If there is one thing Italians do best, it’s food. Italian cuisine is perfect for almost every dining occasion, especially romantic dates and family gatherings. From delicious homemade pasta to wood-fired pizza, Nashville has it all. Here are Nashville Guru’s top picks for the best Italian restaurants in Nashville.
The Best Italian Restaurants in Nashville
Yolan
Neighborhood: SoBro
Yolan is a fine authentic Italian restaurant, by Michelin-starred chef Tony Mantuano, situated in The Joseph Nashville. The seasonal menu features signature Italian dishes and fresh takes on the classics. In addition to Yolan’s à la carte menu, guests can enjoy an eight-course tasting menu along with optional wine pairings.
Nicky’s Coal Fired
Neighborhood: The Nations
If you’re craving coal-fired pizza, then Nicky’s Coal Fired is a must-try spot. This Italian-inspired restaurant has a custom-made, four-ton, coal-fired oven (named “Enrico”) that cooks up some of the best pizza in town. Nicky’s menu also includes house-made pasta, Mama G’s meatballs, and a variety of cocktail options.
Ophelia’s Pizza + Bar
Neighborhood: Downtown
Ophelia’s Pizza + Bar is an old-school, American-Italian restaurant. Guests can expect an intimate dining experience with a delicious menu created by two-time Top Chef Alumni Jamie Lynch and Executive Chef, Adam Hodgson. Popular dishes include the Caesar Salad, Meatball Sandwich, and Lasagne Bolognese.
PennePazze
Neighborhood: The Nations
PennePazze is a farm-to-table restaurant featuring an open kitchen concept. This counter-service eatery is known for its freshly baked pinsas. The pinsas are made up of flour, 80% water, and 72 hours of dough rising, which means fewer calories, less salt, and lower fat content than a pizza.
Moto
Neighborhood: Gulch
At Moto, guests can expect rustic Italian cuisine and an award-winning wine selection with over 250 labels. Must-try dishes are the Black Spaghetti and Hot Honey Pizza. Moto is a great date-night spot and can accommodate large group dining for special events and celebrations.
Carne Mare
Neighborhood: Gulch
Carne Mare is an Italian chophouse, from James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini, located on the ground level of the W Nashville hotel. The menu focuses on steak, seafood, and of course, Italian specialties. Standout dishes include the 36 oz 30-Day Dry-Aged Tomahawk steak to share, Sweet Corn Agnolotti, and Short Rib Ravioli. When weather permits, we recommend dining on the outdoor covered patio.
Bella Napoli
Neighborhood: Edgehill
Bella Napoli was the first Neapolitan-style pizzeria to open in Nashville and has been in business for over 10 years. When weather permits, enjoy dining in the courtyard decorated with string lights—the perfect ambiance for a romantic date. The Parma Pizza is a must-order.
Pastaria
Neighborhood: West End / ONEC1TY
Pastaria is an approachable, kid-friendly Italian restaurant created by Chef Gerard Craft. This pasta and pizza concept is situated within the ONEC1TY development. Their flavorful menu is inspired by Chef Craft’s Italian travels and features organic pasta, Neapolitan-style pizzas, wood-oven entrées, and gelato.
Coco’s Italian Market
Neighborhood: The Nations
Coco’s Italian Market has been family-owned and operated since 1964. Whether you’re stopping in for a delicious dinner or looking to purchase unique Italian goods in the market, Coco’s has it all. Make sure to try their homemade cannolis.
Luogo
Neighborhood: Gulch
Luogo, which means “place” in Italian, is Anthony Scotto’s fresh take on elevated Italian food with a focus on Mediterranean seaside cuisine. This must-visit restaurant serves dinner Tuesday through Sunday and a delicious Bellini Brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Top pasta dishes include Spaghetti with Manilla Clams and Rigatoni Bolognese.
Little Hats Market
Neighborhood: Germantown
Little Hats Market is an Italian market, deli, and restaurant serving some of the best sandwiches in Nashville. Our ideal Little Hats experience is stopping by for lunch and then picking up their fresh handmade pasta for dinner. If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, you can’t go wrong with the Spicy Italian.
Sinatra Bar & Lounge
Neighborhood: Downtown
Sinatra Bar & Lounge is an intimate restaurant located on the first level of the historic Southern Turf building in Downtown Nashville. Guests can expect classic Italian cuisine featuring Sinatra’s favorite recipes, signature cocktails, and daily live music. The dress code is business casual.
Amerigo
Neighborhood: West End
Amerigo has been a Nashville staple for almost three decades and is the longest-standing restaurant on West End. Amerigo’s menu features traditional Italian pasta and fresh seafood. Guests can dine at Amerigo for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Amerigo also offers family-style catering, perfect for team meals, family gatherings, and office meetings.
Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen
Neighborhood: East Nashville
Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen is a family-owned business operated by brothers, Danny and Ryan Nicoletto. In 2016 the Nicoletto brothers opened their first fast-casual pasta restaurant in East Nashville and have been a popular hotspot ever since. If you venture a little outside of Nashville, you’ll find their Donelson location. Guests can expect housemade pasta, made-from-scratch sauces, delicious Italian meats, and more.
Giovanni
Neighborhood: Midtown
Giovanni, one of Nashville’s first Italian restaurants, moved from New York City to Nashville in 2008. This well-loved, upscale eatery focuses on Nothern Italian cuisine and wine. Some popular dishes include Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, Risotto del Giorno, and Pappardelle Alla Norcia. Make sure to save room for gelato!
Valentino’s Ristorante
Neighborhood: West End
Valentino’s Ristorante has been serving classic Italian cuisine since 1991. When dining at Valentino’s you can expect bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and fine wine. This cozy and intimate restaurant is best known for its Housemade Lasagna and Chicken Parmesan.
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