Although Nashville is known for its kickin' hot chicken and sugary sweet tea, the city's burgeoning food scene is no secret—boasting a variety of award-winning dishes, James Beard Awards semifinalists, and nationally recognized restaurants.
According to WKRN, the Nashville metropolitan area saw the opening of 67 new restaurants in 2024, bringing ever more impressive players into this already-competitive market.
While Nashvillians share a fondness for their city's perfectly seasoned namesake dish, they also enjoy indulging in the city's vibrant, ever-expanding options. In the new year, many locals and visitors are opting for eateries that reflect the health-conscious habits they're establishing for the months ahead.
In 2024, reports Purdue, 25% of surveyed consumers responded that they had food- or nutrition-related New Year's resolutions, and many of Nashville's favorite restaurants are making an effort to support this movement by offering healthier and more diet restriction–friendly options while still showcasing the unique flavors and dishes for which they're known and loved.
Whether you’re looking for good old Southern barbecue or gourmet nachos, Music City has too many hotspots to count. Still, these locally loved restaurants where nutritious and delicious options abound are a great place to start.
Photo Credit: The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden
The Pharmacy, a local staple known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients, has made it easy (and tasty) to meet New Year's resolutions while embracing some of Nashville's most classic yet recognizable flavors. No matter the goal or dietary need, The Pharmacy has all guests covered with an array of vegan and vegetarian sides and sauces and an ample selection of carefully curated, health-centric offerings. Here are five standouts:
- The Southwest Chicken is a keto burger featuring a ground chicken patty topped with house-made guacamole, pico de gallo, and spicy chipotle avocado aioli.
- A few modifications to the Farm Burger make it the perfect Paleo dinner! Swap the bun for arugula and add horseradish mustard instead of maple mustard.
- The 100 G Burger is a high-protein dish boasting two patties topped with cheddar, four slices of bacon, and mayo on a Frothy Monkey bun. This burger is sure to meet all your protein needs.
- The Impossible Pharmacy Burger's vegan patty can be used in any burger variety on the menu! Guests can pick their favorite burger combo and ask their server to sub out any non-vegan toppings.
- The flavorful Falafel Burger consists of a house-made chickpea patty topped with yogurt raita, goat cheese, onion, and tomato.
Photo Credit: Peg Leg Porker
Peg Leg Porker
Peg Leg Porker, one of the best barbecue joints in the South and one of Nashville's most beloved traditions that has racked up numerous awards, is a family-owned and operated restaurant and catering company run by legendary pitmaster Carey Bringle.
Since opening in 2013, Peg Leg Porker has been spotlighted by such outlets as GQ, Bon Appétit, Southern Living, Texas Monthly, National Geographic, and Eater (which named it one of the nation's "16 Hottest BBQ Joints").
Guests looking to heed their resolutions can continue to enjoy authentic Southern barbecue by avoiding heavy sauces and opting for lighter sides.
In addition to signature offerings like pulled pork, ribs, and fried pies, the must-visit restaurant offers a chicken-based Yardbird Platter with sides including smoked green beans and coleslaw. Many of the dishes are gluten-free, and all food is prepared fresh daily.
Photo Credit: Nacho Daddy
Nacho Daddy
Taking after its showstopping birthplace of Las Vegas, Nacho Daddy is the well-loved home of indulgent gourmet nachos, award-winning margaritas, and, if you're brave enough, the original Scorpion Shot.
With a mission of providing guests with honest, fresh, quality ingredients, this new-to-Nashville dining experience makes all dishes in-house, including its sauces and daily-made queso.
But just because Nacho Daddy promises that you won’t find one dry chip, that doesn’t mean that you won’t also find plenty of health-conscious items to try, including the irresistible Flaming Fajitas, the Mexi-Cobb Salad, Grilled Mexican Corn, meatless nacho options, fresh-as-can-be Avocado Toast for brunch, and a truly impressive vegan menu, with more than a dozen mouthwatering options.
Don't let the name fool you—Nacho Daddy offers far more than just nachos!
Photo Credit: Puttshack
Puttshack
Looking for somewhere to engage in a bit of friendly competition while also enjoying an elevated dining experience? Puttshack is the place to be!
This indoor, tech-infused mini golf–centered venue recently celebrated its first anniversary in Music City, quickly becoming recognized as the perfect place for guests to connect with loved ones, make memories with friends, or have a one-of-a-kind date night.
No matter who your competition is, Puttshack has chef-driven, globally inspired dishes that will meet their dietary preferences and needs, particularly those who favor health-friendly choices with bold flavors.
Highlights include the Zesty Steamed Edamame, Lebanese Hummus, Persian Chicken Skewers, Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps, Sweet & Spicy Brussels Sprouts, Goat Cheese Veggie Flatbread, and a lovely selection of salads and handhelds.
With the menu coded to pinpoint, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-friendly, and nut-free items, gourmands of all types are sure to find plenty of palate-pleasing yet diet-aligned options, all served in a vibrant atmosphere of interactive fun and festivities.
Final Thoughts
As Nashville's renowned food scene continues to grow, the city's offerings will no doubt expand in kind, catering to specific audiences and dietary needs. But don’t overlook the gems available right now, for all kinds of diners, with all kinds of tastes and nutritional goals. There’s a host of daily options right under your nose waiting to host you today, ranging from burgers to bowls, classic barbecue to innovative Mexican cuisine. In Nashville perhaps more than anywhere else, you can easily have a first-rate healthy and nutritious dining experience without sacrificing flavor and flair!
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