A pizza shop in this town will sell you two one-topping slices and a fountain drink as a lunch deal. A Peruvian kitchen nearby is named after the zesty citrus marinade used in ceviche. I love that both can sit on the same lunch map.
The variety keeps going from there. One stop offers a one-pound gyro. Another makes its tortillas in-house. A coffee shop bakes banana bread flavor right into a latte.
This corner of Tennessee packs Venezuelan, Texas, Mediterranean, and Southern flavors into a short drive. That means your midday break can feel like a mini trip around the world. I can’t imagine a better excuse to skip the sad desk sandwich.
So which one gets your next lunch hour? I have a feeling you’ll want to try more than one.
1. Bella Vista Coffee Shop and Latin Brunch
Coffee shops usually treat food like a sidekick, but this one lets the sandwiches share top billing. The lunch here holds its own against plenty of full restaurants.
Bella Vista Coffee Shop and Latin Brunch mixes specialty espresso drinks with handcrafted empanadas. That combo alone could fill a lazy afternoon.
Start with the empanadas if you want the Latin side of the menu. They’re flaky little pockets that work great as a quick bite or a side.
Avocado toast shows up too, along with the OG sandwich. That sandwich has earned real fan status, so it’s a smart first pick.
Now let’s talk drinks. The honey cappuccino sounds like a hug in a mug, and the Banana Bread Latte tastes like dessert pretending to be coffee.
Tea fans aren’t left out either. The tea selection gets high marks, so you don’t have to be an espresso person to enjoy a visit.
Vegetarians have it easy here. A full vegetarian menu means you won’t be stuck picking at a side salad.
Need to sneak in some work? Free Wi-Fi and a quiet setting make it a solid laptop stop for lunch.
Solo diners fit right in as well. Grab a seat, open a book, and nobody will rush you out the door.
Families get perks too, including high chairs and a kids’ menu. Your little ones can snack while you sip something fancy.
Have a pup in tow? Dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating, so your furry friend can join the lunch break.
The shop also hosts live music and performances at times. That gives this Smyrna stop a fun creative side beyond the coffee bar.
Weekend mornings and afternoons draw the biggest crowds here. If you want a calmer lunch, a weekday visit is your best bet.
Reservations aren’t accepted, so just show up hungry. Parking is free and usually easy to find.
Address: 900 Grammer Ln #320, Smyrna, TN 37167
2. Smyrna Cafe
Chicken and waffles at lunch? Absolutely, and nobody here will judge you for it.
Smyrna Cafe is a family-owned spot built around fresh, homemade-style breakfast and lunch classics. Think of it as the comfort food friend you call when you need a pick-me-up.
The menu leans hearty in the best way. Corned beef hash, loaded omelets, and biscuits and gravy show up as standout favorites.
Lunch brings even more choices. Meatloaf, catfish, and Nashville hot chicken sandwiches give you a true taste of Tennessee comfort cooking.
Pancakes are on the lineup too. So if you can’t decide between breakfast and lunch, you really don’t have to.
Save room for something sweet. The cheesecake has earned a reputation as a must-try, and it might steal the show from your main dish.
Service here is known for being quick and friendly. That makes it handy when your lunch break is short but your appetite isn’t.
You can dine in, grab takeout, or use curbside pickup. Delivery is also available for those days when leaving your couch feels impossible.
Planning a group meal? The cafe accepts reservations, which takes the guesswork out of feeding a crowd.
Kids are well covered with a kids’ menu and high chairs. It’s an easy pick for a family lunch outing.
Weekend mornings and afternoons are the busiest stretches. A weekday visit usually means a calmer meal.
Hours can vary through the week, so check before you head over. That small step can save you from a hungry surprise at the door.
Coffee and a nice tea selection round things out. Pair a warm mug with that cheesecake and you’ve got a lunch worth bragging about.
Free parking makes the visit simple. Free Wi-Fi is there too if you need to answer a few emails between bites.
Address: 1666 Lee Victory Pkwy, Smyrna, TN 37167
3. Tony’s Cafe
Homemade tortillas change the whole game. Once you taste the difference, store-bought ones start feeling a little sad.
Tony’s Cafe is an authentic Mexican restaurant that makes those tortillas in-house. That one detail tells you a lot about how much care goes into the food.
Signature breakfast dishes like chilaquiles get plenty of attention here. Crispy tortilla pieces, bold sauce, and serious flavor make them a great reason to show up hungry.
Don’t worry if breakfast isn’t your thing. The cafe serves lunch too, and it’s the kind of place families happily turn into a regular stop.
Timing matters with this one. The doors open at 7 AM and close at 3 PM, Tuesday through Sunday.
Monday is a day off for the kitchen. Mark that on your mental calendar so you don’t pull up to a locked door.
Sundays bring the biggest rush. Weekday lunches tend to be calmer, which is perfect if you want a relaxed meal.
Service moves fast, so a quick weekday lunch is totally doable. You can eat in or grab your food to go.
Kids have their own menu here. That makes it easier to bring the whole crew without a picky-eater standoff.
Coffee is also a highlight. A good cup alongside a plate of chilaquiles sounds like a pretty great way to start or finish a morning.
Groups fit in nicely too. Round up some coworkers and make it a team lunch with real flavor.
The location on North Lowry Street keeps it close to the heart of Smyrna. Free parking means you won’t waste your lunch hour circling the block.
Delivery is available through Uber Eats, so you can enjoy those fresh tortillas without leaving home. Trust us, those fresh tortillas are worth the short trip.
Address: 281 N Lowry St, Smyrna, TN 37167
4. Vena Cafe
A one-pound gyro sits on the menu, and yes, that’s a full pound. Bring a big appetite or a friend willing to share.
Vena Cafe is a casual Middle Eastern eatery serving fresh gyros, subs, and generous platters. It’s an easy pick when you want lunch that actually fills you up.
That gyro has earned serious praise as one of the best sandwiches around. If you only try one thing, start there.
Subs offer another tasty route. They’re great when you want something familiar with a little extra flair.
Platters are a smart choice for bigger appetites. They give you a hearty mix on one plate without much fuss.
Plant-based eaters, listen up. Vena Cafe offers vegetarian-friendly choices, including falafel and grilled veggie sandwiches, while vegan diners can ask about suitable modifications.
Ordering is simple since there’s no table service. You order, grab your food, and dig in.
The hours are friendly for any schedule. Doors open at 10:30 AM most days and stay open late into the evening.
Sunday hours start a bit later at 11 AM. That still leaves plenty of time for a lazy weekend lunch.
Weekday lunchtime can get busy, especially early in the week. Plan ahead if you’re working with a short break.
Families will find a kids’ menu here. Little eaters can enjoy their own meal while you tackle that massive gyro.
Takeout and delivery are both options. That’s handy if you’d rather eat your pound of gyro in sweatpants.
Reservations aren’t taken, so just walk in when hunger strikes. Free parking makes it a breeze.
For dessert lovers, sweets are on the menu too. A little treat after a big gyro? Sounds fair to us.
Address: 830 Nissan Dr #140, Smyrna, TN 37167
5. Maíz Soul by Tía Yaya
Venezuelan food and specialty coffee under one roof? Your lunch hour just got a serious upgrade.
Maíz Soul by Tía Yaya is a welcoming Latin kitchen and brunch spot on North Lowry Street. It focuses on authentic Venezuelan cooking, which isn’t something you find on every corner in Tennessee.
The name gives you a hint. Maíz means corn in Spanish, and corn plays a big role in Venezuelan cooking.
Lunch here can be wonderfully hearty. A meat-and-two style plate lets you pick a main and pair it with sides.
The smoked pork chop with rice and salad is one example. It’s a filling plate that feels like home cooking with a Latin twist.
Coffee fans should take note too. Specialty coffee makes this a great stop for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Counter service keeps things easy. Order what sounds good, find a seat, and enjoy.
Outdoor seating is available when the weather is nice. Eating outside with good food is a simple joy.
The hours are generous, starting at 9 AM every day. That means breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner are all fair game.
Weekday mornings and Monday through Tuesday tend to be quieter. Those are great times to visit if you want a peaceful meal.
Kids have their own menu. That makes it a nice spot to introduce young eaters to new flavors.
Groups are welcome as well. Bring friends and order a little of everything to share.
Takeout and delivery make it easy on busy days. Still, a sit-down visit lets you soak in the friendly setting.
Parking is free and on-site. That’s one less thing to worry about while you think about what to order.
Address: 15 N Lowry St, Smyrna, TN 37167
6. Leche De Tigre By Chef Roberto Bernabe
Leche de tigre means tiger’s milk in Spanish. Don’t panic, though, because no tigers are involved.
It’s the name for the zesty citrus marinade used in Peruvian ceviche. And this Smyrna restaurant proudly wears that name on its sign.
LECHE DE TIGRE By Chef Roberto Bernabe serves authentic Peruvian food. Ceviche and lomo saltado lead the way as signature dishes.
Ceviche brings bright, tangy flavor. It’s fresh and lively, perfect for a lunch that wakes up your taste buds.
Lomo saltado offers a heartier option. This classic Peruvian stir-fry is a great pick when you want something filling.
Pollada also appears among the menu highlights. It’s one more way to explore Peruvian flavors beyond the big two.
Lunch dates work well here. The table service and steady food quality make it easy to impress someone.
Service is known for being fast. That’s a big plus when your lunch break has a strict time limit.
Doors open at 11 AM Monday through Saturday. Sunday starts a little earlier at 10 AM.
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are usually calmer. Sunday afternoons and evenings bring the biggest crowds.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. That makes a Peruvian adventure doable even with little ones.
Live music pops up here at times. It adds a fun touch to the dining experience.
Catering is available too. Bringing Peruvian food to your next party could make you the star of the event.
Takeout and delivery are both options. Ceviche at your desk? Your coworkers might get jealous.
Free parking makes the visit easy. Just bring your curiosity and an appetite for bold flavor.
Address: 701 President Pl Ste 150, Smyrna, TN 37167
7. Toot’s Smyrna
Frog legs for lunch might not be on your usual list. At Toot’s, they sit right beside burgers and wings.
Toot’s Smyrna is a festive spot serving familiar comfort food on a big menu. Burgers, wings, ribs, and seafood are all part of the lineup.
Fried food fans will feel right at home. Fried oysters and frog legs are among the many fried dishes offered.
Here’s the lunch secret. Toot’s runs lunch specials that make a midday meal easy on your wallet.
Service is quick, which matters when the clock is ticking. You can get in, eat well, and get back to your day.
Sports fans, take note. Toot’s is a solid place to catch a game while you eat.
The fun atmosphere makes it great for groups. Bring friends, coworkers, or the whole team.
Reservations are accepted. That helps when you’re planning a bigger lunch gathering.
Hours run long every day, starting at 11 AM. On Fridays and Saturdays, the kitchen stays open until midnight.
Late-night food is available too. So if lunch turns into a late snack, Toot’s has your back.
Kids can order from their own menu. High chairs are also available for the youngest diners.
Mornings and weekend early hours tend to be quieter. Evenings are when the room really fills up.
Delivery and takeout are options when you’d rather eat at home. Wings travel pretty well, after all.
Catering is offered for events. Toot’s could be a crowd-pleaser at your next party or game day.
Located on West Sam Ridley Parkway, it’s easy to find. Free parking makes popping in a breeze.
Address: 301 W Sam Ridley Pkwy, Smyrna, TN 37167
8. Midesta
Gyro, shawarma, falafel, and rice plates walk into a restaurant. That’s not a joke, it’s the Midesta menu.
Midesta is a Mediterranean restaurant focused on authentic dishes. The kitchen takes pride in using quality ingredients for flavorful meals.
The gyros are a big reason to visit. They’re well seasoned and come in generous portions.
Shawarma is another strong choice. It’s a great pick when you want something savory and satisfying.
Falafel offers a meat-free option packed with flavor. It pairs nicely with a fresh sandwich or a rice plate.
Rice plates make lunch feel complete. They’re filling enough to carry you through the rest of the afternoon.
Wraps and bowls are popular lunch picks too. Both give you an easy way to enjoy Mediterranean flavor on the go.
Counter service keeps things simple. Place your order, find a seat, and get ready to eat.
Doors open at 10:30 AM Tuesday through Sunday. Monday is closed, so plan your gyro cravings around that.
Need a work-friendly stop? Free Wi-Fi makes it easy to check messages over lunch.
Reservations are accepted here. That’s helpful if you’re bringing a group.
Catering is also available. Mediterranean food at an office lunch could win you some new fans.
Kids are welcome, so it’s a solid family option. Young eaters might enjoy trying a gyro for the first time.
Delivery isn’t offered, so dine in or grab takeout. Either way, the food is the star.
Free parking is usually easy to find. Rock Springs Road keeps it handy for lunch runs in Smyrna.
Address: 901 Rock Springs Rd #115, Smyrna, TN 37167
9. Beane Brothers Texas Style BBQ & Catering
Texas brisket in the middle of Tennessee? Barbecue loyalty can be complicated, but your taste buds won’t complain.
Beane Brothers Texas Style BBQ and Catering sits right in the heart of downtown Smyrna. It serves smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.
Brisket is the classic Texas star. Slow smoking turns it into the kind of meat barbecue fans dream about.
Ribs offer a hands-on lunch experience. Grab extra napkins, because things might get messy.
Pulled pork brings a friendly nod to Southern tradition. It’s a great pick if you’re new to the menu.
This spot has earned a name as some of the best barbecue around. That’s high praise in a state that takes smoked meat seriously.
Counter service keeps lunch moving. Order, grab your tray, and dig into that smoky goodness.
Hours are worth noting. Doors open at 10:30 AM Tuesday through Saturday, with shorter Sunday hours from 11 AM to 3 PM. Monday is the only closed day.
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are often calmer. Friday and Saturday evenings draw the biggest crowds.
Curbside pickup is available for busy days. Delivery is also an option if you can’t leave the office.
Sports fans can catch a game here. Barbecue and a game feel like a natural pair.
Families will find high chairs for little ones. Dogs are welcome outside, too.
Free Wi-Fi is available if you need to stay connected. Just try not to get sauce on your phone.
Catering is part of the name for a reason. Beane Brothers can bring barbecue to your next party or event.
Free parking makes downtown visits easy. Front Street puts you close to other local stops, too.
Address: 114 Front St, Smyrna, TN 37167
10. Angelo’s Picnic Pizza
Folding a pizza slice in half is a New York tradition. At Angelo’s Picnic Pizza, you can do it in Tennessee.
This longstanding spot is known for foldable slices of NY-style pie. Lasagna, stromboli, and a popular two-slice lunch special are on offer too.
The lunch deal is a real winner. Two one-topping slices and a fountain drink make a quick, filling midday meal.
Prefer to graze? The lunch special lets you enjoy two one-topping slices and a drink without spending much.
Pesto pizza with mushrooms is a popular pick. The crispy crust gives every bite a satisfying crunch.
Portions are big, and the value is strong. Many folks find it brings back happy pizza memories from childhood.
Vegetarians have lots of choices. A full vegetarian menu includes options like the cheese calzone.
Service is fast, which is perfect for busy lunch breaks. Counter service keeps things moving along.
Doors open at 11 AM every day. On weekends, the shop stays open late, until midnight Friday and Saturday.
Mornings tend to be quieter. Wednesday and Saturday evenings bring bigger crowds.
Sports fans can watch a game while they eat. Pizza and sports are a classic team.
Families are welcome, and high chairs are available. Dogs can join you at the outdoor seating.
Free Wi-Fi helps if you need to work. Just be careful with greasy fingers on the keyboard.
Delivery and takeout are both easy options. Catering is offered for parties, too.
Free parking is usually easy to find on Hazelwood Drive. Grab a slice, fold it up, and enjoy a true Smyrna favorite.
Address: 1402 Hazelwood Dr, Smyrna, TN 37167
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