Nashville, TN is one of the best food cities in the US with a diverse selection of food options for every taste. Black-owned restaurants are a fundamental part of Nashville's culinary scene. If you're looking for a great spot to eat and want to support a local business, you may be wondering what the best black-owned restaurants in Nashville are.
EG & MC is a trendy bar and restaurant. It's become one of the most popular black-owned restaurants in Nashville. People also love the Pepper Pott for authentic Guyanese meals. Another favorite black-owned restaurant is Swett's Restaurant, which has been part of the community since the 1950s. This restaurant serves southern comfort food at its best.
When you dine at a black-owned restaurant, you get more than just a delicious meal. You get to support a small business, which can play a part in helping to create more entrepreneurial opportunities. If you're looking for a great black-owned restaurant to eat at, you've come to the right page. Today, we're going to talk about the 20 best black-owned restaurants in Nashville.
1. EG & MC
- Address: 924 Jefferson St Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-490-3825
- Michelin Rating: N/A
EG & MC is a co*cktail lounge that's popular with guests because of the laid-back atmosphere. This is one of the best spots to grab a drink in Nashville because you can try award-winning co*cktails. EG & MC won the 2022 Nashville Lifestyle Swig co*cktail competition.
What To Eat At EG & MC
The EG & MC menu is led by chef Malissa Barton. This place is popular for its selection of small plate tapas. You can choose from mouth-watering favorites like queso with collard greens, turkey sliders, and some of the best sweet potato fries in Nashville. They also host a Sunday brunch with dishes like the creole omelet, shrimp & grits, and cinnamon roll Belgian waffle.
Why Should You Eat Here?
The intimate setting of this lounge makes it the perfect spot for a date night or to catch up with friends. You can try a selection of signature craft co*cktails that are exclusive to EG & MC. Some favorites include Vacation Me Please (an elevated version of a pina colada) and EG & MC (a unique co*cktail including raisin-soaked whiskey).
- Yelp Rating: 4.5
- Cost: $$
- Specialty Dish: Turkey Sliders
- Cuisine: American/Southern
2. Willie B's Kitchen & Lounge
- Address: 918 Buchanan St Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 629-202-4970
- Micheline Rating: N/A
Willie B's Kitchen & Lounge is a spot where you can enjoy live music and delicious food. This black-owned restaurant serves weekend brunches, dinner, and exclusive co*cktails. Guests can also enjoy the hookah lounge.
What To Eat At Willie B's Kitchen & Lounge
Willie B's menu is popular for its delicious selection of seafood and comfort food. One menu item that grabs a lot of people's attention is the deep-fried frog legs. The Voodoo pasta is an excellent choice if you're in the mood for a spicy dish. Lobster and waffles is a descendant dinner with a touch of sweetness.
Why Should You Eat Here?
Willie B's is an entertaining place to go to for more than just a bite to eat. This is a great place to catch live music or listen to a DJ. There is also an exclusive hookah and cigar menu. The staff does an incredible job at creating a fun nightlife experience for customers.
- Yelp Rating: 4
- Cost: $$
- Specialty Dish: Frog Legs
- Cuisine: American
Related Read: 42 Things to Do in Nashville
3. Riddim N' Spice
- Address: 2116 Meharry Blvd Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-953-7121
- Michelin Rating: N/A
Riddim N' Spice is one of the top places in Nashville to get Caribbean food. Chef Kamal Kalokoh brings some of his best recipes to this kitchen.
What To Eat At Riddim N' Spice
The lamb bowl is a specialty menu item that is only available on Monday and Tuesdays. It is one of the restaurant's most popular orders and a must-try when you're in Nashville. Vegans can enjoy the jackfruit bowl or jackfruit platter. Riddim N' Spice also has delicious sides, like cucumber mango salad and Cuban black beans.
Why Should You Eat Here?
You should eat here if you want to get a taste of Caribbean culture while you're in Nashville. There are so many delicious options to choose from and guests can even choose what toppings go on their bowl or plate. Riddim N Spice also features The Rum Room. This area hosts events and entertainment, like live music.
- Yelp Rating: 4.5
- Cost: $$
- Specialty Dish: Lamb Bowl
- Cuisine: Caribbean
4. The Pepper Pott
- Address: 4611 Alabama Ave Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-892-4498
- Michelin Rating: N/A
The Pepper Pot is a grab-and-go restaurant with a scratch kitchen concept. Karen Thomas is the owner of this restaurant. She grew up in Guyana, where she helped make food that was sold in her family's food truck business. Today, she brings those flavors to Nashville.
What To Eat At The Pepper Pott
Some of the most popular items at the Pepper Pott are the jerk chicken and the oxtail plates. Brown stew chicken, curry shrimp plate, and sweet & spicy jerk wings are also favorites at this grab-and-go restaurant. Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty to eat here as well. This includes the vegetarian plate, veggie fried rice, and vegan split pea soup.
Why Should You Eat Here?
The Pepper Pott is a 5-star rated restaurant in Nashville. People all over the city are leaving amazing reviews for this business. The Pepper Pott isn't your average restaurant. Thomas continues her family tradition of serving Guyanese food from food trucks. It is becoming one of the most popular food trucks in the city.
- Yelp Rating: 5
- Cost: $
- Specialty Cuisine: Jerk Chicken
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Food Trucks
Related Read: 25 Romantic Things To Do In Nashville, TN
5. Sinema
- Address: 2600 8th Ave S Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-942-7746
- Michelin Rating: N/A
Sinema is an old theatre that was renovated into a restaurant. Chef Kyle Patterson leads this menu which features seasonal meals inspired by home cooking.
What To Eat At Sinema
Sinema features many gourmet starters. Choose from selections of cheese and charcuterie boards or fresh salads with locally grown vegetables. The dinner menu features traditional favorites like chicken in lemon sage & rosemary marinade, gnocchi in bolognese, and the Porter road short rib.
Why Should You Eat At Sinema?
Cinema is a lounge and restaurant with handmade food that meets guests' expectations. You can find traditional American favorites on the dinner menu with a signature taste of Sinema. This place is also popular for its bottomless brunches. Guests can choose from a selection of gourmet brunch favorites during brunch hours. This also includes bottomless mimosas and bloody marys.
- Yelp Rating: 4
- Cost: $$$
- Specialty Dish: Porter Road Short Rib
- Cuisine: American
6. Germantown Pub
- Address: 708 Monroe St Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-457-2145
- Michelin Rating: N/A
Germantown Pub creates an experience that isn't like your typical sports bar. You can enjoy food that's taken to a new level and a friendly atmosphere here.
What To Eat At Germantown Pub
Start your meal off with one of the tasty starters, like pub chips or pretzels with beer cheese dip. There are 8 different types of wings to choose from, like lemon pepper and Germantown OG flavor. Some of the pub favorites include catfish nuggets and the hot chicken sandwich.
Why Should You Eat Here?
Germantown Pub is a fun place to go for a night out. This restaurant has many specials and events to look forward to. Enjoy happy hour on weeknight afterward from 4 to 6 pm. You can enjoy 2-for-1 drafts, wine, and well drinks. Boozy brunch is hosted on Saturdays and Sundays, with discounted mimosas.
- Yelp Rating: 4
- Cost: $$
- Specialty Dish: Hot Chicken Sandwich
- Cuisine: American
7. Coneheads
Coneheads is one of the best and most intriguing places to find comfort food in Eastern Nashville. This restaurant takes a classic favorite, chicken and waffles, and serves it inside of a cone.
What To Eat At Coneheads
Cones are the most popular thing to order at Coneheads. Choose between chicken tenders or fried cauliflower to go into the cone. There are several sauces to choose from, including triple C's chipotle ranch and rosemary agave. You can also choose an optional topping for your cone, which includes grits, mac and cheese, or pineapple coleslaw.
Why Should You Eat Here?
Ice cream isn't the only food that should be served in a cone. If you enjoy chicken tenders or fried cauliflower, then you need to try it in a cone at least once. One place you can guarantee to make a meal in a cone right is Coneheads.
- Yelp Rating: 4.5
- Cost: $$
- Specialty Cuisine: Fried Chicken Cone
- Cuisine: American, Chicken
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8. IT'Z A Philly Thing
- Address: 7609 Hwy 70 S Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 267-939-1033
- Michelin Rating: N/A
You can get the taste of Philadelphia in Nashville when you stop at IT'Z A Philly Thing. This was the first food truck in Nashville to offer the Philly cheesesteak and continues to be one of the best.
What To Eat At IT'Z A Philly Thing
If it's your first time at this food truck, we recommend you try the original Philly cheeze steak. However, there are several other mouth-watering sandwiches like the brotherly love bbq chicken cheeze steak and the vegan cheese steak. Cheesesteak egg rolls are also very popular here.
Why Should You Eat At IT'Z A Philly Thing?
Do you enjoy Philly cheesesteak sandwiches? If you answered "yes", then IT'Z A Philly Thing should be on your Nashville food bucket list. They have several versions of this sandwich, and each one is a hit with their customers.
- Yelp Rating: 4.5
- Cost: $$
- Specialty Cuisine: Original Philly Cheeze Steak
- Cuisine: American, Food Truck
9. City Farm Company
- Address: 1407 Clinton St Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-772-4632
- Michelin Rating: N/A
City Farm Co is a scratch kitchen with southern roots. When you eat here, you can taste what makes Nashville's culinary scene so powerful.
What To Eat At City Farm Company
City Farm Company uses locally sourced and fresh seasonal ingredients. Some of the most popular dishes include the bacon and peach jammin sandwich on focaccia bread and hot chicken mac and cheese. They also serve delicious brunch foods, like waffles with fresh fruit and fish and grits.
Why Should You Eat Here?
Guests can't say enough good things about their experience at City Farm Co. This place serves fresh meals with a lot of flavor. The menu is creative with many delicious choices. If you're hosting an event, City Farm Co also provides catering.
- Yelp Rating: 5
- Cost: N/A
- Specialty Dish: Bacon and Peach Jammin
- Cuisine: American
10. Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
- Address: 423 6th Ave S Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: N/A
- Address: N/A
Prince's Hot Chicken Shack is a walk-in eatery where you can order tasty fried chicken. This local business may be small, but it's always busy.
What To Eat At Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
Many customers will agree that the bone-in chicken options are the best choices. However, this place also has some fantastic chicken sandwiches. The sorriest chicken sandwich and the hot chicken sandwich are popular choices.
Why Should You Eat Here?
This is one of the top fried chicken places in Nashville. You can choose from various ways to have chicken, including wings, tenders, and sandwiches. They are also known for having perfectly done fries with the right amount of crispiness.
- Yelp Rating: 3.5
- Cost: $$
- Specialty Dish: Fried Chicken
- Cuisine: American, Chicken
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11. Minerva Avenue
- Address: 1002 Buchanan St Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-973-0962
- Michelin Rating: N/A
Minerva Avenue is a craft co*cktail house that's located within the arts district of Nashville. This popular location is one of the trendiest co*cktail lounges in Nashville.
What To Eat At Minerva Avenue
Start your meal off with tasty sliders like avocado eggrolls or loaded fries. For your main entree, there are many delicious options. Some top choices include Caribbean jerk lamb chops and cajun catfish. There are also several types of sliders, including cheeseburgers, catfish, and salmon.
Why Should You Eat Here?
If you want to go somewhere nice, Minerva Avenue sets the right atmosphere. It's an excellent place to enjoy good food, art, and culture. However, this is a sophisticated environment and guests must follow the dress attire rule to be allowed entry.
- Yelp Rating: 3.5
- Cost: $$
- Specialty Dish: Cajun Catfish
- Cuisine: American
12. The Local Distro
- Address: 614 Garfield St Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-942-8276
- Michelin Rating: N/A
The Local Distro is a popular spot where Nashville residents can grab a bite to eat while doing their shopping. Everything you need is in one place at this location.
What To Eat At The Local Distro
The Local Distro has 10 different types of sandwiches to choose from. If that's not good enough, you can create your own sandwich that they will make for you. There are also 8 different types of breakfast handhelds, with customers having the option to create their own. This place is also popular for the weekend barbecue, with coffee-rubbed chicken, ribs, and brisket.
Why Should You Eat Here?
This local eatery keeps people coming back for more. The location is very convenient, as people can get some lunch as they do their grocery shopping. It's popular because the prices are fair, the food is great, and the atmosphere is friendly.
- Yelp Rating: 5
- Cost: $$
- Specialty Dish: BBQ Ribs
- Cuisine: American
13. Jamaicaway
- Address: 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd Ste 120 Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-255-5920
- Micheline rating: N/A
Jamaicaway offers some of the best Caribbean food in the US. This restaurant and catering company is proud to serve food full of flavor to the local community
What To Eat At Jamaicaway
Customers have left great reviews for the jerk chicken salad, which includes fresh vegetables topped with seasoned boneless chicken. Some other popular choices include brown stew chicken, curry goat, and pepper steak.
Why Should You Eat Here?
Get a taste of Jamaica from Tennessee. This restaurant serves authentic Caribbean recipes that are tasty and hearty. You can enjoy some of the finest flavors without having to travel across the world.
- Yelp Rating: 4
- Cost: $$
- Specialty Dish: Jerk Chicken Salad
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
14. Big Al's Deli
- Address: 1828 4th Ave N Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-242-8118
- Michelin Rating: N/A
Big Al's Deli is one of the most popular black-owned restaurants in Nashville. Guests can enjoy responsibly sourced food with recipes that were made with love.
What To Eat At Big Al's Deli
Grab one of your favorite comfort dishes and order meatloaf, fried pork chops, or fried chicken tenders. Try one of the chef's specialty creations, like raspberry chipotle chicken. Some other popular choices are the abodo chicken and salmon burger.
Why Should You Eat Here?
Big Al is an essential part of Nashville's community. Not only is he an amazing cook, but he's also a great role model to the younger generation. His unique culinary vision is what sets his deli apart from other restaurants in this city.
15. Swett's Restaurant
- Address: 2725 Clifton Ave Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-329-4418
- Michelin Rating: N/A
Swett's has been a vital part of Nashville's culinary scene since 1954. This family-owned restaurant stays true to the southern homestyle cooking it became famous for when it opened.
What To Eat At Swett's Restaurant
One of the best sections of the menu to find a meal is the smokehouse section. Some of the most popular choices include the smoked pork chop, chicken wings, and rib tips. This restaurant also has one of the best selections of local vegetables to enjoy with your meal, including turnip greens, pinto beans, and squash.
Why Should You Eat Here?
Swett's is a family-friendly restaurant that has a welcoming atmosphere. Nobody will leave this restaurant hungry. All meals have large portions at fair prices.
- Yelp Rating: 4
- Cost: $$
- Specialty Dish: Beef Rib Tips
- Cuisine: American
16. Slim & Husky's Pizza and Beeria
- Address: 5056 Broadway Pl Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-561-1787
- Michelin Rating: N/A
Slim & Husky's is the best black-owned pizza place in Nashville. Choose from a wide selection of pizza creations and discover all of the different ways you can enjoy this favorite.
What To Eat At Slim & Husky's Pizza and Beeria
Choose from one (or more) of many artisan pizzas. Red light special features a spicy sauce with heirloom tomatoes and basil. The smoking herb has your choice of smoke chicken or salmon with vegetables. Cee no green is the meat lover's pizza.
Why Should You Eat Here?
The signature pizzas at Slim & Husky's are unlike anything else you can order in Nashville. If you enjoy pizza but are getting bored with your regular order, it's time to switch things up. Slim & Husky's will help you re-discover your love of pizza with their creations.
- Yelp Rating: 4
- Cost: $$
- Specialty Dish: California Love Pizza
- Cuisine: Pizza
17. Silver Sands Cafe
- Address: 937 Locklayer St Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-780-9900
- Michelin Rating: N/A
Silver Sands Cafe is the best place to find soul food in Nashville. They serve home-cooked meals that have been passed down throughout the generations.
What To Eat At Silver Sands Cafe
Guests get their pick of meat and sides. Choose from meats like salmon croquette, baked chicken, or beef tips, among more. Then choose delicious sides, like cabbage, mac and cheese, or sweet potatoes. For dessert, there's banana pudding, peach cobbler, and more.
Why Should You Eat Here?
People love this place because the staff is friendly, it's easy to place an order, and they never wait long for delicious food. Even during busy periods, this team is able to move through the line quickly while getting everyone's orders right.
- Yelp Rating: 4
- Cost: $
- Specialty Dish: Baked Chicken
- Cuisine: American, Southern
18. The Cupcake Collection
- Address: 1213 6th Ave N Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-244-2900
- Michelin Rating: N/A
The Cupcake Collection is a black-owned bakery in Nashville. Customers can order for pickup or have pastries shipped across the nation.
What To Order At The Cupcake Collection
Choose from a variety of different cupcake flavors to order, like carrot cake, strawberry, or sweet lemonade, among many more. You can also order cakes for special occasions or cupcakes for your furry friend.
Why Should you Eat Here?
As long as you're in the US, you can support this black-owned business. You can have the sweet taste of a Nashville bakery delivered to your door.
19. The Southern V
- Address: 1200 Buchanan St Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-802-8136
- Michelin Rating: N/A
The Southern V is a black-owned vegetarian restaurant in Nashville. All items on this menu are 100% plant-based.
What To Eat At The Southern V
Try delicious plant-based meals like jackfruit nachos, bbq seitan rib sammich, or potato-based "meet" loaf. Customers can also order tree nut milkshakes.
Why Should You Eat Here?
The Southern V makes vegetarian meals delicious. Even meat lovers will enjoy the flavor and texture of these great dishes.
20. Barr's Music City Soul Food
- Address: 618 Brentwood E Dr Nashville, TN
- Phone Number: 615-429-7836
- Michelin Rating: N/A
Barr's Music City Soul Food serves recipes that keep people coming back each week. This is some of the most comforting soul food you will find in Tennessee.
What To Eat At Barr's Music City Soul Food
Some of the most popular items include the fried chicken dinner, meatloaf dinner, and beef dinner, which all come with southern sides. Choose from popular sides like mac and cheese, butter beans, corn, and more. We can't forget the delicious dessert menu, with items like peach cobbler and German chocolate cake.
Why Should You Eat Here?
This is a place where diets are nonexistent and you can eat comfort food that warms your soul up. The food is delicious, the prices are low, and you will always leave happy.
- Yelp Rating: 2.5
- Cost: $$
- Specialty Dish: Fried Chicken Dinner
- Cuisine: American, Southern
