25 Great Restaurants for a Business Lunch in Franklin and Brentwood, TN
When juggling a busy schedule, it’s easy to let mid-day meals and breaks fall by the wayside. However, don’t underestimate the power of a good lunch when it comes to connection and mental clarity! Especially as more people are heading back into the office for in-person work, lunch is quickly returning to the go-to time for business meetings, client check-ins, and mid-day breaks.
Whether you’re looking for local favorites, casual spots, or elevated dining experiences restaurants across Franklin, Brentwood, and Nashville, Tennessee are more than happy to accommodate your lunchtime needs. While there are a wide variety of incredible options across these cities, we’ve broken down some of the best spots in each for business lunches, depending on the vibe you’re looking for when it comes to entertaining colleagues and clients during mid-day meetings.
Scout’s Pub
Lunch In Franklin
Located in Franklin’s beautiful Westhaven neighborhood, Scout’s Pub is a great place to grab a quick, casual lunch. Th restaurant offers indoor and patio dining, serving up lunch favorites including soups, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, and more. The fun, friendly restaurant is family-owned (not to mention named after the family dog), with locations in Franklin and Nashville. An added bonus: Scout’s is very dog-friendly. They even serve a specialty “Good Dog” menu for man’s best friend. You can book a reservation here.
Franklin Location: 158 Front Street, Suite 120, Franklin, TN 37064
Puckett’s Restaurant
Puckett’s is a Middle Tennessee staple that delivers only the best of homestyle meals. Alongside quintessentially Southern dishes like meat & three specials, the Puckett’s sample, and classic barbeque, hearty breakfast menu items are served daily until 11 a.m. Lunch and dinner items are available after 11 a.m. and live music is regularly hosted at most locations. The original Puckett’s first began as a grocery store in Leiper’s Fork, now the restaurant has locations all across Middle Tennessee. For some good, Southern food that never disappoints, make a lunch reservation at your closest Puckett’s here.
Franklin Location: 120 4th Avenue South, Franklin, TN 37064
GRAY’s
One of Main Street’s most recognizable dining destinations, GRAY’s On Main is located in one of the most historic buildings in downtown Franklin. Their menu puts a modern twist on Southern favorites, paying homage to our local culture while taking inspiration from global flavors. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features dishes like the hot honey chicken sandwich, strawberry spinach, and pimento cheddar biscuits. Book a table here.
Location: 332 Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064
Two Hands
With an emphasis on community and sustainable freshness, Two Hands is an Australian restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Franklin dining room is conveniently located in the Factory at Franklin, serving up vibrant, healthy dishes in a bright and modern environment. For lunch, you can expect all-day brunch and lunch favorites such as a salmon quinoa bowl, brassicas salad, açaí bowls, avocado toast, and more. You can book a reservation here.
Location: 230 Franklin Road Suite 1302, Building Number 13, Franklin, TN 37064
Brick Top’s
With an American and steakhouse-inspired menu, BrickTop’s is considered upscale, striking a comfortable middle ground between formal, fine dining and a casual meal. The Franklin location is in Cool Springs, and offers a brunch, lunch, dinner, sushi, and dessert menu. Their lunch menu includes lobster bisque, grilled trout, ahi-tuna salad, petite filet mignon, a tavern burger, and more. You can make a reservation here. For parties of 5 or more, it is requested that you call or email the restaurant directly.
Franklin Location: 1576 West McEwen Drive, Franklin, Tennessee 37067
Tupelo Honey
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
With something for everyone, Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar is known for its signature Southern hospitality and Southern food, always scratch-made and responsibly sourced for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All day menu items like the smother lovin’ biscuit sandwich, avocado melt, sweet & spicy fried chicken & waffles, whiskey & onion smash burger, and much more have secured Tupelo Honey’s spot as an award-winning, premier destination for Southern comfort. Make a reservation here.
Franklin Location: 2000 Meridian Boulevard, Suite 110, Franklin, TN 37067
Culaccino
Culaccino Italian Restaurant + Bar
Culaccino is one of downtown Franklin’s top destinations for authentic Italian cuisine. Using artisanal, local, and international ingredients for scratch-made pastas, comfort food appetizers, 72-hour fermented woodfired pizza, and more, the restaurant celebrates family, using signature recipes straight from the childhood kitchen of owner and executive chef, Frank Pullara. Culaccino’s lunch menu features your favorite Italian flavors in pasta, antipasti, entrees, pizza, and more. Daily, until 2:30 p.m., the menu also features brunch specials. Reservations are available here.
Location: 104 East Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064
etch Franklin
With a globally inspired menu, etch Franklin is conveniently located in The Factory at Franklin. An elevated dining experience, the restaurant serves lunch between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Tuesday through Friday. Their specialty lunch menu features unique favorites like the Amarillo cob salad, fried cornmeal catfish, and the truffle shitake grilled cheese. The restaurant has 2 locations, in Franklin and Nashville. You can make a lunch reservation at etch Franklin here.
Franklin Location: 230 Franklin Road, Suite 1300, Franklin, TN 37064
Kokomo Trading Company
Situated facing Mattox Lake in Franklin’s Westhaven neighborhood, Kokomo Trading Company fuses the best of Island flavors with Music City. Wellness is key when it comes to their exotic-inspired menu, as the restaurant is almost entirely seed oil free and locally sourced whenever possible. The relaxed, community atmosphere is a great place to catch up over incredible menu items like Caribbean patties, Island-style wings, Nachos Libre, a creole bowl, signature burgers, vegan options, and more. You can book a reservation here.
Location: 158 Front Street, Suite 100, Franklin, TN 37064
Karrington Rowe, Credit Mackenzie Boyd
Lunch In Brentwood
A neighborhood favorite in Brentwood, Karrington Rowe puts a sophisticated twist on your classic American kitchen. You can stop by for lunch between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lunch menu items include a wide variety of flavors, from Asian noodle salad to crispy salmon and crab cakes. You can make a lunch reservation at Karrington Rowe here. To learn more about the restaurant, take a peek into their successful grand opening, which took place in January of 2025.
Location: 330 Franklin Road, Suite 913d, Brentwood, TN 37027
55 South
With restaurants in Franklin and Brentwood, 55 South’s menu is Southern through and through. The restaurant is named after the portion of Interstate 55 that runs all the way from Memphis to New Orleans. Inspired by the flavors found along this line, 55 South’s lunch and dinner menu features gumbo, a hot chicken sandwich, fried green tomatoes, and even oysters fresh off the grill. Keep in mind they do not take reservations. Check out their mouth-watering menu here.
Brentwood Location: 7031 Executive Center Drive, Suite 101, Brentwood, TN 37027
Waldo’s Chicken & Beer
Despite a casual and efficient environment, Waldo’s Chicken & Beer makes no sacrifices when it comes to quality and flavor. With reputable, scratch-made chicken, sides, salads and more, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat during the day. Waldo’s has locations across Middle Tennessee, with no less than 7 across Williamson County and Nashville. No reservations are required. If you’re curious about full menu offerings, you can find it here.
Brentwood Location: 7010 Executive Center Drive, Brentwood, TN 37027
Amerigo Italian Restaurant
If you’re looking for classic Italian cuisine to enjoy during your business lunch, look no further than Amerigo Italian Restaurant, serving daily lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch offerings include options for a half pizza and a salad, soup and salad, or pasta and salad, depending on what you’re craving. To view all the specials, visit their online menu. Book a reservation here.
Brentwood Location: 1656 Westgate Circle, Brentwood, TN 37027
Del Frisco’s Grille, Brentwood
A perfect destination for a meeting in Brentwood, Del Frisco’s Grille is an upscale-casual establishment that serves American cuisine with a chef-inspired twist. With market fresh ingredients, hand-crafted cocktails, and a contemporary atmosphere, Del Frisco’s is a modern favorite with an upscale dress code. All day menu favorites include baby back ribs, black angus steak frites, lemon dill arka salmon, soup, salad, signature steaks, and more. You can book a reservation here.
Brentwood Location: 207 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027
Maple Street Biscuit Company
For an option that’s a little more laid back, try Maple Street Biscuit Company in Brentwood, serving scratch-made comfort food with a modern twist. Fresh breakfast and lunch favorites include signature chicken biscuits, classic biscuit sandwiches, power bowls, waffles, combo plates, and more. Perfect for an early or mid-day lunch, keep in mind that Maple Street Biscuit Company closes at 2 p.m. Learn more about their menu here.
Brentwood Location: 203 Franklin Road, Suite 120, Brentwood, TN 37027
Serrato’s Steakhouse
With 2 incredible locations in Brentwood and Franklin, Serrato’s Steakhouse is a consistent upscale favorite, serving hand-cut, prime steaks, gourmet salads, and fresh seafood including seasonal, wild-caught options. Premier lunch menu items include seared sea scallops, steak salad, Serrato’s shrimp scampi, hand-cut steaks, sandwiches, soup, and more. Sure to impress, you can make a reservation at the Brentwood location here.
Brentwood Location: 214 Ward Circle, Suite 300, Brentwood, TN 37027
Mère Buelles
Located in Maryland Manor, a historic plantation-style estate home in Brentwood, Mère Buelles Restaurant & Events offers a dining experience that is both comfortable and elegant. Some incredible lunch favorites include Oysters Rockefeller, the restaurant’s signature crab cakes, filet mignon, shrimp & grits, and more. Mère Buelles is also known for their seasonal menu, which offers fresh recipes made with high quality, in-season ingredients. You can make a reservation here.
Location: 5201 Maryland Way, Brentwood, TN 37027
Germantown Café, Credit Maurice Johnson
Lunch In Nashville
Just up the road from Franklin and Brentwood, Nashville, Tennessee is a great resource for restaurants and meeting destinations, with options for every palate.
Located in Nashville’s historic Germantown (the oldest area of Music City), Germantown Café is a great place for lunchtime favorites including the Café’s signature French onion soup, Southern fried green tomato sandwich, and fresh market salad. The Café prides itself on Southern hospitality and a menu rooted in Southern tradition with an inspired touch of American and French cuisine. Snag a lunch reservation here.
Location: 1200 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208
Five Points Pizza
Nashville’s go-to for a New York Style slice, Five Points Pizza offers weekday lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at both locations in East and West Nashville. Lunch specials include an $11 2-slice special (includes 2 slices and a drink), A $12 Knot and Salad Special (includes a half order of garlic knots, salad, and a drink), and a $12 Slice & Salad Special (includes a slice of pizza, salad, and a drink). If you’re in a hurry, you can stop by Five Points Pizza’s slice window, open now at Canopy by Hilton in the Gulch. Check out their menu here.
Location: 1012 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206
The Mockingbird
A contemporary diner with an upscale feel, The Mockingbird in Nashville has a chef-inspired menu offering comfort food favorites with global influence, celebrating the many flavors that make up American cuisine. With superb ambiance and menu staples like truffle tots, pasta Bolognese, jerk wings, tuna tartare, and an incredible “Mockingburger,” the diner is an excellent choice for a business lunch in the city. Book a table here.
Location: 121 12th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203
Hawkers Asian Street Food
An East Nashville gem, Hawkers Asian Street Food is a cool, vibrant dining destination unlike any other on this list. Nashville is home to the only Tennessee location, serving the best in Asian street food, from dim sum and dumplings to delicious curry and noodle dishes. The restaurant’s atmosphere is fun and vibrant, making it the perfect environment for creative and dynamic meetings. Hawkers operates on a walk-in basis. Get to know their menu here.
Location: 626A Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206
The Henry
Nestled in Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood, The Henry is an upscale, approachable restaurant with a stylish, richly decorated interior and a versatile menu. The restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with full-service coffee and cocktail bars. You can expect all-day menu staples such as sushi, burgers, salads, harvest bowls, rigatoni alla vodka, seared ahi tuna, and more. Make a reservation in their Nashville dining room here.
Location: 2803 12th Ave S #105, Nashville, TN 37204
Park Cafe, Credit Sam Phen
A longtime staple in Nashville’s Sylvan Park neighborhood, Park Cafe is a Southern-accented bistro known for its sleek atmosphere and wine pairings. It’s the perfect place to meet for a business lunch, gather with friends and family, or have a pleasant daytime date. Lunch at the cafe is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a menu that features Southern-inspired appetizers, crisp salads, and elevated sandwiches like the roast tenderloin, fish, chicken salad, burger or veggie burger. Make your reservation here.
Location: 4403 Murphy Road, Nashville, TN 37209
Pasits Nashville
Bringing a chic European feel to Nashville, Pastis is an New York City based Parisian brasserie by the reputable STARR Restaurants group. Lunch at Pastis is now available Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with menu specials like onion soup, grilled branzino, tomato tart, steak frites, cheeseburger à l’Américaine and trout amandine, alongside choices like the poached shrimp salade and a steak sandwich. Signature cocktails and wines are also available during lunch hours. Learn more about Pastis lunch service here. Make a reservation here.
Location: 512 Houston Street, Nashville, TN 37203
Mid-day Pick-me-up
Dinner this, breakfast that. With so much attention of the first and last meal of the day, lunch can sometimes fall through the cracks. However, properly fueling our bodies—during the work day or otherwise—remains an important way to take care of our health. That being said, if there’s one thing you can count on here in our corner of Middle Tennessee, it’s finding something good to eat, no matter the time of day.
- If you’re interested in trying a new kind of cuisine, check out International Restaurants in Franklin.
- If you’re a barbeque aficionado, put some of the best spots in Franklin and Nashville to the test.
- If you’re craving authentic Nashville hot chicken, check out Franklin and Williamson County’s finest takes on the iconic dish.
- If you’re navigating lunchtime with food sensitivities, local, allergen-friendly restaurants and bakeries have you covered.
- Sushi is always on the table as a lunchtime favorite! Find the best sushi spots in Franklin.
- For a late lunch or after work wind down, be sure to take advantage of top happy hours in Franklin, Brentwood, and The Factory at Franklin.
- For some lovely outdoor dining options, check out the best patios at The Factory at Franklin and waterfront restaurants situated in and near Nashville.
- Don’t forget about your pups! For more information on dog-friendly patio options and more, check out a dog owner’s guide to Franklin and Nashville.
- To narrow down the extensive restaurant options here in Franklin, Tennessee, check out our guide to foodie neighborhoods, broken down by area.
- If you’re looking for a more formal or private dining experience, check out restaurants that offer private dining rooms in Franklin, Brentwood, and Nashville.
Whether you find yourself in Franklin, Brentwood, or Nashville when you reach the mid-day mark, you can’t go wrong with these top-notch dining options. Don’t let lunchtime pass you by without grabbing a local bite to eat—your day just might depend on it!
