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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.

A restaurant table set with a bowl of soup, a roasted cauliflower dish, bread, wine glasses, a lamp, and various condiments showcases the charm of upscale plant-based meals found at top vegan restaurants in Nashville.Pin
The roasted cauliflower with turmeric tahini made for an unforgettable meal at Drusie & Darr. Image: Kate Feinberg

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.

A plated gourmet vegan appetizer garnished with herbs is set on a white tablecloth next to a glass of red wine, water, and multiple empty wine glasses.Pin
Charred eggplant and caramelized Walla Walla onion risotto was a standout at L27’s wine dinner. Image: Kate Feinberg
A plated dish of grilled halloumi with corn salsa sits on a green ceramic plate beside a glass of white wine and a menu reading "The Emo Cowgirl," highlighting the upscale vegan Nashville dining scene.Pin
For a taste of summer, try the succotash over grilled tofu at The Emo Cowgirl (L27’s rooftop pop-up). Image: Kate Feinberg

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.

A bowl from Upscale Vegan Nashville featuring a piece of plant-based fish in orange sauce, topped with chopped chives and garnished with leafy greens.Pin
Bad Idea‘s menu changes with the seasons, but you can expect veg-forward dishes like squash with persimmon jeow (a Lao-style dip) and Assam curry. Image: Instagram

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.

An upscale bowl of hummus topped with herbs, olive oil, and a red garnish sits next to flatbreads and za'atar bread.Pin
Lyra does hummus right. Image: Instagram

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.

A white bowl filled with a salad of white beans, diced tomatoes, herbs, and garnished with small purple flowers and dill—perfect for those seeking upscale plant-based meals inspired by Nashville’s vibrant vegan restaurants.Pin
Rice peas, preserved tomato, seasonal vegetables, and magnolia oil — a must-order at Audrey. Image: Instagram

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.

A bowl of grilled edamame pods, with a pair of chopsticks picking up one pod—an inviting bite from one of Nashville’s favorite vegan restaurants.Pin
Nothing beats edamame cooked over a wood fire. Image: Facebook

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.

A pile of vegetable pakoras garnished with herbs is served on a plate over a layer of sev, capturing the essence of upscale plant-based meals in a stylish Nashville vegan restaurant setting.Pin
Crispy kale pakoras are the perfect appetizer to kick off your dinner at Chauhan Ale & Masala House. Image: Facebook

Nashville’s not-so-secret secret? Fine dining and plant-based plates go hand in hand.

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Kate Feinberg
About the Author
Kate Feinberg

Kate Feinberg is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor & Sponsored Content Specialist, based in Nashville. Kate is a plant-based foodie, avid runner, and fantasy reader.