Get Your Fill at Some of Nashville’s Most Impressive and Authentic Italian Restaurants
It’s no secret that Nashville has become a well-known destination for its live music scene, rich history, and an ever-growing food landscape that’s brimming with flavor and diversity.
In recent years, the Italian culinary scene has flourished here, giving locals and visitors a chance to savor authentic Italian cuisine — right in the heart of the South.
From classic dishes handed down through generations to modern interpretations that bear the influence of the rich southern tradition, Nashville offers it all.
If you’re in town and looking to indulge in delicious Italian cuisine, we’ve got you covered! Let’s take a look at some of our favorite Italian restaurants in town — a whole seventeen of them! — and the dishes you simply can’t miss.
1. Moto Cucina + Enoteca
Address: 1120 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203
Price: $$$
Kicking off our list of the best Italian restaurants in Nashville, Moto Cucina + Enoteca offers a rustic yet elegant dining environment. The restaurant is known for its ever-evolving menu that accommodates both contemporary and traditional Italian dishes — and is a go-to for any repeat visitors who don’t want to eat the same thing twice.
One of their must-try dishes is the black spaghetti and lobster ragu — a modern twist on a classic dish that packs a punch.
2. Luogo
Address: 211 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Price: $$$
Lugo — which translates to “place” in Italian — offers an upscale dining experience with a strong focus on Mediterranean cuisine. With a prime location in the heart of the Gulch, the restaurant has become a go-to for locals and visitors looking to indulge in delicious food, good wine, and great company. Although limited reservations are available, chef Anthony Scotto and his team encourage walk-ins.
Everything on the menu is delicious, however, the real star of the show is their pappardelle with duck ragu!
3. City House
Address: 1222 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
Price: $$
With a prime location in Germantown, Southern-inspired City House offers a beautiful blend of local and Italian cuisines. With its relaxed ambiance and an open kitchen that allows you to peek at the culinary craftsmanship firsthand, this Nashville staple of more than 15 years offers an immersive dining experience.
A personal favorite? The belly ham pizza topped with mozzarella and Grana Padano!
4. Yolan
Address: 403 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
Price: $$$$
Tucked away inside the Joseph Hotel in Nashville, Yolan is the brainchild of award-winning chef Tony Mantuano and hospitality expert Cathy Mantuano. Offering a mouthwatering fine-dining Italian experience, guests can choose from regular or vegetarian tasting menus — each paired perfectly with wine. Don’t want to indulge in a full tasting menu? The a la carte pasta dishes are a solid choice, too.
Oh, and don’t forget to ask about the restaurant’s cheese cave… you’ll be in for a treat!
5. Ophelia’s
Address: 401 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219
Price: $$
Pizza on your mind? Ophelia’s Pizza + Bar has you covered. Located in Downtown Nashville, this new spot has quickly won over locals’ hearts — and their stomachs. A quaint, intimate spot that’s perfect for date night, the restaurant’s menu combines traditional flavors with local ingredients, making it the best of both worlds.
Make sure you try their lasagna, and don’t forget to pair it with one of their signature cocktails.
6. Coco’s Italian Market
Address: 411 51st Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209
Price: $$
Stepping into Coco’s Italian Market feels like traveling to Italy. A vibrant eatery and market offering authentic Italian goods and dishes, you can shop and dine on everything from burrata to lasagna, pizza, and paninis.
With affordable prices and generous portions, try the bolognese for some familiar comfort or the chicken parmesan panini for an on-the-go treat.
7. Maggiano’s
Address: 3106 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Price: $$
If you’re looking for a cozy spot in the West End, Maggiano’s, is a must-try. Specializing in American-Italian cuisine inspired by traditional recipes and flavors, the chain offers a true taste of Italy… without having to go that far.
A few personal favorites include their chicken parm, clam linguini, and the chocolate cake to wrap things up.
8. Nicky’s Coal Fired
Address: 5026 Centennial Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209
Price: $$
Located in one of the coolest neighborhoods in Nashville, Nicky’s Coal Fired delivers on its promise of hearty Italian meals with a Southern flair. One of the best Italian restaurants in Nashville, the highlight here is their coal-fired pizzas — all of which are made in-house and topped with seasonally inspired ingredients.
And, if you don’t eat meat, you’ll be happy to know that Nicky’s also has a fair selection of vegan options for everyone to enjoy.
9. Valentino’s Ristorante
Address: 1808 Hayes St., Nashville, TN 37203
Price: $$
Valentino’s Ristorante is all about celebrating Italian dishes with a contemporary flair. Operating for more than 25 years, the restaurant recently relocated to Hayes Street. Its hearty meals pair perfectly with the restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere — making it the perfect spot for a cozy date night.
Dont miss the osso bucco over saffron risotto! It’s a favorite for a reason…
10. Trattoria Il Mulino
Address: 144 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37201
Price: $$
Love seafood? Trattoria Il Mulino is the spot for you! An upscale dining venue located in downtown Nashville, the restaurant’s seafood selection is unlike any other — especially their lobster ravioli and grilled octopus. Rich in flavor and tradition, there are also plenty of vegetarian options available on the menu.
Our suggestion is that you kick dinner off with the calamari fritti — you won’t regret it!
11. Amerigo
Address: 1920 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Price: $$
Offering a combination of Italian pasta, pizzas, fresh seafood, and even steak, Amerigo has been a staple in the Nashville dining scene for nearly three decades. Open for lunch and dinner, this local favorite is all about cooking with love.
Make sure you try the cedar-roasted fish of the day!
12. Caffé Nonna
Address: 4427 Murphy Rd, Nashville, TN
Price: $$
There’s nothing better than Caffe Nonna to hit the spot. Operating in Nashville since 1999, this quaint Italian restaurant specializes in homecooked meals — with recipes passed down through generations.
The oldest Italian restaurant in Nashville, make sure you try a thing or two (or three…) from their selection of appetizers.
13. PennePazze
Address: 3826 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
Price: $$
Pasta lovers will want to make their way over to PennePazze. Combining their farm-to-table philosophy with classic Italian cooking in the heart of Nashville, get ready for a mouthwatering experience that’s — in their own words — “crazy good”.
If you’re after a bargain, stop by before 3:30 PM from Tuesday – Thursday for their lunch special and get a free drink with any meal.
14. Culaccino Italian Restaurant and Bar
Address: 104 E Main St, Franklin, TN 37064
Price: $$$
The perfect stop on any day exploring Franklin, Culaccino is second to none. Whether you feel like tucking into one of their 72-hour fermented pizzas, artisanal pasta dishes, ricotta frittata, or perfectly prepared entrees, you can’t go wrong.
Better yet, don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their bourbon-based cocktails on the outdoor patio!
15. Giovanni Ristorante
Address: 909 20th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Price: $$$
With its sophisticated ambiance and charm, Giovanni Ristorante offers a fine dining experience that leans heavily on Italian traditions. Hailed as one of the best Italian restaurants in Nashville, enjoy everything from homemade pasta to imported cheeses, and make sure you snap a photo of the Hermes upholstered bar — it’s definitely one for the books!
Curious about what to try first? Their ossobuco — a slow-cooked veal shank — simply can’t be beaten.
16. Tutti Da Gio
Address: 5851 Old Hickory Blvd J, Hermitage, TN 37076
Price: $$
One of our personal favorites, Tutti Da Gio serves up the most authentic flavors — imported directly from Milazzo, Sicily. This unassuming Sicilian eatery is located in Hermitage, but believe us when we say it’s worth the drive. With an ample selection of fresh pasta, wood-fire pizza, and plenty of appetizers to choose from, it’s safe to say you’ll fin a treat for everyone here.
Whatever you choose to eat, don’t skip the parma pizza or the gnocchi al pesto. They’re unbeatable.
17. Il Forno
Address: 1414 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210
Price: $$
Combining fresh ingredients with age-old tradition, Il Forno is all about keeping things simple — and delicious. This once-mobile food truck pizzeria found a comfortable home for itself in late 2021, and they haven’t stopped serving their classic Neapoilitan-style pies ever since.
The star of the show? Momo the oven: a 3,000-pound, hand-built, wood-fire oven that cooks pizza to perfection.
Leaving Room for Dessert…
Let’s be honest: it’s not a complete day out without dessert, right?
Once you’ve done your fair share of exploring some of the most walkable neighborhoods in Nashville… why not recharge some of that energy with a healthy scoop of gelato?
For starters, you can head to the Stompin Grounds Market inside the JW Marriott in downtown Nashville. Known for its gelato carousel and inventive flavors crafted from locally sourced ingredients, it offers a delightful end to your culinary adventure.
If you love traditional recipes, Coco’s Italian Market and Café also has a wide variety of delightful gelato options — all of which taste like the real deal and are perfect to round up your dinner or lunch there.
Over on Opryland, Bravo Gelato is another must-visit. Owned by Christie Hauck, who fell in love with the sweet treat while vacationing in Italy, Bravo Gelato is known for offering a variety of flavors, from Italian classics to American-inspired concoctions.
Finding Your Homebase in Nashville
From pizza to pasta, classic meals to modern takes, and generations-old recipes to award-winning dishes — the best Italian restaurants in Nashville are a gastronomic treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
Because no matter what you like, when it comes to dining in Nashville, a perfect night out is all about enjoying good food in great company.
And once you’re ready to tuck in after making your way through Nashville’s Italian cuisine… we’ve got just what you need!
Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, Nashville Luxury Stay is here to ensure you have a safe, comfortable, and — most importantly — fun experience in the Music City!
Our luxury vacation rentals are designed with you in mind, making them the perfect home for your travels, no matter your style.
Get ready to explore and indulge — and let’s make your next visit to Nashville a feast for the senses!
