Think oysters are only for slurping raw on the half shell? Think again. From chargrilled beauties dripping in garlicky butter to golden fried oysters that disappear faster than you can say “Rockefeller,” Music City’s chefs are serving oyster variations that bring the heat. Once you try these dishes, you might never look at oysters the same way again.
Butchertown Hall | Wood-Fired Oysters
Neighborhood: Germantown
More Info: butchertownhall.com
At Butchertown Hall, the wood-fired oysters are a smoky game-changer. These plump little guys come out sizzling, slathered in rich BBQ butter, chimichurri, and a kick from Fresno chili. It’s like oysters met Tex‑Mex for a flavor-intensive hoedown, and everyone’s invited. Trust us, you don’t have to love raw oysters to fall hard for this bold, spicy twist.
Carne Mare | Grilled Oysters
Neighborhood: The Gulch
More Info: carnemarenashville.com
The grilled oysters are a standout bite at Carne Mare. Each oyster is kissed by the wood-fired grill, dressed in rich oreganata butter, and topped with a crisp Parmesan breadcrumb crust. They hit your table warm, smoky, and loaded with savory crunch — proof that oysters can be classy and comforting, with a little Italian flair.
Cliff’s Lounge & Oyster Bar at Deacon’s New South | Nashville Hot Oyster Deviled Eggs
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: deaconsnewsouth.com/cliffs
Cliff’s Lounge & Oyster Bar at Deacon’s New South turns up the Southern charm with its Nashville Hot Oyster Deviled Eggs. Creamy farm-fresh eggs are crowned with crispy cornmeal-fried oysters, then topped with smoky-sweet pork belly jam and a tangy kick of house-fermented green chili sauce. It’s a playful twist on a classic — rich, spicy, and irresistibly indulgent — that captures Nashville’s signature heat in every decadent bite.
Gannons | Oysters Rockefeller & Oysters Brie
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: gannonsnashville.com
At Gannons, oysters get the luxe treatment two ways. The oysters Rockefeller come classic: baked under a creamy spinach and herb topping, bubbling and golden. Then there’s the oysters Brie, a decadent iteration with melty Brie, adding rich, buttery depth to every bite. Served piping hot, these dishes prove that sometimes oysters are better when they’re all dressed up.
Hall’s Chophouse | Oysters Rockefeller
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: hallschophousenashville.com
Hall’s Chophouse brings timeless steakhouse style to its oysters Rockefeller. These beauties are baked under a savory layer of greens, herbs, and just enough cheese to make every bite rich without being heavy. Warm, briny, and finished with a touch of crunch, they’re a nod to tradition with a little Hall’s polish.
Henrietta Red | Green Curry Oysters & Mustard Butter Oysters
Neighborhood: Germantown
More Info: henriettared.com
At Henrietta Red, oysters don’t just sit on ice (though they do that, too); they come out steaming and packed with flavor. The green curry oysters bring a bright, aromatic kick, while the mustard butter oysters go for decadent, tangy indulgence. Found on both the brunch and dinner menus, they’re a warm, comforting spin on the usual oyster lineup — perfect for anyone who likes their shellfish with a little more sizzle and a lot more personality.
Juicy Seafood | Fried Oysters and More
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: juicyseafoodnashville.com
At Juicy Seafood on Gallatin Pike in East Nashville, oysters arrive cooked and crowd-pleasing in two standout styles: steamed oysters (tender with a Cajun twist) and fried oysters (golden and crisp perfection). You can even get a full fried oyster basket with a side of French fries, sweet potato fries, Cajun fries, or onion rings.
Miel | Roasted Oysters
Neighborhood: Sylvan Park
More Info: mielrestaurant.com
Miel’s roasted oysters are a must-try indulgence, kissed by fire and bathed in Calabrian chili butter for the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory. Served simply to let the bold flavors shine, these oysters bring a touch of heat to Southern seafood. It’s a dish that’s both rustic and refined — ideal for savoring with a crisp glass of white wine or a craft cocktail. A little decadent, a little fiery, and absolutely unforgettable.
The Optimist | Smokebox Oysters
Neighborhood: Germantown
More Info: theoptimistrestaurant.com
At Ford Fry’s seafood‑centric The Optimist, the smokebox oysters arrive hot, golden, and unapologetically indulgent. A crisp breadcrumb topping gives way to smoky, butter‑soaked oysters brightened with lemon and parsley. Forget the cold, slippery stereotype; these beauties have a built‑in crunch and a whole lot of flavor. Consider sharing … but don’t be surprised if “Just one” turns into “Sorry, I ate them all.”
Perry’s Steakhouse | Chargrilled Blue Point Oysters
Neighborhood: Cool Springs
More Info: perryssteakhouse.com
Perry’s may be famous for its steaks, but the menu has plenty of surprises, like the chargrilled Blue Point oysters. Served by the half-dozen or dozen, these plump beauties are bathed in herb butter, then finished with melted Monterey Jack and Pecorino Romano for a creamy, smoky bite.
The Southern Steak & Oyster | Hickory Wood Chargrilled Oysters
Neighborhood: SoBro
More Info: thesouthernnashville.com
At The Southern Steak & Oyster, oysters aren’t just for the raw bar; they shine on the grill, too. Cooked over a hickory wood fire, these chargrilled oysters come off smoky, buttery, and super flavorful. Each bite balances the oyster’s natural brininess with a kiss of char, making them a go-to for anyone who prefers their shellfish hot. It’s a Southern twist that might just ruin raw oysters for you forever.
Street Brothers Seafood | Fried Oysters & Oyster Po’Boy
Neighborhood: Woodbine
More Info: streetbrothersseafood.com
At Street Brothers Seafood, fried oysters get the spotlight they deserve — crispy on the outside, tender and briny on the inside. Order them straight up for that satisfying crunch, or go all in with the oyster po’boy, where they’re piled high on soft bread with all the fixings. It’s classic Southern comfort with a Nashville twist, proving that sometimes the best oysters are fresh from the fryer.
That said, you can often find other variations here, too, like the grilled iteration below.
Looking for a recipe to make at home? Try these roasted oysters with cornbread stuffing.
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