Add these Michelin Star Restaurants in Nashville to Your Itinerary

It’s no secret that in the South, we love to eat! And while you’re guaranteed to encounter some fantastic restaurants in Nashville serving classic southern comfort dishes with smoked meats, fried chicken, sauteed greens, and biscuits, you might be surprised by the diverse selection of other cuisines and fine-dining options as well. The city now sits firmly on the Michelin map, drawing diners who plan entire trips around reservations. From tasting menus to casual counters recognized by the Michelin Guide, the range of top restaurants in Nashville continues to grow.

There are now three official Michelin Star restaurants in Nashville, each holding one star. While you don’t want to miss the famous meat-and-three plate joints, you will want to explore the diverse range of dining options during your visit. One other tradition you can’t miss: get in line for some Nashville Hot Chicken, crispy fried chicken dipped in spicy sauce and served with white bread and pickles. Plus, pick your sides, like mac and cheese and creamy coleslaw.

Creative chefs in Music City, many of whom are James Beard Award winners, are dedicated to supporting local agriculture and nearby farms, serving as proud stewards of sustainability and championing innovation. You’ll see this style of culinary community on full display at these Michelin Star restaurants in Nashville. During your stay, instead of searching for top-rated restaurants near me on Google Maps while exploring the city, use our Michelin restaurants guide to build your itinerary, especially since many of these establishments will need reservations in advance.

Before you finalize dinner plans, book your stay at Belle Air Mansion. Our historic bed and breakfast places you close to Nashville’s dining scene while offering a quiet retreat at the end of the night. Each morning starts with a plated Southern breakfast served in our dining room or on the veranda when the weather allows. We offer some of the most comfortable accommodations in town, and our service team is second to none. Start planning your next getaway and reserve a room at our Nashville Bed and Breakfast today!

Book these Michelin Star Restaurants in Nashville for fine dining at its best. Group of friends enjoying a meal

Michelin Star Restaurants in Nashville for Elevated Dining

As we mentioned above, you’ll find such a creative and diverse culinary scene in Music City. From Nashville casual diners and walk-up counters to an eclectic mix of cuisines with a farm-to-table focus, there’s no shortage of excellent restaurants in Nashville. With Michelin Star as our guide, here’s a great list of restaurants in Nashville to add to your culinary itinerary. 

The Top 3 Michelin Star Restaurants Nashville

The Catbird Seat is an intimate counter-style restaurant that offers a multi-course tasting menu focused on creativity and precision. Dining here feels personal and interactive, making it one of the most talked-about fine dining experiences in Nashville. As one of the most exclusive restaurants in Nashville, this 22-seat spot feels a bit more like culinary theater than just dinner out on the town. Reservations are a bit easier to come by nowadays, but be sure to plan ahead if you want to see Chef Brian Baxter in action.

Bastion Nashville delivers a seasonal tasting menu in a relaxed setting that still feels intentional in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. You’ll enter through the adjacent cocktail space, ideal for a drink before or after your meal. The kitchen highlights bold flavors and careful execution of Southern-leaning small plates.

Locust is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Nashville that shares its Japanese influence and modern technique. Chef Trevor Moran’s menu changes often and encourages shared plates. Guests appreciate the focused approach and thoughtful pacing of each course.

Michelin Guide Recommended Restaurants

The following list of dining spots may not hold the Michelin Star distinction, but many are awarded the Bib Gourmand designation, which is given to highly recommended restaurants known for beautiful food, warm service, and delicious drink options.

  1. Still a must for first-time visitors, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is a Nashville staple that earned Michelin’s Bib Gourmand recognition for doing one thing very well: southern fried, spicy chicken. Expect crispy chicken, clear heat levels, and lines that move fast.
  2. Tailor is the brainchild of Chef Vivek Surti. Offering a tasting-style experience inspired by Indian cuisine in the popular Germantown neighborhood. The menu emphasizes spice balance, fermentation, and shared dining. Guests often note that eating here feels more like a dinner party in a friend’s home. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
  3. At Audrey in East Nashville, you’ll see that the focus is on Appalachian and American South ingredients, presented with structure and restraint. The menu reflects regional influence while just nailing the classics; don’t miss the always-on-the-menu chicken and dumplings.
  4. Rolf and Daughters is a popular spot that combines approachable dishes with strong technique. Handmade pastas and vegetable-forward plates make it a repeat favorite.
  5. Peninsula draws inspiration from Spanish cuisine. Expect tapas-style plates, strong sauces, and a lively dining room that feels social rather than formal.
  6. Arnold’s Country Kitchen is a classic meat-and-three with Michelin recognition. Arnold’s continues to serve straightforward Southern cooking that locals respect and visitors seek out.
  7. For innovative Tex-Mex, Red-Headed Stranger often has a line out the door and a quirky atmosphere intentionally designed by Chef Brian Lee Weaver. Head here for tacos, beer, and brisket. You can watch as the staff makes handmade tortillas!
Stay at our beautiful Nashville bed and breakfast, pictured here, and then enjoy a night out at the best Michelin Star Restaurants in Nashville

Plan a Getaway to the Best Nashville Bed and Breakfast

As you begin to sift through the list of best restaurants in Nashville, one thing is for sure: you’ll eat well on your trip here! Start your day with us. We’ll treat you to a spectacular breakfast each morning of your stay. Our plated Southern-style breakfast includes a main dish (sweet and savory options), fresh fruit, biscuits or pastries, juice, coffee, and tea. We always have lighter options, including yogurt, granola, and oatmeal as well, and our menu changes daily.

After you’re full and caffeinated, our Nashville Bed and Breakfast is in an excellent location for setting off to enjoy the local attractions. We’re set back a bit from the hustle and tunes of the Honky Tonk Highway, the popular museums, and the downtown shopping areas. This gives you a quiet place to land after a big day exploring all that Nashville has to offer. In the evenings, head back to your comfortable suite to relax in the soaking tub or by the fire with a glass of wine.

One important goal we aim to achieve with each and every guest is connection and hospitable service. Whether that’s making dinner reservations for you at the best restaurants in Nashville or giving a historical tour of our grand Antebellum mansion, we’re here to make your stay as perfect as it can be. Reserve your lodging today!

Author Details

Lewis James

As Owner / Operator of Belle Air Mansion, Lewis combines a passion for historic preservation with a dedication to refined Southern hospitality. He has transformed this grand antebellum estate into one of Nashville’s premier bed and breakfasts, where elegance and warmth meet authentic charm.
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**All purchases must be made before noon on December 24, 2025. For every $100 spent on a gift certificate, an additional $25 is added.