Food Around the World in Nashville: Broaden Your Taste Buds with These Hidden Gems
Given the eclectic food choices Nashville has to offer, there are many signature places that are on everyone’s “Go To” list such as Pinewood Social and Biscuit Love. However, it’s always a great feeling to discover a cheaper, low-radar restaurant that are still high in quality. Whether you have late-night taco cravings or have never had salmon on a bagel, the surrounding Nashville area has a wide-variety of ethnic food to check out. If you want to expand your taste buds without breaking your bank, here are some quality hidden gems to check out:
Royal Boba – 265 White Bridge Pike
Royal Boba provides hand-crafted milk tea that is free of powders, iced tea and boba (tapioca balls) made fresh daily. Only being open since 2017, Royal Boba is gradually making its mark with flavors catered to your taste. They provide options such as sweetness level, choice of milk and various add-ins such as your traditional boba, custard and grass jelly. Not only do they sell drinks, but also small food items such as katsu curry, Taiwanese popcorn chicken and coconut shrimp.
Sonobana Japanese Restaurant and Grocery – 40 White Bridge Rd
Located at the corner of the Lion’s Head Village shopping center, Sonobana provides a wide variety of authentic Japanese food from over 70 different sushi rolls to udon and sobas to traditional Japanese appetizers. Before you leave, make sure to check out the grocery store attached next door for Japanese snacks and maybe even grab some ingredients and tools to make your own sushi at home.
Back to Cuba Cafe – 4683 Trousdale Dr
Authentic Cuban cuisine is hard to come by if you’re not in Miami, so owner Alex Martinez decided to bring it here. From their lechon dishes to their Cuban sandwiches and fried plantains, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. For dessert, the tres leches and flan are must-try items. All menu items are filled with flavor—and reasonable prices with large portions, what more can you ask for?
Pearl Diver – 1008 Gallatin Ave
This Hawaiian-inspired, tiki-style restaurant has become more well-known over the years than the rest, but still deserves recognition. Built from a mid-century auto garage, this restaurant gives the vibe of an old school diner...but underwater. The unique décor is very nautical-themed and provide various tropical beverages and food. They also have an outdoor patio so grab some friends, grab a drink – if you’re of age of course – and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere and maybe even rent out a private cabana!
Trinity Coffee – 1135 Bell Rd
Trinity Coffee is located at a strip next to Home Depot – hard to find, but easy to love the food. This is a Venezuelan style cafe with a modern twist to their décor; each table features charging stations, along with Wi-Fi and great music. Whether you come here for breakfast or lunch, there’s always something new to try. The excellent coffee and their trinity queen arepa with their special green sauce is something you can’t get anywhere else.
Angelo’s Picnic Pizza Italian Restaurant – 2713 Murfreesboro Pike
This family-owned pizza joint is a must-visit: from their friendly staff to Angelo’s secret family recipes. Although they’ve had to move to multiple locations throughout Nashville over the years, one thing that stayed the same is their quality pizza and other Italian dishes. If you’re looking for the best deal, they have an all-you-can-eat buffet on Sundays, and on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Don’t let the word “buffet” fool you, it’s a buffet you’ll never regret.
Proper Bagel – 2011 Belmont Blvd
This New York style bagel shop provides a wide variety of items and bagel combinations you would’ve never thought of and never knew you needed...until now. There is a great selection of cream cheeses (even vegan if you’re into that) and lots of healthy plates! They are a bit on the pricey side and lines can be long, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Anatolia Turkish Restaurant – 48 White Bridge Rd
This upscale Turkish restaurant is one that you can’t pass up. The staff is always friendly and attentive to match with the quality food. To serve all your Turkish cravings, Anatolia provides kabobs, lamb chops, hummus, baklava and more. The atmosphere is always quiet and relaxing with a classy feel, despite being a smaller restaurant.
Tacos y Mariscos Lopez (Tacos Lopez 2 on Google) – 890 Murfreesboro Pike
Open till midnight throughout the week and as late as 4 a.m. on the weekend, this is the place to be for your late-night taco cravings. Whether you want a torta, horchata or just your regular tacos, they have it all. Traditional, flavorful and extremely affordable Mexican food is always a win.
VN Pho & Deli – 5906 Charlotte Pike
If you’re looking for the most authentic pho place, you’ve found it. This family-owned restaurant serves flavorful Vietnamese food with reasonable prices in generous portions. If you’re coming here, you’re most likely here for the pho, but don’t miss out on other flavorful dishes like the Vermicelli, Banh Mi and their Spicy Beef Soup (Bun Bo Hue). Most importantly, they are cash-only so make sure to bring some bills!
