Chosen by Nashvillians as the best Mexican restaurant in a very crowded field, La Hacienda Taqueria (2615 Nolensville Pike, 615/256-6142, Mon.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–10 a.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–9 p.m., $2–14) is located within a colorful storefront on Nolensville Pike, Nashville’s most ethnically diverse thoroughfare. The menu offers a dizzying array of choices—tacos, enchiladas, tamales, burritos, quesadillas, and tortas, just to name a few. Most come with your choice of chicken, chorizo, tripe, pork, or steak filling, and many have an authenticity often missing from Mexican restaurant fare. Combination platters, which offer three items plus rice and beans, are a good way to sample the options if you aren’t sure what to order.

If you aren’t in the mood for Mexican, just drive a bit farther along Nolensville Pike for other choices. Among them is Dunya Kebob (2521 Nolensville Pike, 615/242-6664, Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Sun. noon–9:30 p.m., $5–10), which offers chicken, lamb, beef, and seafood kebobs and gyro sandwiches.

Not far from Nolensville, you’ll find two more international favorites in the same shopping center on Trousdale Drive. Back to Cuba (4683 Trousdale Dr., 615/837-6711, Tues.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., $8–12) serves traditional Cuban favorites: Grilled sandwiches of pork, ham, cheese, and pickle are a popular choice at lunchtime. For dinner, try the roast pork or grilled shrimp and don’t skip the lacy fried plantains and spicy black beans.

For homemade Italian fare, go to Mama Mia’s (4501 Trousdale Dr., 615/331-7207, Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Mon.–Sat. 5–10 p.m., $7–16), which offers lasagna, ravioli, chicken, veal, and seafood dishes. Bring your own wine.