Open since 2004 and now owned by its executive chef Mitchell Murphree — Five Senses was one of the first non-chains to have success in the fast-growing city. Expect locally sourced ingredients on the table, in the form of dishes like chorizo and black bean dip, a tomato and lump crab stack, and King salmon with fried leeks.

Carmen’s Taqueria is a go-to for many in Murfreesboro — whether seeing a karaoke night or live music with margaritas, or a child-friendly meal of tacos and enchiladas. Tamales, chicken chimichangas, and and chorizo tacos are a few crowd favorites here.

Chow down on Korean barbecue-stuffed potato skins with kimchi queso, cornbread panzanella, and Chilean seabass with sweet corn “maque choux” risotto at this Murfreesboro essential.

Murfreesboro diners flock here for traditional Indian curries, tandoori fare, vegetarian dishes, and a lunch buffet. The restaurant is also celiac-friendly.

Named after the Peruvian city most known for the drink and the area code of Miami, Pisco305 is getting big-city rave reviews well outside the Nashville city limits. Quick crowd favorites here include ceviche platters, Peruvian fried rice, lomo saltado, and churrasco verde. Pisco305 also serves brunch on weekends.

Opah is a no-frills, counter-service Greek restaurant located on the West side of Murfreesboro. The move here: order anything with gyro meat and be sure and save room for baklava.

Yes, it’s called Crab Fever. But yes, it’s actually good. The Louisiana-style boiled seafood, fried seafood combo, and oyster spot is the San Diego-based brand’s second in the Nashville area.

Pasta and pizzas draw the crowds to this Italian spot on the downtown square, tucked inside in a historic brick building with large windows.

The unassuming Mediterranean grill and gyro shop is great for a quick lunch or relatively healthy dinner. With well-prepared hummus and pita, gyros, falafel and plenty of taziki sauce for it all, it’s tough to go wrong when ordering here.

This family-owned business has been an institution in the Murfreesboro community for over 40 years. It’s a cafeteria-style meat-and-three soul food destination that also serves delicious desserts like peach cobbler and chess pie.

Lucky Cat decor abounds inside this Murfreesboro gem for sushi and hibachi. The sea urchin, tonkotsu ramen, and sashimi deluxe spread are just a few trusted crowd favorites.

This solid meat-and-three restaurant is known for its hearty meats, veggies, and desserts. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, this is an ultimate comfort food destination. Save room for banana pudding and chess pie.

Of course the small restaurant’s namesake dish is the move here, but people also talk about the jalapeno wings, spicy mayo shrimp, and Thai fury fried rice. Thai and Chinese lunch specials at the popular strip mall spot all run less than $10.