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Cool Italian spots in Downtown

You want Italian food in a space that feels genuinely cool. You are tired of the same old red-sauce joints.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Villa Castrioti image 1
Villa Castrioti image 2
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Restaurant

Restaurant offers a romantic, candlelit atmosphere with live piano and acoustic music that complements conversation. Space features modern, polished design with a secret dining room and street-side booths providing views. Guests enjoy a quiet, upscale vibe ideal for relaxed evenings away from city noise.

Classic Italian dishes include chicken, veal, beef, fish, and pasta at reasonable prices. The Garlic & Oil spaghetti and spaghetti with olive oil stand out for hitting all the right notes.

A secret dining room adds an exclusive feel. A mellow keyboardist and acoustic guitar play slow jams, setting a very cool vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, truly a life-changing dining experience."

"The Italian food here is so delicious, I felt like I had never eaten before."

"The vibe here is so cool, it's out of this world."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Monday at 8pm.

2

Reservations are recommended for large parties or special events.

3

The restaurant sanitizes menus after each use for cleanliness.

02
St.Vito Focacceria image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with an open kitchen and rockin' music creates a cozy, intimate vibe blending Sicilian flair and Nashville grit. Guests watch chefs prepare food up close while enjoying lively energy and sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. The setting suits both dates and groups seeking unique Italian dining.

Focaccia stands out with spicy burrata and house-made chili oil. Sfincione focaccia pizza offers a rich, delicious flavor profile.

Sitting at the bar offers a cool experience watching the kitchen in action. The spot has a cool vibe that stands out in the area.

People are saying

"The pizza here is memorable and exceptionally delicious."

"The Italian food focaccia is delicious, soft, and airy."

"The food here is phenomenal, especially the spicy focaccia."

Good to know

1

The pizza pricing is $15 for a slice and $45 for a whole pie.

2

A 20% service fee is automatically added to all orders.

3

Happy hour includes a focaccia and a glass of wine.

03
Mr. Pizza & Gyro image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza restaurant built into a parking garage with glass-walled kitchen and stadium views offers an inviting patio and late-night vibe. Atmosphere feels authentic Egyptian and lively, especially after midnight. Setup suits hanging out after clubbing with great music and outdoor seating.

Chicken Alfredo pizza stands out with its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. The buffalo chicken pizza offers a spicy kick that complements the Italian flavors well.

Setting feels chill and cool with an ideal location. People there have good attitudes and a relaxed vibe.

People are saying

"It's a great late night spot for a delicious pizza slice after a night out."

"The Italian food, especially the Alfredo pizza, was amazing."

"The pizza here is amazing."

Good to know

1

Mr. Pizza & Gyro is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

2

Street karaoke happens on weekends, attracting a lively crowd.

3

The restaurant operates as a curb-side window under a parking garage.

04
Ophelia's Pizza + Bar - Nashville image 1

European cafe style blends with cozy, theatrical decor and loud Italian music to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Private patio seating offers a quiet contrast to the lively indoor energy. The space feels like a unique Italian villa with quirky, unapologetically southern touches.

Mortadella pizza stands out as a memorable dish. The menu includes whipped ricotta, freshly baked bread, Caesar salads, pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, and meatball sandwiches. Desserts feature a tiramisu with hazelnuts and a Cannoli Sundae that is crunchy and creamy.

Service stands out as excellent and the atmosphere feels cool and inviting.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pizza, is authentic and delicious."

"I thought the Caesar Salad was possibly the best I have ever had."

"The atmosphere here is really cool and inviting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for busy times like weekends.

2

The Thanksgiving buffet is a special event offered during the holiday season.

3

The restaurant accommodates gluten allergies without issues.

05
Goodfellas Pizzeria - Gulch image 1

Pizza restaurant combines classic New York style pies with a Goodfellas-themed interior featuring real photos and detailed dรฉcor. Back area hosts a speakeasy lounge with live music and a bar, creating a cozy yet lively atmosphere. The vibe mixes a cool hangout spot with a touch of vintage gangster style.

Pizza features about five small rounds of mozzarella and several thin shaves of Parmesan cheese. Breadsticks stand out as affordable and delicious, with some pesto bread also very good.

A cool speakeasy with a bar and live music sits in the back, creating a cozy, happening lounge vibe. The place has a classic pizza joint atmosphere with a cool theme throughout.

People are saying

"I've never had a better tasting thin crust pizza."

"The Italian food, especially the pizza and breadsticks, is delicious and affordable."

"The speakeasy in the back is really cool."

Good to know

1

The lunch special is $10 and includes a slice of pizza, a side, and a drink.

2

Goodfellas Pizzeria participates in Nashville Pizza week, attracting pizza lovers.

3

Expect limited seating, which can make it crowded during peak hours.

06
Margaritaville Restaurant - Nashville image 1

Two-level American restaurant combines live music with a lively atmosphere and a sports bar upstairs showing college football games. Noise levels are high, making conversation difficult even without music. Decor mixes mother-of-pearl booths with city views, creating a casual yet energetic vibe.

Seafood Cajun pasta stands out with shrimp and scallops delivering strong flavors. Chicken Alfredo and penne chicken Alfredo also offer rich, creamy options.

A cool bar offers a relaxed vibe with music that stays at a comfortable volume. The radio room provides a unique view of the music row happy hour on Sirris XM, adding to the experience.

People are saying

"I experienced great food here."

"The live music here is cool and not too loud."

"You have to try the Cajun seafood pasta; it's exceptional."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available upstairs with live music.

2

Validated parking is offered during special events, but may run out.

3

Expect higher prices for food and drinks compared to other local spots.

07
Brugada Kitchen and Bar image 1
American restaurant

Modern American restaurant offers a calm and serene atmosphere with live soulful music at a comfortable volume that allows easy conversation. The space features stunning decor and a loungey vibe near a busy area, creating a relaxed yet vibrant dining experience.

Huge portions of fresh charcuterie and salmon pasta stand out. The lamb meatball pasta with vodka sauce offers a rich, flavorful option.

Atmosphere feels calm and carries a consistently cool vibe. Decor and decorations add to the overall cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very good and tasty."

"The salmon pasta here is delicious and fresh."

"The atmosphere here is really cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6 pm with special drink prices.

2

Gluten-free options are limited to eggs, bacon, and fruit.

3

A $20 cover charge applies on certain nights.

08
Sinatra Bar & Lounge image 1

Steak house with swanky 50s decor and live Sinatra-style music creates a classy, inviting atmosphere. Guests enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and high-quality steaks in a setting that honors timeless elegance. Upstairs lounge offers exclusive, intimate seating despite limited space.

Live music and old-school vibe create a very cool atmosphere with stylish decor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and generously portioned."

"The ambiance for Italian food here is warm and elegant."

"The atmosphere felt like we were transported back to the Sinatra era."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at least two weeks in advance due to high demand.

2

Restrooms are located two flights up, which may be challenging for those with disabilities.

3

Live music starts after 7:30 pm, enhancing the dining experience.

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Downtown, Nashville

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