7 Incredible Plant-Based Meals in Nashville (That Aren’t at Vegan Restaurants)
Want an elegant night out that doesn’t involve steak or seitan-heavy vegan joints? These seven Nashville restaurants offer plant-based meals in upscale settings — no special requests necessary. From rooftop risottos to five-star curries, these dishes are as refined as they are delicious. Image: Facebook / Drusie & Darr
You don’t have to dine at a vegan restaurant to find incredible plant-based meals in Nashville. From upscale hotel bars to acclaimed chef-driven kitchens, these restaurants are proof that veggies are having a serious moment — no modifications required.
Drusie & Darr at The Hermitage Hotel
Location: Downtown
More Info: jean-georges.com
At this iconic hotel restaurant led by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the vegetable-forward dishes are as refined as the setting. Start with the sunflower seed dip served with colorful crudités and fresh basil, then order the roasted cauliflower entrée with turmeric tahini, herbs, and goji berries.
SB Tip: Don’t skip the market carrots with roasted garlic and paprika.
L27 at The Westin Nashville
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: l27nashville.com
Executive Chef Mark Vuckovich is passionate about seasonal produce, and it shows. Whether you’re attending a rooftop wine dinner or trying a pop-up like The Emo Cowgirl (running now through August 31), expect innovative plant-based dishes like herbed carrot salad with grilled peaches, charred eggplant risotto, and wild mushroom toast. On the pop-up menu: summer succotash served over grilled tofu and a sweet potato tartine.
Bad Idea
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: badideanashville.com
Known for funky wines and Lao-influenced small plates, East Nashville’s Bad Idea always has something unexpected on the menu. Try the laab tao hu — crispy tofu with lemongrass and lime — or mok seitan with banana flour seitan, golden beet, and peach.
Lyra
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: lyranashville.com
This beloved modern Middle Eastern restaurant delivers major flavor with plant-based options like hummus topped with chili turnips and candied onions, grilled broccolini with black tahina and harissa dust, crispy potatoes with Aleppo, and beet salad with sumac.
Audrey
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: southalltn.com
Audrey’s Appalachian-inspired menu includes Anson Mills rice peas with spring vegetables and preserved tomato, plus some of the city’s most elegant veggie-forward starters, including simple dishes like heirloom tomatoes with basil.
Noko
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: nokonashville.com
This sleek wood-fired Japanese restaurant offers a range of craveable veggie starters like crispy Brussels in sesame dressing, wok-charred Szechuan green beans, and broccolini in lemongrass garlic chili. Or, order the veggie plate for a seasonal sampler.
Chauhan Ale & Masala House
Neighborhood: The Gulch
More Info: chauhannashville.com
At this vibrant Indian eatery from Maneet Chauhan, don’t miss the kale pakora chaat with mango-mint chutney, rich vegetable korma in a saffron-cashew sauce, and crispy Brussels sprouts. Pair it all with warm, fluffy naan.
Nashville’s not-so-secret secret? Fine dining and plant-based plates go hand in hand.
**********
Still hungry for more? Sign up for our daily emails to stay in the know.
Kate Feinberg
Kate Feinberg is a professional writer based in Nashville. She has more than 14 years of freelance writing experience covering travel, wellness, and lifestyle. A certified meditation teacher, RYT-200 yoga instructor, and integrative nutrition health coach, she brings a strong wellness perspective to her work. Kate is also a marathon runner and the creator of a plant-based food blog, Chef Kate F, where she shares nourishing recipes and mindful living tips. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her on the golf course, exploring new destinations, or combining both with golf-focused travel. She enjoys lake life on Percy Priest Lake.