The 10 best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Nashville

The clean, modern dining room of Epice beckons with many menu options waiting for you. Credit: Epice
A salad with cucumbers, cabbage, tomatoes, and dressing assembled on a clean, white plate at Epice, one of the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Nashville.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident of the Music City or just visiting, Nashville has plenty of spots that serve up top-notch vegetarian fare. These best vegetarian restaurants in Nashville include everything from a celebrity chef’s Indian-meets-Southern destination in The Gulch to a cozy Italian spot in Germantown.

Book a table at one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Nashville on OpenTable today.

Keep reading to discover 10 of the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Nashville.

For comforting Tex-Mex at one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Nashville – visit Mesero in Nashville (Belmont/Hillsboro)

A close-up of a cup of queso and a cup of guacamole sitting on a serving dish from Mesero - 12South, Nashville, one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Nashville, on OpenTable.
Creamy queso and fresh guacamole are just a few vegetarian options you can expect at Mesero. Credit: Mesero

Don’t leave Mesero without ordering the namesake queso—it’s the iconic dish at this Tex-Mex restaurant in the heart of 12 South, but certainly not the only vegetarian option. Pair your crispy mango Brussels sprouts with The Original, a Tex-Mex spin on the margarita, and you’ll see why this is one of the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Nashville.


For vegetable-forward dishes at a charming neighborhood oyster bar – stop by Henrietta Red (Germantown)

Risotto dish with walnuts, root vegetables, and spring greens medley from Henrietta Red in Nashville, one of the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants on OpenTable.
The risotto at Germantown favorite Henrietta Red stars locally sourced vegetables. Credit: Henrietta Red

Henrietta Red has racked up accolades from Bon Appétit, GQ, and more since opening in 2017. While the menu is seafood-centric, there are plenty of vegetarian options starring produce from local purveyors—think mushroom “steak,” creamy risotto with Carolina gold rice, and roasted squash. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from the pitch-perfect list or one of the excellent cocktails, including zero proof options.


For scratch-made pita, shakshuka, and bloody Marys galore – head into Epice (Waverly/Melrose /Breeze Hill)

An open-concept dining room with stone walls, wooden chairs, granite tables, and a bar is located at Epice, one of the best OpenTable vegetarian restaurants in Nashville.
Expect vibrant salads and other vegetable-forward dishes at Epice. Credit: Epice

Family-owned Epice is where you go for some of the best Mediterranean food in Nashville. Settle in for a feast starring vegetarian-friendly Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, crispy cauliflower, grape leaves, and falafel. Attentive service and a lively atmosphere make this a great option for groups or special occasions.


For top-notch Indian fare from an acclaimed chef – head to Chauhan Ale & Masala House (The Gulch & North Gulch)

Gol guppa semolina puffs, black garbanzo, and potato on a plate surrounding mint cilantro water, a specialty of Chauhan Ale & Masala House, one of the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Nashville.
Kick off meals at Chauhan Ale & Masala House with the restaurant’s signature gol guppa shots (semolina puffs). Credit: Chauhan Ale & Masala House

Food Network star and acclaimed chef Maneet Chauhan leads the kitchen at Chauhan Ale & Masala House, where you can find traditional Indian food with a Southern twist—including many vegetarian-friendly options. Expect dishes like paneer kabobs, kale pakora, and more, all in a vibrant atmosphere that makes the restaurant one of the best Nashville Indian restaurants.


For a love letter to Italy in the heart of downtown – check out Yolan (Downtown/Sobro)

Pasta dish on a white plate with red sauce, grated cheese, and cilantro from Yolan, one of the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Nashville at OpenTable.
Enjoy exquisite housemade pastas at stylish Yolan. Credit: Yolan

Food & Wine Magazine readers rank this swanky spot inside The Joseph hotel as one of the best restaurants in the country, and it’s easy to see why. Expect plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes at the upscale Italian spot, including elegant housemade pastas and sides like polenta with butternut squash. Don’t miss wines from the award-winning list and stellar desserts from pastry chef and 2023 James Beard semifinalist Noelle Marchetti.


For small, shareable plates with big Brooklyn Italian flavors – head to Pelato (Germantown)

A dining room with brown, square tables, black chairs, and industrial ceilings in Pelato, an OpenTable vegetarian restaurant in Nashville.
Pelato’s cozy dining room is the ideal setting for sharing Italian dishes. Credit: Pelato

Come to cozy Pelato in Germantown for standout traditional Italian dishes—many of them vegetarian. Settle into the rustic-chic space with exposed brick walls to dig into shareable small plates like potato croquettes and stuffed mushrooms along with hearty pastas like bucatini cacio e pepe. Don’t miss the San Genaro zeppoles (think Italian fritters topped with powdered sugar).


For scratch-made Mediterranean dishes – visit Santo (Green Hills)

A black plate featuring hummus with olive oil drizzled on top, carrots, radishes, peppers, and another dish in the background holding pita bread from Santo, one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Nashville, at OpenTable.
Dive into a hummus plate with freshly-sourced root vegetables and pita at Santo. Credit: Santo

Mediterranean food is known for its vegetable-forward dishes, and Santo in Green Hills is no exception. Expect a rotating menu of flavorful flatbreads, classic pita and hummus, and chickpea fries paired creative house cocktails—including non-alcoholic options. The inviting space only adds to the charming ambiance at one of the best vegan restaurants in Nashville.


For Middle Eastern dishes at one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Nashville – discover Lyra (East Nashville)

Step into Lyra, and the first thing you will notice is the wood-burning oven, which churns out freshly baked pita made for dipping in creamy hummus as well as other vegetarian-friendly Middle Eastern favorites like roasted cauliflower and grilled brocolini. Don’t miss the excellent selection of Middle Eastern and Eastern European wines.


For a plant-based selection that’s sure to have any vegetarian booking a return trip – stop by Blue Sushi Sake Grill (Downtown/Sobro)

At Blue Sushi Sake Grill, the decor features bold pops of color, sleek lines, and artistic lighting, creating an energetic and dynamic atmosphere for a feast of Japanese dishes like vegan sushi, hearty salads, and shared plates—think charred edamame, shishito peppers, and crispy Brussels sprouts. Contemporary seating and an open, airy layout complement its urban vibe, while subtle Japanese-inspired accents tie the space to its culinary theme.

From vegan sushi to hearty Italian fare and knockout Indian-meets-Southern dishes from a celebrity chef, it’s easy to find a vegetarian restaurant in Nashville.

Book a table at one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Nashville on OpenTable today.

For more guides on date nights, hidden gems, and vegan- or vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Nashville, check out our other blog posts on OpenTable:

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