Black-Owned Restaurants in Nashville 2026: Celebrating Local Voices

Beyond the bachelorettes and boot shops, the real Nashville simmers. It’s a city built on a foundation of genuine creativity, and nowhere is that more apparent than in its food scene. While new hotels and high-rises change the skyline, the culinary soul of the city is being preserved and powerfully reimagined by Black entrepreneurs. These chefs and owners are the storytellers, serving up generations of tradition and bold new flavors that define what it really means to eat in Nashville. This isn't just a list of restaurants; it's a celebration of the voices and visions shaping our city's palate. When you eat at these spots, you're not just getting a great meal—you're investing in the cultural fabric of Music City.

Hot Chicken & Southern Classics

These restaurants are Nashville institutions, serving up the foundational flavors of Southern cooking with recipes passed down through generations. From world-famous hot chicken to soulful meat-and-threes, this is the essential taste of Tennessee.

1. Prince's Hot Chicken

• Neighborhood: SoBro (Assembly Food Hall) & South Nashville
• Why It's Worth It: This is not a spot, it's the spot. Prince's is widely accepted as the originator of Nashville Hot Chicken. A visit here is a pilgrimage for anyone who loves spicy food and culinary history. The heat levels are no joke, so proceed with caution and a gallon of water.
• Price Range: $$
• Must-Try Item: The 1/4 Chicken (choose your heat level wisely, "Medium" is hot for most).
• Address: 5055 Broadway Pl, Nashville, TN 37203

2. Swett's Restaurant

• Neighborhood: North Nashville
• Why It's Worth It: Open since 1954, Swett's is a time capsule of classic soul food. This family-run, cafeteria-style spot is a Nashville landmark. It’s unpretentious, consistent, and serves the kind of food that feels like a family gathering.
• Price Range: $$
• Must-Try Item: The Turkey and Dressing with a side of mac and cheese and turnip greens.
• Address: 2725 Clifton Ave, Nashville, TN 37209

3. The Nashville Biscuit House

• Neighborhood: East Nashville
• Why It's Worth It: A beloved, no-frills breakfast and lunch counter that does one thing exceptionally well: biscuits. It’s a neighborhood staple where you’ll find locals grabbing a quick, hearty, and affordable meal. It's the perfect fuel for a day of exploring East Nashville's shops.
• Price Range: $
• Must-Try Item: The "Big Nasty" biscuit (fried chicken, sausage gravy, and cheddar).
• Address: 805 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

4. Woodcuts BBQ

• Neighborhood: North Nashville
• Why It's Worth It: In a city with plenty of barbecue, Woodcuts stands out for its tender, slow-smoked meats and welcoming atmosphere. It's a true neighborhood joint that has earned a loyal following for its consistent quality and friendly service.
• Price Range: $$
• Must-Try Item: The Rib Tips with a side of their signature baked beans.

Modern Nashville & Fusion Flavors

These kitchens are pushing Nashville's culinary scene forward, blending Southern roots with global influences and innovative techniques. If you're looking for a new take on familiar ingredients, start here.

5. Slim & Husky's Pizza Beeria

• Neighborhood: North Nashville, The Gulch, & Mt. Juliet
• Why It's Worth It: With a hip-hop-inspired theme and artisan pizzas, Slim & Husky's has become a national success story born right here in Nashville. They offer locally brewed craft beers and custom-built rectangular pizzas perfect for sharing. The vibe is always energetic and community-focused. Love their story? Discover more about Nashville's top-tier local business pros.
• Price Range: $$
• Must-Try Item: The "Got 5 On It" (build your own) or the "Rony, Roni, Rone!"
• Address: 911 Buchanan St, Nashville, TN 37208 (Original Location)

6. The Southern V

• Neighborhood: North Nashville
• Why It's Worth It: This spot proves that "vegan" and "Southern comfort food" belong in the same sentence. The Southern V serves up 100% plant-based versions of classics like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and biscuits that impress even the most devout carnivores. It's a game-changer.
• Price Range: $$
• Must-Try Item: The "Hot Chik'n" Sandwich. It's a revelation.
• Address: 1200 Buchanan St, Nashville, TN 37208

7. Riddim N Spice

• Neighborhood: North Nashville
• Why It's Worth It: Chef Ras Kofi brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to Music City. Riddim N Spice started as a popular food truck and now has a brick-and-mortar in the dynamic L&L Market. It’s a fresh, flavorful escape from the ordinary.
• Price Range: $$
• Must-Try Item: The Jerk Chicken or the Oxtail plate.
• Address: 3820 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209

8. EG&MC

• Neighborhood: SoBro
• Why It's Worth It: Standing for "Etiquette, Grace & Medical Cocktails," this elegant bar and restaurant offers a sophisticated alternative to the downtown fray. Helmed by the same team behind Slim & Husky's, it features expertly crafted cocktails and an elevated food menu in a chic, intimate setting.
• Price Range: $$$
• Must-Try Item: The Lamb Chops paired with a "Prescription" cocktail.
• Address: 924 Jefferson St, Nashville, TN 37208

Casual Joints & Quick Bites

Perfect for a low-key lunch or a fun, fast dinner, these spots deliver big flavor without the fuss. If you're still hungry after this list, check out our guide to the best new restaurants in Nashville.

9. Coneheads

• Neighborhood: East Nashville
• Why It's Worth It: It’s chicken and waffles, but in a cone! This brilliant, delicious, and portable concept is as fun as it is tasty. Choose your chicken style (including a cauliflower option), your sauce, and enjoy a perfectly crafted meal you can eat on the go.
• Price Range: $$
• Must-Try Item: The OG Cone with a spicy ranch drizzle.
• Address: 1315 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207

10. Strikeout Wingz

• Neighborhood: North Nashville
• Why It's Worth It: Sometimes you just need great wings, and Strikeout delivers. They offer a huge variety of house-made sauces and rubs, from tangy lemon pepper to fiery "Music City Hot." It's a casual, friendly spot perfect for game day or any day.
• Price Range: $$
• Must-Try Item: The "Honey Gold" or "RanchParm" wings, cooked extra crispy.
• Address: 1803 Scovel St, Nashville, TN 37208

Bakeries & Cafes

For a morning pick-me-up, a sweet treat, or a light lunch, these Black-owned cafes and bakeries are essential stops. Looking for more great local finds? Our stories page has you covered, including our list of women-owned shops in Nashville.

11. Shugga Hi Bakery and Cafe

• Neighborhood: East Nashville
• Why It's Worth It: The mother-and-daughters team behind Shugga Hi serves up incredible desserts, coffee, and savory lunch items with a side of warm hospitality. The cakes, pies, and pastries are stunning and taste even better. It's a sweet-tooth's paradise.
• Price Range: $$
• Must-Try Item: The "Shugga" Shaker (a milkshake blended with a slice of cake or pie) or a slice of the Sweet Potato Pie.
• Address: 1000 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207