It’s Lent.
And for those observing, that means the annual Friday ritual: no meat until Easter. Once upon a time, that translated to freezer-burned fish sticks and quiet disappointment.
Not anymore.
Nashville’s seafood game has leveled up in a big way, and these days, Lent Fridays can feel less like sacrifice and more like strategic dining. Whether you’re keeping tradition or just looking for a solid fish fix, here are some standout spots worth working into your rotation.
🐟 Sperry’s — Rainbow Trout Almondine
If you’re going to splurge during Lent, this is a strong place to do it.
Sperry’s rainbow trout almondine is the polished, grown-up seafood move: tender trout finished with rich brown butter and toasted almonds that actually earn their keep. The fish stays delicate and juicy, while the butter brings the kind of decadence that makes you forget you gave up steak in the first place.
Yes, it sits on the pricier end of this list — but it delivers.
📍 5109 Harding Pike, Belle Meade
📍 650 Frazier Dr., Franklin
🍤 Ikura — Tempura Rock Shrimp
This one disappears fast. Consider yourself warned.
Ikura’s tempura-fried rock shrimp arrive golden, crisp, and aggressively snackable. Each piece is wrapped in a light tempura shell, flash-fried, then glossed with a sweet-savory umami sauce that hits that dangerous “just one more” zone.
Order it to share if you must… but don’t be surprised if table diplomacy breaks down halfway through.
📍 8113 Moores Lane, Brentwood
🐠 Bishop’s Meat & Three — Fried Catfish
There is no shortage of catfish in Middle Tennessee, but Bishop’s version earns repeat visits.
The fish gets a proper cornmeal crust and a deep fry to crunchy golden-brown territory. What makes this one especially interesting: Bishop’s comes from the founder of Hattie B’s — which means you can order your catfish plain or dusted with Hattie B’s heat levels.
Pro move: mild spice with a side of cooling slaw.
📍 3065 Mallory Lane, Franklin
🥑 Taqueria Jalisco — Shrimp Ceviche
Need something lighter in the Lent rotation? This is your reset button.
Taqueria Jalisco’s shrimp ceviche keeps things bright and clean: citrus-marinated shrimp layered over diced tomatoes and onions, finished with creamy avocado and served alongside a crisp tostada for texture.
It’s fresh, punchy, and one of the healthier plays on this list — without feeling like punishment.
📍 595 Hillsboro Road, Franklin
🐟 Culver’s — Walleye Sandwich (Seasonal)
Call it the sleeper hit of Lent season.
Culver’s brings in North American walleye specifically for this time of year, and the chain absolutely knows how to fry fish. The beer batter comes out shatter-crisp, wrapped around a flaky, mild fillet that plays nicely as either a sandwich or a platter.
Two non-negotiables:
- Get the tartar sauce
- Don’t sleep on the fried shrimp if you’re mixing it up
📍 3400 Mallory Lane, Franklin
📍 3016 Belshire Village Dr., Spring Hill
The Nash Potatoes Take
Lent used to mean settling.
Now? It’s basically a curated seafood tour if you play it right.
Whether you’re going full traditional or just leaning meatless on Fridays, Nashville (and the surrounding ‘burbs) has plenty of ways to keep the ritual intact without feeling like you’re doing culinary penance.
Stretchy pants remain optional — but encouraged.