These Tennessee Spots Serve Classic Southern Dishes With A Creative Twist
Tennessee has a special way of making you feel at home the second a plate hits the table. Comfort food isn’t just a meal here, it’s part of daily life.
Walk into a diner in Nashville or a small café in Memphis, and you’ll smell the kind of cooking that brings back memories of family gatherings and lazy Sundays.
The recipes might change a little, but the heart behind them stays the same. These spots across Tennessee keep those traditions alive while adding a few surprises that make each visit worth the drive.
1. Biscuit Love, Nashville
Walking into this breakfast spot feels like coming home, except the biscuits are unlike anything your grandmother made. Everything centers around fluffy, buttery biscuits topped with unexpected combinations that somehow work perfectly together.
The bonuts deserve special mention because they combine biscuit dough with donut-style glazes. Regulars rave about the East Nasty, which piles fried chicken, sausage gravy, and cheddar on a fresh biscuit.
Lines form early on weekends, but the wait moves quickly. Most folks leave planning their next visit before they even finish eating.
2. City House, Nashville
Italian cooking meets Southern ingredients in ways that make perfect sense once you taste them. The wood-fired oven turns out pizzas topped with things like Tennessee ham and local greens instead of the usual suspects.
Belly ham pizza has become legendary around town for good reason. Pork belly gets crisped up and paired with red eye mayo for a combination that tastes both familiar and completely new.
The space feels casual and welcoming, not fancy or stuffy. Service stays friendly even when the dining room fills up during peak hours.
3. The Southern Steak & Oyster, Nashville
Raw bars and steakhouses get a Southern makeover at this downtown spot. Fresh oysters arrive daily, but they serve them with creative mignonettes that include bourbon and hot sauce variations you cannot find elsewhere.
Steaks come with sides that go beyond basic mashed potatoes. Think smoked gouda grits or collard greens with a twist that makes them taste lighter than traditional versions.
The atmosphere works for both date nights and business dinners. Prices lean higher, but portions justify the cost for most diners.
4. 5th & Taylor, Nashville
Brunch reaches new heights when classic dishes get careful attention and thoughtful updates. Shrimp and grits show up with unexpected spice levels and fresh herbs that brighten every bite without overwhelming the dish.
I tried their take on chicken and waffles last spring, and the maple hot sauce still comes to mind months later. Everything arrives beautifully plated but never feels too precious to actually enjoy eating.
The dining room stays bright and airy even when crowded. Reservations help, especially for weekend brunch when locals pack the place.
5. Pelican & Pig, Nashville
Coastal flavors blend with Tennessee traditions in dishes that feel both beachy and homey. Seafood gets treated with Southern cooking techniques, while classic meat dishes pick up hints of citrus and fresh herbs from coastal cuisine.
Their gumbo recipe respects Louisiana roots while adding local touches. Cornbread comes with honey butter that tastes better than it has any right to be.
The small dining room creates an intimate atmosphere. Staff knows the menu inside out and offers genuine recommendations without pushing expensive items.
6. Henrietta Red, Nashville
Raw bars meet Southern hospitality in a space that feels both refined and relaxed. Oysters come from carefully selected sources, and the menu changes based on what looks best that day rather than sticking to rigid offerings.
Their approach to vegetables deserves recognition because sides become just as exciting as main courses. Roasted carrots or charred cabbage get treatments that make them memorable rather than afterthoughts.
Germantown location puts you slightly off the main tourist path. Natural light floods the dining room during lunch service.
7. The Farm House, Nashville
Farm-to-table gets taken seriously here, with ingredients sourced from nearby farms showing up in recognizable but elevated Southern dishes. Seasonal menus mean you might find different preparations each visit depending on what farmers bring in.
Fried chicken arrives with unexpected accompaniments that change throughout the year. Vegetable sides shine because peak-season produce needs minimal fussing to taste incredible.
The restored house creates a homey atmosphere without feeling kitschy. Outdoor seating works well during pleasant weather months.
8. The Mockingbird, Nashville
Comfort food gets refined without losing the soul that makes it satisfying. Menu items read familiar but arrive with subtle changes that make you reconsider what Southern cooking can be when someone pays close attention.
Their burger program has earned fans across the city. Meat gets ground in-house, and toppings range from classic to adventurous depending on your mood.
The bar program deserves mention for creative takes on classic Southern drinks. Happy hour brings in neighborhood regulars who clearly consider this their spot.
9. Party Fowl, Nashville
Hot chicken traditions get playful treatments that honor the original while exploring new territory. Heat levels range from mild to seriously spicy, so everyone finds their comfort zone regardless of tolerance.
Beyond standard hot chicken, they offer creative preparations like hot chicken tacos and sliders. I visited with friends who cannot handle much spice, and they found plenty of flavorful options without the burn.
Multiple locations across Nashville make it convenient no matter where you stay. The casual vibe works for families and groups equally well.
10. Butcher & Bee, Nashville
Middle Eastern influences meet Southern ingredients in combinations that surprise and satisfy. Hummus shows up alongside cornbread, and somehow the pairing makes complete sense once you try it together.
Small plates encourage sharing and trying multiple dishes in one visit. Vegetables get star treatment rather than playing supporting roles to meat-heavy mains.
The bright, open space feels energetic without being loud. Lunch service moves quickly for those on tight schedules, while dinner allows for more leisurely pacing.
11. Hog & Hominy, Memphis
Italian techniques transform Southern staples into dishes that feel both familiar and fresh. Pasta gets made in-house, then paired with ingredients like country ham and local greens that anchor it firmly in Tennessee.
Pizza dough receives the same careful attention as everything else here. Toppings celebrate regional ingredients without getting too clever or complicated for their own good.
The converted building maintains original character while feeling thoroughly modern. Midtown location makes it accessible from most parts of Memphis without fighting downtown traffic.
12. Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, Memphis
Regional Italian cooking picks up Southern accents in a tiny space that fills up fast. Reservations become essential because walk-ins rarely find open tables, especially on weekends when regulars claim their favorite spots.
Pasta dishes change frequently based on seasonal availability. Whatever appears on the menu that night has been carefully considered and expertly prepared.
The open kitchen lets you watch cooks work with practiced efficiency. Small dining room means conversations stay intimate even when every table is occupied.
13. Restaurant Iris, Memphis
French technique meets Southern ingredients in dishes that showcase both traditions beautifully. Chef-driven menus change regularly, reflecting what looks best at local markets and farms rather than relying on shipped-in ingredients.
Tasting menus offer the full experience if you want to trust the kitchen completely. Individual plates work well too, especially if you have specific preferences or dietary needs.
Cooper-Young neighborhood provides easy parking compared to busier Memphis areas. The refined atmosphere suits special occasions without feeling stuffy or uncomfortable.
14. The Beauty Shop, Memphis
A converted beauty parlor creates one of Memphis’s most distinctive dining spaces. Original salon chairs and dryers remain as decor, giving the place character that new construction simply cannot replicate.
Menu offerings span continents while maintaining Southern roots. Fried green tomatoes might share menu space with Asian-inspired preparations, and somehow the variety works rather than feeling scattered.
I brought visiting relatives here last summer, and they still mention the experience. Service stays attentive without hovering, letting you enjoy your meal at your own pace.
15. J.C. Holdway, Knoxville
Appalachian ingredients get refined treatments that highlight their natural qualities. Foraged items appear alongside farmed produce, creating menus that reflect East Tennessee’s landscape and seasons in meaningful ways.
Dishes arrive beautifully composed but never sacrifice flavor for appearance. Each component serves a purpose rather than just adding visual interest to the plate.
The Gay Street location puts you in the heart of downtown Knoxville. Dress code leans smart casual, making it approachable for visitors and locals alike.
16. The Plaid Apron, Knoxville
Breakfast and lunch get creative updates while maintaining the comfort factor people want from morning meals. Biscuits form the foundation for multiple dishes, each topped differently to create variety from a simple base.
Their approach to grits shows what happens when someone really cares about getting basics right. Creamy texture and proper seasoning make even plain grits worth ordering.
The small space fills quickly on weekend mornings. Weekday visits offer shorter waits while maintaining the same quality and friendly service.
17. Easy Bistro & Bar, Chattanooga
Southern comfort food gets bistro treatment in a space that balances casual and refined perfectly. Menu descriptions sound simple, but execution shows careful attention to technique and ingredient quality throughout.
Their burger has developed a following among Chattanooga locals. Fried chicken appears in multiple preparations, each showcasing different flavor profiles and cooking methods.
The bar program offers thoughtful options beyond basic mixed drinks. Outdoor seating provides pleasant dining when weather cooperates during spring and fall months.
18. Whitebird, Chattanooga
Contemporary Southern cooking reaches impressive heights in this Southside spot. Ingredients get treated with respect for their origins while embracing modern techniques that enhance rather than mask natural flavors.
Small plates let you sample multiple preparations in one visit. Larger format dishes work well for sharing family-style if you prefer that approach to dining.
The minimalist interior lets food take center stage. Knowledgeable servers guide you through options without being pushy about expensive additions or upgrades.