Eat With Sam KSearching for the best steakhouses in Nashville? Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, planning an unforgettable date night, entertaining clients, or simply craving a perfectly cooked steak, Nashville is home to some of the best steakhouses in the South.
I'm working my way through Nashville's steakhouses and giving the places I personally visit a Sam Score based on my overall experience. This guide will continue to change as I try more of them.
At Eat With Sam K, every meal I review is paid for with my own money. I don't accept paid reviews or free meals in exchange for positive coverage.
Tip: hover over any $ price tag below to see what it means.
⭐ Ocean Prime
Neighborhood: Near Broadway
Sam Score: 9.3/10
Best For: Steak & seafood near Broadway
Price: $$$$
Ocean Prime pairs premium steaks with fresh seafood and a lively bar scene just steps from Broadway.
The 9.3 Sam Score puts it among the highest-rated restaurants I've reviewed anywhere in Nashville, not just among steakhouses. Read Sam's full review →
💬 Sam Says: "One of the best overall meals I've had since starting Eat With Sam K, the kind of steakhouse that backs up the price."
⭐ Personally Reviewed by Eat With Sam K · Read my full Ocean Prime review →
More Nashville Steakhouses Worth Knowing
I'm still working my way through Nashville's steakhouses, so the restaurants below haven't all received an official Sam Score yet.
Rather than assigning rankings to places I haven't personally reviewed, I'm keeping them on my radar and will update this guide as I visit them.
🏆 Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse
Jeff Ruby's combines luxury dining, exceptional service, and some of the finest USDA Prime steaks available in Nashville.
Whether you're celebrating an anniversary or entertaining clients, it's one of the city's premier dining destinations.
Best For: Overall steakhouse experience
🥂 Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina
Located inside the JW Marriott, Bourbon Steak delivers an upscale dining experience with premium cuts, incredible views, and outstanding service.
Best For: Luxury dining and special occasions
🔥 Kayne Prime
Kayne Prime has become one of Nashville's signature modern steakhouses thanks to creative sides, premium beef, and an impressive cocktail program.
Best For: Modern steakhouse, worth the splurge
✨ Harper's
Harper's has quickly become one of Nashville's hottest reservations by combining premium steaks with an elegant atmosphere and elevated menu.
Best For: Trending, newer luxury dining
⭐ Halls Chophouse
Halls has earned a reputation for exceptional hospitality and consistently outstanding steaks. If service is just as important as the food, this belongs near the top of your list.
Best For: Exceptional service, business dinners
🎉 STK Nashville
STK combines steakhouse dining with a lively atmosphere, making it popular for birthdays, celebrations, and group dinners.
Best For: Dinner and nightlife, groups
🥩 Oak Steakhouse
Oak offers a more classic steakhouse experience while consistently serving premium cuts and excellent cocktails.
Best For: Traditional steakhouse
🦞 Eddie V's Prime Seafood
If your group wants both exceptional steak and fresh seafood, Eddie V's is one of the best choices in Nashville.
Best For: Steak and seafood, surf and turf
🌆 The Southern Steak & Oyster
The Southern blends premium steaks with Southern hospitality and seafood, making it a favorite for both visitors and locals.
Best For: Downtown, steak and oysters
🏛️ Sperry's Restaurant
Serving Nashville since 1974, Sperry's remains one of the city's most beloved classic steakhouses. If you're looking for old-school charm and consistency, Sperry's is worth visiting.
Best For: Nashville tradition, old-school charm
Best Steakhouses in Nashville by Occasion
If you don't want to sort through the entire list, here's where I'd start depending on what you're looking for.
| Looking For | Try |
|---|---|
| ⭐ Highest Sam Score | Ocean Prime, 9.3 |
| 🏆 Best Overall | Jeff Ruby's |
| ❤️ Date Night | Ocean Prime / Jeff Ruby's |
| 🥂 Special Occasion | Bourbon Steak / Harper's |
| 👔 Business Dinner | Jeff Ruby's / Halls Chophouse |
| 🎉 Group Dinner | STK / Halls Chophouse |
| 🦞 Steak & Seafood | Ocean Prime / Eddie V's |
What Is My Favorite Steakhouse in Nashville?
Right now, Ocean Prime holds the top spot among the steakhouses I've personally reviewed, with a 9.3 Sam Score.
That doesn't mean the ranking is permanent. I'm continuing to visit steakhouses throughout Nashville, and whenever I review another one, I'll update this guide based on my actual experience.
The goal is eventually to have a complete ranking based entirely on restaurants I've personally visited rather than simply repeating the same Nashville restaurant lists you can find everywhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best steakhouse in Nashville?
Of the steakhouses I've personally reviewed so far, Ocean Prime is my highest rated at 9.3/10. Jeff Ruby's, Bourbon Steak, and Kayne Prime are also consistently considered among Nashville's top steakhouses, and I'll update this guide with my own Sam Score for each as I visit them.
Which steakhouse is best for a date night?
Ocean Prime is my personal pick, with Jeff Ruby's, Bourbon Steak, and Harper's all offering upscale atmospheres that work well for anniversaries and special occasions.
Where should I take a client for dinner?
Jeff Ruby's, Oak Steakhouse, and Halls Chophouse are excellent choices for business dinners thanks to their service, atmosphere, and menu.
What's the best steakhouse downtown?
Ocean Prime, Jeff Ruby's, The Southern, and Bourbon Steak are all conveniently located near downtown attractions and hotels.
The Sam Score
Every steakhouse that receives a Sam Score has been personally visited and reviewed by me, steak quality, sides, value, service, and atmosphere all factor in.
Restaurants cannot pay for a Sam Score or a better rating. My goal with Eat With Sam K is simple: try the food myself and tell you whether I think it's actually worth your money.
As I visit more steakhouses around Nashville, I'll continue updating this guide with new Sam Scores and rankings.
Last Updated: August 2026
More Nashville Food Guides
Looking for more great places to eat? Check out these guides on Eat With Sam K: