West End

For a refined Southern food experience there’s Martha’s at the Plantation (5025 Harding Rd., 615/353-2828, daily 11 a.m.–2 p.m., $9–15), a sunny family-friendly café located above the gift shop at Belle Meade Plantation [1]. Proprietor Martha Stamps offers favorites like chicken croquettes, fried chicken, and fried catfish sandwiches. Salads include cornmeal-crusted oysters on a bed of romaine, and popular side dishes are squash casserole, baked cheese grits, and spicy kale.

For your main dish, try the boneless pork chop with cranberry glaze or a patty melt on sourdough toast. Her chicken and tuna salad sandwiches are also consistently good. Kids can choose from favorites including macaroni and cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.