The Best Italian Restaurants in Nashville

Nashville is the home of country music. People come here to dance at honky-tonks, hear live music, and have fun, but there’s always a nice bonus for visitors: the food. The dining scene in town is outstanding, and there are countless restaurants to enjoy unforgettable meals. But where should you go when you’re craving Italian? Millions of diners book with us each month, and among them are the ones you trust the most. You know, those people you turn to for last-minute recos or special occasions. That’s because they’re tastemakers and know what’s up. We used the tastemakers of Nashville to power this list. Here are their recommendations for the best Italian restaurants in Music City.

The OpenTable Team

9 Restaurants

Updated January 14, 2020

Restaurants:	Giovanni's Ristorante - Mid Town, Trattoria Il Mulino - Nashville, Amerigo - West End…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Italian, Contemporary Italian…
Neighborhoods:	West End, Nashville…

Giovanni's Ristorante - Mid Town

$$$$

Italian

West End

4.7

1360 reviews

Giovanni's has long been considered a Nashville classic. This beloved Italian restaurant serves an outstanding menu of traditional Italian fare, including salads, pastas, risottos, meat, fish, and more. They also have a celebrated dessert menu, so diners should be sure to end the meal with something sweet. Giovanni's dark and candlelit atmosphere is inviting and romantic, so diners may want to consider a date night here. The restaurant is in the heart of midtown, close to Nashville's most popular attractions.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Trattoria Il Mulino - Nashville

$$$$

Contemporary Italian

Nashville

4.6

2929 reviews

Trattoria Il Mulino is an outpost of a popular Italian restaurant originally in New York City. In Nashville, the restaurant is trendy and scene-y, which makes it a great spot in town to dress up and go people-watching. The food at Trattoria Il Mulino is something to write home about. The menu contains contemporary twists on classic Italian fare. Think gnocchi with bolognese and bechamel, and salmon in a bread crust with oregano and lemon butter.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Amerigo - West End

$$$$

Italian

West End

4.5

2640 reviews

Amerigo is known for some of the best Italian in Nashville. It's part of a chain, and this outpost shines for serving consistently high-quality Italian fare with fresh ingredients in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Italian classics include spaghetti and meatballs, pasta carbonara, chicken margarite. Amerigo also has a wood-fired grill where they cook pizzas fresh as diners order them. The wood-fired grill is visible from the dining room, so visitors can take the opportunit to see the chefs prepare and then cook their meal. The restaurant has a completely gluten-free menu, so nobody has to miss out on their favorite Italian foods.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bella Napoli

$$$$

Italian

Nashville

4.8

864 reviews

Another great spot for pizza in Nashville is Bella Napoli, often considered Nashville's best pizzeria. In addition to a large menu of pizzas, Bella Napoli has many other Italian food options. Diners can choose from options like Caprese Salad, Melenzane con Ricotta, Lasagna al Forno, or Chicken Parmesan (among many others). Don't skip out on dessert, because diners rave about favorites like the tiramisu and the cannoli. Bella Napoli is casual and low-key, so consider it for a calm and relaxing night.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Buca di Beppo - Cool Springs

$$$$

Italian

Franklin / Brentwood

4.2

1051 reviews

Buca di Beppo is a good option for some of the best Italian in Nashville. The Nashville location of this nationwide chain is technically in Franklin, an upscale suburb just a few minutes from the center of town. The menu here is as classic as it gets when it comes to Italian food. Diners can order spaghetti with meatballs, chicken parmesan, lasagna, and more. The atmosphere here is casual and festive, so consider it with kids or for a relaxing night out.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Valentino's Ristorante

$$$$

Italian

West End

4.9

1619 reviews

Valentino's serves some of the best Italian in Nashville just steps from some of Nashville's best attractions. Valentino's is upscale, so expect white tablecloths and attentive service. Diners can choose from a selection of antipasti, salad, pasta, meat, and fish. They also have a highly touted dessert menu. Another popular option at Valentino's is the prix fixe dinner, which includes three courses and dessert.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Zolo's Italian Restaurant

$$$$

Italian

Franklin / Brentwood

4.7

587 reviews

Zolo's Italian Restaurant is in nearby Franklin, and has been open since 2007. Zolo's makes every single item on its in-house — from the pasta to the salad dressing. There is a small menu of Italian classics served family style, and diners can choose from dishes like garlic al fredo, filet mignon, tortellini diablo, and linguine pescatore. Zolo's is warm and cozy inside and the staff treats every customer like family.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Romano's Macaroni Grill - Opry Mills

$$$$

Italian

Nashville

3.3

300 reviews

Some of the best Italian in Nashville is at Romano's Macaroni Grill, located in the beloved local mall, Opry Mills. Romano's Macaroni Grill is a chain, well-known for their delicious rosemary bread and olive oil dip, as well as generous portions of Italian classics. At Romano's Macaroni Grill, diners can customize their own pasta dishes, or order from a large menu of pizzas and grilled protein dishes. The kitchen here is open, so visitors can get a glimpse of the chefs working their magic.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

City House

$$$$

Italian

Germantown

4.7

1226 reviews

Nashville's City House serves Italian with a twist. The menu contains pizzas like the Margherita and Escarole, as well as bread gnocchi and ziti with mushrooms. There are more unique items on the menu, including whole trout and lamb sugo with grits. City House also has an open kitchen concept, so diners can watch the chefs cook as they dine.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Best Italian Restaurants