Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Nashville

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Nashville? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Park Cafe

4.8

4.8 (1439)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Sylvan Park & Sylvan Heights

About the restaurant

Park Cafe is one of West Nashville's hidden gems, serving elevated American cuisine in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for nearly twenty-two years. Chef Jeffrey Martin crafts delicious daily specials from local, high-quality ingredients. With a talented kitchen and curated service, Park Cafe is sure to provide an excellent dining experience with local flair. Gluten-free & vegetarian options are available.

Whether you're dining on our spacious, peaceful patio, at a high-top in the bar, upstairs in the bungalow, or in one of our main dining rooms, you'll be glad you chose Park Cafe for lunch, brunch or dinner. We can't wait to see you!

P.S. Looking to book a private party? Please visit us on our parties page on our website or give us a call. We can't wait to make it special!

Top review

Any

Dined 3 days ago

There were six of us and we each had something different! We all loved our meals. I have eaten shrimp and grits all over the South, but now the ones at Park Cafe are by far my favorite!!

Discover more

Elliston Place Soda Shop

4.7

4.7 (170)

$30 and under

Southern

Midtown

About the restaurant

We’re one part soda shop, one part meat-and-three, and one hundred percent bona fide Southern eatery. We cook each meal fresh from scratch daily, following time-tested recipes and honoring our founder’s meat-and-three legacy. Bring the kids around for a treat, grab lunch with friends, or drop by for a shake and fries. And did we mention the pies?

Top review

Debi

Dined 4 days ago

Our first visit and we were not disappointed We had the turkey dinner and the meatloaf

Emmy Squared Pizza - Gulch

4.7

4.7 (257)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

The Gulch & North Gulch

About the restaurant

Serving Detroit-style pizzas and an award-winning burger. Full service bar, local drafts & wine selection.

**Join us for Brunch Saturday and Sunday mornings!**

Top review

Cindy

Dined 2 days ago

The pizza was so delish! It’s a must try. I also had mozzarella . 🔥

Germantown Cafe

4.6

4.6 (2527)

$30 and under

American

Germantown

About the restaurant

Germantown Café is your neighborhood bar + restaurant, bringing together charm, flavor, and a lively atmosphere for more than 19 years. Nestled in the heart of Germantown, #GTCNash is a welcoming experience with a menu specializing in straightforward cooking with a splash of Southern hospitality- comfortable, not complicated.

Please be aware there is a two hour dining limit on all tables to allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy our reopening.

Top review

Mary

Dined on Jun 2, 2025

We love Germantown Cafe. The food and the service were excellent as usual!

Discover more

Chicken Salad Sandwich

Onda

4.6

4.6 (39)

$30 and under

Korean

North Nashville

About the restaurant

Onda is a native Korean word that means "to come" or "is coming" or "comes"

We come here to bring Korean culture to Nashville. Korean cuisine isn't just about Korean BBQ or Korean fried chicken but Korean cuisine offers delicate and sophisticated dishes as well.

We come to Nashville to introduce Korean cuisine through traditional cocktails, dishes, and desserts. Our belief is not just about serving food, but ultimately about creating a 'good time'.

Top review

EricVIP

Dined on Apr 14, 2025

I continue to go back to Onda b/c the food is so good. Do not miss out on the Korean wings - Fire!

Kokomo Trading Company

4.5

4.5 (139)

$30 and under

Caribbean

Franklin

About the restaurant

Island inspired, music city infused. Kokomo Trading Company is a fusion of delicious chef-created cuisine, extraordinary beverages, and exceptional live music. Familiar and exotic flavors that satisfy and immerse our guests in an atmosphere of warmth, relaxation, adventure and the Spirit of community.

Executive chef and one of three owners, David Morrow, was born and raised on the Emerald island of Ireland. David was recognized early on for his outstanding ability in the Culinary Arts. He was eventually recruited and trained by Irish Celebrity Chef and television personality, Neven Maguire, at the world famous MacNean House. Chef Morrow brings his passion for excellence in food along with years of experience and love for agriculture, farming, producing and sourcing only the finest, nutrient rich products.

Top review

Donna

Dined 7 days ago

Staff was very accommodating. Made space for us away from the (wonderful) music so we could visit. Food was delicious and service was excellent.

Eggspectation - Nashville

4.4

4.4 (19)

$30 and under

American

Antioch

About the restaurant

Founded in Montreal in 1993, eggspectation is world-famous for elevated takes on comfort-food classics for brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktails. Eggspectation uses classic ingredients and bold new flavors to create memorable dishes in a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. When you are dining with the people who matter during the moments that matter, eggspectation is where memories are made.

Our menu...
*Brunch, including elevated takes on pancakes, French toast, omelettes, and Benedicts, where you will always taste the quality with free-range eggs, thick-cut bacon, and always 100% real maple syrup.
*Lunch, including hand-crafted sandwiches and burgers, served on artisanal breads.
*Dinner, including culinary adventures of seafood, steaks, lamb chops, pasta, and more.
*Plus tastes from our home in Montreal, including poutine, crêpes, and duck confit.
*Full-bar, available all day, serving all your favorite libations as well as our own signature cocktails and mimosas.

Top review

Vivian

Dined on May 23, 2025

Service was friendly and efficient. The food selection was varied and of excellent quality. We loved it and will definitely be back!

Music Row Bar & Grill

4.4

4.4 (20)

$30 and under

American

Nashville

About the restaurant

At Music Row Bar & Grill, we are committed to providing an inviting, upscale yet relaxed dining experience where culinary excellence meets genuine hospitality. Our dedication to sourcing the finest local and seasonal ingredients ensures that each dish is crafted with creativity, care, and passion.

Our goal is to create an environment where guests can come together to savor exceptional food and drinks while enjoying meaningful connections. We aim to exceed expectations by delivering outstanding service and unforgettable flavors, making every visit a celebration of comfort and sophistication. Join us at Music Row Bar & Grill for a dining experience that combines the best of hospitality and culinary artistry.

Top review

Kayl

Dined on May 24, 2025

We were a big party celebrating a birthday this past Saturday Night (I cant for the life of me remember the servers name she was amazing, dark hair, just want her to see this and know that we thank her for the wonderful service!) The food was great lots of shareable things for a big party and great drinks as well! Definitely recommend this place!!

Discover more

Experience

Happy Hour

Back 40 Nashville

4.4

4.4 (8)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown / Sobro

About the restaurant

WHERE MODERN AMERICAN MEETS SOUTHERN FLAIR!

A CULINARY TRIBUTE TO GENERATIONS OF RANCHERS AND FARMERS

Discover exceptional cuisine at our restaurant near Nashville’s Broadway Street Entertainment District in the UBS Building. Enjoy relaxed, low-key entertainment that captures the bonfire spirit while savoring an exquisite breakfast, lunch, or dinner and handcrafted cocktails.

Top review

Angela

Dined on May 24, 2025

We recently hosted a ladies' outing for a group of 20 at Back 40, and everything was fantastic! The staff was friendly, attentive, and well-prepared for our large party. The service was smooth and organized, and we never felt rushed or overlooked — which is impressive with such a big group! The food was delicious — fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned. Everyone left full and happy! Back 40 created the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed, fun brunch. We truly appreciated the warm hospitality and great experience. Highly recommend for group gatherings or a night out with friends!

Top Note

4.0

4 (29)

$30 and under

American

Downtown / Sobro

About the restaurant

Located in between Germantown and Downtown Nashville we are your go to spot for good times and great views. We were previously known as Zeppelin, but we have rebranded with a new name, new concept, and a new menu. Don't worry though- we still have the same great staff and atmosphere!

We are:
a 15-minute walk to Broadway
a 2-minute walk to the Municipal Auditorium/ Musician's Hall of Fame
a 20-minute walk to Nissan Stadium
a 7-minute walk to Bicentennial Park
a 10-minute walk to First Horizon Park
a 10-minute walk to Printer's Alley
a 9-minute walk to the Tennessee State Capitol

Top review

Ary

Dined on May 31, 2025

Joshua is the best server we’ve ever had in Nashville!

Explore Diners' Choice best of Nashville

Explore more Diners' Choice lists