Makeready Libations & Liberation
Bricktop's
To order: Deviled Eggs, Palm Beach Salad, BBQ Chicken Salad
Positioned on West End throughfare makes for a super easy meeting spot to those coming into town or from downtown. Park without a hassle and take in a who's-who of business chatter during the lunch hour. bricktops.com
Caviar & Bananas
To order: The French Dip; The Baja Salad with Citrus Grilled Shrimp
It's a grand, modern space with many food stations, counters, and bars that cater to every desire, breakfast through dinner. Stuffed biscuits. Fresh-to-order salads. Handcrafted sandwiches. Baked goods. Charcuterie. Farmstead cheeses. Artisanal chocolates. Impress your guests or just make it easy to get down to business. caviarandbananas.com
Chauhan Ale & Masala House
To order: Indian "Meat and Three" Thali
Located on a construction-heavy corner in the North Gulch, chef Maneet Chauhan's Indian eatery is brimming with energy: The room is dim, the music is upbeat, and there's a flickering light show along the brick wall. chauhannashville.com
Epice
To order: Epice Salad with Fish; Bustan Sandwich
Epice re-creates a modern Middle Eastern aesthetic with a stacked-stone wall, skylights, and that marble-wrapped bar, behind which sit decorative piles of fresh spices and perfectly procured dishes. epicenashville.com
Etch
To order: Roasted Califlower; Argentinian Beef Tenderloin
Chef Deb Paquette imbues Etch's kitchen with her passion for the exotic essence, hues, textures, and products of the Mediterranean and North Africa. Etch's perfectly plated dishes are a feast of their own. etchrestaurant.com
Fin & Pearl
To order: Blackened Catch Sandwich; Tejano Shrimp Tacos
A self-titled sea-to-fork restaurant, set in the base of the Twelve Twelve building in the Gulch, Fin & Pearl is one of the first dedicated seafood houses in townbeyond a simple fish fry, though, they offer out-of-the-box menu items, thoughtfully sourced seafood, and a space that caters to several types of diners. finandpearl.com
Husk
To order: Husk Cheeseburger
Since the menu changes twice daily, look for specific suppliers to guide you. Beef from Double H Farms, poultry from White Oak Pastures, lamb from Border Springs Farm, and anything from Benton's Country Hams. Be sure to ask the extremely well-prepared servers for advice. husknashville.com
Little Octopus
To order: Peruvian Chicken; Vegan Caesar
From its varied and fresh dishes to its reasonable pricing, Little Octopus fills several voids. The chic dining space in The Gulch offers lunch service and a full bar with dishes to suit all types from the vegan to the omnivore. littleoctopusnashville.com
Makeready Libations & Liberation
To order: Beet Salad; L&L Burger; Mussels
Offering a seasonal approach to American tavern food, Makeready Libations & Liberation serves as a warm and welcoming gathering place for hotel guests and locals, alike. Located on the ground floor of Noelle, Makeready is led by executive chef Dan Herget. The restaurant's commitment to local partnerships and heritage products provides guests with a unique and comforting dining experience, with menu options that include rotisserie-fired meats, an exceptional cheeseburger, and a regional larder program, featuring extensive in-house charcuterie. makereadynash.com
Midtown Cafe
To order: Midtown Meatloaf; Pacific Rim Salad
Restaurateur Randy Rayburn's neighborhood eatery, Midtown Cafe, is a fixture on the dining scene. Now in its 30th year, the menu of elevated classics is still a fit for third shifters from area hospitals to a table of tourists. midtowncafe.com
Table 3
To order: Croque Madame; Coq au Vin
Fans of French bistro fareand remarkably affordable priceswill appreciate the staples on the daily menu in addition to seasonal favorites. Nestled in The Mall at Green Hills shopping area, parking is abundant with easy access to neighborhood amenities. table3nashville.com
Tansuo
To order: Vegetarian Spring Rolls; Pork Belly Bao; Black Bean Beef
With high ceilings, cozy, blue leather banquettes, and Chinese lanterns hung throughout, chef Chris Cheung and his team have introduced this city to a higher caliber of Chinese cuisine. His menu pulls from his experiencehe grew up eating Cantonese cooking, was trained by a Hong Kong chef, and cooked in Shanghai. (But, he also admits to a love for Chinese-American food.) tansuonashville.com
The Palm
To order: The Power Lunch
One of the most delicious lunches in Nashville is also the most efficient. Without skimping, The Palm's three-course power lunch includes a salad, decadent entree, and dessert. Dine among more than 300 luminaries caricatured on the walls, branding this as a Music City joint. thepalm.com
Sambuca
To order: Mediterranean Veggie Lasagna; Asian Ahi Tuna Salad
Known for its nightly live music, Sambuca is also a hub in the Gulch for daytime diners. The expansive, casual menu and eclectic European design are ideal for any size groups. Think business luncheon, networking happy hour, and everything in between. sambucarestaurant.com