Nashville, the vibrant heart of Tennessee, isn’t just about country music and honky-tonks; it’s also a burgeoning culinary destination, especially for vegan food lovers. During our delightful two-week trip to Music City, we dove headfirst into the vegan scene and were amazed by the variety and quality of plant-based options available, particularly in downtown Nashville. If you’re searching for the Best Food Nashville Downtown has to offer and crave delicious vegan fare, you’re in for a treat. Let’s explore some of the top vegan-friendly spots that made our downtown Nashville dining experiences unforgettable.
The Wild Cow: A Vegetarian Pioneer Near Downtown Nashville
For years, The Wild Cow Vegetarian Restaurant, located just a short drive from downtown, has been a beacon for vegetarian and vegan diners. Inspired by their plant-based Buffalo Beans and Greens recipe from the Plant Pure Nation Cookbook, we knew a visit was essential. Their restaurant version lived up to the hype! This hearty bowl, brimming with brown rice, sautéed greens, flavorful beans, and grilled buffalo tempeh, all drizzled with vegan ranch, is a must-try. Be warned, it packs a spicy punch!
Beyond the Buffalo Beans and Greens, we savored a creamy vegan Caesar salad and a truly exceptional tempeh Reuben. The Reuben featured a thick, perfectly grilled tempeh slab, generously topped with sauerkraut, thousand island dressing, and vegan cheese on marbled rye. It was a flavor explosion and solidified Wild Cow as a top contender for best food Nashville downtown (or just outside of it!) for vegans.
Graze: Downtown Nashville Vegan Dessert Goals
Located conveniently near The Wild Cow, Graze quickly became our go-to for vegan indulgence. Our strategy? Wild Cow for savory dishes, and Graze for dessert! Our visit started strong with crispy Brussels sprouts and their legendary loaded potatoes – seriously, these potatoes are worth the hype. For mains, we opted for the buffalo quesadillas and the hot tempeh sandwich, both satisfying and flavorful.
However, the real star of the show was the brownie ice cream sundae. Featuring Koko’s Ice Cream, this dessert was an absolute masterpiece. Rich, decadent, and utterly vegan, it cemented Graze’s place in our minds as a provider of some of the best food Nashville downtown can boast, especially when it comes to sweet treats.
Koko’s Ice Cream: Vegan Ice Cream Perfection in Nashville
As self-proclaimed ice cream aficionados, finding exceptional vegan ice cream is always a priority. Kokos Ice Cream lived up to and exceeded expectations. Though we initially aimed for their west Nashville scoop shop, we were thrilled to discover their convenient to-go location on the east side, close to many downtown Nashville attractions.
Koko’s offers creamy, flavorful, and genuinely delicious vegan ice cream. Whether you’re craving a cone, sundae, or smoothie, Koko’s is a must-visit for anyone seeking the best food Nashville downtown for dessert. Their lemon pie flavor was a particular standout – a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Be-Hive Deli: Plant-Based Deli Delights Near Downtown
Be-Hive Deli, a 100% plant-based deli, is a weekend-only gem that’s well worth planning your trip around. Having already tasted their incredible vegan pepperoni on a pizza from 312 Pizza, we were eager to explore their full menu.
On a Saturday visit, we devoured the Roast Beef Sandwich and an Italian Hoagie, complemented by a side of Seitan Wings and a refreshing Antipasto Salad. Everything was bursting with flavor, and the bustling atmosphere confirmed Be-Hive’s popularity. It’s no surprise that many Nashville restaurants source their vegan deli products from Be-Hive, making them a cornerstone of the best food Nashville downtown vegan scene, even if slightly outside the immediate downtown core.
312 Pizza: Deep Dish Vegan Pizza Near Downtown Nashville
Vegan deep-dish pizza? Yes, please! 312 Pizza Company, while not directly downtown, is a short hop away and an absolute must for pizza lovers seeking the best food Nashville downtown experience. Their vegan deep-dish pepperoni pizza is a revelation – loaded with gooey vegan cheese, flavorful pepperoni, and a rich sauce, all baked to perfection in a pan.
We were utterly impressed and could have easily devoured another slice (or two!). To balance the richness, we also enjoyed fried mushrooms and a fresh salad. Factor in the slightly longer cooking time for deep-dish pizzas, but trust us, it’s worth the wait for this taste of Chicago-style vegan pizza in Nashville.
Nomzilla: Creative Vegan Sushi in Nashville
For vegan sushi enthusiasts, Nomzilla offers a delightful and creative menu. We appreciated their clearly marked vegan options, which were far from afterthoughts. Instead, Nomzilla embraces vegan sushi with inventive and flavorful combinations.
We indulged in a beautiful spread of vegan sushi rolls, and John also enjoyed the aptly named Hot Tofu. Nomzilla is an excellent choice for anyone craving vegan sushi in Nashville, and it’s also a great spot for groups with mixed dietary preferences. While perhaps not strictly “downtown,” it’s easily accessible and contributes to the diverse best food Nashville scene.
Taco Mamacita: Vegan Tacos in Nashville
Our taco radar is always on, and Taco Mamacita caught our attention with its vegan and vegetarian options. While we appreciate restaurants that offer more than just modified veggie tacos, Taco Mamacita provided a decent meal with friends.
While not our absolute favorite taco experience, they do offer intentional vegan options, making it a viable choice for taco lovers in Nashville. It’s a good spot for a casual meal, but may not top the list for “best vegan tacos” specifically.
Five Points Pizza: Vegan Pizza for Everyone in Nashville
On our last night in Nashville, Five Points Pizza provided the perfect setting for pizza and beers with friends. This spot easily accommodates omnivore and vegan groups, thanks to a dedicated vegan pizza right on the menu.
The vegan pizza was delicious and satisfying, and we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at Five Points. It’s a great option for a casual and inclusive dining experience when you’re looking for best food Nashville downtown adjacent areas have to offer.
Drifter’s BBQ: Vegan BBQ near Downtown Nashville
For a taste of Nashville BBQ with vegan options, Drifter’s BBQ in East Nashville is a pleasant surprise. Picnic tables, live music, and a tasty fried tofu sandwich with fries create a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Their BBQ sauces are vegan and packed with flavor. Drifter’s offers a solid vegan option in a classic Nashville BBQ setting, making it a worthwhile stop for a casual lunch or dinner. While not strictly downtown, it adds to the rich tapestry of the best food Nashville scene.
Vegan Food in Nashville: A Delicious Exploration
Our culinary journey through Nashville was a resounding success. Finding best food Nashville downtown and surrounding areas for vegans was surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding. While we didn’t get to every vegan-friendly spot, including the downtown Mellow Mushroom (another reliable vegan-option chain), we were thrilled with the variety and quality we experienced.
Exploring Beyond the Food in Nashville
Nashville offers more than just incredible food. We explored the Honky Tonk Highway, experienced the energy of the city during an NHL playoff game, and even visited during the NFL draft week (though avoided the downtown crowds then!).
For music lovers, the Listening Room Cafe was a highlight. Discovering up-and-coming artists on a Saturday morning was a truly delightful experience.
Beer enthusiasts should check out Southern Grist in East Nashville. They have a fantastic beer selection and clearly label their vegan options, making it easy to choose plant-based brews. Plus, it’s conveniently located near Wild Cow, Graze, and Koko’s to-go shop – perfect for a vegan food crawl!
We also enjoyed strolling through the Grand Ole Opry Hotel’s beautiful gardens and exploring its shops and restaurants. The hotel’s water park looked like a fun attraction, too!
Planning Your Nashville Trip?
We highly recommend Nashville as a destination for vegan food lovers and anyone seeking a vibrant and exciting city experience. We hope this guide to some of the best food Nashville downtown and surrounding areas offers helps you plan your own delicious adventure! We know we’ll be back to explore even more of Nashville’s vegan scene.
XO,
Kathy
