World City Guide

Restaurants

We have selected some of Nashville’s best restaurants, which we have divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The restaurants are listed alphabetically within these different categories, which serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments.
Restaurant prices are subject to a sales tax of 13.25%, which is usually added to the bill at the end. It is not common to find a service charge added as well, so it is assumed that diners will tip 10-15% of the total.
The prices quoted below are for an average three-course meal and for a bottle of house wine or cheapest equivalent; they do not include tax or tip.

Gastronomic

Arthur’s
Expect a few columns, a huge fireplace, dark wood and floral accents in this posh eatery located in the Union Station Hotel (see Hotels) that has won a good few awards. The service is akin to a formal continental dining experience; once you’ve decided on a main course, which run the gamut from top-grade steaks, exotic game dishes to sushi-grade fish, expect your waiter to suggest what appetizers, soups and salads will round out the experience. The presentation of the only two desserts, bananas foster and caf diablo, is an exciting finale to your meal.

1001 Broadway
Tel: (615) 255 1494. Fax 615 255 1496.
E-mail: arthursrestaurant@att.net
Website: www.arthursrestaurant.com
Price: US$65 (fixed-price seven-course menu). Wine: US$26.

CafOneTwoThree
You’ll feel romantic and a bit naughty as you step into the enclosing atmosphere of this throwback to the Prohibition-era. The Notorious PIG sounds naff, but one bite of the pork loin nestled in plantains and drizzled by a chipotle and peanut sauce and you’ll forgive the faux pas. Those living on the edge will not be disappointed by their ostrich quesadillas. Sweet-tooths should try The Next Best Thing to Robert Redford, the thick mousses and cream topped by a crumbled Heath bar: much like its namesake, it is rich and daring. If you are planning to start your romantic meal after 2100, ask to be seated away from the stage area since even though the jazz musicians tend to be top-notch, it’ll be hard to hear the sweet nothings being whispered to you. Dinner only. Closed Sunday.

123 12th Avenue North
Tel: (615) 255 2233. Fax: (615) 256 7372 (reservations) or (615) 259 0477.
E-mail: faison@faisons.com
Website: www.faisons.com/newsite/cafe123.htm
Price: US$40. Wine: US$27.

Capitol Grille
Sure, you could have an amazing meal in many parts of the city, but sample some of the South’s great offerings in one of the finest restaurants in the city. Located in the Hermitage (see Hotels) is this ode to all fine things. The atmosphere is comforting even if the lighting isn’t conducive to reading. The menu has roots in Southern cooking, but branches out into the easily recognizable terrain. There is a variety of satisfying meat and potato dishes that dispel the rumours of the alleged simplicity of Southern cooking. The innovations include pork chops with a corn, bacon and black-eyed pea succotash, and a white truffle macaroni and cheese, available as a side order. The hazelnut-encrusted grouper with orange butter is outstanding. Closed Sunday.

231 Sixth Avenue North
Tel: (615) 345 7116. Fax: (615) 254 6909.
E-mail: concierge@thehermitagehotel.com
Website: www.thehermitagehotel.com/index.cfm?obj=capGrille
Price: US$45. Wine: US$25.

The Merchant’s
If trekking along Broadway has brought on hunger pangs, duck into this former pharmacy/hotel/flophouse for a generously sized meal. The menu has more seafood options than can usually be found in Nashville, but the Portobello gratine is more than just an appetizer, rather an enticement to sample the heartier main courses, which stay in the well-travelled terrain of tasty American food. Expect steak and lobster tails. The upstairs portion of the dining room is formal: jeans are not allowed, but jackets are not required.

401 Broadway
Tel: (615) 254 1892. Fax: (615) 254 3012.
Price: US$40. Wine: US$20.

Business

Caffe Nonna
As befits the name, the food is just like granny use to make& at least grannies in Scorcese films. There’s nothing disappointing about Caffe Nonna as the variety of pizzas and mix-and-match pasta and sauces are delectable. Furthermore, the lasagna Nonna is so good you may feel like you’ve been given unconditional love on a platter. The lemon ricotta cheesecake and tiramisu are so good that even if dining alone, you may consider ordering both. Expect to feel homesick for the Tuscan hills even if you’ve never been there.

4427 Murphy Road
Tel: (615) 463 0133.
Price: US$35. Wine: US$25.

Margot Caf and Bar
A bit of Paris in east Nashville, Margot serves up a delicious selection of seasonal goods. The building was renovated recently and provides a delightful feeling of being whisked out of the booming music city and into a small dinner party. The menu, which never bulges out beyond six main dishes and four or five starters, changes daily. If weather permits, try to get a seat on the elegant ground-floor patio. Closed Sun-Mon. No lunch.

1017 Woodland Street
Tel: (615) 227 4668
Website: www.margotcafe.com
Price: US$30. Wine: US$22.

Midtown Cafe
This is the perfect place to sip martinis whilst waiting for the client’s ink to dry on the new contract. The dcor is very modern with bright (but not overwhelmingly so) paintings hanging on the walls. The service is classy and unpretentious. The food keeps up by running the gamut from the delicate flavours of seared sushi-grade Ahi tuna to lavender scented duck breast. At night, Midtown gets a bit drowsier and is best for couples wishing for dark corners.

102 19th Avenue South
Tel: (615) 320 7176. Fax (615) 320 0920
Website: www.midtowncafe.com
Price: US$40. Wine: US$24

Sperry’s
When nothing but steak will do, Sperry’s in Belle-Meade is the place to go. Besides an array of steaks, other options such as seafood, veal and chicken dishes are on offer. Before your main course, make sure you try the mushrooms Sperry as the seafood-filled mushroom caps are outstanding. Try to leave room for the chocolate raspberry truffle cake as it adds an incomparable finishing touch. The dcor isn’t very remarkable and the atmosphere isn’t the liveliest, but the food will resuscitate the experience.

5109 Harding Road
Tel: (615) 353 0809. Fax: (615) 353 0814.
E-mail: info@sperrys.com
Website: www.sperrys.com
Price: US$40. Wine: US$25.

Sunset Grill
It’s the sort of fast-paced ‘see and be seen’ eating experience where you wish someone would film you there – just so you’d have proof that you were in a place where hob-nobbing was possible. Make sure to keep your sunglasses on whilst looking blas and pushing the unmatched seared scallops over lobster risotto or the delightfully spicy vegetarian voodoo pasta around your plate. No lunch Sat-Mon.

2001 Belcourt Avenue
Tel: (615) 386 3663. Fax: (615) 386 0579.
E-mail: sunsetgrill@mindspring.com
Website: www.sunsetgrill.com
Price: US$45. Wine: US$23.

Trendy

Bongo Java
This is the home of the world-famous 1996 NunBun, a cinnamon roll bearing the likeness of Mother Teresa – that is if the world is within the 615 telephone code. Besides that claim to fame, Bongo Java is popular because of its funky atmosphere and the fact that its coffee is unrivalled in Nashville. The food on offer is a simple, but filling array of breakfast treats, bagels and a few daily specials. The vast patio area is perfect for people-watching. Should you decide to stay indoors, make sure to take a close look as the tables as local artists decorated them. No dinner.

2007 Belmont Boulevard
Tel: (615) 385 5282. Fax: (615) 777 5282.
E-mail: info@bongojava.com
Website: www.bongojava.com
Price: US$4. Coffee: From US$1.24.

Bosco’s
At times sitting around and drinking beer can seem like hard work. And as we all know, hard work deserves a reward. At Bosco’s the recompense is the tasty selections of gourmet sandwiches, pizzas and pasta dishes. This is the place to eat and drink for long spells as late night munchies can be taken care of until 0230 and there are over 35 beers available. Make sure to try whatever their selection for the cask-conditioned ale is for the evening.

1805 21st Avenue South
Tel: (615) 385 0050. Fax: (615) 385 0170.
E-mail: nashville@boscosbeer.com
Website: www.boscosbeer.com
Price: US$35. Wine: US$19.

DaVinci’s Gourmet Pizza
Forgot everything you think you know about pizza as a genius has been unleashed on Nashville’s pizza pies. His name is DaVinci and though he might be a bit unorthodox (possible toppings include oysters, pepperoni made from buffalo meat, potatoes, carrots, red cabbage and black beans), the man knows what he is doing. Come here for a pizza experience that will insure that you never look at pizza the same way again. No lunch Sat-Sun.

1812 Hayes Street
Tel: (615) 329 8098.
Website: www.davincisgourmetpizza.com
Price: US$30. Wine: US$23.

F Scott's
Although located south of Downtown in Green Hills, F Scott’s has managed to lure in a steady clientele of latter-day jazz and epicurean enthusiasts after remodelling. A pan-fried lobster risotto cake might sound like a superb meal, but that is just an appetizer. The menu is sure to please everyone with tasty basics such as the filet of beef with fried onions to the more adventurous swordfish relleno stuffed with chilli bread pudding. After your meal, you may feel so good that you’ll want to break into the Charleston, in which case you’re in luck – F Scott’s has nightly jazz shows. Their wine list is extensive. Dinner only.

2210 Crestmoor Road
Tel: (615) 269 5861. Fax: (615) 269 8948.
Email: fscottsjazz@comcast.net
Website: www.fscotts.com
Price: US$38. Wine: US$24

Mambu
The chameleon menu at this popular eatery changes so quickly that our best advice is to just go in and see what they’re making. The menu is innovative to the point of a pleasant schizophrenic experience; you’ll have no idea where the even footing of Asian cuisine left and the Caribbean took over. The pistachio pork tender topped with sour cherries is so good you may feel as if eating anywhere else is close to painful. Closed Sunday.

1806 Hayes Street
Tel: (615) 329 1293. Fax 329 1203.
Price: US$40. Wine: US$24.

Mirror
Located in the not-so-hip 12th South neighbourhood, Mirror offers diners a very stylish eating event with fish bowls complete with resident goldfish on each table and bright colours throughout. Vegetarian tamales filled with chipotle-chocolate quinoa are an excellent entrance into the menu of ‘American’ cuisine, which takes in all aspects of the immigrant influences to American palate. There is even a ‘Country of the Month’ menu to augment the regular main courses, which though more standard sounding, like filet mignon or oven-roasted chicken breast, are just as delightful.

2317 12th Avenue South
Tel: (615) 383 8330.
E-mail: mirrornews@comcast.net
Website: www.eatdrinkreflect.com
Price: US$35. Wine: US$27.

Zola
The appetizers at Zola are referred to as provocations – and provoke they do, as once inside the menu, many diners will wish for smaller eyes and a larger stomach. A stone’s throw from Centennial Park, this place is dedicated to making everyone happy. Besides a variety of imaginative dishes, there are numerous vegetarian plates, such as the cornmeal encrusted Portobello mushroom with veggies in red mole sauce for example, that go far beyond steamed vegetables. Expect to see the tried-and-true like osso bucco alongside the more experimental almond-seared scallops. Unsurprisingly, the house chef Debra Paquette is a but of a Nashville celebrity. Dinner only. Closed Sunday.

3001 West End Avenue
Tel: (615) 320 7778.
Website: www.restaurauntzola.com
Price: US$35. Wine: US$24.

Budget

Arnold's Country Kitchen
Come find out what the South is all about. This is a must for anyone who’s decided to not timidly tip their toe into southern cooking, but to jump into the pan of lard full force. The food will be heavy, but worth the extra kilos. This is a small venue, so expect to chat with whomever sits next to you. Lunch only.

605 8th Avenue South
Tel: (615) 256 4455.
Price: US$20. Wine: US$16.

Baja Burrito
When you’ve had enough of barbecue meats, head even further south into this Tex-Mex restaurant. Get your burrito made-to-order with the exact fixings you crave. Or try their fish tacos, which everyone flips over.

722 Thompson Lane
Tel: (615) 383 2252. Fax: (615) 383 5021.
Price: US$20. Wine: US$18.

Benkay Japanese Restaurant
If the ‘meat and three’ are making a mark on your waistline or you’re in the mood for some more novel, yet inexpensive fare, Benkay, one of the longest standing Japanese restaurants in Nashville, is the place to go. Their lunchtime bento boxes are great should you want a filling meal. However, if your stomach has already been stretched, you may want to opt for the larger portions of sukiyaki prepared tableside. A tatami room is available should you like to have tableside on the floor. No lunch Sunday.

40 White Bridge Road
Tel: (615) 356 6600.
Price: US$20. Wine: US$19.

Jack's Bar-B-Que
Yes, you will have to enter the establishment with the flying pig overhead and then wait in line, tray in hand, but once you sit down, you’ll realize why you came– for good down-home barbecue. This is the most centrally located place to get your ‘meat and three’. The ‘three’ is ostensibly supposed to be vegetables, but corn bread and mashed potatoes count.

416 Broadway
Tel: (615) 254 5715.
Price: US$12. Unlicensed.

Nick's Italian Deli
Walk the few minutes out of downtown and treat yourself to this proliferation of Italian fare. The food is fresh and tasty. We highly recommend the deceptively uninteresting sounding spaghetti and meatballs – if you’re able to wolf down the entire plate, you can rest easy in the knowledge that for US$5, you just had one of the best meals in Nashville.

508 5th Avenue
Tel: (615) 254 7210.
Price: US$8. Unlicensed.

Pancake Pantry
Yes, you may very well see a line snaking down 21st avenue. As you wait, you’ll be sure to end up in conversation with some friendly Southern folks, just make sure you don’t lose your place in line. Once inside, the staff will chat in a familiar way to you and bring your food more promptly than you would think possible for the cramped quarters. Most customers will be digging into one of the huge breakfast plates (complete with eggs, bacon, hash browns and a side of pancakes) served all day. Lunch only.

1796 21st Avenue South
Tel: (615) 383 9333. Fax: (615) 383 0659.
Price: US$15. Unlicensed.

Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
It almost looks like a utopian ideal with all sorts of people waiting for their chicken. Alas it is only momentary as everyone is here only to grab some spicy chicken and go on about their day. Unless, of course, they are timid tummy types in which case the patrons are here for the mild variety, which still has a bit of kick to it.

123 Ewing Drive
Tel: (615) 226 9442.
Price: US$20. Wine: US$18.

Personal Recommendations

12th and Porter
If cool or trendy is what you are after, then you’ll feel welcome in this scruffy and unpretentious bar/restaurant. The large lunchtime pasta dishes are filling fare for those on a budget. The menu has basic American food mixed with a Middle Eastern and Italian flair, which means even the most finicky of eaters should find something to their liking. 12th and Porter also acts as a live music venue in the evenings.

114 12th Avenue
Tel: (615) 254 7236. Fax: (615) 259 2957.
Website: www.faisons.com/newsite/12th.htm
Price: US$17. Wine: US$20.

Elliston Place Soda Shop
Open the door and you’ll suddenly feel as if you should have worn your poodle skirt. Everything from top to bottom of the dcor adds a 1950s touch. The menu features large portions of the basics – burgers, chicken fried steak, and all-day breakfast. Even if hunger isn’t an issue this is still a fun place to sip one of the tasty milkshakes and soak up the atmosphere.

2111 Elliston Place
Tel: (615) 327 1090.
Price: US$20. Soda: US$2.50.

Loveless Motel & Cafe
What else but the food could have made Paul McCartney and Martha Stewart trek out of the city? You’ll feel like you are visiting your aunt in her rustic clapboard cabin and though the tables may need a few napkins underfoot to keep them from wobbling, the food follows a straight and true course. As one would anticipate with a touristy place, expect photos of satisfied and relatively famous customers alongside memorabilia for purchase. Expect to see Southern favourites like fried chicken with a side of shoe peg corn on the lunch and dinner menu. The waffles and pancakes are excellent should you be here for breakie, and the jam is not only full of fruit chunks, but also available for purchase by the jar.

8400 Highway 100
Tel: (615) 646 9700. Fax: (615) 646 1056.
E-mail: george55@aol.com
Website: www.lovelesscafe.com
Price: US$20. Unlicensed.

Mad Platter
There are no tea parties here or serving plates speaking in riddles, just exceptional food. The pear and walnut risotto appetizer is a great entrance into a meal and the rack of lamb flavoured with Dijon and rosemary crust is superb. But it is the salads that are truly exceptional and look as if they were prepared in Eden. If you have room for dessert the chocolate Elvis is like a kiss that lifts you higher than the sweet song of a choir. No lunch Sat-Sun. Closed Monday.

1239 6th Avenue North
Tel: (615) 242 2563.
E-mail: madplat@aol.com
Website: www.madplatter.citysearch.com
Price: US$35. Wine: US$18