Downtown Nashville is best known for hosting tourists. Walking down Broadway, you’ll see cowboys with big dreams and bachelorettes celebrating upcoming nuptials. The distinctive music of the local honky tonks leads their march through the neon-lit streets.
Nashville is also host to a large local workforce, however. Hardworking Nashvillians rely on a range of lunch spots and restaurants to fuel their workdays. These little culinary secrets aren’t too far from the main attractions of Lower Broad.
Each hidden gem serves up a variety of excellent flavors, from authentic Southern eats to ethnic spice. We’re confident that they serve the best lunch in Downtown Nashville, whether you’re here for business or pleasure.
Check out our suggestions for quick and casual lunches in the downtown Nashville area. They’re all perfect local spots you’ll want to visit for a real, local Nashville experience. Keep reading to learn where to eat lunch in Nashville for an authentic taste of Music City.
Where to Eat in Downtown Nashville
Browse our favorite lunch spots in Nashville to discover your new favorite destination for delectable afternoon dining off Broad.
Ty’s Soups and Sandwiches
Don’t let this small, walk-up counter trick you: it is one of the most popular Downtown Nashville lunch spots. Ty’s menu of traditional sandwiches and homemade salads has flavors that will satiate any craving.
Be aware that there is limited seating outside. We’d suggest heading over to eat at the courtyard below the “Batman Building” on the corner of 4th Avenue North and Commerce Street. It’s the perfect local secret for enjoying these casual eats when the weather is nice.
Recommended lunch: Try out their pimento cheese sandwich on a day you need a little southern comfort. We also love their Reuben on rye bread. Their chicken queso soup will warm you up on a cold Nashville day.
Photo courtesy: @oscarstacoshop
Oscar’s Taco Shop
Oscar’s Taco Shop on Church Street has some of the best SoCal-Mexican inspired tacos and burritos in Nashville. One of the top lunch places in Nashville, Oscar’s is so popular there’s often a long line of hungry diners. You’ll see them snaking through the small shop, eager to indulge in massive burritos smothered in cheese and guacamole. But don’t worry - the line moves quickly!
Recommended lunch: Their carne asada steak burrito and carnitas pulled pork burrito are customer favorites. Be sure to add hash browns if you are ordering from the breakfast menu! Oh, and don’t skip on the queso.
Cherry Street Eatery & Sweetery
Cherry Street Eatery & Sweetery is a hidden gem in the world of Downtown Nashville eats. It’s tucked in a small second floor room in the Fifth/Third Bank Building on Church Street.
From the outside, it will seem like a simple bodega. In reality, their salads and sandwiches are some of the healthiest lunch options in downtown. Every lunch option features reliable quality and excellent flavor.
Although there is no seating at Cherry Street, guests can head downstairs and eat in front of Starbucks. They can also walk up the street a couple blocks to sit in the Nashville Public Library’s courtyard.
Recommended lunch: Get there early before they sell out of their most popular offerings! Locals love their turkey, goat cheese, and cranberry paninis and sesame chicken salads. They also have a soup du jour. We recommend their Cuban Black Bean Soup with sweet potatoes and a little bit of spice.
Photo courtesy: @mannyshouseofpizza
Manny’s House of Pizza
Manny’s House of Pizza is located in the Nashville Arcade. The Arcade is a historical site built in 1902 that is now home to various art galleries and restaurants. Manny’s is the most popular Downtown Nashville lunch restaurant inside!
Owner Manny Macca hails from Brooklyn, New York. His authentic New York style pizza will awaken nostalgic feelings in Northeast transplants and visitors. Their pizza is known for its thin, crispy crust. People rave about the perfect balance of tomato sauce and cheese on every slice.
Recommended lunch: You will be happy with any slice you order. If you want to change it up, try their spinach rolls or lasagna. Be sure to save room for a cannoli!
Photo courtesy: Nashville Guru
The Rutledge
Are you seeking a classy sit-down spot for a business lunch in Nashville? Consider The Rutledge. Their newest location is adjacent to the ground floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville. What makes this fine dining spot unique is the original artwork, which elevates every dining experience.
There’s something for everyone on the menu, too. You’ll find lunch staples like soups, salads, and sandwiches beside fresh sushi and wood-fired pizza. Those with expensive taste can even enjoy a life-changing filet mignon.
Recommended lunch: The chefs at The Rutledge are great at elevating the classics. We suggest going with a soup and sandwich combo. Pair their phenomenal lobster bisque with their Fried Artichoke sandwich. They also offer wine by the glass for those craving a touch of luxury with their lunch spread.
Fleet Street Pub
Somewhat of a hidden spot, Fleet Street Pub is tucked inside the historic Printer’s Alley. It sits between 3rd and 4th Avenue North. It got its nickname from the printing and publishing industry that thrived in the area during the early 1900s.
Today, Printer’s Alley is home to a number of bars and restaurants. Still, Fleet Street is the best spot in the Alley for lunch. There’s nowhere else in Nashville where you can listen to the Clash or the English Beat while eating traditional English pub fare. Sit back, dig in, and enjoy watching international soccer on TV.
Recommended lunch: Their lunch specials are hard to beat with deals under $10. You can’t go wrong with the Royal Oak Fish & Chips. For vegetarian options, try the All-Saints soup and salad combo. Their beet salad and potato soup are great every day.
Food Truck Thursdays
Our final suggestion is not a traditional brick and mortar restaurant per se. Food Truck Thursdays are a highly anticipated weekly lunchtime event in downtown Nashville.
The event takes place each Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. You’ll find trucks lined up along Deadrick Street between 4th and 5th Avenue North. They are like tiny, mobile eateries slinging a diverse range of culinary treats.
Are you craving crepes or a burger? How about a milkshake peach cobbler, sushi burrito, or steamed bao buns? You will find something delicious at Food Truck Thursday.
Food trucks are also a great source for the best business lunch in Nashville. Nashville food trucks often will come to offices to provide more diverse dining options for local businesses.
Recommended lunch: If you can handle a long wait time in line, go for a grilled cheese sandwich from the Grilled Cheeserie. Their hot, melty goodness makes a coveted and popular lunch. I Love Roti serves Malaysian curry. Hoss’ Burgers serves “loaded burgers” filled with a whole variety of cheeses and other goodies.
Photo courtesy: The Grilled Cheeserie
Ultimately, the best lunch in Downtown Nashville is up to your unique palate! If you’re interested in discovering more hidden gem lunch spots in Nashville, you’ll love our Walking Food Tours. You’ll discover the best bites in Downtown Nashville, dining at five locally owned restaurants. It’s a luxury VIP experience for visitors and locals alike.