6 Nashville Restaurants Guy Fieri Loved on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has taken viewers on a wild culinary ride across America, and Nashville’s food scene has earned some serious spotlight. From sizzling tacos to coal-fired pizza, Music City’s restaurants have captured Guy’s heart with bold flavors and hometown charm.

These six spots prove that Nashville isn’t just about hot chicken—it’s a melting pot of incredible eats that’ll make your mouth water.

1. Arnold’s Country Kitchen

Stepping into Arnold’s feels like visiting your grandmother’s house on Sunday afternoon. The cafeteria-style setup keeps things simple, but the food speaks volumes about Southern tradition and honest cooking. Guy couldn’t get enough of the tender pot roast, creamy mac and cheese, and perfectly seasoned greens that reminded him why comfort food matters.

This meat-and-three legend has been feeding Nashvillians since 1982, serving up daily specials that change with the seasons. No fancy plating or Instagram-worthy presentations here—just real food made with care and decades of experience. The fried chicken gets crispy without being greasy, and the cornbread crumbles just right.

What really won Guy over was the genuine hospitality and unpretentious atmosphere. Arnold’s proves you don’t need white tablecloths or expensive ingredients to create memorable meals. Every plate tells a story of Nashville’s culinary heritage, served with a smile and a side of sweet tea that hits different.

2. Mas Tacos Por Favor

Hidden in a quirky East Nashville neighborhood, Mas Tacos brings authentic Mexican street food with a creative twist that blew Guy’s mind. The tiny spot started as a food truck before settling into a brick-and-mortar location that locals guard like a precious secret. Fresh tortillas made daily set the foundation for tacos that burst with unexpected flavor combinations.

Guy went crazy for the fried avocado taco, a genius creation that balances creamy richness with crispy texture. The slow-roasted pork gets seasoned with spices that transport your taste buds straight to Mexico City. Everything from the salsas to the sides gets made from scratch, showing real dedication to quality ingredients.

What makes Mas Tacos special isn’t just the food—it’s the passion behind every plate. The casual vibe encourages you to relax and savor each bite without rushing. This isn’t your typical Tex-Mex joint; it’s authentic cooking that respects tradition while pushing boundaries in all the right ways.

3. The Grilled Cheeserie

Who knew grilled cheese could get this fancy? The Grilled Cheeserie takes childhood nostalgia and elevates it to gourmet status without losing that comforting soul. Guy discovered sandwiches stuffed with artisan cheeses, creative add-ins, and bread that gets griddled to golden perfection every single time.

Their menu rotates with seasonal specials, but classics like the Pimento Mac & Cheese sandwich remain crowd favorites. Imagine three types of cheese melting together with creamy mac and cheese tucked inside—pure indulgence that Guy described as flavor heaven. They source local ingredients whenever possible, supporting Nashville farmers while delivering top-notch taste.

The food truck roots gave this business street cred before opening permanent locations around town. Each sandwich gets crafted with attention to detail that separates good from extraordinary. Whether you grab a quick lunch or cater your party, The Grilled Cheeserie proves that simple concepts executed brilliantly create magic.

4. Phat Bites

Fusion cuisine gets thrown around a lot these days, but Phat Bites actually delivers on that promise with Caribbean and Asian flavors colliding beautifully. Guy stumbled upon this gem and immediately fell for the bold spice blends and unexpected ingredient pairings. The jerk chicken gets marinated for hours, creating tender meat with layers of heat and sweetness.

What started as a passion project turned into a Nashville favorite that doesn’t play it safe. Their Thai curry bowls pack aromatic punch, while Caribbean-inspired tacos offer a tropical escape in every bite. Fresh vegetables and house-made sauces show commitment to doing things right, not fast.

Whether you’re craving coconut rice or spicy noodles, this spot satisfies wanderlust without leaving Music City. Flavor profiles here don’t apologize—they celebrate diversity deliciously.

5. Riddim N Spice

Authentic Jamaican cooking isn’t easy to find in Tennessee, which makes Riddim N Spice a true treasure that Guy couldn’t resist featuring. The aroma of jerk spices and slow-cooked meats hits you before you even walk through the door. Traditional recipes passed down through generations get honored here with ingredients that transport you straight to Kingston.

Guy went wild for the oxtail, braised until the meat falls off the bone and swimming in rich, savory gravy. The curry goat delivers complex flavors that build with each bite, never overwhelming but always satisfying. Rice and peas cooked with coconut milk provide the perfect base for soaking up every drop of sauce.

Family recipes drive the menu, ensuring authenticity that Caribbean natives recognize and appreciate immediately. The portions are generous, the prices fair, and the hospitality warm as island sunshine.

6. Nicky’s Coal Fired

Coal-fired pizza brings intense heat and unique flavor that gas ovens simply can’t match, and Nicky’s understands this ancient technique perfectly. Guy watched as pizzas got blasted at temperatures exceeding 800 degrees, creating blistered crusts with leopard-spotted char. The result? Neapolitan-style pies that balance crispy and chewy with toppings that sing.

Fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and quality olive oil form the foundation for traditional pizzas, while creative specials showcase seasonal ingredients. Guy praised the simple Margherita for letting the quality ingredients and coal-fired method shine through. Each pie cooks in just minutes, emerging with smoky notes that electric ovens never achieve.

Beyond pizza, Nicky’s offers Italian small plates and salads that complement the main attraction beautifully. The casual atmosphere invites you to relax with friends over craft beer and wood-fired creations. This isn’t your chain pizza joint—it’s artisan craftsmanship that respects Italian tradition while embracing Nashville’s vibrant food culture.