Nashville might be known for hot chicken and Southern staples, but its culinary scene has expanded to include exceptional cuisine from around the world. One standout is Italian fare. From lavish date nights to laid-back comfort food, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite Italian restaurants in town. Buon appetito!
Il Forno
Experience a taste of Naples in Nashville at Il Forno. What began in 2017 as a family food truck, Il Forno’s mobile Neapolitan pizzeria quickly grew a loyal following, leading to the opening of a full-fledged restaurant serving incredible pasta, chef’s creations, classic cocktails and wine, and, of course, authentic pizza.
Mimo
A glamorous evening at Four Seasons Hotel Nashville awaits at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Mimo. An elegant space in the heart of all the downtown action, Mimo encompasses the best of fine dining with delicious Tuscan-inspired fare. From the raw bar to the house specialties, decadence is the name of the game.
Ella’s by Christian Petroni
Located in the heart of downtown at the Hyatt Centric, Ella’s showcases Chef Petroni’s innovative interpretations of his Italian culinary heritage. Whether you’re craving delicious homemade pasta, signature pizzas, or a classic entrée, the options are plentiful and sure to satisfy. And don’t skip dessert, because the tiramisu is to die for.
Ravello
There’s no shortage of incredible dining options at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, and the resort’s Italian restaurant, Ravello, is not to be missed. Seasonally inspired with crowd-pleasing entrees such as the lasagna and linguine, you’ll find all the classic Italian favorites your heart (and taste buds) desire. It’s the perfect dinner during your stay at the hotel, or after a full day of exploring all that Gaylord Opryland has to offer.
Mangia
Designed to be an immersive, family-style Italian dining experience, good times and good food go hand in hand at Mangia. A place to share a meal, toast with drinks, sing, dance, celebrate, and even play some bocce ball, the restaurant serves its famous Italian feast on Friday and Saturday nights and is available for private events Sunday through Thursday, day and evening.
Culaccino Italian Restaurant + Bar
Culaccino serves delicious signature dishes ranging from artisan pastas to 72-hour fermented woodfired pizzas (and so much more) right in the heart of downtown Franklin. Named after the Italian word for the “lasting impression” a cold glass leaves on a table, a meal at Culaccino is sure to leave a lasting impression indeed. The restaurant’s popularity is well-earned, and a second location of this Franklin favorite is coming soon to the Nashville Yards development.
North Italia
With locations in Green Hills and Cool Springs, North Italia ensures quality ingredients and innovative dishes across all its locations. With creative cocktails, decadent pastas, and chef’s choice daily pizza, every dish is crave-worthy and oh-so satisfying. Pro tip: order the white truffle garlic bread to take any meal to the next level.
Carne Mare
This Italian chophouse, located within the W Nashville hotel, by James Beard award-winning Chef Andrew Carmellini offers traditional antipasti, quality seafood, exceptional pasta dishes, and more. Carne Mare’s wine program is equally impressive, designed to be informative and approachable with a selection spanning notable wine-growing regions.
V Modern Italian
This Gulch hotspot brings delicious cuisine and a lively atmosphere that appeals to all five senses, just like the Roman numeral it was named after. Originating in Europe, V Modern recently opened its doors in Music City, providing Italian classics with innovative twists. Expect house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, creative dishes, and divine cocktails. And the restaurant’s interior (along with its breezy patio) is just as enticing with stunning murals, velvet booths, and a jaw-dropping bar. After 9 p.m. the energy amplifies to more of a club-like feel, complete with a DJ and unbeatable energy.
Valentino’s Ristorante
A Nashville dining staple since 1991, Valentino’s is a case study in the power of authentic Italian cuisine, tradition, and fresh ingredients. A thoughtfully curated menu, including freshly made pasta, premium seafood, decadent desserts, and fine wines provides the perfect dish for every palette, whether you’re craving your favorite classics or a seasonal specialty. And Valentino’s is just as committed to warm hospitality as it is to high-quality food, so you can expect an unforgettable dining experience from start to finish with every visit.
City House
This cozy Germantown spot serves scrumptious Italian comfort food with Southern flair. From pizza to pasta, the menu at City House proves that Southern ingredients can complement classic Italian favorites beautifully, making for a truly unforgettable meal.
Amerigo
A Music City staple for three decades, Amerigo is the longest-standing restaurant on West End Avenue. A feat not easily achieved in Nashville’s ever-evolving dining scene, but one that speaks to Amerigo’s commitment to producing quality, mouth-watering Italian favorites. In addition to lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, there are also early bird specials offered daily. There’s a Brentwood location as well, with the same delicious fare and warm hospitality that makes Amerigo a local favorite.
Moto
An M Street mainstay, Moto brings a moody ambiance and appetizing Italian dishes, ranging from light and fresh to savory indulgence. An awardwinning wine list provides the perfect pairing for every meal, and the restaurant’s low-lit, swanky interior makes for a great wine and dine date night.
Sinatra Bar & Lounge
Start spreading the news: Sinatra Bar & Lounge is a dining experience unlike any other. Located in the Icon-owned Southern Turf Building, Sinatra Bar & Lounge celebrates the legacy of Ol’ Blue Eyes, offering many of his favorite Italian recipes. In addition to the delectable cuisine, the atmosphere at Sinatra Bar & Lounge blends the best of Manhattan and Palm Springs, with live music daily. Whether you’re enjoying a drink at the stunning bar or cozying into a velvet booth for a white-table-cloth meal, you’re in for an elevated experience Sinatra himself would endorse.
Luogo
Luogo means “place” in Italian, and there’s no place quite like this. A concept from New Yorker turned Nashvillian Anthony Scotto, Luogo is Scotto’s take on upscale Italian coastal cuisine. The dishes are as fresh as they are creative, and the menu is an excellent combination of can’t-go-wrong classics and seasonal specials. And when the weather is nice, don’t pass up a seat on their gorgeous patio.
Pelato
Another concept from Chef Scotto, Pelato is the laid-back sister restaurant of Luogo. Expect the same attention to quality, but here with the spirit of traditional Brooklyn Italian cuisine. Reimagined in a shareable, small plate setting, there’s a plethora of cozy dishes to savor and share. Plus, a delicious frozen espresso martini that is not to be missed.
Rolf and Daughters
Partnering with local farmers, Rolf and Daughters boasts a hyper-seasonal menu allowing the freshest ingredients to shine through in each dish. But no matter the season, the restaurant’s in-house pasta program remains a constant, as does its wine program showcasing small, family-run wineries crafting wines through sustainable farming practices and traditional methods.
Iggy’s
When Iggy’s opened in Wedgewood Houston just two short years ago, it immediately became a local favorite for good reason. With handmade pasta, craft cocktails, delicious wines, and seasonal, creative twists on classics, the meals are exceptional, and the atmosphere is welcoming and neighborly. Editor’s note: the house-made garlic bread stuffed with whipped cream cheese is a must.
Yolan
Located inside The Joseph Nashville, Yolan is not only the hotel’s signature Italian restaurant, it’s a true love letter to Italy. The menu is a celebration of Italian culinary tradition, craftsmanship, and seasonality, along with an extensive wine list to find your perfect pairing. À la carte or tasting menus are available nightly for dinner, plus daily afternoon aperitivo, breakfast and weekend brunch, espresso bar and Pasticceria, and special dining and events for an authentic Italian experience in the heart of downtown Nashville.
Frankies 925 Spuntino
When this Brooklyn staple opened its doors in East Nashville, the excitement was palpable. The Nashville opening marked the first-ever expansion of the legendary Frankies Spuntino beyond New York City, serving the deliciously comforting Italian-American fare that New Yorkers have loved for decades. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food is of the highest quality, featuring seasonal specials along with the tried-and-true classics.
Giovanni Ristorante
After 27 years in Midtown Manhattan, Giovanni Ristorante moved to Nashville in 2008 and has been a local favorite ever since. With delectable homemade Italian bread and pasta, exceptional risotto, imported cheeses, gelato, and so much more, dining at Giovanni Ristorante feels like being transported straight into a Tuscan villa.
Trattoria Il Mulino
From the New York-based Il Mulino restaurant brand, Trattoria Il Mulino brings fine dining to Music City. Conveniently located mere steps from Bridgestone Arena, it’s the perfect place to wine and dine on authentic Italian favorites before a show. There’s even a covered and heated outdoor patio with a bar to immerse yourself in the downtown buzz.
Dining and Cooking