Best Italian Food In Nashville
Savor the Taste of Italy: Nashville’s Top Italian Restaurants
Nashville, widely known for its vibrant music scene and Southern hospitality, also boasts a diverse and thriving culinary landscape. Among its many gastronomic treasures, Italian cuisine holds a special place, offering a rich array of flavors and traditions that transport diners straight to the heart of Italy. From cozy trattorias to upscale ristorantes, Nashville’s Italian restaurants serve up everything from classic pasta dishes to innovative culinary creations.Â
In this article, we’ll explore the best Italian food in Nashville, guiding you to the top spots where you can indulge in authentic, mouthwatering dishes that showcase the true essence of Italian cooking in Music City.
Below is a list of the best places to experience Italian food, culture, and wine in Nashville, TN.
#1: Chrysalis
A short drive outside of Nashville, this modern Italian joint is perfect for a night out. Chrysalis is a must-try for Italian lovers with its’ unique decor, such as a pinup butterfly/moth wall, create your own charcuterie, and a welcoming team of chefs and hosts. Besides the charcuterie, focaccia is delightful. Housemade Focaccia is a fluffy, savory Italian bread, similar to traditional pizza bread, seasoned with rosemary and then topped with olive oil. Chrysalis serves their focaccia alongside three house-specialty whipped butters; sun-dried tomato, roasted garlic herb, and Kalamata olive. The lamb ragu served with roasted winter vegetables, and cherry agrodolce is a hearty meal that sends the mind soaring over the Italian Alps.
615.472.1390
#2: City House
City House has been a staple of Germantown since it opened its doors in 2007. This buzzing eatery takes traditional Italian recipes and mixes them with classic southern tastes and flare. The menu is built around fresh, high-quality ingredients turned into Italian masterpieces by head chef Tandy Wilson. Because of this philosophy, the menu is changing. Some regular items are catfish with cornmeal crust, peaches, tender sweet cabbage, and green dragon dressing. However, there is no guarantee of what will be served. Still, their recommendation will never disappoint.
615.736.5838
#3: Trattoria Il Mulino
Mulino is an elevated dining experience with patio seating, occasional live music, and amazing Italian fare. The setting is bright and spacious, with high ceilings and enough elbow room between tables; floor-to-ceiling window panes make up the wall, making the space ample. This famous Italian eatery has been bringing in 5-star reviews since it opened in 2015. The grilled octopus is the perfect “CONDIVIDI.” (Italian for “shareable”). This octopus is seasoned with traditional spices alongside fingerling potatoes, jewel box tomatoes, capers, and fresh olives. Chicken in Crosta is a delectable entree for those wanting classic Italian cooking. Juicy chicken, cooked in a salt crust, served with lemon caper sauce and garlic spinach, finished with a dusting of Parmigiano.
615.620.3700
#4: Moto
Moto is a spacious restaurant that serves the best Italian cuisine in the Gulch. This place is a date night favorite for many locals because of the sleek mid-century decor and the delicious fare. For Starters, try the “FORMAGGI + SALUMI,” house-selected artisan meats and cheeses served with peppadew jam, house-marinated olives, and rosemary-infused honey pears. The Agnolotti pasta served with blueberry balsamic, mushrooms, and sage is delightful in terms of main dishes. This dish is the perfect blend of sweet and salty, and the Agnolotti is stuffed and always al dente.
615.736.5305
#5: PennePazze
This small, counter-service Italian joint is ideal for small pasta dishes and authentic Italian pinsa (pizza). Everything is available for dine-in or takeout. At PennePazze, they focus on giving a traditional Italian taste. For them, this means all the ingredients need to be farm-to-table. The “Gnocchi Crema Di Gorgonzola ” is recommended for pasta lovers; it swims in a cream sauce. This dish is topped with roasted pistachios, Pecorino cheese, and olive oil. For traditional pizza, try the “Pinsa Pizza,” warm, flaky pinsa bread covered in tomato sauce, mozzarella, burrata, olive oil, and basil.
615.730.3088
#6: Coco’s Italian Market & Restaurant
Coco’s is a casual Italian eatery hybrid with a small grocer selling imported foods and pre-made meals. The Family that founded this restaurant was straight out of Naples. The head chief said regarding his sourcing, “I’m glad we get to use a lot of the same imports we used years ago in the dishes here today.” Coco’s emphasizes the importance of small businesses in Nashville or Italy. The Caprese is a classic Italian starter when ordering something for the table. Fresh mozzarella (made in-house) topped with tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic reduction. For entrees, the Bolognese is the favorite of many regulars. Fettuccine pasta drenched in Coco’s 12-hour marinara and meat sauce with a dash of cream and shredded Parmesan on top.
615.783.0114