Maneet Chauhan, Arnold Myint and more local chefs name their favorite Nashville restaurants

We asked five of Nashville's best-known food industry figures to name their three favorite restaurants in town − well, their favorite spots that they don't own. Because don't we all want to know where chefs eat on their nights off?

Sure, our panelists picked lots of fine-dining spots around town. But Food Network star Maneet Chauhan's No. 1 choice in Nashville is ... biscuits?

Ranked: The top 25 restaurants in Nashville in 2022

And check out picks by chef Arnold Myint and chef/author Louisa Shafia for some really cool global food hidden gems. Also interesting − one of Nashville's most veteran chefs gets name-checked by two of our panelists. Which OG got double love?

Keep reading to find out.

Maneet Chauhan

Celebrity chef, Nashville restaurateur (Chauhan Ale & Masala House, Tansuo and The Mockingbird)

1. Biscuit Love

Three locations: The Gulch, Hillsboro Village and Franklin

[Owners/chefs] Sarah and Karl Worley have made me fall in love with everything biscuits. Buttery, delicious and absolutely amazing, each and every dish on that menu is better than the last.

And a special shout-out to the amazing Bonuts. Come on: fried biscuits with a blueberry jam and mascarpone lemon cream. Best bite in town.

2. Etch

Downtown: 303 Demonbreun St.

Chef Deb [Paquette]’s adventurous, inclusive and fun personality is shown off on each and every plate. The way she brings together flawless techniques and global flavors together seamlessly makes this one of the most memorable dining experiences.

3. Lyra

East Nashville: 935 W. Eastland Ave.

Chef Hrant [Arakelian]’s pride in his heritage shows in this restaurant. Middle Eastern food packed with flavor and freshness, served in a cool ambiance with amazing beverages. A place that entices you to go back over and over again.

Arnold Myint

Chef at International Market 2 in Belmont area

1. Love Peace & Pho

Eighth Avenue South: 2112 8th Ave S.

It’s a sure thing when it comes to quality and satisfying my Asian comfort cravings. I love the entire menu but the crystal dumplings and broth with beef balls are a must.

2. OSH Restaurant & Grill

South Nashville: 216 Thompson Lane

I’m not very versed on Uzbek cuisine but I do know that every salad is delicious, especially the Vinegret (beets) and Olivye (chopped egg, peas and things). Also the branzio with rice pilaf and blistered tomatoes is insanely perfect.

3. Cecconi’s at Soho House

Wedgewood Houston: 500 Houston St.

I find myself here for breakfast as well as for a nightcap. My go-to is the seemingly simple butter leaf salad which has a delightful hint of fresh herbs and bright citrusy dressing. The entire menu is pretty straightforward but well executed. And I love dirty vegan cheeseburgers.

Ben Norton

Executive chef at Husk Nashville

1. Locust

12 South; 2305 12th Ave S.

For me, it's pretty close to the perfect restaurant. They do whatever they want, and it's all executed at a really high level. There's loud music and lots of really nice seafood, which is something that's hard to find in landlocked Nashville. The menu is small so a couple can go in and order one of everything.

2. Bastion

Wedgewood Houston; 434 Houston St.

They have one of the more affordable tasting menus in the city and the atmosphere is super cool. The cooks serve all of the food and it's staffed by some of the best in the business. The menu changes all the time and I think it's all a big collaborative effort between all of the chefs.

3. The Catbird Seat

Midtown; 1711 Division St.

Another favorite for special occasions. It is pricy but the menu is extensive and super exciting. They offer really cool wine pairings as well as nonalcoholic options to go along with each course and they also host regular guest chef dinners with chefs from all over the country.

Louisa Shafia

Feast By Louisa chef and author of "The New Persian Kitchen"

1. Lockeland Table

East Nashville:1520 Woodland St.

This is the ultimate neighborhood restaurant. They’re so kind, especially if they recognize you. The food is always good, they use seasonal ingredients and it’s so inspired. They have a great bar and the community hour is awesome too.

2. The Horn

South Nashville: 619 Murfreesboro Pike

The Somalian food is delicious. They have really good sambusas and chai, and it’s super casual. You can sit and have coffee and work on your laptop if want. It's also just a cool pocket of a completely different culture in Nashville.

3. Newroz Market

South Nashville: 393 Elysian Fields Ct.

This is my go-to for a lot of Iranian ingredients, including freshly baked flatbreads, lavash and barbari. When I’m there I’m usually really hungry and love to get a shawarma sandwich, which they make fresh right there. They’re excellent.

Randy Rayburn

Longtime Nashville restaurateur, Midtown Cafe owner

1. Etc.

Green Hills: 3790 Bedford Ave.

Deb Paquette is fulfilling her Mediterranean desires, evolved from her days at Zola. The menu has a mélange of flavors, and she is the queen of umami.

2. Park Café

Sylvan Park: 4403 Murphy Road

This is one of my favorite places. It features unique twists on traditional dishes in a wonderful neighborhood restaurant.

3. City House

Germantown: 1222 4th Ave. N.

I’m a big fan of [Chef] Tandy [Wilson]’s belly ham pizza. It’s my favorite go-to restaurant, where I always sit at the bar.

If you agree with each pick on this list, you can reach Brad Schmitt at brad@tennessean.com. Otherwise, email Mackensy Lunsford at mlunsford@southernkitchen.com. 👍

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Famous chefs pick their three favorite Nashville restaurants