Whether you’re visiting the area or you’re a lifelong resident, you likely correlate Williamson County’s food with good ‘ole Southern cooking. And while we have some of the best meat and threes, soul food, and generational delis that have earned their rank among the South’s best, the county also boasts a diverse lineup of cuisine, representing cultures far and wide.
You don’t need to jet around the world for scratch-made pastas, hand-rolled sushi, Korean-style wings, or an island-approved daiquiri; these local restaurants draw from passion and heritage to offer authentic international fare right in our backyard.
Take a trip around the world in Williamson County’s restaurants.
Wild Ginger | Sushi
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The ambiance at Wild Ginger is as beautiful as the extravagant sushi rolls they serve. The floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding the dining room bring a big-city feel to a Cool Springs side street, which is only enhanced with one bite of their signature maki. Go the traditional route with the lollipop roll made with tuna, yellowtail, salmon, and an explosion of fresh flavors (including cilantro and mango, my personal favorite sushi fixins’), or mix things up with the best-selling crazy cow topped with filet mignon.
Culaccino | Italian
The name is a nod to the water ring left behind when sipping a drink, reminiscent of conversations with friends shared over a cocktail. At Culaccino, you’re invited to sip, savor, and stay a while in true Italian fashion, but the tradition doesn’t end there. Pair your drink with a wood fired pizza made with dough fermented for 72 hours, or opt for a scratch-made cacio e pepe.
Shogun | Japanese
There’s something extra special about gathering around a hot grill either with a group of loved ones or at a shared table with strangers. We have a handful of Japanese hibachi or teppanyaki-style restaurants around the county, but a long-loved favorite for my family is Shogun in Brentwood. Here, you can sip sake, enjoy a massive cooked-to-order meal, watch a skilled chef in their element, and leave impressed by it all.
Otaku | Ramen
We were thrilled to welcome this Nashville staple to Franklin during the recent Factory renovations. Otaku dishes up massive bowls of ramen ranging from classic shoyu (a soy sauce-based ramen), miso, or salty shio topped with pork, a jammy egg, noodles, and more. Pair your bowl with a boba tea, sake, or Japanese soda, or grab a cocktail from the Skylight Bar nearby.
Nelly’s Italian Café | New York-Style Pizza
This Spring Hill spot is known for whipping up Italian fare by way of the Big Apple. Go with a group to split a massive New York-style specialty pizza like the meaty Carne or the all-white Bianca, or stop by on your own to grab a pizza by the slice in keeping with tradition. Also on the menu are starters, salads, and decadent desserts like cannolis, cheesecake (New York-style, of course), and tiramisu.
Mi Kitchen | Asian
The Carothers Parkway corridor is full of surprises—it’s a melting pot of massive corporations next to mom and pops, lunch spots next to special occasion dinner destinations. Speaking of the latter, Mi Kitchen checks the delicious box any time of day. The tapas-style restaurant with an Asian flair is perfect for catching up over lunch or getting gussied up for a nice dinner. Either way, prepare to indulge in dishes like Korean-style wings, glass noodles, and crispy tuna.
Kokomo Trading Company | Caribbean
For when the vibes call for kicking back and relaxing, head to Westhaven’s Kokomo Trading Company to enter into island time. With a wall full of frozen daiquiri options and a menu packed with Caribbean-style mains, it’s impossible to leave here anything but happy. No matter the weather, a fish sandwich or beachy salad paired with a Carribean Colada is always a good idea.
