Hearts Nashville: My Honest Review of This Australian Brunch Gem

When I first heard about an Australian-inspired café in Nashville, I’ll admit I was skeptical. Australian brunch in Music City? But after spending countless mornings at both Hearts Nashville locations, I can confidently say this place has become one of my absolute favorite brunch spots in town.

I first visited while exploring brunch spots for WavyNashville.com, using it as part of my Nashville Guide for the best local eats. Hearts Nashville instantly felt special. It’s the kind of place that turns a simple morning into a cozy story you want to relive.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about this Melbourne-inspired gem that’s completely changed my weekend brunch game. Here’s a version with shorter, punchy sentences.

Hearts Nashville Photos: A Visual Tour of the Restaurant

The Two Hearts Nashville Locations

• East Nashville: 914 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206  | 615-649-8728
• 12 South: 2701 12th Ave South, Suite B, Nashville, TN 37204  | 615-649-8065

Hearts Nashville has two locations, and I’ve become a regular at both. The original spot in Heart East Nashville at 914 Gallatin Ave was my first love.

The outdoor patio here is absolutely perfect on mild Nashville mornings—shaded, spacious, and dog-friendly. I’ve spent more Sunday mornings than I can count here with my lavender latte, just watching the neighborhood wake up.

The newer Hearts Nashville 12 South location at 2701 12th Ave South opened recently, and it’s quickly become just as popular.

Both spots operate Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 3 PM, with extended hours Friday through Sunday until 5 PM. Pro tip: Happy hour runs from 2 PM to close every single day, which is perfect for those afternoon cravings.

12 South & East Nashville Hours

Here’s a quick look at our hours and happy hour schedule for both locations:

Beyond Brunch: The After-Hours Menu

Here’s something many people don’t know: Hearts Nashville restaurants also offer an after-hours menu on Friday and Saturday evenings when they stay open later.

While I’m typically a morning person at Hearts, I’ve tried the evening menu a couple of times and found it equally impressive.

The atmosphere shifts from casual brunch spot to intimate dinner setting, and the menu features some different options worth exploring.

Hearts Nashville Menu: Food, Drinks & Happy Hour Favorites

The Hearts Nashville Menu is neatly divided into three distinct sections — Food Menu, Happy Hour Menu, and Drink Menu — each offering a different slice of what the café has in store.

The Food Menu includes their café‑style offerings: brunch plates, sandwiches, salads, and other kitchen‑prepared dishes.

The Happy Hour Menu rolls out daily from 2 PM until closing, featuring discounted drinks and specials to pair with a lighter fare.

Finally, the Drink Menu offers a full selection of beverages — from crafted cocktails to wines and beers — making Hearts Nashville a go‑to for both daytime meals and evening unwind. 

My Favorite Dishes on the Hearts Nashville Menu

Let me tell you about the food because this is where Hearts Nashville truly shines. The Hearts Nashville menu is compact, but every single item is thoughtfully crafted. Unlike typical Nashville breakfast spots loaded with heavy biscuits and gravy, Hearts offers lighter, fresher options that still leave you completely satisfied.

The corn and zucchini fritters are legendary—I’ve watched friends literally close their eyes in happiness with their first bite. The fritters come perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, with this incredible balance of flavors. Pair them with poached eggs and you’ve got yourself breakfast perfection.

But here’s my secret weapon order: the twice-cooked French toast. I know it sounds simple, but trust me when I say I’ve never had French toast like this anywhere else.

The bread alone is worth the visit—possibly the best I’ve tasted in Nashville. They top it with fresh kiwi and strawberries, kiwi syrup, and this citrus meringue that’s sweet without being cloying. Every flavor works together beautifully.

Navigating the Hearts Nashville Menu for Different Diets

I appreciate that the menu clearly marks vegetarian and vegan options. The sweet pea and ricotta toast with a poached egg is a standout vegetarian choice. For my vegan friends, there are several options, including salads and avocado-based dishes.

If you’re gluten-free, know that they don’t have gluten-free bread, but they’ll happily substitute hash browns for toast on most dishes.

Just be aware that the fryer is likely shared, so if you have celiac disease, you’ll want to ask detailed questions about cross-contamination.

The Hearts Brunch Nashville Experience

When people ask me about Hearts brunch Nashville, I always tell them to manage their expectations around timing. This place gets packed, especially on weekends.

The parking lot at the East Nashville location looks impossibly full most Saturday and Sunday mornings. My move? I try to go during the week when possible, or I arrive right when they open at 8 AM on weekends.

The inside seating is cozy but limited at both locations, so if you’re bringing a group, definitely consider making a Hearts Nashville reservation or be prepared to wait. That said, the outdoor seating during nice weather makes the wait totally worth it.

The Coffee Situation

Can we talk about the coffee for a second? Because this deserves its own section. Hearts Nashville takes their coffee seriously, Melbourne-style.

Their honey rose latte has become my go-to order—it’s perfectly balanced, not too sweet, with just enough floral notes to make it interesting. The matcha latte also gets rave reviews from my friends who are matcha enthusiasts.

If you’re not a specialty coffee person, don’t worry. They also have excellent iced coffee and traditional espresso drinks. The bread drink (yes, that’s what they call it) is also surprisingly good.

What Makes Hearts Nashville Different

I’ve been living in Nashville for years now, and I’ve tried just about every brunch spot in town. What sets Hearts Nashville apart is its authentic Melbourne café culture vibe.

The owners clearly spent time in Australia and brought back something special—it’s not just about the food, but the whole experience of lingering over expertly crafted coffee and beautifully plated dishes.

The moment you walk into either location, you’ll notice the earthy woods, potted plants, and natural light that create this peaceful atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to slow down and savor your meal, which feels rare in our fast-paced city.

What the Hearts Nashville Reviews Get Right (and Wrong)

I’ve read through countless Hearts Nashville reviews, and most get it right—this place serves exceptional food with friendly service. The staff here genuinely knows their stuff and can guide you through the menu if you’re feeling overwhelmed by options.

Some Hearts Nashville reviews mention the prices being on the higher side, and look, they’re not wrong. You’re looking at around $15-18 for most entrées, which is definitely more than your average Nashville diner.

But considering the quality of ingredients, the unique menu items, and the Melbourne-level coffee, I think it’s justified. You’re paying for an experience, not just a meal.

The one legitimate criticism I’ve seen in some reviews is about weekend crowds making the atmosphere feel rushed rather than relaxed. This is real—if you want that peaceful café experience, avoid peak weekend hours.

My Final Thoughts on Hearts Nashville

After dozens of visits to both locations, Hearts Nashville has earned its spot on my regular rotation. Is it perfect?

No—the weekend crowds can be intense, the prices are higher than average, and you might wait for a table. But the unique menu, exceptional coffee, and Melbourne café culture they’ve created make it absolutely worth it.

This isn’t just another Nashville brunch spot trying to capitalize on the city’s food scene boom. Hearts Nashville brings something genuinely different to the table—literally.

Whether you’re a Nashville local looking to shake up your brunch routine or a visitor wanting to experience something beyond hot chicken and biscuits, I highly recommend making the trip to either location.

Just do yourself a favor: arrive early, order the French toast or fritters, get a specialty latte, and give yourself time to actually enjoy the experience. That’s the Melbourne way, and trust me, Nashville is better for having a little bit of that café culture here.