5 Best Traditional Mexican Restaurants In Franklin, Nashville

5 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Mesero - 12South, Nashville restaurant

1. Mesero - 12South, Nashville

4.6

Exceptional(268)

$$$$

• Traditional mexican • Belmont / Hillsboro

Booked 5 times today

Mesero - 12South in Nashville is redefining Tex-Mex with a fresh, authentic twist that leaves diners raving. Guests are drawn to the "bursting with flavor" tacos and iconic Queso Mesero that set a new standard for Tex-Mex cuisine. This restaurant perfectly blends "Mexican Spirit with American Life," offering dishes that are as beautifully presented as they are delicious. The vibrant yet stylish ambiance, combined with attentive service, makes every visit memorable. As one enthusiastic diner shared, "Great authentic Tex-Mex — finally available in Nashville." Mesero is a must-visit for anyone seeking an elevated Tex-Mex experience in a welcoming setting.

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2. Maiz De La Vida

4.8

Exceptional(630)

$$$$

• Traditional mexican • The Gulch & North Gulch

Booked 44 times today

Maíz de la Vida in The Gulch offers a lively, modern dining experience rooted in the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine. The space blends bold flavors, vibrant energy, and warm hospitality to create an atmosphere that feels both elevated and welcoming. At the heart of the menu is a deep respect for tradition, most importantly, nixtamalization. The restaurant prepares corn the ancestral way, resulting in fresh, hand-pressed heirloom corn tortillas made daily. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully crafted dishes alongside a curated selection of agave-based cocktails that highlight the depth of Mexico’s most iconic spirits. Grounded in the spirit of community, Maíz de la Vida is a place to gather, connect, and celebrate. Recognized as a James Beard Emerging Chef in 2023 and Best Chef: Southeast Semi-Finalist in 2025, Chef Hernandez and his team deliver a dynamic, authentic approach that honors heritage while evolving tradition.

A photo of Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval – Nashville restaurant

3. Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval – Nashville

4.0

Excellent(191)

$$$$

• Traditional mexican • Downtown / Sobro

Booked 6 times today

Lona is a dynamic modern Mexican restaurant brought to life by the creative collaboration of renowned chefs Richard Sandoval and Pablo Salas and aims to redefine the Mexican dining experience by combining traditional flavors with contemporary techniques and artistic presentation.At Lona, guests will be immersed in a lively atmosphere that pays homage to Mexico's rich culinary heritage while embracing the spirit of innovation. The menu showcases a fusion of regional Mexican cuisines, featuring an array of bold and authentic flavors. From delectable street food favorites to refined dishes inspired by ancient recipes, Lona offers a culinary journey that celebrates the diversity and complexity of Mexican gastronomy.Serving dinner daily and weekend brunch.

4. Social Cantina - Nashville

4.1

Excellent(11)

$$$$

• Traditional mexican • Germantown

Social Cantina is a place where community and flavor intersect, blending traditional Mexican-inspired dishes with bold, inventive twists to create an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant is situated adjacent to First Horizon Park Stadium, home of the Nashville Sounds, and overlooks the Cumberland River Greenway, providing a picturesque backdrop for guests to enjoy.

A photo of Cilantro Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar - Gultch restaurant

5. Cilantro Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar - Gultch

4.4

Awesome(2)

$$$$

• Traditional mexican • The Gulch & North Gulch

Booked 3 times today

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Mexico right here in Nashville, TN. At Cilantro Mexican Grill, we're dedicated to bringing you the authentic tastes of traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. With two convenient locations in Nashville, we invite you to experience the warmth of our hospitality and the richness of our dishes.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

Best Traditional Mexican Restaurants in Franklin, Nashville

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5 restaurants available nearby

1. Mesero - 12South, Nashville

2. Maiz De La Vida

3. Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval – Nashville

4. Social Cantina - Nashville

5. Cilantro Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar - Gultch

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