Healthy Dining in Nashville: Top Restaurants and Must-Try Healthy Menu Options

Courtney Elizabeth
Apr 17
3 min read

Nashville is famous for its vibrant music scene and Southern comfort food, but the city also offers plenty of options for those seeking healthy dining. Whether you live in the Nashville metro area or are visiting, finding restaurants that serve fresh, nutritious meals can sometimes be a challenge. This guide highlights some of the best healthy restaurants in Nashville and suggests specific menu items that combine great taste with wholesome ingredients. From farm-to-table eateries to popular local spots with healthy twists, you’ll discover where to eat well without sacrificing flavor.

Eye-level view of a colorful bowl of fresh salad with grilled chicken and vegetables at a Nashville restaurant — Fresh and vibrant healthy salad bowl with grilled chicken and vegetables in Nashville

Farm-to-Table Restaurants with Healthy Options

Nashville’s farm-to-table movement emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients that support both health and sustainability. These restaurants focus on seasonal produce and lean proteins, making them ideal for health-conscious diners.

The Wild Cow

The Wild Cow is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant that offers creative dishes packed with nutrients. Their menu features organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

What to order: The Wild Bowl combines quinoa, black beans, kale, sweet potatoes, and avocado with a tangy tahini dressing. It’s filling and rich in fiber and healthy fats.
Why it’s healthy: This dish is plant-based, gluten-free, and high in antioxidants.

Urban Grub

Urban Grub serves Southern-inspired dishes with a healthy twist. They use fresh seafood, lean meats, and seasonal vegetables.

What to order: The Grilled Salmon Salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette is a great choice. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in calories.
Why it’s healthy: Salmon provides heart-healthy fats, and the salad offers plenty of vitamins and minerals.

Popular Local Restaurants Offering Healthy Choices

Even popular Nashville restaurants known for indulgent dishes often have healthy options on their menus. Here are some favorites where you can enjoy a balanced meal.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Healthier Options)

While Hattie B’s is famous for its spicy fried chicken, they also offer grilled chicken options for those looking to cut back on fried foods.

What to order: Choose the Grilled Chicken Breast with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad instead of fries.
Why it’s healthy: Grilled chicken is a lean protein, and the vegetables add fiber and essential nutrients.

The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden

The Pharmacy is known for its burgers and homemade sodas, but they also provide healthier alternatives.

What to order: The Turkey Burger served on a whole wheat bun with lettuce, tomato, and avocado is a lighter option. You can swap fries for a side salad.
Why it’s healthy: Turkey is lower in fat than beef, and avocado adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Cafes and Juice Bars for Light and Nutritious Meals

For quick, healthy bites or refreshing drinks, Nashville has several cafes and juice bars that focus on natural ingredients.

The Wild Cow Juice Bar

In addition to their restaurant, The Wild Cow offers a juice bar with fresh-pressed juices and smoothies.

What to order: The Green Machine smoothie with spinach, kale, apple, banana, and almond milk is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Why it’s healthy: This smoothie is low in sugar and high in fiber and phytonutrients.

Frothy Monkey

Frothy Monkey is a local coffee shop that also serves healthy breakfast and lunch options.

What to order: The Avocado Toast on whole grain bread topped with cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of hemp seeds is a nutritious start to the day.
Why it’s healthy: Whole grains provide sustained energy, and hemp seeds add protein and omega-3s.

Ethnic Restaurants with Healthy Menu Items

Nashville’s diverse food scene includes ethnic restaurants that offer naturally healthy dishes rich in flavor.

Mas Tacos Por Favor

This popular taco spot offers fresh, simple ingredients with many vegetarian and grilled meat options.

What to order: The Grilled Fish Tacos with cabbage slaw and salsa verde are light and flavorful.
Why it’s healthy: Grilled fish is a lean protein, and the slaw adds crunch and fiber without excess calories.

The Thai Esane

Thai cuisine often features fresh herbs, vegetables, and lean proteins.

What to order: The Larb Gai (spicy ground chicken salad) served with lettuce wraps is a low-carb, protein-rich dish.
Why it’s healthy: It’s packed with protein and fresh herbs, with minimal added sugars or unhealthy fats.