Tennessee Food Travel: Culinary Stops Worth the Drive

Tennessee's culinary scene is turning up the heat this summer, making a road trip through Franklin, Nashville and Memphis more delicious than ever. From fiery hot chicken and legendary barbecue to refined Southern dining, the state continues to blend classic flavors with fresh culinary creativity. Along the way, I explored Michelin-recognized restaurants, iconic Southern institutions, new culinary openings and whiskey-inspired dining experiences that transformed this Tennessee food trip into one unforgettable Southern feast.

Highlights

• Explore what's new in Tennessee's culinary scene this summer, including the Cork to Fork Culinary Trail, new restaurants and emerging distillery experiences
• Discover the best Tennessee food travel stops across Franklin, Nashville and Memphis, from classic barbecue joints to upscale chef-driven restaurants
• Get firsthand recommendations and travel tips from my personal Tennessee foodie road trip, including favorite dishes, hidden gems and memorable experiences

Editor’s note: The writer was hosted.

What's New in Tennessee's Culinary Scene This Summer

I expected great barbecue and hot chicken. I didn't expect Tennessee's food scene to feel this ambitious. Across the state, chefs, distillers and restaurateurs are blending Southern traditions with bold new flavors, creating experiences that feel both rooted and refreshingly modern. The newly launched Cork to Fork Culinary Trail is turning Tennessee into a statewide tasting adventure, pairing whiskey distilleries with inventive restaurant dishes crafted to complement local spirits. Meanwhile, new restaurants are opening their doors from Nashville to Hampshire, offering everything from elevated Southern cuisine to community-focused comfort food. Add in a brand-new distillery in Clarksville, and Tennessee's food scene is serving up plenty of reasons for travelers to arrive hungry.

Tennessee's Hottest New Culinary Openings and Experiences

• Cork to Fork Culinary Trail (Statewide)
  
  Recently launched by the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, this new culinary experience pairs distilleries with local restaurants to create whiskey-inspired dishes and curated tasting experiences like maple bread pudding and smoked old-fashioned bone-in pork loin. I can’t wait to follow this portion of the trail.
• New Distillery: Leatherwood Distillery
  
  This new Clarksville distillery adds another stop for whiskey lovers exploring Tennessee's growing spirits scene.

New Restaurant Openings

• Bar Mar: Nashville
  
  A stylish new dining experience in the W Nashville. Festive cocktails, bold flavors and a bright space that blends coastal influence with Nashville's unmistakable energy.
• Butterfly: Nashville
  
  Another exciting addition at the W Nashville, Butterfly is inspired by the journey of the monarch butterfly, carrying stories and traditions across borders. From its rooftop setting, Butterfly brings vibrant flavors, upscale ambiance and sweeping views of the city skyline.
• Valley Kitchen Restaurant: Hampshire
  
  Elevated Southern cuisine with a refined countryside feel.
• The Family Diner: Waynesboro
  
  Casual comfort food paired with community events and hometown charm.

Tennessee Foodie Road Trip

We began our culinary journey in Franklin, then headed to Nashville and concluded in Memphis, making our way through Tennessee's impressive food scene featuring Michelin-recognized restaurants and unforgettable Southern flavors.

Chelsea Trott, Communications Manager for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, commented, "Tennessee's culinary scene is rooted in tradition and elevated by innovation, featuring everything from hot chicken, barbecue and Appalachian fare to chef-driven cuisine inspired by global flavors.

Across the state, our restaurants and award-winning chefs tell the story of Tennessee's people and places, a story now recognized on the national stage with 36 restaurants featured in the MICHELIN Guide to the American South."

Whether you're a couple looking for a romantic dinner or traveling solo chasing your next bite-worthy adventure, join me as I uncover the dishes and undiscovered spots that make Tennessee's table one of the most delicious in the South.

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Franklin, Tennessee: A Hallmark Movie Come to Life

Walking Franklin's Main Street in December feels cinematic. The air smelled faintly of cinnamon and wood smoke as dogs in holiday bandanas greeted shoppers outside boutiques. With Victorian architecture covered in greenery, locals who still stop to chat and stores welcoming dogs, it is a town where history feels lived-in, not staged.

Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant

You can't talk about Franklin without starting at Puckett's. What began in the 1950s as a small country market developed into a cultural institution. I first ate there a few years ago, and I fell in love with the comfort food, atmosphere and live music.

• The Food: Classic Southern, comfort cooking
• The Vibe: Lively, nostalgic, music-filled
• Best For: First-time visitors, music lovers
• Food and Drink Favorites: Slow-smoked BBQ, catfish, baked beans and sweet tea
• Facts: Breakfast through dinner; casual pricing

SheBuysTravel Tip:Check the live music schedule and plan your meal around it.

Pérénn Bakery & Bistro

Pérénn is a top pick for breakfast or lunch. We enjoyed lunch overlooking the river, feeling like we were in a hidden European café in Tennessee. In a restored boathouse, they offer artisan sourdough and refined brunch plates with Southern touches. A buttery croissant is its own therapy.

• The Food: Artisan sourdough, tartines, salads, etc.
• The Vibe: Serene, elegant, quietly luxurious
• Best For: Couples, solo travelers, brunch lovers
• Food Favorites: Croissants and salads.
• Facts: Morning to early afternoon hours

SheBuysTravel Tip:Arrive early before the bread sells out.

Biscuit Love

Eating scratch-made biscuits in a former flour mill felt authentic. Biscuit Love mixes sentimentality alongside creativity. The Bonuts, fried biscuit dough with lemon mascarpone, are unforgettable. I fully intended to share them. That plan lasted exactly one bite.

• The Food: Southern biscuits with contemporary variations
• The Vibe: Bright, upbeat, welcoming
• Best For: Families, brunch seekers
• Food Favorites: Bonuts, Princess with hot chicken or the B-Roll with sticky pecans
• Facts: Daytime hours; counter service

SheBuysTravel Tip:Split the Bonuts so you can sample more.

1799 Kitchen & Bar Room

1799 Kitchen & Bar Room celebrates Tennessee's whiskey heritage with mindful design touches, including white-oak staves that convey the interior of a barrel. The smell of steaks cooking draws you in, and the seasonal, approachable dishes make it easy to linger.

• The Food: Seasonal Southern with whiskey influences
• The Vibe: Warm, refined, relaxed
• Best For: Date night, relaxed evenings
• Food and Drink Favorites: Steak, wonderful sides for sharing and whiskey cocktails – I recommend the Brussel Sprouts
• Facts: Dinner service; mid-range pricing

SheBuysTravel Tip:Ask about Tennessee whiskey pairings.

Southall Farm & Inn Restaurant

Just outside town, Southall Farm & Inn offers a scrumptious meal in a luxurious venue. We had lunch at the Michelin Guide-recommended January Restaurant, which showcases a refined rustic style. They normally serve only dinner, with the SoJourner offering all-day service.

The setting was peaceful and intentional, with attentive service and flavors reflecting the land.

• The Food: Farm-driven, ingredient-forward cuisine
• The Vibe: Luxurious, tranquil, nature-focused
• Best For: Food-forward travelers, special lunches
• Food Favorites: Seasonal vegetables, delicious breads and spreads – the lettuce wraps were amazing
• Facts: Reservations recommended

SheBuysTravel Tip:Pair lunch with the Trust Me, Honey tasting experience.

Where to Stay

The Harpeth Hotel anchors downtown Franklin. Elegant yet unstuffy, it feels connected to the town rather than apart from it.

Don't Miss

Between meals, explore The Factory at Franklin, a former stove plant turned artisan and dining hub. The Grand Hall and Skylight Bar are stunning. Don't forget to ride the Carousel for a bit of nostalgia.

Southall Farm & Inn offers the "Trust Me, Honey" blindfolded tasting experience. It is a pure encounter of sensory awareness. Without sight, flavors deepen. It's equal parts meditation and pleasure.

Nashville, Tennessee: Neon Lights and Michelin Moments

Leaving Franklin's homey atmosphere behind, Nashville vibrates with energy. Music City is loud, proud and increasingly refined. Beneath the honky-tonk exterior lies one of the South’s most exciting culinary scenes.

D'Andrews Bakery & Café

My December mornings in Nashville started here. D'Andrews blends pastry precision with neighborhood warmth, making it an easy stop.

• The Food: French pastries and café classics
• The Vibe: Stylish, friendly, unpretentious
• Best For: Early risers, pastry lovers
• Food Favorites: Pecan Cinnamon Bunz and their S'more Croissant
• Facts: Morning and lunch hours

SheBuysTravel Tip:Take pastries to go for later snacking.

The Butter Milk Ranch

The Butter Milk Ranch is a small-batch bakery in Nashville's 12th South District. When I visited in December, the crowds were lively but relaxed, fueled by biscuits and Southern hospitality. The neighborhood is walkable, lined with boutiques and vintage shops, making it easy to wander between bites.

• The Food: Elevated Southern brunch
• The Vibe: Cheerful, community-driven
• Best For: Pastry enthusiasts, friend groups
• Food and Drink Favorites: Biscuits, Snickerdoodle Latte
• Facts: Brunch-focused; popular every day of the week and especially on weekends

SheBuysTravel Tip:Arrive early or be ready to wait.

Arnold's Country Kitchen

Lunch at Arnold's Country Kitchen is a Nashville rite of passage. Eating there felt like participating in a Nashville tradition. Recently recognized by the Michelin Guide as an American South Recommended Restaurant, it remains proudly unpretentious. Walking the tray line, choosing your sides and sitting elbow-to-elbow with locals is part of the experience.

• The Food: Traditional Southern cafeteria fare
• The Vibe: No-frills, authentic
• Best For: Cultural explorers, lunch diners
• Food and Drink Favorites: Meatloaf, Catfish, greens, cornbread
• Facts: Lunch only: Michelin Guide Recommended

SheBuysTravel Tip:Follow the locals' lead when choosing desserts.

Rolf and Daughters

Dinner at Rolf and Daughters in Germantown offers industrial-chic ambiance, exceptional handmade pastas and a uniquely social dining experience. In December, communal tables buzzed with shared plates and lighthearted dialogue.

• The Food: Handmade pastas and seasonal plates
• The Vibe: Industrial-chic, convivial
• Best For: Food-savvy couples, friends
• Food and Drink Favorites: Pasta, Heritage Pork, yummy desserts and The Persistence of Pear cocktail.
• Facts: Dinner service; reservations recommended: Michelin Guide Recommended

SheBuysTravel Tip:Embrace sharing – It's part of the experience.

Bacco at Four Seasons

I previewed Bacco, the upcoming restaurant at Four Seasons Nashville. Dining in the Presidential Suite, overlooking city lights, provided a sneak peek into Nashville's growing luxury dining scene.

• The Food: Italian-inspired fine dining
• The Vibe: Sleek, modern, elevated
• Best For: Special occasions, luxury travelers
• Food and Drink Favorites: House-made pastas, craft cocktails
• Facts: Now open, upscale pricing

SheBuysTravel Tip:Keep this one on your radar for milestone meals.

Where to Stay

The Four Seasons Hotel Nashville shows how far the city's hospitality has come. Polished, modern and riverfront, it fits the city's energy. If visiting in the summer, head to the seventh-floor terrace with an infinity pool for the most gorgeous views.

Don't Miss

Music is required here. Touring the Country Music Hall of Fame gives context, while a visit to RCA Studio B puts you in the room where Elvis recorded over 200 songs.

For something sweeter, Goo Goo Chocolate Co.offers hands-on candy-making classes. Creating your own Goo Goo Cluster, America's first combination candy bar, is messy, fun and surprisingly educational. Melted chocolate ended up everywhere, including my sleeve, but nobody in our group seemed to care once we started tasting our creations. The group loved this experience and enjoying our chocolate creation was the sweetest part.

Memphis, Tennessee: Soul, Elvis and Storytelling

If Nashville is the showman, Memphis is the poet. This river city carries its history openly, in music, in food and in the tales it tells.

Hive Bagel & Deli

Hive Bagel & Deli is a great way to start your day in Memphis. Even in December, the energy felt bright, intentional and community-rooted. Their seed-to-plate philosophy uses local honey in the boiling water. The bagels balance crust and chew perfectly. I delighted in my Elvis Bagel, mixing sweet and savory in one scrumptious sandwich.

• The Food: Hand-rolled bagels, local ingredients
• The Vibe: Thoughtful, community-minded
• Best For: Breakfast lovers, sustainability-minded travelers
• Food Favorites: Elvis Bagel with bananas, peanut butter, bacon and honey
• Facts: Morning hours; limited quantities

SheBuysTravel Tip:Arrive early to avoid sell-outs.

Felicia Suzanne's

By the time dessert arrived at Felicia Suzanne's, our table had gone completely silent except for the occasional, ‘You have to try this.' They showcase refined Southern cooking with deep respect for tradition. Recently recognized by the Michelin Guide, the thoughtful menu reflects the chef's legendary status in the city.

A diner had this to say about Felicia Suzanne's, “This is the best restaurant! Woman-owned. Delicious food. Friendly staff. Excellent service. I highly recommend it.”

• The Food: Refined Southern cuisine
• The Vibe: Romantic, intimate
• Best For: Couples, special dinners
• Food Favorites: Seasonal chef-driven plates and save room for desserts! They are fabulous.
• Facts: Dinner service; Michelin Guide Recommended

SheBuysTravel Tip:Make reservations and enjoy a special night out.

Good Fortune Co.

We also explored global flavors for lunch at Good Fortune Co., where scratch-made noodles and dumplings deliver comfort with complexity in a playful atmosphere.

• The Food: Asian-inspired noodles and dumplings
• The Vibe: Fun and modern with bright colors
• Best For: Adventurous eaters, groups
• Food Favorites: Fresh noodles, dumplings
• Facts: Lunch and dinner service

SheBuysTravel Tip:Try some of their unique drinks.

Amelia Gene's

The grand finale was Amelia Gene's, a fine-dining experience that merges global inspiration with Southern confidence. Chef Nate Henssler's menu leans global but grounded, a reflection of Memphis as both crossroads and storyteller. When the cheese cart rolled up, I immediately knew this was not going to be a quick dinner.

• The Food: Globally inspired Southern fine dining
• The Vibe: Contemporary, dramatic, celebratory
• Best For: Culinary travelers, special occasions
• Food Favorites: Prime Filet Mignon, Chocolate Cobbler and the Bees Knees cocktail
• Facts: Dinner service; reservations essential

SheBuysTravel Tip:If you enjoy cheese, be sure to check out the rolling cheese cart.

Where to Stay

The Peabody Memphis, known as the South's Grand Hotel, delivers ageless charm. Children pressed against the red carpet ropes while adults lifted phones overhead, all waiting for the tiny web-footed celebrities to appear. A Rubber Ducky cocktail (their sweet signature drink, complete with a small rubber ducky) in the lobby bar is the perfect way to end the day.

Memphis history demands attention. The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel is powerful, sobering and essential. For me, it was a very educational experience that left me with many unanswered questions about history.

A visit to Graceland offers rare insight into Elvis's private world, a warmly decorated, deeply intimate space. If you’re an Elvis fan like me, you will want to schedule at least half a day visiting and taking in the museum.

To toast the trip's end, Old Dominick Distillery offers grain-to-glass tours rooted in family history. Sipping whiskey while hearing the family narrative conveys what Tennessee does best: celebrating heritage while pouring forward.

A Plate Full of Memories

By the end of our road trip, Tennessee revealed itself one bite at a time. Biscuits in Franklin. Pasta in Nashville. Whiskey and stories in Memphis. The common thread wasn't just flavor. It was hospitality. More than once, I planned to stay for a quick meal and ended up lingering another hour. Whether you're planning a couples' retreat or chasing your next unforgettable meal, Tennessee has a seat waiting.

Tennessee Foodie Road Trip Planning Tips

Ideal Trip Length: 4–6 days allows enough time to savor Franklin, Nashville and Memphis without rushing. Add an extra day in Nashville if live music or museums are a priority.

Getting Around: A car is essential. Distances are manageable, and the drive itself becomes part of the experience, especially between Nashville and Memphis. I was glad we had a vehicle, especially once we started collecting leftovers, chocolate and whiskey-stop souvenirs along the way.

Where to Base Yourself: Stay in walkable downtown areas whenever possible. Franklin and Memphis reward travelers who can explore on foot, while Nashville's neighborhoods each offer a distinct personality. I recommend staying in downtown Nashville and driving to the other neighborhoods.

Who This Trip Is Best For: Couples, culinary travelers, culture lovers and anyone who prefers meaningful experiences over packed itineraries.

Reservations and Timing Tips: Make dining reservations in advance. Popular restaurants, speakeasies and experiences like tastings or tours frequently book up weeks in advance.

Read More:

• 15+ Incredibly Fun Things to Do in Tennessee with Kids
• Best Places to Visit in Tennessee: The 19 Destinations I Recommend
• Tune In to Nashville: Complete Trip Planning Guide for Music Lovers
• Memphis Weekend Getaway: Where to Eat, Play and Stay for an Unforgettable 48 Hours in Tennesssee

The post Tennessee Food Travel: Culinary Stops Worth the Drive appeared first on She Buys Travel.

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This story was originally published January 27, 2026 at 2:32 PM.