If Nashville has a sound, it isn’t just the twang of a guitar—it’s the clatter of skillets at daybreak. Anyone who’s wandered Music City at sunrise knows: breakfast isn’t just a meal here. It’s a ritual, whether you crave buttery biscuits, fluffy pancakes, or a simple plate of eggs done right. Finding the best breakfast in Nashville isn’t about just ticking off another meal. It’s about discovering places where the first coffee of the day tastes like possibility and the morning specials have a story as rich as the city itself.
Having spent more mornings than I can count exploring local favorites and hidden gems, I’ve developed a keen sense of what separates the passable from the plate-clearing. In this guide, you’ll find a carefully curated list of Nashville’s top breakfast spots—each one serving up something memorable. Whether you’re a born-and-raised local or just passing through, get ready to uncover those breakfast plates you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve left the table.
Where to find the best breakfast in Nashville, TN
Here are some of the top spots to find the best breakfast in Nashville, TN:
- Tenn
- Sun Diner
- 1 Kitchen
- Henley
- 417 Union
- The Loveless Cafe
- Monell’s Dining & Catering
- Five Daughters
- Kitchen Notes
- Another Broken Egg Cafe
1. Tenn
Tenn feels like a breath of refined Southern air right in the heart of Nashville. The space strikes a balance: it’s stylish but never intimidating, and there’s always a comforting hum of hospitality in the air. My first time here, the sun caught the shine of jam jars and coffee cups, and every detail felt intentional.
What sets Tenn apart is its focus on fresh, regional ingredients. Their breakfast menu honors tradition with a modern twist. The veggie omelet bursts with color and flavor, giving a light yet satisfying start to the morning.
Craving Southern comfort? The biscuit plate is a Nashville must-try—flaky, warm, and elevated with local honey and preserves. For a lighter option, the avocado toast is a bright, herb-flecked plate that still feels indulgent.
2. Sun Diner
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Walking into Sun Diner feels like stepping into a musical time capsule. The walls pay tribute to the legendary Sun Records, and the golden morning light gives everything a glow. My last visit started at sunrise, and even then, the booths buzzed with hungry locals and curious travelers.
Sun Diner nails the classic diner vibe but gives it a Nashville spin with Southern-inspired staples. Their menu feels both familiar and inventive—never stuffy, always satisfying. Here, breakfast lingers as long as your coffee cup stays full.
The star? The Chicken & Waffles, with its light crunch and tender bite, summed up everything great about comfort breakfast in Music City. If you lean lighter, the sweet potato pancakes are a fluffy nod to both nostalgia and novelty.
3. 1 Kitchen
1 Kitchen feels like a morning retreat tucked inside the bustle of the city. Sleek but soothing interiors make it easy to linger over your first cup of coffee. One morning here, the sunlight spilled across the tables, and every plate popping with color looked like an invitation to start fresh.
What makes 1 Kitchen different is its devotion to local, sustainable ingredients. The breakfast menu is full of vibrant, seasonal flavors that leave you satisfied without weighing you down. There’s a sense of care in every detail, from the house-made jams to the just-picked herbs.
The avocado toast here isn’t just toast—it’s art, stacked high with radishes and microgreens. For something unique, their grain bowl packs a rainbow of produce that proves healthy doesn’t have to mean dull.
4. Henley
Henley feels like a quiet nod to Southern heritage with a dash of modern flair. The vibe shifts as you move through each room—sometimes lively and sunlit, sometimes calm and atmospheric. I remember a breakfast here under the glassy light of the patio, where the food matched the ambiance in both charm and creativity.
This spot stands out for its unwavering attention to local ingredients and inventive Southern twists. Henley’s menu respects tradition but isn’t afraid to explore. Expect fresh, honest flavors in every bite, served by folks who care about the details.
For a classic Nashville breakfast, the Eggs Benedict with farm eggs and house-made hollandaise delivers richness on a biscuit foundation. Another great pick is the light, tangy yogurt parfait, layered with market fruit that speaks to Henley’s green values.
5. 417 Union
417 Union welcomes you with echoes of Nashville’s past and a menu that feels like home. The old-school decor and walls lined with history made my first breakfast here feel both warm and timeless. There’s a real sense of community—you’ll see regulars reading the paper alongside out-of-towners snapping photos of their plates.
What makes 417 Union special is its dedication to Southern classics, embracing both tradition and a spirit of innovation. You can taste their commitment to quality in every bite, from the fresh breads provided by local bakeries to the robust house coffee.
If you visit, try the Southern Breakfast Plate. Fluffy scrambled eggs and golden potatoes showcase skilled cooking, and their buttermilk biscuits deliver genuine Tennessee comfort with every forkful.
6. The Loveless Cafe
The Loveless Cafe needs no introduction if you ask any Nashville native where to start your morning. My first meal here was an early one, beneath that welcoming neon sign, watching the dining room fill with laughter and plates piled high. The setting feels as comforting as the food—classic, lively, and unmistakably Southern.
Biscuits are the legends here, baked from scratch and served warm in endless baskets. The aroma alone makes waking up early worth it. Loveless stands out with its steadfast dedication to old-school cooking, unhurried and full of heart.
You can’t go wrong ordering the Country Breakfast. Fluffy eggs, stone-ground grits, and those famous biscuits come together for a spread that’s as Nashville as it gets, inviting you to slow down and savor every bite.
7. Monell’s Dining & Catering
Breakfast at Monell’s Dining & Catering is less of a meal and more of an event. From my own visits, I know there’s nothing quite like sitting at a long table with strangers who quickly become friends, all brought together by steaming dishes passed around family-style. The historic setting only adds to the charm, echoing with laughter and clinking glasses.
What sets Monell’s apart is its authentic Southern hospitality and the sheer variety that lands on your plate. Here, breakfast is hearty, generous, and joyfully communal—each bite tastes like tradition done right.
For a true Nashville experience, don’t miss the weekend country breakfast. The skillet potatoes and cheese grits are highlights, but the baskets of warm biscuits, fresh fruit, and classic scrambled eggs show why Monell’s is a city staple.
8. Five Daughters
Five Daughters Bakery is where a morning can turn into a treat-yourself moment with just one bite. My first walk through their door was met by the sweet, buttery aroma of freshly baked pastries and the sight of cheerful staff eager to suggest a favorite. Every pastry case here is a technicolor dream of tempting options.
What really makes Five Daughters stand out is their meticulous approach to quality. You’ll find treats that are both inventive and thoughtful, with vegan and gluten-free options right alongside classic offerings. This bakery delivers artistry with each pastry, never settling for ordinary.
If it’s your first visit, go straight for the 100 Layer Doughnut. Flaky, indulgent, and often filled with seasonal jams or creams, it’s the breakfast treat that perfectly captures Five Daughters’ unique style.
9. Kitchen Notes
Kitchen Notes blends comfort and elegance, offering a breakfast space where vintage farmhouse touches meet a bit of modern sparkle. I remember sitting by the big windows, coffee in hand, as the morning crowd buzzed with anticipation for classic Southern fare done right.
What makes Kitchen Notes shine is its farmhouse-inspired menu, built on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a knack for drawing out comfort from every recipe. Their staff is quick with a smile and happy to share favorite picks.
The standout dish is the signature biscuits, baked fresh and served with house-made preserves for an honest taste of Nashville’s roots. For something more filling, the farmhouse omelet overflows with garden-fresh vegetables and regional cheese, giving you a plate as colorful as it is satisfying.
10. Another Broken Egg Cafe
Another Broken Egg Cafe turns breakfast into an easygoing celebration. The space feels bright and polished, but never pretentious, which makes it easy to settle in and savor the morning. My recent breakfast there came with cheerful service and plates that felt as carefully crafted as anything you’d find in a chef’s kitchen.
This spot stands out for its southern-inspired twists on breakfast classics. The menu is full of inventive options, including several vegan and gluten-free dishes that don’t skimp on flavor or creativity. Every detail, down to the freshly squeezed juices, feels thoughtfully considered.
If you’re curious about what to try, order the Crab Cake Benedict—a showstopper that hits all the right notes with bright lemony hollandaise and crisp, flavorful cakes. For something lighter, the Lemon Blueberry Goat Cheese Pancakes stack up sweet and tangy in every forkful.
More Things to Try in Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do most breakfast spots in Nashville open?
Most Nashville breakfast spots open between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. Some, especially cafes and diners, even open earlier on weekends.
Are there vegetarian or vegan breakfast options in Nashville?
Yes, plenty. Many top spots, such as Five Daughters Bakery and Kitchen Notes, offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options right alongside Southern classics.
Is it necessary to make a reservation for breakfast?
For popular places, especially on weekends (think Biscuit Love or Pancake Pantry), reservations or joining a waitlist online can save you a long wait. Walk-ins are welcome at most other spots.
Are there breakfast places with a real Nashville vibe?
Definitely. Spots like Loveless Cafe and Monell’s serve breakfast with plenty of local flavor—Southern hospitality, farmhouse décor, and communal tables included.
Can I find good coffee with my breakfast in Nashville?
Nashville is full of great coffee roasters and cafes. Frothy Monkey and Crema Coffee Roasters are favorites for a cup to go with your morning meal.
What’s the most iconic breakfast dish in Nashville?
Biscuits are a Nashville breakfast staple. Try Loveless Cafe or Biscuit Love for some of the best in town, paired with honey, preserves, or eggs.