience the elegance of the Rat Pack era, surrounded by memorabilia from Frank Sinatra.Our menu features prime steaks, traditional Italian dishes, and Sinatra's personal favorites, all made with the finest ingredients.Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, expertly crafted by our talented bartenders. Whether you enjoy a smooth Manhattan or a refreshing Gin Martini, each sip celebrates the golden age of cocktails.As the night progresses, enjoy live music that captures the spirit of Sinatra's Rat Pack days. Sway to the rhythm, raise a glass and immerse yourself in timeless elegance and unforgettable memories.

9. Bastion

4.9

Exceptional(116)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • South Nashville

Booked 9 times today

Bastion is the 24-seat restaurant of James Beard Foundation Award Nominee Chef Josh Habiger. It is located in a separate area within the casual cocktail bar of the same name, and it is a part of the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood of Nashville, TN. Bastion's dining room features counter seating around the kitchen for parties of 2 as well as three tables for parties of 3 to 6. Bastion's small team serves a weekly set menu of six dinner courses featuring many dishes with a wide variety of flavors, ingredients, and inspirations. Friendly service guides you through the culinary experience, which also features wine pairings, creative cocktails, and a curated vinyl soundtrack. Come early or stay late in the hidden Little Bar, which is a private offering for guests of the restaurant.

A photo of Supper Club - The Twelve Thirty Club restaurant

10. Supper Club - The Twelve Thirty Club

4.8

Exceptional(1473)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Sobro

Booked 7 times today

For the best reservations availability, please book through our website at TheTwelveThirtyClub.com or call us. Unapologetically dapper-as-hell and refreshingly unpretentious. The 400-seat Supper Club at The Twelve Thirty Club delivers on its promise of decadence in sight, sound, taste and feel. Immerse yourself an unforgettable dining experience as undiscovered acts, household names, DJs or an impromptu jam electrifies this incomparable supper club.Your table will be reserved for 1 hour and 30 minutes for parties of up to 4; and 2 hours for parties of 5+.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
Gary
South Carolina •3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
This is a one-of-a-kind place. Come prepared to spend 3-4 hours for dinner, the big show, the tables shows, and looking around. The food service was like being at a fancy restaurant. The table magic shows were amazing. They were mostly card tricks, but the magicians were very skilled and charismatic. We left wondering “how did they do that?!” This is a full experience between dining and entertainment. Would love to come back.
More info
House of CardsPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Sobro
•
4.8
A
Amy
Nashville •1 review
5.0
Dined today
My partner and I celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary here last night and both think it is the best dining experience we’ve had in Nashville! The food is fabulous and the wine list is one of the best we’ve seen. Will definitely be going back! Staff is amazing as well. All around great experience!
More info
Bad IdeaPrice: Very Expensive• Wine Bar• East Nashville
•
4.5
N
Nick
Northwest Florida •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
It was an amazing experience I would 100% come back here again, Calli, our waitress was perfect
More info
Harper'sPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Sobro
•
4.8
M
Melissa
Dallas - Fort Worth •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Intimate setting, majority of tables have live stage side experience, excellent service and food
More info
Skull's Rainbow RoomPrice: Expensive• French American• Downtown / Sobro
•
4.8
H
Heather
Nashville •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 13, 2025
Exquisite as always. Truly a gem. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
More info
PeninsulaPrice: Expensive• Modern European• East Nashville
•
4.9

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