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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Downtown

Italian food spots

Made for those who prioritize authentic pasta and regional specialties above all other dining options.

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

Enjoy classic Italian dishes like Garlic & Oil spaghetti in a romantic, candlelit atmosphere with live piano. The space offers a secret dining room and street-side booths for a quiet, upscale vibe perfect for relaxed evenings.

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.

People are saying

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

"The food at these date spots is outstanding and out of this world."

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

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 offers a cozy, intimate vibe blending Sicilian flair and Nashville grit. Guests enjoy spicy burrata focaccia and sfincione focaccia pizza while watching chefs prepare food up close. Lively energy 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 pizzas here have a unique, savory sauce."

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

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
The Lounge at 2nd image 1

Modern bar and grill offers a laid-back atmosphere with live music and comfortable seating. Pasta dishes like penne vodka and spaghetti carbonara show care and flavor. Quiet location near busy area suits those who enjoy relaxed vibes and good tunes.

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.

People are saying

"The live music here is fantastic and fun."

"The bar staff here is so friendly and attentive, always keeping your drinks filled."

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

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.

04
Modern Love image 1
Restaurant

Stylish decor blends retro design with local art, creating a sophisticated ambiance. Handmade pasta shines in dishes like Beef Ragu and wild mushroom lasagna, offering balanced flavors. A private room adds a friendly vibe for games or sports.

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.

People are saying

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

"The cocktails here are creative and delicious."

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

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.

05
Mr. Pizza & Gyro image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza spot built into a parking garage offers stadium views and a lively, authentic Egyptian vibe. Chicken Alfredo pizza shines with its creamy sauce, while the patio and great music create a perfect late-night hangout after clubbing.

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.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Dubai chocolate was the best chocolate ever."

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

06
Ophelia's Pizza + Bar - Nashville image 1

European cafe style meets cozy, theatrical decor with loud Italian music creating a warm vibe. Enjoy Mortadella pizza and creamy desserts like tiramisu with hazelnuts. Private patio offers a quiet spot away from lively indoor energy.

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.

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."

"I found the meatballs delicious with a fresh, flavorful sauce."

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.

07
Margaritaville Restaurant - Nashville image 1

Two-level spot blends live music with a sports bar upstairs showing college football. Noise is high, making chat tough. Italian dishes shine with seafood Cajun pasta and creamy chicken Alfredo. Decor mixes mother-of-pearl booths and city views for a lively vibe.

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

People are saying

"I experienced great food here."

"The live music here is awesome and creates a lively atmosphere."

"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
Culaccino Italian Restaurant + Bar image 1

Upscale Italian spot shines with handmade pasta and fresh dishes. Sophisticated atmosphere suits date nights perfectly. Bartenders mix notable espresso martinis and signature old fashioneds for a lively bar vibe.

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.

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."

"It's so Solo Friendly; the servers are super hospitable and chatty."

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.

09
Goodfellas Pizzeria - Gulch image 1

Pizza shines with mozzarella rounds and Parmesan shaves. Breadsticks and pesto bread are affordable and tasty. Decor channels Goodfellas vibe with real photos. Speakeasy lounge offers live music and a cozy bar for a lively night out.

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.

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.

10
Craig's image 1
Restaurant

Upscale spot with Wagyu steak and a lively bar featuring big screen TVs for sports fans. Italian dishes shine with clam pasta and bolognese, balanced by fresh salads. Atmosphere blends casual and upscale, quieter than most, perfect for relaxed dining.

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

People are saying

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

"The service here is so kind and attentive."

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

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.

11
Drusie & Darr by Jean-Georges image 1

Enjoy rigatoni from grandmaโ€™s recipe and fresh dishes like mushroom pizza in a beautifully renovated basement with historic charm. The lively bar vibe pairs well with exceptional cocktails for a relaxed yet energetic night out.

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.

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.

12
Caesarโ€™s Italian Restaurant & Pizza image 1

Cozy spot offers delicious lasagna and rich Alfredo dishes in a quiet, authentic setting. Perfect for family gatherings or late-night bites with solid Italian flavors and a peaceful vibe.

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.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"This is a great late night spot for fresh, hot pizza."

"The pasta and pizzas here are so tasty."

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.

13
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.

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.

14
Brugada Kitchen and Bar image 1
American restaurant

Modern American spot shines with live soulful music and a loungey vibe near a busy area. Italian dishes impress with huge portions of fresh charcuterie and rich lamb meatball pasta. Atmosphere stays calm and serene, perfect for easy conversation.

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

People are saying

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

"The service here makes it a great spot for dates."

"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.

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Downtown, Nashville

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