SOL Restaurant is not your typical Nashville Mexican hotspot. The atmosphere at SOL is upscale rather than down-home and the entrees are truly deserving of the word, "cuisine." It is evident by both the flavors and the plating that chef and owner Jason McConnell puts effort and attention into every dish. SOL Restaurant is a fantastic option for date night, a group gathering or any evening out. To pair a delicious drink with your Mexican meal, SOL offers an extensive selection of Tequilas and a variety of flavor choices. The only drawback to this great Mexican find is that it's only open in the evenings, so be careful to plan your day in Franklin or Nashville accordingly. -Lynn-nore Chittom  

Music City Dog House combines two Nashville favorites: music and hot dogs.  For a city only known nation-wide for the one, there are quite a few independently owned hot dog diners, dives and restaurants scattered throughout the city.  Despite this, only one features menu favorites such as the Chart Topper, the Starving Artist, and the One Hit Wonder. Guests at Music City Dog House may choose to go with an old-faithful or get a little creative with the extremely popular Cut Your Own Record dog.  Thrill-seeking guests can add a Tennessee Tornado Potato as a side order.  As creative as their menu is, dogs at Music City Dog House speak for themselves as a delicious, if not nutritious meal. -Lynn-nore Chittom 

Hayashi Japanese Buffet serves up a fabulous and fresh sushi bar buffet and a wonderful selection of Japanese dishes.  As an upscale Japanese buffet, Hayashi hits the mark.  The décor is refined and calming and each table is beautifully decorated with a shadow-box of interesting artifacts.  In addition to the wonderful and endless sushi, the buffet also includes all-you-can-eat Japanese entrees, appetizers, and dessert, a refreshing alternative to six tiny gyozas leaving you begging for more. Despite the buffet atmosphere the food itself is top-notch right down to the crab legs and oyster bar. With its plentiful array of Japanese favorites, Hayashi Japanese Buffet tips the scales for Japanese cuisine in Nashville. -Lynn-nore Chittom

Bishop's Good to Go offers delicious, home-cooked, home-style meals everyday but Sunday. The atmosphere is comfortable, and the servers are super family-friendly. As one of the best meat-and-three's in Nashville, Bishop's offers a variety of unique, homemade menu choices including carrot soufflé, cucumber salad and chess pie. Check out their website for the daily menu which includes the meat and dessert of the day, but if you get a chance, be there on Tuesday or Saturday for their chicken fried steak. It's worth the visit. - Lynn-nore Chittom

Taste of Russia is a small but exquisite hideaway in Franklin, with all of the most traditional foods of typical Russian cuisine. Main dish specialties include Ukrainian borscht, stroganov, kiev fried pork cutlets, and loads of homemade mashed potatoes and cabbage. For dessert, be sure to try some of their scrumptious cheese-filled Russian blintzes with fruit sauce. These crepe-like rolled pancakes can be served savory or sweet, so be sure to try one or the other-or both! Guests often come back again and again to try all sorts of Slavic dishes. - Lynn-nore Chittom

J Christopher's is the just the right spot for a delicious breakfast or brunch in the Franklin, Cool Springs and Brentwood side of Nashville. The entrées and service are both fantastic. The portions are perfect, and each meal includes a tasty side dish. Be sure to try one of their amazing breakfast skillet dishes, such as the Spinach and Bacon or Oven Roasted Turkey and Avocado. They begin serving lunch at 11a, but continue to offer their breakfast menu until closing time. If you're there for lunch, try the Salmon BLT. It's one of a kind! - Lynn-nore Chittom

Cajun Steamer is the real deal on cajun cooking straight from the Big Easy. It's casual atmosphere reminds guests of an evening down on the bayou. The food is incredible, with one dish tastier than the next. The gumbo and the blue crab and fried green tomatoes are both fabulous starters, but a variety of other appetizers are also available including alligator and boudin. The entrees include all manner of Cajun seafood as a well as a variety of chicken dishes. Cajun Steamer has the best selection of Cajun food in Nashville at this price point and is well worth a visit. - Lynn-nore Chittom

Tossed is a restaurant well known for their salads. A huge selection of fresh ingredients arranged in delicious salad options are available for guests to design their own unique salad combination. Tossed offers over twenty different homemade salad dressings, a variety of lettuces, veggies, cheeses, meats, fruits and more for every guest's salad palate. Sandwiches, crepes, and soups are also available. Be sure to try the delicious Sjora Nestle fruit beverage. If the weather is nice, plan to get there a little early and get one of the outside seats on the small terrace. - Lynn-nore Chittom

Mozzarellas Pizzeria is a comfortable, little Italian restaurant with the feel of a just-like-momma-makes-it Little Italy diner. Pizzas are thick and delicious with plenty of cheese and sauce to go around. Mozzarellas specializes in Italian comfort foods that go way beyond pizzeria favorites. Guests at Mozzarellas will find a great selection of calzones, stromboli, and salads as well as a huge list of delicious pasta dishes. Mozzarellas also serves a selection of classic Italian subs for those looking more for lunch fare. If you feel dinner isn't complete without pasta and red sauce, check out Mozzarellas and you won't be disappointed. -Lynn-nore Chittom

The Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cafe and Boutique offers guests a delightfully delicious lunch and dinner option just northeast of Nashville. This local tea house is filled with Southern charm and comfort, and serves as a perfect location for a bridal or baby shower. The menu includes a variety of scrumptious and creative sandwich options such as shaved ham with pineapple cream cheese on a cinnamon bun and ham and cheese with homemade raspberry pecan mayonnaise. The boutique at The Chocolate Covered Strawberry includes an assortment of scented selections and gift items. -Lynn-nore Chittom