Support Us Button Widget

Nashville named most underrated food city in Resy report

From Music City to Restaurant City, the reservation platform released its 2024 Resy Retrospective report, and Nashville was one of just six cities that received a special callout.

A close up of a plate of oysters in a bowl of ice with lemon slices in the middle of the bowl.

Oysters at White Limozeen — that’s double the good vibes. Just read the report below. | Photo by MJ Geeney via White Limozeen

Foodies named Nashville the nation’s most underrated food city of 2024, followed by San Diego and Houston, in Resy’s end-of-year survey. The restaurant reservation platform’s report analyzed top dining trends for the year, as well as what to expect in 2025.

The people have spoken — 67% say they’re likely to travel to a new US city to check out the dining scene. From food-focused festivals and national list accolades to James Beard Award-nominated chefs tapping the city for expansion, perhaps we can convince the other 33% to make their way to Music City.

Fun fact: Three of the city’s “most in-demand” restaurants this year based on Resy data from Jan. 1 to Oct. 1 were White Limozeen, Rolf and Daughters, and Chief’s on Broadway.

Now, it’s time to look ahead

The Resy editorial team shared some of the trends they’re most excited to see going into 2025, so here’s a taste of that data to inform your next reservation:

  • Seafood (think: raw bars) | From happy hour oysters to a raw bar brunch, Marsh House is a must. Plus, don’t forget to keep an eye on the East Bank.
  • Nostalgia dining | We’ll let the atmosphere at Springwater Supper Club & Lounge, Bobbie’s Dairy Dip, Elliston Place Soda Shop, and Arnold’s Country Kitchen do all the talking on this one.
  • Omakase, still rolling | For a speakeasy-style experience, book a spot at Sushi|Bar Nashville and enjoy a 17-course culinary journey. Next, we’ll raise you Kase x Noko. The 14-seat eatery is the sister restaurant to award-winning Noko.
  • The return of the pub burger, or any burger really | Heavy on the “any burger really,” our readers chose Bad Luck Burger Club’s mouthwatering smash burgers as the champion of our 2023 NASHtoday Burger Bracket competition.
  • N/A = Now Awesome | Sober-friendly fun isn’t just reserved for Dry January. Browse this list of restaurants with alcohol-free options, pick up a bottle sans alcohol at Killjoy, or sit down for a sip at Germantown’s newest non-alcoholic bar The Mockery.
More from NASHtoday
The 2025 Super Bowl is on Sunday, Feb. 9 featuring the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Philadelphia Eagles. From players to commercials, there are a few Nashville connections to know.
Here’s what ChatGPT came up with for a good-natured roast of Music City. Spoiler alert: It didn’t hold back.
Sylvan Park Boarding House is set to open in early 2026 inside a renovated home built in 1910 within the Park-Elkins Historic District.
The Tiger Woods-backed golf and entertainment venue was first announced in spring 2023, and a new construction timeline predicts an early 2026 opening.
Make your voice heard, nominate your favorite local biz and they could win NASHtoday’s Best Competition.
Celebrate the Academy Awards by catching nominated films at the Belcourt Theatre.
The annual coffee crawl is back with even more limited-time drinks to keep you caffeinated until Valentine’s Day.
Former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and his wife, Crissy, are leading a group to bring a WNBA team to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena by 2028.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Nashville Premium Outlets will be located in Thompson’s Station, a 30-minute drive south of downtown Nashville.