East Nashville is known for its vibrant and diverse culinary scene. From innovative fusion kitchens to farm-to-table establishments, the neighborhood offers a wide array of dining options that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. For those seeking health-conscious choices, East Nashville presents a delightful selection of restaurants that prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients and cater to specific dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian.
Radish: Fresh, Fast-Casual Delights
Radish is a family-owned, woman-founded fast-casual restaurant with locations in West Nashville, Cool Springs, East Nashville, and Downtown at Assembly Food Hall. Dedicated to serving high-quality, freshly made salads, grain bowls, and wraps, Radish prides itself on preparing all food in-house. This includes dressings, marinades, and dips. The restaurant's commitment to quality extends to sourcing proteins, using avocado oil instead of seed oils in most recipes, and utilizing biodegradable materials whenever possible. Radish also composts all food scraps to minimize waste. Every dish, from the flavorful sweet potatoes to the decadent chocolate chip cookies, is made with care and passion.
Diverse Cuisine in East Nashville
East Nashville's culinary landscape is a melting pot of flavors, offering everything from American and Italian to steakhouse, seafood, French, and Indian cuisines. This diversity ensures that diners can find healthy options within various culinary styles.
Featured Restaurants with Healthy Options
Several restaurants in East Nashville stand out for their commitment to fresh, healthy ingredients and innovative menus.
Peninsula
Located in the heart of East Nashville, Peninsula offers sharable plates, old-world wines, and Spanish-style gin and tonics in an inviting and intimate space. Chef Jake Howell's menu focuses on sustainable, local ingredients and features seasonal, creative dishes influenced by the Iberian Peninsula. The restaurant encourages guests to sample the flavors of Spain, Portugal, and France while enjoying the rustic, yet modern surrounds.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Turmeric & Co
Turmeric & Co is an Indian fusion kitchen and cocktail bar located inside East Nashville's legendary Hunter's Station food hall. Combining authentic family sauces and methodologies with modern twists and other global cuisines, Turmeric & Co offers a healthy and vibrant South Asian option for lunch, happy hour, dinner, and weekend brunch. Featuring both outdoor and indoor seating, it is perfect for family-friendly outings and business lunches, yet elevated enough for date night or special occasions. Turmeric & Co also acts as the food hall's sole bar, offering craft cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic creations.
Henrietta Red
While located in Germantown, Henrietta Red is an oyster bar and restaurant that merits inclusion due to its focus on fresh, seasonal dishes intended for sharing. The menu highlights local Tennessee produce and responsibly sourced seafood, offering an extensive variety of oysters from coast to coast.
Lyra
Lyra offers a unique take on Middle Eastern food, blending old-world flavors and spices with modern techniques. At the heart of Lyra is a wood-burning oven where freshly baked pita is ready to be dipped into their famous hummus. The seasonal menu features flavors and dishes for everyone to enjoy.
Neighborhood Gems
East Nashville boasts a collection of neighborhood restaurants that prioritize fresh, local ingredients and cater to health-conscious diners.
Cafe Roze
Cafe Roze is a popular restaurant situated on the east side of Nashville. If you’re wanting something light, the Ginger Mango Smoothie comes highly recommended.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
Hearts Nashville
Hearts Nashville is an all-day cafe that serves Australian-inspired breakfast options.
Lockeland Table
Lockeland Table is a comforting and community-oriented restaurant that offers a homey dining experience. The menu includes wood-fired pies and other delicious options.
Other Notable Restaurants and Food Concepts
Alebrije
After gaining popularity as a food truck, Alebrije has established a brick-and-mortar location offering tasty maiz-based street food.
Audrey
Audrey is an upscale East Nashville restaurant by Sean Brock that pays tribute to his Appalachian background, focusing on indigenous Appalachian ingredients and staples.
Avo
Avo, one of Nashville’s pioneering plant-based restaurants, is constantly reimagining its vegan offerings.
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Bad Idea
Bad Idea is a wine bar that serves Lao food in an old converted church until late at night.
Bolton's
Bolton's is the go-to place for hot chicken in East Nashville, offering various spice levels to suit different preferences.
Brave Idiot
Brave Idiot is a permanently parked food truck behind No Quarter, serving high-quality hot chicken with flavorful spices.
Butcher and Bee
Butcher and Bee is a Mediterranean restaurant offering a selection of small plates perfect for sharing.
Common Ground Bar & Eatery
Common Ground Bar & Eatery serves a nice selection of fresh options, including some vegan dishes.
Copper Branch
From comfort food to lighter fare, Copper Branch offers a variety of entirely plant-based menu items.
Curry Boys
Curry Boys offers a Thai and Texas BBQ mashup, serving hot links covered in queso and brisket bowls with curry.
Dozen Bakery
Dozen Bakery prioritizes fresh ingredients from local vendors and farmers, resulting in exceptional breakfast items.
East Nashville Beer Works
East Nashville Beer Works is a family-friendly and dog-friendly spot known for its beer and white pizza.
E+Rose Wellness
Enhance your wellness journey at E+Rose Wellness, a plant-based eatery founded by a registered dietitian.
Etch
Featuring an array of global flavors, Etch offers bold flavors and colorful presentations.
Fancypants
Fancypants has a mostly meat-free tasting menu packed with some of the most interesting and delicious dishes.
FatBelly Pretzel Bakery and Deli
FatBelly Pretzel Bakery and Deli is incredibly popular, offering a constant stream of people coming in to order pretzels or sandwiches.
Folk
Folk is an Italian-inspired restaurant based around local, seasonal produce, offering pizzas and other dishes.
Frothy Monkey
Frothy Monkey is an all-day cafe that serves breakfast and brunch until 5:00pm.
Graze
East Nashville’s first vegan eatery, Graze, has been a go-to spot for many years.
Greenery Co.
At Greenery Co. all food is purchased fresh and made from scratch daily.
Junior
Junior offers rotating dishes and a curated selection of classic cocktails.
Joyland
Joyland is a casual restaurant serving basic, but delicious burgers.
Kase x Noko
Kase x Noko offers a 14-course omakase experience with stunning slices of fish and beef.
Kisser
Kisser is a walk-in-only Japanese spot serving cod roe-stuffed onigiri and grilled yellowtail collar.
Limo
Limo is a Peruvian spot offering purple corn drinks and ceviche.
Maiz de la Vida
Maiz de la Vida is a food truck serving some of the best tacos in the city.
Margot
Margot is a French spot that remains a great option for picky eaters who still want something fancy.
Mimo Restaurant and Bar
Mimo Restaurant and Bar serves a delicious breakfast menu featuring a “Light and Healthy” section.
Noko
Noko is known for its omakase spot with attentive service and high-quality fish.
Pelato
Pelato serves authentic Brooklyn Italian fare in a small plate & casual atmosphere.
Redheaded Stranger
Redheaded Stranger is a Tex-Mex-inspired restaurant with great tacos and margaritas.
Sho
Sho specializes in a similar style of pies.
Sirocco
Sirocco offers Mediterranean-American plates and theatrical cocktails, with live DJs and entertainment by night.
Sixty Vines
Sixty Vines serves health-focused dinner options.
Smith and Lentz
Smith and Lentz has one of the best pies around town, using sourdough-fermented dough with bubbly and crispy mozzarella on top.
S.S. Gai
S.S. Gai serves extra crispy fried chicken with Thai flavors and tamarind fish sauce.
Sunflower Cafe
At Sunflower Cafe guests can expect vegan and gluten-free options, daily specials, and a down-home feel.
The Farm House
Enjoy dinner at The Farm House with delicious Southern food made with local ingredients that support family-owned businesses in Tennessee.
The Pharmacy
The Pharmacy’s menu is a combo of burger and German food options.
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