'Absolutely have to try': Your complete guide to Nashville's food scene

When you hear "Nashville" you probably think of classic southern food - like fried chicken and biscuits - but Nashville

While it would be impossible to sample every single restaurant in Nashville, I spent a week eating at some of Nashville's top spots, which were surprisingly diverse. 

The city, brimming with country music and leather boots, also offers up a food scene with something for everyone to enjoy.

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For classic southern food 

For those looking for a local, authentic experience, Arnold's is the place to be.

Founded by Jack Arnold and Rose in 1982, their son Kahlil Arnold now runs the family business. 

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I urge Aussies paying the place a visit to keep an open mind. The cafeteria-style service of the food is oddly charming, even if it's not something we are used to. 

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The menu is packed with classic-all American style cooking with a rotating menu every day of the week. 

If you do go, you absolutely have to try their homemade pie, we had the Strawberry, but Kahlil Arnold said it wasn't even their best pie (it was scrumptious). 

Also, ask him to tell you the hysterical story about him cooking with Dolly Parton!

For something you can't really get in Australia, Edleys' BBQ is an absolute must-try venue.

The homemade American BBQ place offers up the most delicious meat you've ever tried.  I have to recommend the Mac and Cheese, as well as the Pork Ribs and beef Brisket. 

For those who fancy chicken over meat, Prince's hot chicken is a mouth-watering experience. 

Don't fear if you can't handle spice - they have a customisable spice menu so you can pick just how spicy (or mild) you want the food. 

For a twist on traditional American cuisine, Roze Pony offers healthy but delicious options for Aussies craving some veggies and fresh fruit.

For fine dining 

Lona

My absolute favourite meal I had in Nashville was at Mexican Restaurant Lona.

Run by chefs Richard Sandoval and Pablo Salas, the restaurant brings the best of Mexican cuisine to Lona, situated inside the Noelle Hotel.

Aside from the food being incredible, the service was outstanding and they were super accommodating to my dietary requirements. 

When you visit, make sure you order the Ceviche and the Queso cheese.  Almost anything else you order is sure to delight the tastebuds. 

Bad Idea

If you're anything like me, a week without any Thai, Vietnamese or Japanese food is like a week without joy, but luckily, Bad Idea in Nashville hits the spot every time. 

The Laos-inspired menu by Colby Rasavong at the high-end wine bar fills a gap desperately missing in Nashville's food scene. 

I had the best lamb of my life at Bad Idea, (and that means a lot coming from a Greek).

The creamy spinach spring rolls are another item on the menu that was outstanding. 

Just to top it off, the entire menu can be enjoyed with a custom wine pairing, suggested by the staff when you order. 

For an unforgettable experience and delicious food, this place is an absolute must. 

Etch

For something a little closer to home, Etch is the way to go. The food rivals the Modern-Australian cuisine with a Modern-American style menu influenced by global flavours.

I recommend getting whatever the award-winning chef Deb Paquette's creation is that night... when I went, it was a delicious black cod paired with a potato base. 

For food paired with an experience 

For more than just a meal, head over to Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery. 

The venue offers a fabulous wine tasting with a curated paired menu inside the newly renovated attic of the historic stables. 

The site was a stallion breeding farm throughout the 1800s.

If Whisky is more you're style, pay a visit to the Nelson's Green Brier and Distillery. 

The tour is worth doing if you're interested in an incredible story about two brothers rediscovering their family's (extensive) history in making Whiskey.

You can eat at the restaurant before taking the tour of the Whiskey Factory and the Whiskey tasting.

For bars and nightlife 

For unbelievably yummy cocktails and even better cookies, check out the locals' favourite spot - The Fox and Bar Cocktail Club. 

All the cocktails taste divine, and the freshly baked-to-order cookies are an absolute must-try. 

For dancing and beer, check out Skinny Dennis, the venue offers live local artists and swing dancing. 

The rooftop of the Bobby hotel also has a delicious range of cocktails, or you can visit their hidden speakeasy - called "Hidden Bar" by entering the door titled "storage closet".