Nashville, Tennessee, is renowned for its rich musical heritage, vibrant nightlife, and, of course, its indulgent Southern cuisine—think hot chicken, barbecue, and biscuits. However, the city has quietly cultivated a thriving plant-based dining scene that rivals its meat-heavy counterparts. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, a curious vegetarian, or simply someone looking to enjoy a delicious meatless meal, Nashville offers an impressive array of vegetable-focused restaurants. From innovative plant-based twists on Southern classics to globally inspired dishes bursting with flavor, these eateries prove that Music City has plenty to offer beyond the carnivorous staples.
In this article, we present a ranked list of the top 10 vegetable restaurants in Nashville, TN. These rankings are based on a combination of food quality, creativity, ambiance, and overall reputation among locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re craving a hearty vegan burger, a bowl of spicy curry, or a refreshing vegetable-forward salad, this list has you covered. Let’s dive into the best spots in Nashville for plant-based dining.
10. Grins Vegetarian Café
Location: Vanderbilt University Campus, 2421 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37212
Why It’s Great: Nestled on the Vanderbilt University campus, Grins Vegetarian Café holds the distinction of being Nashville’s oldest vegetarian restaurant. Certified 100% kosher, this cozy spot offers a welcoming atmosphere for students and the public alike.
Must-Try Dishes: The black bean burger, daily soup specials, and flaky quiches are standout options. Pair them with a fresh salad or a warm pastry for a satisfying meal.
Vibe: Casual and laid-back, Grins feels like a hidden gem with its unpretentious charm. It’s perfect for a quick bite between classes or a relaxed lunch with friends.
Why It Ranks #10: While Grins excels in consistency and affordability, its campus location and limited hours (it follows Vanderbilt’s academic schedule) make it less accessible to the broader Nashville community. Still, its legacy and delicious offerings secure its spot on this list.
9. Jamaicaway Restaurant & Catering
Location: Nashville Farmers Market, 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
Why It’s Great: Tucked inside the bustling Nashville Farmers Market, Jamaicaway brings bold Caribbean flavors to the table with an impressive selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Run by Ouida and David Bradshaw, this family-owned spot has earned a loyal following for its hearty, flavorful meals.
Must-Try Dishes: The curry tofu, spicy jerk seitan, and barbecue soy are fan favorites. Don’t skip the sides like plantains or rice and peas for a complete Caribbean experience.
Vibe: Vibrant and colorful, Jamaicaway reflects the energy of the Farmers Market. It’s a casual, grab-and-go setup with limited seating, so come prepared to enjoy your meal on the move or at a nearby table.
Why It Ranks #9: Jamaicaway’s creative plant-based takes on Caribbean cuisine are a delight, but its market stall setting limits the dine-in experience. It’s a fantastic option for a quick, tasty meal, though it lacks the full restaurant ambiance of higher-ranked spots.
8. Copper Branch Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant
Location: 601 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219
Why It’s Great: Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Copper Branch is a rare Southeastern outpost of a Canadian plant-based chain. It’s a haven for vegans and vegetarians seeking variety, with a menu spanning breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Must-Try Dishes: The Aristotle power bowl (packed with quinoa, roasted veggies, and tahini dressing) and the spicy black bean burger are highlights. Finish with a vegan muffin for a sweet treat.
Vibe: Sleek and modern, Copper Branch offers a bright patio and a welcoming interior, often accompanied by live music. It’s a great spot for a casual meal amidst the downtown hustle.
Why It Ranks #8: Copper Branch impresses with its diverse menu and convenient location, but as a chain, it lacks the local flair of Nashville’s homegrown eateries. Still, its accessibility and quality make it a strong contender.
7. True Food Kitchen
Location: 3996 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215
Why It’s Great: Situated in Green Hills, True Food Kitchen combines nutritional science with delicious, vegetable-forward cuisine. Backed by Oprah and rooted in sustainability, this chain restaurant offers a polished yet approachable dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes: The Korean noodle bowl (with sweet potato glass noodles and veggies) and the spaghetti squash casserole (featuring caramelized onions and mozzarella) showcase the menu’s creativity. Seasonal cocktails add a fun twist.
Vibe: Relaxed and upscale, True Food Kitchen boasts a clean, modern design that’s perfect for a leisurely lunch or a health-conscious dinner with friends.
Why It Ranks #7: While its health-focused approach and flavorful dishes earn high marks, True Food Kitchen’s chain status and slightly higher price point keep it from cracking the top tier. It’s a reliable choice for vegetable lovers nonetheless.
6. Sunflower Café
Location: 2834 Azalea Pl, Nashville, TN 37204
Why It’s Great: Housed in a charming yellow cottage in Berry Hill, Sunflower Café is a beloved destination for vegan and vegetarian comfort food. Its sister location, Sunflower Bakehouse in Donelson, complements it with gluten-free baked goods.
Must-Try Dishes: The veggie burger banh mi (with Asian slaw and sriracha aioli) and vegetarian barbecue plate are must-tries. Add a side of kombucha or a vegan cupcake for good measure.
Vibe: Warm and inviting, Sunflower Café feels like a home away from home. Its cozy interior and friendly staff make it a neighborhood favorite.
Why It Ranks #6: Sunflower Café’s creative spins on comfort food and its quaint setting are standout features, but its smaller menu and off-the-beaten-path location place it just outside the top five. It’s a gem worth seeking out.
5. Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Cuisine
Location: 3415 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Why It’s Great: A longtime staple in Nashville’s vegetarian scene, Woodlands specializes in authentic South Indian cuisine. Tucked beneath the Continental condo building, it’s a go-to for flavorful, meat-free dishes.
Must-Try Dishes: The aloo gobi (spiced potatoes and cauliflower) and vegetable korma are rich and satisfying. The weekday lunch buffet is a fantastic way to sample a variety of offerings.
Vibe: Casual and unassuming, Woodlands offers a no-frills dining experience focused on the food. It’s ideal for a relaxed meal with friends or family.
Why It Ranks #5: Woodlands earns its spot with its consistently delicious Indian fare and loyal fanbase. Its straightforward approach and slightly dated ambiance keep it from climbing higher, but it’s a standout for veggie lovers.
4. The Southern V
Location: 1201 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
Why It’s Great: What happens when you combine vegan ingredients with Southern soul food? You get The Southern V, a North Nashville gem that reimagines classics like hot chicken and mac and cheese in plant-based form.
Must-Try Dishes: The vegan Nashville hot chicken and BBQ jackfruit nachos are bold and flavorful. The chick’n strips are a crowd-pleaser, too.
Vibe: Laid-back and welcoming, The Southern V exudes Southern hospitality with a modern twist. It’s a cozy spot near Germantown that feels like a hidden treasure.
Why It Ranks #4: The Southern V’s innovative take on Southern cuisine and its commitment to 100% plant-based dining make it a standout. It misses the top three due to its smaller space and less extensive menu, but it’s a must-visit for comfort food fans.
3. Avo
Location: 3001 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
Why It’s Great: Avo, located in the OneC1ty complex, was Nashville’s first fully vegan restaurant when it opened in 2015. Known for its avocado margaritas and naturally gluten-free menu, it’s a pioneer in the city’s plant-based scene.
Must-Try Dishes: The pistachio-walnut-pesto primavera and kimchi spring rolls are bursting with flavor. Save room for the CBD fudge brownies.
Vibe: Light-filled and airy, Avo’s larger, sunnier location offers a chic yet relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner with a craft cocktail in hand.
Why It Ranks #3: Avo’s inventive dishes and standout drinks earn it a high ranking, but its slightly higher prices and less central location keep it from the top two. It’s a trailblazer that continues to impress.
2. The Wild Cow
Location: 1100 Fatherland St, Suite 104, Nashville, TN 37206
Why It’s Great: A cornerstone of East Nashville’s dining scene, The Wild Cow serves up vegan and vegetarian fare with a focus on local, organic produce. Its creative menu and community vibe make it a perennial favorite.
Must-Try Dishes: The buffalo tempeh strips, sweet potato and black bean tacos, and vegan queso nachos are irresistible. The daily specials are always worth a try, too.
Vibe: Eclectic and artsy, The Wild Cow embodies East Nashville’s bohemian spirit. It’s a casual spot where you can linger over a meal with friends.
Why It Ranks #2: The Wild Cow’s commitment to quality, flavor, and sustainability is unmatched, and its loyal following speaks volumes. It falls just short of #1 due to its slightly limited seating and competition from our top pick’s ambiance.
1. Graze Nashville
Location: 1888 Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Why It’s Great: Topping our list is Graze Nashville, a small but mighty vegan bistro in East Nashville. Taking over the former Silly Goose space, Graze offers an expansive menu of small plates, sandwiches, and inventive salads, plus a killer weekend brunch.
Must-Try Dishes: The brunch tostadas, seitan sandwiches, and market veggie salad (with buffalo tempeh and honey mustard dressing) are exceptional. Pair them with a fresh cocktail for the full experience.
Vibe: Intimate yet lively, Graze strikes a perfect balance between cozy and buzzing. Its compact quarters are packed with personality, making it a standout in Nashville’s plant-based scene.
Why It Ranks #1: Graze earns the top spot with its bold flavors, creative dishes, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a testament to how far Nashville’s vegetable dining has come, offering a memorable experience that appeals to vegans and omnivores alike.
Honorable Mentions
- Riddim N’ Spice: A Caribbean-inspired spot run by the Bradshaw family (of Jamaicaway fame), offering delicious veggie options like curry chickpeas.
- E+Rose Wellness Café: A fast-casual vegan chain with multiple locations, perfect for quick, healthy bites like power bowls and smoothies.
- 615chutney: An Indian eatery with a robust vegetarian menu, known for its dosas and chutneys.
Final Thoughts
Nashville’s vegetable restaurant scene is a testament to the city’s evolving culinary landscape. From the Southern-inspired vegan delights at The Southern V to the globally influenced plates at Avo and Graze, these top 10 spots showcase the diversity and creativity of plant-based dining in Music City. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these restaurants offer something for everyone—proving that you don’t need meat to enjoy a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and unforgettable.
So, next time you’re in Nashville, skip the hot chicken (just once!) and explore these vegetable-forward eateries. You might just find your new favorite dish—and a fresh perspective on what this vibrant city has to offer. Which one will you try first?
