Introduction
Nashville, Tennessee. Music City. Hot Chicken Heaven. For decades, the city has been synonymous with Southern comfort food – barbecue ribs, smoky brisket, and, of course, that fiery, unforgettable hot chicken. But beneath the surface of this meat-centric image, a vibrant and growing plant-based revolution is quietly taking hold. More and more locals and tourists alike are seeking compassionate and delicious alternatives, and Nashville is stepping up to the plate (pun intended).
What might surprise you is that veganism and plant-based eating are gaining tremendous traction in the South, with Nashville leading the charge. It’s not just about dietary preferences; it’s a reflection of changing values, a growing awareness of health, environmental impact, and animal welfare. And the chefs and restaurateurs of Nashville are responding with creativity and ingenuity, crafting menus that are not only vegan but also innovative, flavorful, and undeniably craveable.
This article is your guide to navigating Nashville’s blossoming vegan restaurant scene. Whether you’re a long-time vegan, a curious omnivore looking to explore new flavors, or simply seeking a healthy and delicious meal, you’ll find something to love in this diverse and exciting culinary landscape. Get ready to discover the best vegan eats Nashville has to offer!
Why Vegan in Nashville?
Let’s address the elephant in the room, or perhaps, the pig on the barbecue. Nashville has earned its reputation as a meat-lover’s paradise, and that’s not entirely unwarranted. But the city is evolving. The perception of Nashville as purely a meat-and-three kind of town is becoming increasingly outdated.
Driven by concerns ranging from personal health to environmental sustainability to ethical considerations, the demand for plant-based options is skyrocketing. Nashville’s culinary community is actively responding to this shift. You’ll find an ever-increasing number of dedicated vegan restaurants and vegan-friendly menus popping up across the city. This embrace of vegan cuisine isn’t just a trend; it’s a reflection of a conscious community embracing a new way of eating. Local organizations are also playing a part, hosting vegan festivals, workshops, and providing support for those transitioning to or already living a plant-based lifestyle. Vegan Nashville is a community, it’s welcoming, and it’s growing stronger every day.
Restaurant Spotlights
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the food! Here’s a curated list of some of Nashville’s best vegan restaurants, each offering a unique and memorable dining experience:
Sunflower Cafe
Address: 2834 Azalea Pl, Nashville, TN 37204
Contact: (615) 327-0166, sunflowershoppe.com
Sunflower Cafe is a true Nashville institution. Known for its cozy, laid-back atmosphere and focus on wholesome, comfort food, it’s a favorite among vegans and vegetarians alike. The menu is 100% vegetarian, with a large selection of vegan options clearly marked. The price is reasonable.
Highlight Dishes
Tempeh Reuben: Forget what you think you know about Reubens. Sunflower’s tempeh Reuben, featuring smoky tempeh, sauerkraut, vegan Russian dressing, and melty vegan cheese on grilled rye, is a game-changer. It’s savory, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
BBQ Tofu Plate: A Southern classic, reimagined. Their BBQ tofu is tender, smoky, and slathered in a tangy, homemade barbecue sauce. Served with your choice of sides, like mashed potatoes, collard greens, or mac and cheese (ask for the vegan version!), it’s pure comfort food bliss.
Sunflower Cafe is special because it offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere and consistently delicious, crowd-pleasing vegan comfort food. It’s a great option for lunch, dinner, or a quick and satisfying bite.
Graze
Address: 1888 Eastland Ave #101, Nashville, TN 37206
Contact: (615) 678-4962, grazeNashville.com
Graze is where you go when you want something a little more elevated. This modern, stylish restaurant offers a sophisticated vegan dining experience with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. Expect to pay a bit more here, but you’ll get your money’s worth.
Highlight Dishes
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: Don’t let the name fool you; these are anything but ordinary. Graze’s buffalo cauliflower wings are crispy, flavorful, and perfectly spicy, served with a creamy vegan ranch dressing. It’s a perfect appetizer to share (or not!).
Seitan Steak: Graze’s pan-seared seitan steak is served with potato puree, grilled asparagus, and chimichurri sauce. Seitan is a wheat meat alternative, that is high in protein.
Graze stands out for its commitment to creating a refined and memorable vegan dining experience. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a date night.
The Southern V
Address: 1200 Buchanan St, Nashville, TN 37208
Contact: (615) 942-8040, thesouthernv.com
For a truly authentic taste of Southern comfort food, but entirely plant-based, look no further than The Southern V. This popular spot specializes in vegan versions of classic Southern dishes, from fried chicken to mac and cheese to sweet potato pie. This one is another reasonably priced option.
Highlight Dishes
Vegan Fried Chicken: This is what The Southern V is famous for. Their crispy, golden-brown vegan fried chicken, made from seitan, is a must-try. It’s juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly close to the real thing.
Mac and Cheese: No Southern meal is complete without mac and cheese, and The Southern V’s vegan version is creamy, cheesy, and utterly addictive. It is the perfect side dish.
The Southern V is special because it proves that Southern comfort food can be just as delicious (and even better!) without any animal products. It’s a great option for those who want to experience Southern cuisine in a vegan-friendly way.
Avo
Address: 3 City Ave Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37209
Contact: (615) 321-1810, avonashville.com
Avo takes a unique approach to vegan dining with its focus on raw, plant-based cuisine. Expect vibrant colors, creative presentations, and surprisingly satisfying dishes. This spot tends to be on the pricier side.
Highlight Dishes
Raw Pad Thai: Avo’s raw Pad Thai is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring zucchini noodles, kelp noodles, a vibrant peanut sauce, and a medley of fresh vegetables. It’s light, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful.
Avocado Key Lime Pie: Avo’s avocado key lime pie is a creamy, tangy, and decadent dessert that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Avo stands out for its innovative and creative approach to raw vegan cuisine. It’s a great option for those who want to try something different and experience the versatility of plant-based ingredients.
Radical Rabbit
Address: Find them at various pop-up locations and events! Check their social media.
Contact: radicalrabbit.com
Radical Rabbit is a food truck and catering company known for its fun, playful, and downright delicious vegan creations. Keep an eye on their social media to see where they’ll be popping up next.
Highlight Dishes
Vegan Burgers: Their vegan burgers are made with the popular Impossible Burger!
Radical Rabbit brings a sense of fun and creativity to the vegan food scene. It’s a great option for a casual and delicious meal on the go.
Beyond Restaurants: Vegan Finds in Nashville
The deliciousness doesn’t stop at the dedicated vegan restaurants. Nashville is also home to several grocery stores with extensive vegan sections, such as The Turnip Truck, which offer a wide variety of plant-based products, from vegan cheeses and meats to dairy-free ice cream and more. Many bakeries and cafes across the city also offer vegan pastries, cakes, and other treats. Finally, don’t forget to check out local food trucks, as many of them are starting to offer vegan options or even specialize in plant-based cuisine, like Radical Rabbit.
Tips for Vegan Dining in Nashville
Navigating the Nashville dining scene as a vegan can be relatively easy if you know what to look for. Many restaurants now clearly mark vegan options on their menus with a “V” or a similar symbol. However, if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your server about vegan options or ingredients. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and can often modify dishes to make them vegan-friendly.
Online resources like HappyCow are also invaluable for finding vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Nashville. These platforms allow you to search for restaurants by location, cuisine type, and dietary restrictions, making it easy to find the perfect spot for your needs.
If you’re planning to dine at a non-vegan restaurant with friends or family, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm that they have vegan options available. This can help you avoid any surprises and ensure that everyone in your group has a satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Nashville’s vegan food scene is blossoming, transforming the city into a surprisingly plant-based paradise. From comforting Southern classics to innovative raw cuisine, Nashville offers a diverse and delicious range of vegan options to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, a curious omnivore, or simply looking for a healthy and flavorful meal, Nashville has something to offer.
We encourage you to explore the restaurants mentioned in this article, discover your own favorites, and embrace the deliciousness of plant-based dining. The vegan food scene is only getting better and expanding, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking compassionate, creative, and incredibly tasty food. So, ditch the hot chicken (just for one meal!) and discover the amazing world of vegan eats in Nashville. You might just be surprised at what you find.
