Carla Hall's 10 Favorite Restaurants in Nashville

by Carla Hall

Updated 12 March 2019

Being a Nashville native, Carla Hall has made her way around the honky-tonk land discovering her favorite restaurants along the way. Known for her appearances on food-related TV shows like Top Chef and The Chew, she’s definitely got food down to a tee. Despite her own experience in soul food cooking, she has a love for all cuisines, especially those she’s grown so fond of in her own hometown. She gave us a list of her top foodie picks throughout Nashville. Next time you’re in the area, you’ll have to try one of her go-to spots. As Carla would say it, “Hootie Hoo!”

Deacon's New South

4.4

4.4 (2315)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Downtown

About the restaurant

Beautiful space in the Life & Casualty Tower offering cozy, mid-century surroundings. Great brunch or lunch spot, especially if you're in the mood for a French omelette. There’s a dry-aging room onsite, so steaks and cured meats are a must. Skillet yeast rolls made to order -- just like at grandma’s house! Little gem salad with perfectly dressed bits and bobs is beautiful and thoughtfully prepared. Always save room for the Coconut cake!

Top review

David

Dined on 14 Dec 2024

Amazing food and experience! The service was also very on it and made sure we were happy with everything. A definite go to

Discover more

4.5

4.5 (1181)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Located within the 21c Museum Hotel, you forget that this is a hotel restaurant. The atmosphere is cozy and eclectic - a great place for lunch.

Top review

TedVIP

Dined on 28 Oct 2024

Best breakfast burrito I’ve ever had, well done. Thank you for a great meal.

Discover more

Experience

Celebrate Christmas at Gray & Dudley

Experience

Celebrate, Savor, and Toast to 2025

Adele's

4.7

4.7 (5887)

$31 to $50

American

The Gulch

About the restaurant

I’m definitely a fan of the JW Chicken with Salsa Verde, as well as the JW roasted potatoes, but gnocchi will send your eyes to the back of your head. The menu is nicely balanced with a variety of salads that are large enough for 3-4 servings and great side vegetable dishes.

Top review

Adriane

Dined 3 days ago

The food and service was great! I showed up a little too early (prior to the restaurant opening) and one of the sweet managers allowed me to wait inside because it was ridiculously cold outside. We sat at the chef's counter and the chef sent over multiple extra dishes for us to sample. We chatted with him near the end of our meal about the new menu coming and you could tell he really takes pride in work. Great place!

Discover more

4.4

4.4 (2437)

$31 to $50

American

The Gulch

About the restaurant

Incredible vegetarian-friendly spot which prides itself with rooftop/outdoor seating. They had me at homemade burrata! The skillet cornbread is also a must. I don’t drink, but everyone in my party enjoyed delicious cocktails. The zero-proof drinks that I tried were just as good.

Top review

jacob

Dined 3 days ago

Fantastic food, atmosphere and service! We will be back!

Discover more

Chauhan Ale & Masala House

4.8

4.8 (5580)

$30 and under

Indian

The Gulch

About the restaurant

Beautifully prepared Indian food with some American and Southern twists thrown in here and there. The Tandoori Roasted Pork Tenderloin and Kashmiri Spiced Braised Lamb Shank are two of my favorites. Customizable menu with proteins and traditional Indian sauces.

Top review

LaurenVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Food and service great as always! We wished the lights were dimmer for that time of night for a more intimate atmosphere.

Discover more

Emmy Squared Pizza - Gulch

4.7

4.7 (247)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

The Gulch

About the restaurant

The pizza has everything that you'd want it to have - yeasty crust with just the right amount of chew and salt (and enough crispy edges for everyone to enjoy), perfectly balanced tomato sauce with the right amount of acidity, and great toppings. Another crowd pleaser is the double stacked burger called Le Big Matt - insane!

Top review

MARLO

Dined on 26 Oct 2024

Summer was a perfect host and waitress. Delicious food, so much to choose from. Perfect for families. We had a wonderful time.

Discover more