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Downtown's best

Italian dinner spots

An evening meal centered around Italian classics is the right way to wind down the day.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Villa Castrioti image 1
Villa Castrioti image 2
Villa Castrioti image 3
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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.

Evenings feature delicious dinner, melodic jazz, and excellent service. The setting suits both celebrations and business dinners with attentive staff making the experience memorable.

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 dinner here was outstanding, truly life-changing."

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
The Lounge at 2nd image 1

Modern bar and grill offers a laid-back atmosphere with live music and comfortable seating. It stays quiet off the beaten path near a busy area, attracting those who enjoy good tunes and relaxed vibes. The space feels inviting and clean, with occasional lively moments from talented performers.

Pasta dishes like penne vodka, spaghetti carbonara, and linguini with chicken stand out for their care and flavor. The menu blends Italian with other cuisines, offering unique combinations alongside classic pasta.

Dinner happens in a quiet setting with very few diners, even on a Saturday night. It serves as a spot to grab a meal after a show at the nearby Ryman.

People are saying

"The live music here is fantastic and fun."

"I thought the Italian food here was the best I'd ever experienced."

"The food at these dinner spots is 10/10."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6pm with reduced price drinks.

2

The kitchen is open late for late-night dining.

3

Prices are reasonable compared to other places in the area.

03
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.

People are saying

"The pizza here is memorable and exceptionally delicious."

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

"The sfincione pizza here is a geological marvel."

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.

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.

Dinner features delicious pizza, including a notable truffle pizza. Service stands out with knowledgeable staff guiding drink and dinner choices.

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 pizza here is incredible; I had the best I ever had."

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
Modern Love image 1
Restaurant

Stylish decor blends retro design with local art, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance. The atmosphere stays relaxed and friendly, welcoming casual meals and professional gatherings alike. A private room offers space for games or watching sports, adding to the inviting vibe.

Handmade pasta stands out, especially in the Beef Ragu and wild mushroom lasagna. Dishes blend comfort with creativity, like the corn-filled pasta and mushroom ravioli, offering balanced and unforgettable flavors.

Dinner includes options paired with drinks at a spot known for its casual vibe. Coffee latte comes in a paper cup after the meal, which contrasts with the sit-down dinner setting.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible; I cleared every plate."

"Chef Sam's Italian Food creations were outstanding and showed care."

"The chef's creations for dinner spots were pure genius."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available on Fridays, but specific items may not be offered.

2

Reservations require a credit card for a $25 per person no-show fee.

3

Free valet parking is available for diners, making access easy.

06
Culaccino Italian Restaurant + Bar image 1

Upscale Italian restaurant with a stunning interior and sophisticated atmosphere creates a perfect setting for date nights or relaxed dinners. Bartenders craft notable espresso martinis and signature old fashioneds, adding to the lively bar vibe. Handmade pasta and fresh, flavorful dishes define the menu, making it a standout spot in downtown.

Handmade pasta stands out with perfect cooking and rich sauces. Butternut squash ravioli tastes very fresh and the chicken is notably moist. An off-menu Affogato offers a unique finish.

Trendy atmosphere suits date night or girl dinner. Pasta dishes appeal to kids, making it family-friendly for dinner.

People are saying

"The handmade pasta here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"The bar seating is great for killer old fashioneds and spot-on cocktails."

"The ox tail pasta special at these dinner spots was amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is validated for 2 hours in the east garage.

2

Reservations are easy to make using Resy.

3

The restaurant charges a 3% fee if I pay with a credit card.

07
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.

Dinner features helpful staff who guide choices with excellent recommendations and amazing appetizers. The meals consistently deliver a great dining experience.

People are saying

"I experienced great food here."

"The servers here make your dinner experience even better."

"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.

08
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.

A chill atmosphere sets the tone for dinner with acoustic live music adding to the vibe. The spot suits both date nights and group dinners, including business meals and happy hour.

People are saying

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

"The service at these dinner spots is attentive and friendly."

"The salmon pasta here is delicious and fresh."

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.

09
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.

Dinner here feels like a special occasion with dishes that suit celebrations like anniversaries and graduations. The atmosphere supports group dinners and splurge nights with excellent food.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and generously portioned."

"The food and service at these dinner spots were outstanding."

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

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.

10
Drusie & Darr by Jean-Georges image 1

Restaurant occupies a beautifully renovated basement space with historic decor and intimate bar setting. Atmosphere feels relaxed yet lively, with a high noise level similar to a bar. Guests often enjoy exceptional cocktails and unique dishes in a setting that blends elegance with casual energy.

Rigatoni from grandmaโ€™s recipe stands out with rich flavor. Unique dishes like mushroom pizza and sea bass offer a fresh take on Italian classics.

Dinner offers an elevated experience in a beautiful building with enchanting service. It suits a night out before a show and delivers consistently great meals.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have incredible food, especially the shrimp salad."

"The service here for Date Spots is truly exceptional."

"The Italian food here is incredible, especially the warm shrimp salad."

Good to know

1

Valet service costs $30, despite claims of being complimentary.

2

Expect to pay $9 per glass of water for large groups.

3

Brunch is offered on Saturdays with a great menu.

11
Craig's image 1
Restaurant

Upscale restaurant with comfortable seating and a large front bar featuring big screen TVs playing sports. Atmosphere blends lively energy downstairs with a vibe mixing casual and upscale elements, quieter than many similar places. Menu offers standout dishes like Wagyu steak and addictive bread basket, paired with a full bar serving premium cocktails.

Clam pasta and bolognese stand out among the Italian dishes. Chicken parmesan and vodka pasta also feature alongside fresh salads like the chopped salad.

Dinner offers a range of experiences from fine-dining to more casual meals. Prices can reach around $300, with some noting the value and service may not always match the cost.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are rockstars and make top-notch drinks."

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the calamari."

"The steak and caviar bites at these dinner spots were perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to ensure availability, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant has a dress code; business casual attire is preferred.

3

Expect higher prices compared to other local dining options.

12
Caesarโ€™s Italian Restaurant & Pizza image 1

Pizza takeout spot offers a quiet, cozy atmosphere with clean, authentic decor that feels a bit dated. The place suits family gatherings and late-night bites, maintaining a chilled, peaceful vibe most of the time.

Lasagna stands out as very delicious and better than Olive Garden's. Fettuccine Seafood Alfredo and Alfredo Pizza offer rich, flavorful options. Pizza, spaghetti, and breadsticks also deliver solid Italian flavors.

Warm and inviting ambiance sets a cozy tone for dinner. The menu leans toward Italian dishes and pizza, but some items arrive more like breakfast fare.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The pasta and pizzas here are so tasty."

"The pizza here has a perfectly thin, crispy crust with fresh, flavorful sauce."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open from 4pm to 4am, perfect for late-night dining.

2

Dine-in, delivery, and carry-out options are available.

3

Expect additional fees for delivery services, which can exceed $12.

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