June 7, 2024
Guide, Food & Drink,
These Italian restos will have you making repeat reservations… and doing your best to save room for dessert.
Mimo
Holding court on the first floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville is Mimo. This buzzing Italian restaurant is known for its modern twists on classic Italian cuisine and its Tuscan-inspired design. Don’t miss the stunning (and delicious) Amalfi lemon dessert. 100 Demonbreun St., mimorestaurant.com
Frankies 925 Spuntino
Nestled on a sweet street in East Nashville, Frankies brings its already-famous Brooklyn Italian cuisine to Music City with authenticy and ambiance to spare. 925 Cherokee Ave., frankiesnashville.com
Yolan
With its elegant decor and inventive menu, Yolan at The Joseph Hotel provides a luxurious dining experience infused with Italian flair, making it a go-to spot for special occasions or a chic date night out. 403 4th Ave. S, yolannashville.com
The elegant interior at Yolan. Photo by Eric Laignel
Culaccino
This Brentwood gem boasts a cozy atmosphere and a diverse menu featuring classic Italian dishes with a modern twist, Culaccino’s wood-fired pizzas are a definite must-try. 104 E. Main St. Brentwood, culaccinotn.com
Luogo
Known for its welcoming vibe and robust flavors, Luogo serves up traditional Italian comfort food in a lively and luxe Amalfi-inspired space. 211 12th Ave. S, luogorestaurant.com
Pelato
From the Scottos (the same family behind Luogo), Pelato is a perfect neighborhood Italian spot. Focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients and inventive flavor combinations, it offers cozy, comfy dishes—elevated but inviting. 1300 3rd Ave., pelatorestaurant.com
Iggy’s
A local favorite for casual Italian dining, Iggy’s has quickly earned a reputation for its inventive, homemade pastas. The truly faithful know to hit up their pasta market for at-home supplies. 609 Merritt Ave., iggysnashville.com
Il Forno
Known for its rustic charm and authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, this family-owned resto transports diners to Italy with each fresh, made-with-love bite. 1414 3rd Ave., ilfornowoodfired.com
Nicky’s Coal Fired
With its laid-back atmosphere and delicious antipasti, Nicky’s captures the essence of a true Italian trattoria. It’s the sort of place where everybody knows your name (and your drink order). Whether you indulge in a coal-fired ‘za from their famously authentic oven (dubbed Enrico) or choose a bowl of Mama G’s meatballs, you can’t go wrong with this neighborhood favorite. 5026 Centennial Blvd., nickysnashville.com
Pastaria
With its lively atmosphere and extensive pasta selection, Pastaria caters to pasta lovers of all kinds, and its house-made sauces elevate each dish to new heights of flavor. 8 City Blvd., eatpastaria.com/nashville
Photography by: The Joseph Nashville. Tortelli on the menu at Yolan