Xiao Bao, an Asian gem located at 830 Meridian St, Nashville, has quickly garnered rave reviews for its innovative menu and inviting atmosphere. Patrons frequently highlight its unique dishes, such as the handcut noodles and the savory okonomiyaki, which are culinary delights that showcase a harmonious blend of flavors. The seasonal menu changes, ensuring freshness and creativity, but favorites like the Crab Rice 2.0 and the renowned beef fat fries consistently attract rave reviews. Guests appreciate the cozy, retro ambiance that combines 50's diner aesthetics with a Japanese flair, instantly making it a romantic spot for dates or a casual gathering among friends. Briana Vachon emphasizes the generous portion sizes and the attentive service, suggesting that newcomers sample a range of offerings to truly experience the culinary artistry. Ruby D's review reinforces this with an enthusiastic endorsement of the papaya salad and pancake, both praised for their vibrant flavors. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado of Asian cuisine or a curious first-timer, Xiao Bao promises a memorable dining experience that encapsulates the heart of Nashville's culinary scene. With every visit, guests leave with a craving for more, solidifying Xiao Bao’s place as a must-try destination.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves comfort food
Has private dining room
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Photos
Reviews For Xiao Bao
Briana Vachon
May 24,2025
If I could give this more stars I would; highly recommend this place as your next date spot or to treat some friends to an awesome place to eat. I am an Asian cuisine fanatic and this ranks in top of the best I’ve had. We got the noodles and okonomiyaki per the waitress’s recommendation. The chef changes the menu seasonally but these two dishes are always on the menu, and for good reason! Also the portion sizes are very fair for the prices which I appreciate. I wanted to try some new wine and the waitress helped guide my through the menu and sample 3 different kinds before I decided one to try. The atmosphere is 50’s dinner meets Japanese flare, so elegant yet cozy. Just look for the strawberry in the front and you know you’re there!
Ruby D
May 13,2025
We were looking for a good Asian cuisine and this was rated well. The neighborhood made me a little curious what we may be walking into, there is no sign and only a large strawberry for a landmark. We ordered one of everything on the lunch menu and it all came out one by one which was perfect! My taste buds were exploding with the beautiful flavors, and the presentation was gorgeous. Must orders again? “Everything”... but if you must choose, the pancake was incredibly flavorful and the papaya salad is very refreshing. Noodles were so delicious but caution you must like a lot of spice! I would definitely make the effort to visit here again and tell all my friends. Bon appetite!!
Alyza K
Apr 22,2025
This is one of the best places I have been. My partner and I tried this on our spring break and fell in love with the food and the vibe and the people. The lunch set tasting menu included 4 wonderful dishes. Each better than the last. Our favorite was the beef tartar. The General Tso’s plate was also spectacular! Truly one of the best dishes I’ve had. Wonderful place! Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
Ren Slater
Apr 12,2025
My husband and I crave this place often now because of their beef tallow fries! It was the first restaurant we ate at when we moved to Nashville and has remained at the top of our list. Their menu is constantly refreshing with creative new flavors. Our faves (besides the fries) are the noodles and the cabbage pancake. Their drinks are great too. Highly recommend getting a little of everything and splitting with the table!
Christopher Highsmith
Mar 6,2025
Very nondescript building, no signage. Look for the big strawberry. They have a small lot. Decorated like grandma's house. Hipster vibe. Solid food. Lunch for two was 70, but ordered a bunch of stuff. Papaya salad flavor is very balanced with just the right amount of spice.
Aleksandra Ci
Mar 6,2025
Every dish was pure perfection - we recently moved to Nashville from LA the mecca of Asian cuisine and this was one of the best meals we have had. I loved the concept of the place - no substitutions meaning the chef knows what he is doing and it showed. We can’t wait to go back for their Sunday Dim Sum and dinner menu! The service was very nice and we loved the funky/ retro diner decor!
Deandra Kind
Feb 11,2025
We had: beef fat fries crab fried rice hand pulled noodles the fries were SUPER salty but, their food comes as is so I doubt could ask for less salt? Other wise, very tasty and original like McDonalds in the 50’s. Crab fried rice and noodles were delicious! I love the concept. It’s definitely more asian fusion than traditional asian food. I LOVVEED their drinks! I had the Lytini! The lychee was seriously so fresh. I must be a light weights because I was sooo tipsy after 2 drinks! We are going back to try their other items :) We were seated fast and the service is very modern and professional.
Linda Comito Moore
Feb 10,2025
Fantastic lunch! Everything was so fresh and bursting with flavor. Definitely gave to go back to try everything else on their menu!
Reviews For Xiao Bao