101st Airborne
1362-A Murfreesboro Rd., Nashville, TN 37217, USA
Phone: 615/361-4212
$20 to $40
Nashville
American

World War II army tanks, old Red Cross vans, and cannons line the approach to this restaurant, 10 mi from downtown. The interior is decorated with vintage military pictures, uniforms, and other memorabilia. The house special prime rib is a dinner favorite. Also try the homemade upside-down apple-walnut pie with cinnamon ice cream for dessert. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sat.

Arthur's
Union Station, 1001 Broadway, Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/255-1494
Over $20
Nashville
Continental

This restaurant is in the stylishly renovated Union Station, where an upscale hotel has taken the place of the train terminal. The seven-course meals are dazzling (à la carte is also available) and the ambience romantic. The menu changes daily, but specialties include rainbow trout, duck, and lamb. Save room for dessert: the bananas Foster is especially good. The decor is lush, with lace curtains, velveteen-upholstered chairs, white linen, and fine silver service. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Belle Meade Brasserie
101 Page Rd., Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/356-5450
$20 to $40
Nashville
American

Nashville's poshest neighborhood welcomed this comfortable suburban restaurant with open arms in 1988. The menu is a symphony of best-loved recipes from all over the United States - an appetizer of corn fritters and pepper jelly, double pork chops with Thai barbecue sauce, oven-roasted grouper, and crawfish étouffée. Desserts are just as compelling, including a knockout Russian raspberry gratin. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch.

Bluebird Café
4104 Hillsboro Rd., Nashville, TN 37215, USA
Phone: 615/383-1461
Under $20
Nashville
Eclectic

This restaurant in the western part of Nashville always draws a crowd with its nightly entertainment. Open mikes and country music are popular. Sandwiches are big here - Cajun catfish and pork barbecue are favorites. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Bound'ry
911 20th Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
Phone: 615/321-3043
$20 to $50
Nashville
Eclectic

This large, lavishly appointed space in downtown is decorated in a Mediterranean theme with stucco walls and murals depicting classical Greek scenes. Curved booths are nestled in gleaming polished-wood settings and two fireplaces warm the dining room. Assorted statuary, columns, and copper railing accent the space. When you're finished eating you can adjourn to the balcony for cigars and martinis. There is open-air dining in front, with a tree in the center of the patio. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Café One Two Three
123 12th Ave. N, Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/255-2233
$20 to $50
Nashville
Southern

Enjoy Southern classics with a twist at this West Nashville restaurant. It was created in the style of a '20s speakeasy, with hardwood floors, brick walls, and an open fireplace. Decorations include prohibition-era artifacts and pictures. Try the chef's specialties such as fried grit cakes or Southern spinach salad. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch.

Cakewalk/Zola
3001 West End Ave., Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/320-7778
$20 to $40
Nashville
Mediterranean

From the romantic interior to the adventurous menu, this restaurant re-creates a Mediterranean journey. A 27-ft mural graces the main dining room, while gauzy fabric billows in the Tent Room. Chef Debra Paquette, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Ernie, combines flavors from around the Mediterranean to create specialties such as Damascus duck, pomegranate pork, and seafood Operetta, a tasty bouillabaisse. DC, MC, V.

Capitol Grille and Oak Bar
231 6th Ave. N, Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/345-7116
$20 to $40
Nashville
American

This charming restaurant in downtown's historic Westin Hermitage Hotel serves cuisine with a regional flair, including sautéed grouper accompanied by garlic whipped potatoes. Another top pick is the filet mignon with a Portobello mushroom demiglace (a rich brown sauce) and crispy potatoes. The Capitol Grille is consistently ranked as one of Nashville's top restaurants by local food reviewers; one described it as serving "opulent food." AE, DC, MC, V.

Elliston Place Soda Shop
2111 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Phone: 615/327-1090
$20 to $40
Nashville
American

This West End hangout is the oldest restaurant in Nashville (the building dates back to 1939). Classic diner decor - lots of neon, a soda fountain, lunch counter, and high-backed booths with individual jukeboxes - is the backdrop for the classic diner menu. The restaurant is known for burgers and fries, plus homemade milkshakes and other soda fountain favorites. MC, V. Breakfast also available. Closed Sun.

F. Scott's
2210 Crestmoor Rd., Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/269-5861
$20 to $40
Nashville
American

Contemporary American bistro cuisine is offered in this Green Hills spot, which has both the comfort of a neighborhood eatery and the sophistication of an upscale restaurant. The dining room is done in a warm version of Art Deco, with mocha as the dominant color. Popular dishes on the seasonal menu are oven-roasted veal tenderloin with a tomato, artichoke, potato, and bacon ragout and braised lamb shank with rosemary tomato broth; lobster with ginger butter, sugar snap peas, and sticky rice is a summer choice. The wine list is extensive. There's live jazz nightly in the bar. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Golden Dragon
94 White Bridge Rd., Nashville, TN 37205, USA
Phone: 615/356-4558
Under $40
Nashville
Chinese

Hunan, Szechuan, and Shanghai dishes are served in an Asian-themed dining room at this western Nashville spot. Try the sweet-hot seafood plate. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Green Hills Grille
2122 Hillsboro Dr., Nashville, TN 37215, USA
Phone: 615/383-6444
$20 to $40
Nashville
American

Cacti adorn this West Nashville space decorated in tans, red rock, and exposed brick. Large bay windows provide lots of natural light. Smoked chicken enchiladas and adobo barbecue chicken salad are the specialties. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Hog Heaven
115 27th Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Phone: 615/329-1234
Under $20
Nashville
Barbecue

This casual restaurant is known for barbecued pork, chicken, and ribs. The Davidson Drive location does take-out only. ; AE, MC, V. Closed Sun., Mon.

J. Alexander's
73 White Bridge Rd., Nashville, TN 37205, USA
Phone: 615/352-0981
$20 to $40
Nashville
American

This West Nashville restaurant is open and airy, with four distinct dining areas, including a solarium. Decor includes dark-wood paneling, exposed brick, and works by local artists. The menu includes hardwood-grilled beef, chicken, and pork, and fresh seafood. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

La Hacienda Taqueria
2615 Nolensville Rd., Nashville, TN 37311, USA
Phone: 615/256-6142
Under $40
Nashville
Mexican

La Hacienda serves authentic Mexican food in an unpretentious atmosphere in south Nashville. Locals come for the chicken enchiladas and California-style cheese-topped burritos. AE, D, MC, V.

Loveless
8400 Hwy. 100, Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/646-9700
Under $20
Nashville
Southern

This is an experience in true down-home Southern cooking. Don't come for the decor - decidedly lax, with red-and-white-check tablecloths - but rather for the featherlight homemade biscuits and preserves, country ham and red-eye gravy, and fried chicken. MC, V.

Mad Platter
1239 6th Ave. N, Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/242-2563
$20 to $40
Nashville
American

This local favorite in historic downtown Nashville blends traditional gourmet with California cuisine, using locally available ingredients from the nearby farmers' market. The baked salmon with red grapes and feta cheese, rack of lamb, and bananas Foster are favorites. It's a popular spot for power lunches by day, but jazz music transforms the cozy 18th-century brownstone into a romantic nook at night. Reservations essential for dinner. AE, D, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Mario's Ristorante Italiano
2005 Broadway, Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/327-3232
$40 to $50
Nashville
Italian

Owner Mario Ferrari and his restaurant are a Nashville institution, consistently drawing political figures and celebrities for northern Italian food in an elegant atmosphere. The seafood and veal - such as the saltimbocca, veal medallions with mozzarella, prosciutto, mushrooms, and fresh sage - are enormously palate-pleasing. Reservations essential. Jacket and tie. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.

The Merchants
401 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Phone: 615/254-1892
$20 to $50
Nashville
Contemporary

This restaurant is housed in the former Merchants Hotel, built in 1892. The first-floor dining room offers a casual bar/grill atmosphere and menu, while the second floor features formal dining in a room with hardwood floors, brick walls, and ceiling fans. Many of the old hotel's original elements have been incorporated into the decor, including fireplaces, wainscoting, and custom sconces. There is live piano music nightly. Chef's specialties include roasted pork tenderloin and grilled Lexington lamb chops. Dine on the open-air patio overlooking Broadway. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Mère Bulles
152 2nd Ave. N, Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/256-1946
$20 to $50
Nashville
Continental

This restaurant is known for elegant dinners and lavish Sunday brunch. Three intimate dining rooms overlook the Cumberland River. Specialties include Colorado rack of lamb with a rosemary and thyme sauce, macadamia nut-crusted mahimahi with tropical citrus, and filet mignon with veal jus. There is music nightly in the Cabaret lounge. AE, DC, MC, V.

NASCAR Cafe
305 Broadway, Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/313-7223
Under $20
Nashville
American

This is a theme chain restaurant with a standard menu, but many people (including kids) will appreciate this glimpse into the racing experience, which highlights the sounds, sights, and personalities of NASCAR. AE, DC, MC, V.

New Orleans Manor
1400 Murfreesboro Rd., Nashville, TN 37217, USA
Phone: 615/367-2777
Over $40
Nashville
Seafood

Old-fashioned gaslamps illuminate the driveway as you approach this restaurant in a classic house with white columns. Inside, buffets are displayed in the front hallway of the former home; dining areas occupy the smaller rooms off the main hall. Buffets include all-you-can-eat seafood, salad bar, and desserts. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch.

Old Spaghetti Factory
160 2nd Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37201, USA
Phone: 615/254-9010
Under $40
Nashville
American

Brick walls, hardwood floors, and booths made from converted antique beds create a comfortable, rustic ambience in this converted tobacco warehouse in downtown Nashville. There are stained-glass windows, antique light fixtures, and an authentic Nashville trolley car parked in the dining room, plus an extensive collection of photographs and prints of Historic Nashville. Guests pass through the doorway arch of the old Bank of London on their way from the vestibule into the main room. The mostly spaghetti menu is perfect for kids. Chicken parmigiana and spaghetti with meatballs are popular. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sun.

Pancake Pantry
1796 21st Ave. S, Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/383-9333
Under $20
Nashville
Southern

This Nashville institution is the place to go for breakfast. It's a favorite haunt of celebrities like Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson and also popular with local politicos. Breakfast is the specialty, with 20 kinds of pancakes and homemade syrups, but there are soups and sandwiches for lunch. Expect to wait in line for breakfast on the weekends. Reservations not accepted. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No dinner.

Prime Cut Steakhouse
170 2nd Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37201, USA
Phone: 615/242-3083
Over $50
Nashville
Steak

This popular steak house occupies a converted 1892 stone-walled warehouse. There are two dining areas, plus a separate bar/lounge. The spacious outdoor courtyard seats 60. Filet mignon and Porterhouse are popular cuts. The open-air dining patio seats 40 people, with views of the stadium. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Royal Thai
204 Commerce St., Nashville, TN 37201, USA
Phone: 615/255-0821
$20 to $40
Nashville
Thai

Top-notch Thai cooking in an elegant atmosphere is what you'll find at this downtown restaurant. Expect Thai favorites, such as the seafood red curry. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sun.

Sitar
116 21st Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Phone: 615/321-8889
Under $20
Nashville
Indian

The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere make this comfortable Indian eatery in downtown Nashville a standout. The dining room is decorated with traditional Indian artwork, and there's a very affordable hot buffet lunch with favorites like chicken tikka masala and sag paneer. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Sperry's
5109 Harding Rd., Nashville, TN 37205, USA
Phone: 615/353-0809
Over $20
Nashville
Seafood

A reconstructed English Tudor-style building in West Nashville is home to this elegant steak and seafood house. This is steeplechase country, and the framed paintings hanging among the lush draperies in the dining room show equestrian themes. A double fireplace separates the bar/lounge area from the columns, wood paneling, and wall hangings in the banquet room. Choose from no fewer than seven fresh fish entrées nightly, plus Alaskan king crab, lobster tail, steaks, and chops galore. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

The Stockyard
901 2nd Ave. N, Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/255-6464
Over $20
Nashville
Steak

Housed in an authentic former stockyard (that's an auction house for livestock), The Stockyard restaurant is something of a Nashville institution. An antique building situated in the heart of the historic district, the restaurant boasts three complete floors of authentic Old Nashville ambience - antique furniture and wallpaper plus top-drawer dining. There is live country music nightly at this celebrity favorite. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Sunset Grill
2001-A Belcourt Ave., Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/386-3663
$20 to $40
Nashville
American

Seafood, pastas, steaks, and vegetarian specials highlight the menu of this postmodern restaurant that displays the work of local artist Paul Harmon. A good entrée choice is Voodoo pasta with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp in a roasted pepper sauce served over jalapeño-flavored fettuccine. Seventy wines are served by the glass. A tip: food prices are slashed by 50% after 10 PM (midnight on weekends) until closing at 1:30 AM. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Swett's Restaurant
2725 Clifton Ave., Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/329-4418
Under $20
Nashville
Southern

A family-owned restaurant in business since 1954, Swett's offers some of the best meat-and-three meals in Nashville. Turnip greens, green beans, pork chops, fried chicken, and real mashed potatoes are all temptations. D, MC, V.

Towne House Tea Room and Restaurant
165 8th Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Phone: 615/254-1277
Under $40
Nashville
American

This luncheon spot is in a historic 24-room downtown mansion, built in the 1840s, and it retains much of the home's original decor, including fireplaces, oak floors, antiques, and paintings. Specialties include homemade baked goods, soups, and sandwiches. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Breakfast also available. Closed Sun. No dinner Mon.-Thurs. No lunch Sat.

Valentino's
1907 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Phone: 615/327-0148
$20 to $50
Nashville
Italian

Valentino's is set in an old West End house converted into an Old World-style restaurant. Secluded and intimate, the dimly lit brick interior has a romantic Tuscan quality, which is complemented by the open fireplace. The veal here is the best in town. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Wild Boar
2014 Broadway, Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615/329-1313
$40 to $50
Nashville
Continental

Superb contemporary French cuisine is presented in an elegant setting that resembles a European hunting lodge. On the menu are Maine lobster, Canadian elk filet mignon, and seared guinea hen. The 15,000-bottle wine cellar gives the Wild Boar one of the top wine lists in the world, and 25 wines are available by the glass. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.-Mon. No lunch Sat.