Next time you are in the mood for Italian food that will knock your socks off, pick from any of these restaurants throughout Nashville.
Amerigo
4.4 ★
For more than 3 decades Amerigo has been building on their initial idea of opening a restaurant that provides high quality Italian food inspired by local ingredients. Find this classy establishment on West End Ave and ask for a table any day from 11 am – 10 pm to sit down to a meal that is filling and filled with flavor. From lunch to dinner, Amerigo has plenty of choices for those who are gluten free or vegetarian. Italian food is the kind of meal that brings people together and Amerigo aims to be the kind of place that families want to gather together at for all the major moments in life. Start with the crab cake appetizer and then grab some pasta. The fettuccine alfredo is always a hit, among any other pasta dish. This is an Italian restaurant after all.
Moto
4.5 ★
For those who want to go on a dining adventure rather than eating at any regular restaurant, Moto is the place to be for a five course experience that seems to plant you right in Italy. When you have a group of picky eaters and want to enjoy a meal provided by staff who know every inch of the menu by heart, Moto has got you covered. While the overall atmosphere shows off an air of high class, Moto is a comfortable establishment that feels welcoming to everyone who sits down at their bar or tables. Moto’s contemporary approach to classic Italian favorites is unique and changes according to what’s available in the realm of seasonal vegetables. Acquiring produce from locally sourced organizations means that every bite you take is more flavor filled than the last. If you’re in the mood for a quiet and respectable evening, Moto waits for you on McGavock St for dinner from 5-10 pm every evening.
Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen
4.5 ★
Nicoletto’s is a brand that you might have seen on the shelves of local stores or even in the pantry of someone you know in Nashville. Along with providing this town with freshly made pasta, Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen has two locations in Nashville where you can create your own dish with all of the specific ingredients you prefer. Rather than having to fret over menu changes and substitutions, Nicoletto’s knows that only you can come up with a pasta dish that satisfies your specific taste needs. One location on Gallatin Pike and another on Lebanon Pike provide you with a menu full of Italian style plates or the “create your own” pasta bowl. Order a side of caprese salad and fill up at Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen’s Nashville locations. For the picky eaters in your group, you won’t have to worry about them not having anything to pick from. Pasta is an easily customizable meal that Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen believes should be enjoyed by everyone.
Coco’s West Italian Restaurant
4.3 ★
Family owned with food that is prepared from scratch daily, Coco’s West Italian Restaurant features what they call the “best” pizza in town. Try for yourself by looking for the yellow building on Harding Pike, their restaurant sticks out once you know where you’re going. Live entertainment regularly makes the time at Coco’s West Italian Family Restaurant even more fun so get ready to have dinner with them one of these days. Closed on Mondays, Coco’s opens up every evening at 4 pm and keeps serving until at least 9 pm. Brunch happens on the weekends from 9 am – 3 pm with a separate menu filled with goodies.
Pastaria
4.4 ★
Conveniently located next to the Element hotel, Pastaria is a mecca for fresh tasting Italian food in downtown Nashville. At Pastaria, everything on the menu tastes like a dream and the hardest part of this meal will be trying not to fill up on appetizers. Start with risotto balls or crispy potatoes and add a dips trio so everyone can share together. If everyone still has room for entrees, the Pastaria menu is packed with pastas and pizzas that come with a variety of toppings and ingredients. From 5-9 pm every evening, Pastaria is always ready to serve your party for dinner. Visit from 5-6 pm Thursday-Sunday to take advantage of Happy Hour and stick around to fill up on Italian food.
North Italia
4.1 ★
Shopping is one of our favorite pastimes here in Nashville and The Mall at Green Hills is a stellar stop for anyone looking to get some retail therapy out of the way, not to mention that access to Italian food in the same building. Don’t just peruse North Italia on the way to find the latest mall deals, stop by for lunch or dinner from 11 am – 10 pm daily. When you want handmade, from scratch Italian food, North Italia is ready with favorites like eggplant parmigiana and all the pizza you could ever want. Ask about their fresh pasta menu to get the most out of this selection, they even have a braised short rib plate that is to die for.
Luogo
4.6 ★
Did you know that the word “luogo” actually means “place” in Italian? That’s why Luogo is the name of this particular establishment, because it’s the “place” for memorable Italian food in Nashville. Upscale dishes are served at Luogo on 12th Ave S from 5-9 pm Tuesday through Sunday every week. Order the lobster pasta when you want a higher protein to pasta ratio, Luogo tends to overload the plate with this succulent shellfish. Don’t be shy to ask for help navigating the menu, this staff goes out of their way to make sure you have every aspect of your meal taken care of. At Luogo, they want all of this experience to blow any expectations away.
PennePazze
4.8 ★
Variety is the name of the game at PennePazze in L & L Market on Charlotte Ave. From pasta to pizza, cannoli and back, Penne Pazze keeps a large menu of simple Italian favorites. Pasta, pinsa, salads, and cannoli all come in varying states with different toppings for everyone’s needs. This restaurant does have a kid’s menu as well, so no worries when bringing the entire family out to eat. Handmade, from scratch, Italian food does not have to be overpriced with a complicated ordering process and PennePazze is in the art of making all of their guests feel welcome. Happy hour is from 3-6 pm Tuesday through Friday so take advantage of buy one get one free beer and wine.
Yolan
4.4 ★
Known for an attention to detail that is specific to every guest who comes in is Yolan, an Italian restaurant that rests on 4th Ave. Reserve your space at Yolan from 5-10 pm any day except Sunday and come in for top tier service and meals that don’t miss a beat. Whether you are interested in a standard meal, or are feeling adventurous enough to try their tasting menu, Yolan is impressive to say the least. Occasionally, Yolan hosts events like pasta making classes or wine tastings so be sure to take a look at their calendar. Find this location inside of The Joseph, a hotel that supports the arts, has a spa, and shares a building with Yolan. When you dine at Yolan, there is always a smiling staff member ready to help you find the right menu items to satisfy your need for high end Italian specialties like Caviar or Capesante.
Carne Mare
4.5 ★
The difference between a chophouse and a steakhouse is not a subtle one and those who are particular about the meats they eat will notice the changes. At Carne Mare, there is more to offer than just a divine piece of steak. This Italian influenced menu features cuts of beef, lamb, and an array of seafood ranging from tuna to octopus. Italian favorites are influenced by the fine seafood and prime cuts that they have specially selected for Carne Mare. Take a seat at this 12th St restaurant any day after 5 pm for a dinner that will rock your taste buds throughout every step of your meal. Carne Mare is waiting for you to come try any of their specialty meats and Italian style menu for dinner so plan your trip now.
Sinatra Bar & Lounge
4.3 ★
Upscale, giving off the same vibes that you might run into during a night out in Manhattan is Sinatra Bar & Lounge on 4th Ave. Opened in 2023, Sinatra Bar & Lounge is an intimate and elevated dining experience that reeks of the old Hollywood charm affiliated with Frank Sinatra and his lasting legacy. Along with an atmosphere that the Rat Pack would have fit right into, Sinatra Bar & Lounge keeps a menu full of Frank’s Italian favorites. Located in the same building that houses The Rainbow Room, Sinatra Bar & Lounge might be new to the scene but they add plenty of flair to Music City. Along with the menu that takes care of all your Italian food cravings, this bar is the only establishment in the entire world that offers Jack Daniels Sinatra Century, a 100 proof bourbon that was created in 2015 to pay homage to Frank Sinatra’s notorious love of the brand. During the week, Sinatra Bar & Lounge invites you to come hang out from 5 pm – 12 am, and on the weekends after 11 am.
Ella’s on Second
4.5 ★
Healthy, creative meals from all over the creative spectrum are available at Ella’s on Second, a restaurant located inside of the Hyatt Centric Hotel. West Coast-Italian menu items range from Duck Bolognese to the whipped ricotta appetizer at Ella’s on Second, not to mention their breakfast and lunch menus. Open every day of the week from 7 am – 11 pm, this modern restaurant is inviting enough for the whole family but classy enough to bring (and impress) a date. Because of their location inside of the Hyatt Centric Hotel, Ella’s on Second is also a delectable option for anyone wanting to host their next big event. Family events, business outings, even bridal parties have all made their way through Ella’s on Second and the staff always goes above and beyond with every experience.
Conclusion
In Nashville, we have a melting pot of all the different kinds of food that come from around the world and there is no shortage of Italian restaurants that you can visit. Whether its pasta, pizza, or something a little more authentic, there is somewhere that will suit the needs of everyone in your group. In this city, we have what we believe is some of the best food you can find in all of Tennessee. If Italian food is not what you’re looking for, don’t worry. The Nashville Insider has an article that can help you find what you want. Whether you want to party, eat, or just hang out, we have posted an article that is meant to help make your planning process that much easier. At NashvilleBarBike.com, we have plenty to keep you entertained whether you’re booking one of our Bar Bike tours or just looking for some assistance during the planning process. Come back here next time you want to visit Nashville and make the most out of your time and money spent.