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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Italian food and salad in Downtown

A crisp salad followed by a hearty plate of pasta hits the spot. It is a combination that covers every craving.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Culaccino Italian Restaurant + Bar image 1
Culaccino Italian Restaurant + Bar image 2
Culaccino Italian Restaurant + Bar image 3
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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.

Salads here come extremely fresh and full of flavor. The pear salad, kale salad, and burrata salad stand out for their distinct tastes and quality.

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."

"The kale salad here is the best I ever had."

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.

02
Villa Castrioti image 1
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.

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."

"I tried the grilled chicken dinner salad and it was tasty."

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.

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.

Caesar salad stands out as a highlight here, noted for its exceptional taste. It pairs well with sandwiches like the prosciutto and Reuben.

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."

"This Caesar Salad is fresh, flavorful, and fabulous."

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.

Caesar Salad comes perfectly dressed with a crisp, bright texture and seasoned to perfection. Ophelia's salad and whipped ricotta also offer solid options.

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."

"The Caesar Salad here has the best dressing I've 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
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.

Warm shrimp salad stands out with its rich marinade and serves well as an entrรฉe. Tomato and strawberry salad offers a fresh, vibrant mix, while tuna tartare adds a distinctive touch to the salad options.

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 asparagus and avocado salad was delicious."

"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.

06
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.

Chopped salad stands out with its really tasty flavor. Wedge salad also features as a notable option alongside other dishes.

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.

07
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.

Buffalo Chicken salad stands out with its spicy flavor and a dash of hot sauce. Greek salad comes in a huge portion with all fresh ingredients and leafy lettuce paired with tasty protein.

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."

"The pasta and pizzas here are so tasty."

"I found the Buffalo Chicken Salad spicy and flavorful."

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.

08
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.

Salads come with fresh ingredients and often feature chopped or quartered lettuce with toppings arranged around it. Some salads include chicken, but preparation varies, with some served with unchopped chicken on the side.

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."

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

"I found the Cobb salad to be very fresh."

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.

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.

Wedge salad offers a classic crunch with fresh toppings. Caprese salad stands out with inventive presentation and fresh ingredients.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and generously portioned."

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

"The salads here are so fresh and the service is outstanding."

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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