Folks in Nashville have a well-known appreciation for Latin American cuisine. While these restaurants are not as typical as barbeque joints, they’re a part of a growing scene already with enough flavor for everyone. If you’re moving to the city or planning a visit, it’s time to discover what Music City has to offer in Colombian empanadas, Puerto Rican mofongo, and Salvadoran pupusas.
Knowing where the best Latin food menus are throughout Nashville requires much time and research. Alas, to save time on finding dishes from regions of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, review the following list of the city’s best Latin American restaurants.
Folks in Nashville have a well-known appreciation for Latin American cuisine. While these restaurants are not as typical as barbeque joints, they’re a part of a growing scene already with enough flavor for everyone. If you’re moving to the city or planning a visit, it’s time to discover what Music City has to offer in Colombian empanadas, Puerto Rican mofongo, and Salvadoran pupusas.
Knowing where the best Latin food menus are throughout Nashville requires much time and research. Alas, to save time on finding dishes from regions of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, review the following list of the city’s best Latin American restaurants.
There’s a reason locals keep returning to this famous little kiosk at the Nashville Farmers Market. It’s because this place churns out delicious Venezuelan food staples. It’s common to see folks walking around the farmer’s market holding an arepa from Caracasville. These sweet cornmeal pancakes are gluten-free and stuffed with the likes of beef, chicken, pork, chorizo, avocado, black beans, plantain, cheese, and more. Pair that with some chicha, a classic Venezuelan beverage made from condensed milk and rice.
On the corner of Old Hickory Blvd and Nolensville Pike, La Cuccharita Colombian Restaurant serves a variety of Colombian cuisines. Menu items include bandeja paisa, mecato tostados, and more. These traditional Hispanic dishes have a history of fueling laborers for extended work days. Perhaps order a cup of coffee and a few empanadas to go?
There’s a reason locals keep returning to this famous little kiosk at the Nashville Farmers Market. It’s because this place churns out delicious Venezuelan food staples. It’s common to see folks walking around the farmer’s market holding an arepa from Caracasville. These sweet cornmeal pancakes are gluten-free and stuffed with the likes of beef, chicken, pork, chorizo, avocado, black beans, plantain, cheese, and more. Pair that with some chicha, a classic Venezuelan beverage made from condensed milk and rice.
On the corner of Old Hickory Blvd and Nolensville Pike, La Cuccharita Colombian Restaurant serves a variety of Colombian cuisines. Menu items include bandeja paisa, mecato tostados, and more. These traditional Hispanic dishes have a history of fueling laborers for extended work days. Perhaps order a cup of coffee and a few empanadas to go?
Staff members at Mas Tacos Por Favor hear customers confess, ‘this is the best thing in Nashville since country music.’ Whether that’s true, the renowned tacos at this Mexican restaurant pull their weight to live up to that claim. The cast iron chicken tacos with salsa verde and sour cream are a steal at only $3 each. Visitors should also try the soups such as the pozole verde, sopa tarasca, and chicken tortilla soup. This no-frills establishment lets the food do the talking.
One of the more popular restaurants in the Berry Hill neighborhood serves a variety of Cuban, Dominican, and Puerto Rican cuisines. Mofongo Cafe brings Caribbean fare to the Nashville area with amazing dishes like mofongo, oxtail, picaderas, tostones, and empanadas. Extra spice on your food? Ask for a side of jalapeno sauce to kick up the heat. Visit Mofongo Cafe to explore the many regions represented on their menu.
Serving gourmet tacos in an upscale setting, Nada offers a hip experience with Mexican dishes. This elegant establishment features exposed brick, wood paneling, vast ceilings, and leather furniture, all of which pair with glamorous tacos and appetizers. Prior to enjoying the tacos, try Nada’s queso gringo at the bar. It contains smoked Gouda cheese covering black bean puree, rajas con crema (creamed string beans), and a spicy habanero salsa-the perfect balance of flavors.
Here’s a bright blue restaurant off of Nolensville Pike that is known to specialize in Salvadoran cuisine. The food is exquisite, with flavors reminiscent of Central America. Main dishes encompass nuegados de yuca, curtido (a regional cabbage slaw), corn-stuffed pupusas rolled in cheese, and tender beef shanks. To learn more about Salvadoran traditions and indulge in the cuisine, stop by Pupuseria in the Music City.
This creative Mexican fusion joint offers festive vibes accompanied by a tasty menu and some unique Margaritas for the adults. Rosepeppers strives to capture the soul of Old Mexico in the heart of Nashville. They have a large patio and plenty of indoor seating. The cuisine takes inspiration from the Sonoran tradition. For "Antojitos," try the avocado fries. Crispy, fried avocado with a creamy center, served with a tomatillo dipping sauce. For the kids, the "Los Originales'' is perfect. Two grilled tacos, corn or flour tortilla, with either ground beef or chicken, served with Spanish rice and refried beans. For the grown-ups, try the Fajitas Burrito - either shredded chicken breast or marinated beef with grilled veggies, wrapped in a giant flour tortilla and smothered in Rojo sauce.
Saint Anejo is one of the fanciest Mexican restaurants under the umbrella of M Street, the same company operating Whiskey Kitchen and Virago. Mexican cuisine and Latin mixology are showcased. With a menu of over 120 labels of premium mezcal and tequila, you already know the margaritas will be top-shelf. The food on the menu may seem simple, with traditional offerings like tacos, nachos, and quesadillas, but everything brought to the table is dressed over the top. Not many other Mexican restaurants are suited for a memorable experience like Saint Anejo. A favorite dish is the Chicken Tinga taco with jalapeño crisps and cilantro.