Cortney LaCorte, AKA Cheese Gal, Shares the 12 Nashville Places That Shaped Her Taste

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‘The Places That Shaped My Taste’ is TQE’s take on a city guide. Yes, we’re interested in the new restaurant that’s surprisingly worth the hype – but we’re also asking local tastemakers to dish on the decades-old strip mall joint they’ve frequented since high school, the crystal shop that got them through their rough patch, and the barber who defined their style.

If you know Nashville through the lens of food, entertaining, and a very good cheese board, chances are you know Cortney LaCorte, aka Cheese Gal. The Nashville-based creator and founder of Cheese Gal has built a community with her effortlessly chic approach to cooking, hosting, and everyday life. 

But before she became a go-to tastemaker for everything from viral snacks to dinner-party inspiration, LaCorte was simply eating her way through Nashville. From the restaurant where her now-husband took her on their first date to the no-frills spots she craves after traveling, her favorite places reveal the city she knows and loves beyond the tourist checklist. Ahead, LaCorte shares the Nashville restaurants that have shaped her taste, the dishes she orders on repeat, and the spots she’ll happily return to again and again.

Rolfe and Daughters in Germantown

“It’s the first restaurant in Nashville that my now husband took me to in 2014. It was incredible then but the best part is, it’s still incredible – if not even better – in 2026. The interior is cozy, and inviting with perfectly dim lighting instantly setting the vibe. We always start with their sourdough bread and seaweed butter, and then proceed to nearly order the entire menu! Though they center the majority of their dishes around seasonal ingredients, there are a handful of menu staples that never leave – thankfully. Take it from me, always order the rigatoni and the lemon herb roast chicken – and you’ll thank me later. In a city that’s opening a new restaurant what feels like every other day, we keep coming back to Rolfe.”

Locust in 12South

“This one is a newer place, but instantly became a favorite. Opened by Chef Trevor Moran (formerly of world renowned Noma), the vibe is upscale casual, with an open kitchen with rock music playing. It’s the kind of place that feels chill, but don’t be fooled – it’s a Michelin guide award winner AND won the coveted #1 Food and Wine best restaurant in the country a few years back. You’re instantly greeted by the entire team when you’re being seated. The menu is small, and this is a place where you’ll want to order everything on it. Truly some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life!”

Mas Tacos Por Favor in East Nashville

“When I tell you I crave their chicken pozole – I literally DREAM about it. This cash-only little gem on the East Side has been a locals’ favorite for years, and for good reason. The tacos are incredible, the tamales are always a yes, the elote is a must, and if tortilla soup is on your radar, don’t skip it. But if you’re asking me? Always order the chicken pozole. It’s rich, comforting, and one of those dishes I think about long after I’ve left. No frills, just ridiculously good food, and a great vibe inside the restaurant as well.”

St. Vito in The Gulch

“Delicious x100. Chef Michael Hanna started St. Vito during the pandemic as a pickup-only pizza operation, and now it’s one of my favorite restaurants in the city. The atmosphere is warm, lively, and cool, but let’s get to the important part: the pizza. Their focaccia-style crust is absolute perfection – crispy, airy, chewy… all at once. My personal favorite is the Pepperoni, but honestly, you can’t go wrong. Order a few pizzas for the table, don’t skip the Caesar salad, and prepare to immediately start planning your next visit!”

East Side Pho in East Nashville

“If I’m craving comfort food, there’s a very good chance you’ll find me here. Their pho is rich, deeply flavorful, and somehow manages to fix just about anything. I almost always order the brisket pho, load it up with herbs, lime, and all the extras, and leave feeling like a brand new person. Don’t skip the fresh spring rolls either – they’re simple in the best way and the perfect thing to snack on while you wait. Fun fact: this is my go to takeout after traveling! We order it immediately after we get home from the airport. It’s that good.”

Radish 

“If you’re looking for a fast, casual but healthy lunch that actually leaves you excited to eat a salad, Radish is it. Everything tastes incredibly fresh, the ingredients are high quality, and the portions are generous enough that you won’t be hungry an hour later. I love that you can build exactly what you’re craving, whether it’s a grain bowl, salad or wrap and it’s one of my go-to spots when I want something that feels nourishing without sacrificing flavor. Ps, I could drink their ranch dressing (and maybe have).”

Hattie B’s

“Yes, it’s popular. Yes, there will probably be a line. And yes – it's an absolute must when in Music City. Nashville hot chicken is one of the city’s signature foods, and Hattie B’s is the place I send first-time visitors. I usually play it safe with the Mild or Medium (don’t underestimate the heat), grab a side of pimento mac and cheese, collard greens and of course, finish with the banana pudding. Classic Nashville!”

Maíz de la Vida

“One of the most exciting restaurants in Nashville right now that started as a food truck. Chef Julio Hernandez is doing incredible things with heirloom corn that’s nixtamalized in-house, and every bite reflects the care that goes into the food. They’re famous for their Quesabirria tacos (slow braised beef filled inside of a cheesy crispy taco) served with the most ridiculously fab consummé to dip – you cannot skip this one!!”

SS Gai in East Nashville

“This is proof that simple food can be unforgettable. Their Thai-style fried chicken is perfectly crispy, ridiculously juicy, and comes with sauces that you’ll probably wish you could bottle and take home. The rice, soups, and sides are just as thoughtfully done, making it the kind of place where every single thing on the tray earns its spot. Casual, fun, and always hits the spot. This is one of my family’s most ordered takeout places.”

Baby Chan in Germantown

“Babychan is one of my favorite lunch/brunch spots in Nashville. They serve Japanese-inspired comfort food with a touch of French technique, and somehow everything feels both elevated and incredibly comforting. Their house-made milk bread is reason enough to go – especially for the crispy chicken katsu sando or egg salad sando, and if you’re lucky enough to snag a pastry, don’t skip it! The strawberry sando, black sesame cream roll, and curry egg tart are all so good. It’s cozy, charming, and one of those places you’ll immediately want to come back to.”

Little Rey Carbon in Midtown/West End

“When I’m craving house-made tortillas, melty queso, and really, really good tacos, Little Rey is always at the top of my list. They’re known for their smoky wood-roasted pollo al carbón, and everything coming off the grill is packed with flavor. It’s casual, lively, and the perfect spot for lunch or an easy dinner. Order the queso for the table, grab a few tacos (or the chicken if you’re extra hungry), and if you’re in the mood, don’t skip a frozen margarita. It’s one of those places I find myself coming back to again and again. Ps, it’s a great place to bring kids.”

Folk in East Nashville

“From the same team behind Rolfe & Daughters, Folk is another restaurant we come back to over and over again! It recently earned a spot on the Michelin Guide, and it somehow feels cool without trying too hard. It’s just one of those places where everything is consistently so good. Their wine list is one of my favorites in the city, and if you’re wondering what to order, start with their focaccia, smoked tuna dip, and stracciatella then move on to the clam pie (trust me), chicken Milanese and/ or ribeye with an insane black garlic compound butter. Honestly, I’ve never had a bad meal here, and it’s one of those restaurants that reminds me why I love Nashville’s food scene so much.” 

Want to try some of LaCorte’s favorite snacks and everyday dinners even when you’re not in Nashville? Check out her first cookbook, Oversharing.