Slurp Your Way Through Tennessee: Soup Restaurant Guide

As the leaves begin to change and the crisp air of fall settles over Nashville, there’s no better way to warm up and embrace the coziness of the season than with a bowl of comforting soup. From rich, creamy broths to hearty, flavor-packed stews, Nashville’s culinary scene offers a diverse array of soup spots that promise to soothe your soul and warm your heart. Whether you’re seeking a quick lunch to break the chill or a leisurely dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl, here are some of the best places in the city to find that perfect spoonful of comfort as we transition into the cooler months.

Where to Get Soup in Nashville, TN

Vietnamese Cuisine - Love, Peace & Pho 

For those craving Vietnamese flavors, Love, Peace & Pho presents an authentic pho experience in the heart of Nashville. Their pho boasts a clear, aromatic broth that is simmered to perfection, paired with fresh herbs, and tender meats. From the myriad of pho options to Bun Bo Hue, a spicy soup with rice noodles, each bowl offers a comforting embrace of warm, fragrant spices and textures, perfect for any day.

American Cuisine - Ty’s Soups and Sandwiches

Located in the bustling heart of downtown Nashville, Ty's Soups and Sandwiches is a beloved local hotspot dedicated to serving up scrumptious, made-from-scratch soups in a fast, friendly environment. With a rotating daily menu of soups to choose from, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Indulge in the rich and creamy chicken queso, savor the classic comfort of tomato bisque, or enjoy the hearty, nourishing flavors of veggie beef soup. Each bowl is prepared with care, ensuring a delicious and comforting experience that pares well with their delicious sandwich options. Ty’s is the perfect spot for a quick and satisfying lunch break, making it a must-visit for those working or exploring downtown Nashville.

Italian Cuisine - Varallo’s Restaurant

Family owned and operated for more than a century, Varallo's Restaurant is a Southern and Italian fusion restaurant that claims the title of the oldest restaurant and the last chili parlor in operation in Tennessee. Founded by Frank Varallo Sr., an Italian immigrant who originally served as an interpreter at Ellis Island, Varallo's Restaurant began as a humble cart in a local saloon before evolving into a beloved Nashville institution. Despite stiff competition over the years, Varallo's has distinguished itself with a tradition of Southern hospitality and a host of cherished family recipes, maintaining its legacy through the Peabody family and continuing to serve its original 1907 chili recipe alongside classic Southern fare.

American Cuisine - The Grilled Cheeserie

What began as a popular food truck, popular Nashville staple, The Grilled Cheeserie is best known for its creative spins on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. A perfect companion to their melty sandwiches, The Grilled Cheeserie also delights with its creamy tomato soup or roasted red pepper and tomato soup. This foodie haven is a must-visit for anyone looking to relive cherished childhood memories with a gourmet twist.

Japanese Cuisine - Otaku Ramen

As Nashville's first dedicated ramen shop, Otaku Ramen has taken the city by storm with its authentic and innovative approach to this Japanese staple. Dive into a bowl of their Tonkotsu Ramen, where the broth simmers for hours to achieve a rich, umami-packed flavor profile that is both complex and comforting. With a focus on authenticity and quality ingredients, Otaku Ramen offers a truly transformative dining experience.

Japanese Cuisine - Two Ten Jack 

Two Ten Jack marries the izakaya-style dining with the comfort of Southern hospitality, offering a menu that features an array of exceptional ramen bowls. The Chicken Paitan Ramen, with its rich, velvety broth and perfectly cooked noodles, showcases the restaurant's commitment to tradition and quality. Beyond ramen, the menu also includes small plates and Japanese-inspired cocktails, making it a perfect spot for a casual yet sophisticated dining experience.

American Cuisine - Puffy Muffin Bakery & Restaurant 

Nestled in the heart of Brentwood, just south of Nashville, The Puffy Muffin has earned its reputation not just through its delightful baked goods but also through its heartwarming selection of homemade soups. Each day brings a new variety to try, from classic favorites like chicken noodle to their incredible tortilla soup. Along with its charming, cozy ambiance, The Puffy Muffin is the perfect spot to unwind with a comforting bowl of soup, especially during the nippy fall and winter days. Whether you're seeking a light lunch or a warm start to your meal, their soups serve as a delicious reminder of the simple pleasures of seasonal dining.

Spots for Soup in Chattanooga

Thai Cuisine - Alex’s Thai Food & Noodle Bistro

Alex’s Thai Food & Noodle Bistro is a haven for Thai cuisine enthusiasts. The highlight here is the Tom Yum soup, a perfect blend of sour and spicy flavors infused with aromatic Thai herbs. Noodle lovers will delight in the Salmon Pad Thai and their extensive choice of Thai curries, both offering a satisfying array of savory meats, fresh veggies and traditional Thai spices.

Various - STIR

STIR modernizes the dining experience with a focus on fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Their signature soup, a creamy crab bisque, is rich and indulgent. Rice bowl enthusiasts will appreciate the Vegan Poke Bowl, which combines a rainbow of fresh vegetables with a savory miso vinaigrette and pickled kale.

Chinese Cuisine - Ernest Chinese

Ernest Chinese in Chattanooga marries classic Chinese flavors with a modern dining approach. Soup enthusiasts will savor the traditional options like the tangy hot & sour soup, the silky egg drop soup, and the comforting wonton soup, each offering a distinct taste of Chinese culinary tradition. Additionally, their pork and veggie dumplings are a highlight, perfect for those seeking a hearty, flavorful bite with their authentic, handmade appeal.

Korean & Japanese Cuisine - Han Mi 

Han Mi offers a dive into Korean cuisine with standout dishes that resonate with authentic flavors. Their miso ramen is a must-try, blending Japanese and Korean influences into a savory, umami-packed bowl. The kimchi stew offers a deeply satisfying taste with its rich, fermented complexity, ideal for lovers of traditional Korean fare. For a well-rounded meal, the bibimbap mixes vibrant vegetables, a sunny-side-up egg, and spicy sauce over steamed rice, encapsulating the essence of Korean comfort food.

Soup Restaurants in Knoxville

Hawaiian Cuisine - Tomo Poke Bowl

Tomo Poke Bowl offers a fresh take on the traditional Hawaiian dish with options like the Big Orange Poke Bowl. This signature bowl is inspired by The University of Tennessee and features fresh salmon, masago and ponzu sauce for a refreshing and nutritious meal with an orange twist. Beyond poke, the restaurant also serves an assortment of Asian dishes, including a variety of ramen dishes as well as sushi, chicken tonkatsu and hibachi options.

Chinese and Cambodian Cuisine - Landing House 

At Landing House, diners can explore a unique fusion of Chinese and Cambodian cuisines. Their menu features intriguing noodle dishes like chili crisp noodles and chilled egg noodles, which provide a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Additionally, they offer a rich and aromatic pho that captures the essence of traditional Southeast Asian flavors, making it a must-visit for lovers of Asian dishes.

American Cuisine - Pete’s Restaurant

Pete’s Coffee Shop Restaurant is renowned for its comforting, homemade offerings that perfectly complement their delicious salads and sandwiches. Their homemade chili and vegetable soup are local favorites, known for their hearty ingredients and comforting flavors. This spot is ideal for those seeking a cozy meal in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Asian Cuisine - Angry Dumplings & Tea

Angry Dumplings & Tea specializes in a variety of Asian-inspired dishes with a focus on dumplings and buns. Their pork and veggie dumplings, alongside barbecue buns and traditional red bean buns, offer a taste of classic Asian flavors. The restaurant also provides an assortment of noodle and curry bowls, ensuring a diverse menu that caters to various palates and preferences.

Thai Cuisine - Fai Thai

Fai Thai is authentic Thai home cooking that will warm you heart and soul. Enjoy the Thai beef noodle soup with thin or wide rice noodles, beef brisket, scallions, beansprouts and beef broth. Savor the egg noodle soup stuffed with roasted pork and fish balls. Tom Yum, Tom Kha as well as curry of different flavors are must-orders.

Cajun/Creole Cuisine - Saint Lucille's Kitchen

Dig into rich, flavorful dishes at Saint Lucille's Kitchen. The Creole/Cajun restaurant serves classics like chicken and sausage gumbo, mushroom and kale etouffee as well as thick Po' Boys stuffed with chicken, andouille sausage and more. The gumbo has delicious chicken, andouille sausage, okra, onions, bell peppers and celery, and rice served with French bread. The gluten-free etouffee features garbanzo beans, mushrooms, kale, onions, bell peppers and celery and rice. Wash it all down with local beer made by Craft Bastard Brewing located next door. 

Soup Restaurants in and near Memphis

Japanese Cuisine - Kami Ramen Bar

With three locations in Memphis, Kami Ramen Bar is a popular destination for ramen enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy a variety of ramen options, including Chicken Ramen with its savory broth, Vegetable Ramen packed with fresh produce, and the rich, pork-based Tonkotsu Ramen. Extra toppings allow diners to customize their bowls to their liking. Beyond ramen, Kami also serves steamed buns, donburi rice bowls, and a selection of desserts, making it a full culinary experience.

Vietnamese Cuisine - I Love Pho

I Love Pho lives up to its name by offering a wide range of pho options that showcase the aromatic and flavorful essence of this Vietnamese classic. From beef to chicken and vegetarian versions, each bowl is a comforting embrace of herbs, spices, and broth. Additionally, their menu includes various noodle plates for those looking to explore beyond pho. 

American Cuisine - Bogie’s Delicatessen

Bogie’s Delicatessen is a Memphis staple known for its unique soup offerings and extensive selection of hot and cold sandwiches. Soup choices like Chicken Pasta, Spinach Bisque, and Buffalo Chicken are perfect for pairing with any of their sandwiches. Bogie’s also serves breakfast in the morning, making it a great spot for early risers looking for a hearty start to their day.

Thai, Chinese and Japanese Cuisine  - Mosa Asian Bistro

Mosa Asian Bistro specializes in blending traditional Asian dishes with a modern twist. Their menu features Potstickers and Yuan Bao hand-wrapped chicken dumplings, available either pan-fried or steamed. Soup lovers can indulge in hot and sour soup, a comforting wonton soup, and even pho, offering a diverse taste of Asian culinary traditions.

Southern Cuisine - Oaklawn Southern Dining - Paris, TN

Cozy up in Oaklawn Southern Dining where you'll find chef-inspired dishes presented in an elegant atmosphere. Housed in the 1954 Oaklawn home, the restaurant features steaks, seafood and soups. Start your meal with the delicious She Crab soup that has a rich, creamy and bold flavor. With an extensive wine and champagne list, Oaklawn is the perfect place to celebrate life.

Doodle Soup Days - Bradford, TN

If you can't get enough soup, make plans to attend the annual Doodle Soup Days in Bradford, Tennessee. This small town is known as the Doodle Soup Capital of the World. The unique concoction is rooted in local history, dating back to as early as the 1800s when it was served to Civil War soldiers. Doodle soup is a broth made from roasted chicken or game drippings, mixed with salt, vinegar, cayenne pepper, water, sugar and flour. It's eaten with bread or crackers or poured back over the roasted meat as a flavoring. At the Doodle Soup Days festival, you can expect to see over 30 gallons of doodle soup along with broiled chicken, barbecue, sauce, crackers and biscuits as well as a parade, singings, cake walk and the official serving of doodle soup.

This is just a sampling of the great soup restaurants found in Tennessee. Find your perfect soup bowl & plan a delicious getaway.