Pioneer Spotlight is a new monthly feature highlighting Nashville’s long-lasting, leading establishments. As Nashville grows and new restaurants snag headlines, there’s a long list of attention-deserving businesses that built the foundation. While we welcome the newcomers, we believe it’s important to support the businesses that started it all. This month we put the Pioneer Spotlight on: Watermark Restaurant. 

Pioneer Spotlight: Watermark Restaurant

In 2005, the Gulch wasn’t the bustling area it is today, but that didn’t stop Watermark Restaurant from making it a destination. From the beginning, Watermark focused on delivering an exceptional fine-dining experience unlike any other, which has proven to withstand Nashville’s maturing restaurant scene and patrons’ expectations.

The restaurant’s name was inspired by Marshall & Bruce Printing Co., the 150-year-old printing press that once occupied the building. Watermarking was one of the company’s many specialities, and restaurant owner, Jerry Brown, wanted to pay tribute to the building’s history. Marshall & Bruce’s “M” logo (pictured below) can still be seen above Watermark’s patio.

The “M” logo of Marshall & Bruce Printing Co, Nashville first printing press

Watermark’s Interior

Watermark has several different areas, including a bar, two main dining rooms, a private dining section, and one of Nashville’s first rooftop patios. Exposed brick, white tablecloths, candles, and paintings give the space an urban, intimate and elegant atmosphere. Watermark is especially suitable for dates, business meetings, and private functions. When the weather is right, request a table on the rooftop patio.

The Bar

Main Dining Room

Private Dining Room

Upstairs Dining Room

Watermark’s Exterior & Rooftop Patio

Watermark’s Menu

The seasonal menu revolves around contemporary Southern-French cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood, game and beef. Menu items include options like Anson Mills Grit Soufflé, Lobster Bisque, Cavatelli Pasta, and Hickory Grilled Filet Mignon. Watermark has an extensive wine list and plenty of specialty cocktail options, too. See the menu. 

New Date Night @ Watermark

Watermark is launching a new weekly dinner event, Date Night, starting Tuesday, April 26, 2016. The dinner service takes place every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 9:30pm, offering an exclusive prix-fixe three-course menu (see the menu). The cost is $89 per couple. Get more details!

Watermark Details

• Address: 507 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 (map)
• Phone: 615.254.2000 (call)
• Hours:
  Monday – Thursday: 5:30pm to 9:30pm
  Friday – Saturday: 5:30pm to 10:00pm
  Sunday: closed

For more information about Watermark, visit their official website.