6 Nashville Restaurants Guaranteed to Impress Out-of-Town Guests

When friends or family visit Music City, you want to show them the best Nashville has to offer. Sure, you could take them to any restaurant, but why settle for ordinary when you can create memories they’ll talk about for years? From innovative cocktails and ever-changing menus to rooftop views that stretch across the skyline, Nashville’s dining scene delivers experiences that go far beyond good food.

Whether your guests crave Southern comfort, Japanese flavors, or Nashville’s famous hot chicken, these six restaurants will make you look like the ultimate local host.

1. Bastion

Creativity takes center stage at this stylish East Nashville gem where the menu refuses to stay still. Chef Josh Habiger changes dishes constantly based on what’s fresh and inspiring, so your guests will experience something truly unique to their visit.

Cocktails here aren’t afterthoughts—they’re crafted with the same attention as the food. The intimate space feels modern without being cold, making conversation easy while the open kitchen adds energy and theater. Your out-of-town friends will appreciate watching talented chefs work their magic just feet away.

Reservations book up quickly, especially on weekends, so plan ahead. The prix fixe format might seem bold, but it takes decision-making pressure off your guests while showcasing the kitchen’s full range. Critics and locals alike consistently praise Bastion for pushing Nashville’s culinary boundaries while maintaining approachable warmth.

2. Kisser

James Beard recognition doesn’t happen by accident, and Kisser earned its nomination by redefining what Japanese comfort food can be. Chef Tony Tran brings his Vietnamese-American background into conversation with Japanese techniques, creating dishes that feel both familiar and revelatory. Your guests won’t find typical sushi rolls here—instead, expect inventive small plates that tell stories through flavor.

The intimate space encourages sharing, both food and conversation. Portions are designed for passing around the table, which naturally creates a communal dining experience your visitors will remember. Every dish arrives with a thoughtful presentation that respects Japanese aesthetics without feeling stuffy or pretentious.

Book ahead—word has spread beyond Nashville, and tables disappear fast. This restaurant proves Music City’s dining scene extends far beyond hot chicken and barbecue.

3. Husk

Stepping into Husk feels like entering a love letter to Southern ingredients and traditions. Chef Sean Brock’s vision celebrates regional produce, heritage grains, and forgotten recipes with the polish of fine dining. The historic building itself—a charming home in the Rutledge Hill neighborhood—sets the stage before the first course arrives. Your guests will immediately sense they’re somewhere special.

The menu changes daily based on what farmers bring, printed fresh each morning. This commitment to local sourcing means flavors peak at exactly the right moment. Dishes honor Southern cooking without relying on tired stereotypes—expect refinement that respects roots.

Brunch and dinner both deliver, though dinner service feels slightly more special. Reservations are essential, especially during peak tourist seasons. Husk shows visitors that Southern cuisine deserves the same reverence as any global culinary tradition.

4. 400 Degrees

No Nashville visit feels complete without hot chicken, and 400 Degrees delivers the city’s signature dish without pretension or unnecessary fanfare. This is where locals actually go when they’re craving that perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and dangerously addictive. Your guests came to Nashville expecting hot chicken—give them the real deal instead of watered-down tourist versions.

The heat levels range from mild to “shut the cluck up,” so everyone in your group can find their comfort zone. Even cautious eaters can enjoy the experience without suffering. The chicken arrives simple and honest—perfectly fried, generously spiced, served on white bread with pickles.

Expect casual counter service and a no-frills atmosphere that puts all attention on the chicken. Lines can stretch during peak hours, but they move relatively quickly.

Prices won’t shock anyone’s budget, making this an easy recommendation for groups. Your out-of-town guests will finally understand why Nashville takes its hot chicken so seriously.

5. Bolton’s Famous Hot Chicken & Fish

Bolton’s earns its “famous” label through decades of perfecting the hot chicken craft. Family-owned since 1947, this institution has watched Nashville transform while staying true to its original recipe and approach. Your guests will taste history in every bite, along with heat levels that range from manageable to legitimately challenging.

The consistency here builds trust—you know exactly what you’re getting every single visit.

Beyond chicken, the menu offers catfish and other Southern staples, giving variety to groups with different preferences. But honestly, most people come for that cayenne-laced chicken that defines Nashville’s culinary identity. The spice blend hits different here—complex rather than just painful, with flavors that develop as you eat.

Multiple locations around Nashville mean you can find Bolton’s wherever you’re exploring. The East Nashville spot draws particularly strong local crowds, which tells you everything about authenticity.

Some hot chicken joints have gotten caught up in hype, but Bolton’s keeps doing what it’s always done best. Your visitors will appreciate experiencing a genuine Nashville tradition rather than a manufactured tourist attraction.

6. L.A. Jackson

Sometimes impressing guests requires less about what’s on the plate and more about what’s beyond the windows. L.A. Jackson delivers both with its perch atop the Thompson Nashville hotel, offering sweeping views that capture the city’s skyline in all its growing glory.

The rooftop setting works magic during golden hour when the city glows warm and inviting. Cocktails here are creative and well-executed, perfect for sipping while watching Nashville’s energy unfold below. The food menu features elevated American fare that satisfies without trying too hard—think shareable plates and well-prepared mains that complement rather than compete with the setting.

Weather permitting, the outdoor space becomes the obvious choice, though the indoor dining room maintains those crucial views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Prices reflect the premium location, but the experience justifies the investment when you’re trying to showcase Nashville’s best.