Kendal Conrad is a singer-songwriter full-time and a foodie in her spare time. When she’s not joining Keith Urban for a duet or opening for Blake Shelton, she’s eating! During our most recent (virtual) chat, Conrad shared all the delicious details of her favorite Nashville eateries. And we just had to share them with you!
Kendal Conrad’s Favorite Nashville Restaurants
Proper Bagel
Proper Bagel is one of my all-time favorite Nashville spots. They bake their bagels from scratch every day and have a ton of unique cream cheeses to slather on them (the blueberry pie will, in fact, melt in your mouth). Make sure to grab a side, I opt for the beets, and a dessert. The Linzer cookies are GINORMOUS, and the brownies are the definition of chocolatey goodness. Trust me on this.
PS: Did I mention they serve Barista Parlor coffee?
Virago
Elegant and classy from the minute you walk through the door, Virago is a perfect spot for a date night or celebration. The sushi is fabulous, the rolls are unique and the sashimi is really fresh. Don’t forget to order an appetizer — highly suggest the crispy brussels.
Pancake Pantry
This is a Nashville staple. The sweet potato pancakes are arguably the best pancakes I’ve ever had — ever. But don’t sleep on the buckwheat for something a little healthier. Pour some signature Pancake Pantry maple syrup or cinnamon cream syrup (TOO good) on top of your stack and you’ve got yourself a memorable breakfast.
I Love Juice Bar
I love the smoothie bowls here. The options are all super refreshing and make your body feel good. My usual is the Aloha: coconut water, mango, banana, spirulina and topped with granola, banana, blueberries, peanut butter, coconut flakes, bee pollen and local honey (I sub out the peanut butter for almond butter). They also sell local honey in jars to go as well as local bee pollen and overnight oats. Check it out!
Biscuit Love
Biscuit Love? More like Biscuit HEAVEN. Almost every dish is served with or on a hot, fluffy biscuit with the tastiest jam on the side. The bonuts are a must-try, the Gertie is a gooey dish of warm chocolate gravy and crunchy pretzels and no one wonders why the East Nasty was named the Best Sandwich in America. Line too long at the Gulch? Hop over to their Hillsboro Village location.
Desano Pizza
This is a full-out dining experience where the pizza could almost be described as decadent. While you wait for your pie to arrive, you can actually watch the kitchen staff making it right in front of you in enormous wood-burning ovens. According to their website, theyfollows the “strict guidelines of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), preserving the centuries old craft of making authentic Neapolitan pizza.” Do your tastebuds a favor, and give this one a go.
Five Daughters
I’m a donut gal and Five Daughters is at the top of the list. Dubbed the “100 layer” croissant-style donut, these bad boys come in crazy flavor combinations as well as the staples (vanilla, chocolate, sprinkles). I once hustled an Oreo donut through TSA, all the way back to Pennsylvania so my parents could try. Yeah, they’re that good.
Tavern
Located in Midtown, Tavern has a very Nashville feel: laid-back but cool. I like to pop in for lunch. I get the Tuscan kale and Parmesan salad, and I add salmon to it. Tavern, I don’t know how you prepare your salmon, but don’t stop doing you. The slightly salty seasoning combined with the buttery texture of the fish? Perfection.
Franklin Juice Company
The açaí bowls here are big, beautiful, and packed with flavor — not for the faint of heart. If you want to stay healthy AND full, you’ve come to the right place. I love the Bombom: açaí, granola, cacao powder, banana, strawberry, cacao nibs, almonds and honey. Dessert for lunch, anyone?
Fido
Fido is known for its breakfast foods BUT I’ve also eaten dinner here. They have everything from steak and eggs (steak scramble) to daily specials like salmon croquettes. My favorite? The sweet potato french toast. It’s the perfect combination of sugar and spice.
You can’t leave without a cup of Bongo Java coffee, so make sure to bring your laptop. Fido and its sister location Bongo Java are also great spaces to get some work done.
What do you think about Conrad’s Nashville picks? Leave a comment below and let her know and follow her on IG for more food — and music.
