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Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Nashville

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Nashville? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of etc. restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2754)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Green Hills

About the restaurant

Located in the Bedford Commons complex of the Green Hills neighborhood, etc. offers lunch and dinner Monday - Friday and dinner on Saturday. As the second, smaller version of sister restaurant Etch, Chef Deb Paquette incorporates her favorite spices, produce and global recipes on the menus at etc. for an adventurous dining experience. A succinct wine and cocktail menu includes wines from around the world, select craft beer and a handful of culinary-minded cocktails.

The intimate 2400sq ft space features simply adorned tables, comfortable banquette seating, a large wine and cocktail bar and plenty of open-air seating. Funky light fixtures, striking electric blue, copper and glass accents, and warm woods fill out the intimate space.

Top review

J

Johnvip

Dined 3 days ago

We try to get to etc once a month and the food is always consistently delicious! The service is great as well.

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A photo of Roasted Cauliflower Bowl of a restaurant

Roasted Cauliflower Bowl

A photo of Chocolate Malt Cake of a restaurant

Chocolate Malt Cake

A photo of Soup & Salad of a restaurant

A photo of etch - Nashville restaurant

etch - Nashville

4.8

4.8 (8447)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Featuring an array of global flavors and decadent desserts by Chef Deb Paquette and Pastry Chef Megan Williams, Etch is located in the ground floor of the Encore tower in Nashville's SoBro district. The restaurant is equipped with two private dining rooms, a full bar and an open kitchen with bar-style seating, allowing guests to interact with the culinary team. Lunch and dinner are available Monday-Friday, as well as dinner on Saturday.

In her 13 years as Chef/Owner of Zola, Deb received accolades for Nashville's best chef and Nashville's best restaurant multiple times. Nashville restaurants are many, but Etch sets itself apart with bold flavors and colorful presentations.

The cuisine at Etch is complemented by our comprehensive wine list, featuring an extensive collection of wines from around the world. Guests can also enjoy our modern take on classic cocktails, along with a variety of eclectic beers and regional drafts.

Top review

M

Mike

Dined on Sep 9, 2024

One of my fav spots and one that I always take my out of town friends to. Exceptional food,drinks, and service.

A photo of Red Pony Restaurant restaurant

Red Pony Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (4569)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Franklin

About the restaurant

Since it opening in 2006, Red Pony Restaurant has impressed guests by staying true to a mission focused on cuisine and service.
Chef owned and operated, Red Pony changes its menu about six times a year with the intention of keeping ingredients the season’s freshest and the variety of dishes dynamic.
While a great deal of the menu pays homage to the Sophisticated Southern foods Chef Jason McConnell grew up on, you will also see a reflection of his travels, that drive his creativity.
It is our belief that food is something to be celebrated. We also believe that experience is a huge part of dining. Whether it be enjoying a crafted cocktail at one of our bars or enjoying dinner at the table, we want each guest to be seamlessly guided through their time at Red Pony Restaurant.
We love our community and we love food.

Top review

A

Allison

Dined 3 days ago

Every dish was outstanding. Our steaks were perfectly cooked and delicious. The service was perfect and they have great wine list as well. We were upstairs, which was lovely and not noisy.

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A photo of Beef Tenderloin of a restaurant

Beef Tenderloin

A photo of Shrimp & Grits of a restaurant

A photo of Park Cafe restaurant

4.7

4.7 (1297)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Sylvan Park & Sylvan Heights

About the restaurant

Park Cafe is one of West Nashville's hidden gems, serving elevated American cuisine in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for nearly twenty-two years. Chef Jeffrey Martin crafts delicious daily specials from local, high-quality ingredients. With a talented kitchen and curated service, Park Cafe is sure to provide an excellent dining experience with local flair. Gluten-free & vegetarian options are available.

Whether you're dining on our spacious, peaceful patio, at a high-top in the bar, upstairs in the bungalow, or in one of our main dining rooms, you'll be glad you chose Park Cafe for lunch, brunch or dinner. We can't wait to see you!

P.S. Looking to book a private party? Please visit us on our parties page on our website or give us a call. We can't wait to make it special!

Top review

M

Mary

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

Have enjoyed Park cafe in past. Food tonight was just ok. Service was wonderful and attentive

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A photo of Pork Chop and Eggs of a restaurant

Pork Chop and Eggs

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A photo of Park Café Salmon of a restaurant

Park Café Salmon

A photo of Mere Bulles restaurant

4.7

4.7 (4962)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Brentwood

About the restaurant

Mere Bulles offers superb food, outstanding service, and a beautiful setting. With a 'make it happen' attitude, our goal is always to exceed your expectations. Lunch can be in and out or a leisurely meal with important clients. Dinner is there for any special occasion or another perfect evening out.

Mere Bulles reminds you of what was once the grand manor house of Maryland Farms. In Spring and Summer, relax in our bright, cheerful Indoor Patio with its floor to ceiling windows. Surrounded by majestic old maple trees, the outdoor patio is the place to be when the weather permits. In Fall and Winter, cozy up to the fireplace for a great meal in The Living Room. We have eight inviting private dining rooms. which can be booked by phone or E-mail through our friendly and astute Events Staff. Join us for Sunday Brunch 9:30am-1:30pm.

For parties larger than 7, please call the restaurant @ 615-467-1945 or email us at info@merebulles.com

Top review

F

Frankvip

Dined 5 days ago

The food and service are consistently great at Mere Bulles. Also, the half-priced bottles of wine are attractive about eating here too! The oysters as an appetizer were fresh and delicisous - salads were great, especially the new beet salad. For entrees, the salmon portion was geneorous and perfectly prepared. The Mussels and fries were also great! Service was extremely attentive but not fussy - it was a great evening!

A photo of Gannons - Nashville restaurant

Gannons - Nashville

4.6

4.6 (372)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Gannons Nashville is a Casual Fine Dining restaurant located at The Marriott Courtyard in the heart of Downtown Nashville. We offer a wide variety of dishes including fresh oysters and highly curated cocktails designed by our experienced team of mixologists. Join us for live jazz and a dinner experience you wont soon forget!

Top review

K

Kelly

Dined 3 days ago

We had a delicious meal and outstanding experience at Gannon’s. The ambience is so cool. When you walk in, it feels like you’ve stepped into the 1920s. Our server, Bennett, was fabulous and very knowledgeable about the restaurant and the building’s history. I would definitely go back!

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A photo of Lobster Bisque of a restaurant

A photo of Filet of a restaurant

A photo of The Mockingbird Nashville restaurant

The Mockingbird Nashville

4.7

4.7 (3096)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

The Gulch

About the restaurant

Modern Diner. Global Fare. Delicious Fun. This is The Mockingbird. Led by talented culinary duo executive chef / partner Brian Riggenbach and front-of-house extraordinaire / partner Mikey Corona, The Mockingbird offers a menu of comfort classics with a global twist and an ambiance of art deco diner whimsy. Walls are covered in beautiful custom-made wallpaper, painted tin tiles on the ceiling, windows open to two patios as weather allows and a larger-than-life mirrored bird sculpture overlooking the dining room. And then there’s the food and drink! Munch on a Mockingburger or Mac N Cheese (aka Feeling Grate!) while sipping an Old-Fashioned-ish or a Punchin’ Bag (ask about it – they are famous!). We also love hosting group events! We have a private dining room, an upstairs dining room and an enclosed patio, all perfect for bridal showers and bachelorette parties plus business lunches and corporate dinners. Y’all come see us! **Reservation cancelation policy is strictly enforced**

Top review

L

Lynette

Dined 5 days ago

The service was great and the food is always good. We had tickets to a play and were in a little bit of a hurry but let them know when we were seated. We had our drink and appetizer within 5 minutes and had our meal within around 10 minutes. We were able to get in and out and have a lovely meal in 30 minutes. We will be back again!!

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A photo of Earnest Bar & Hideaway restaurant

Earnest Bar & Hideaway

4.6

4.6 (1127)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

South Nashville

About the restaurant

Earnest Bar & Hideaway: a relaxed restaurant and refined tavern serving comfort food classics & craft cocktails inspired by Ernest Hemingway in rustic-chic surrounds.
Delicious entrees like the 32oz. Bone Ribeye or the Market Fish. However, the Korean Fried Chicken has established itself as an Earnest Bar & Hideaway classic. Saturday & Sunday brunch is 10:00AM - 2:30PM! Don’t miss out on the Shaved Ribeye Sandwich, Breakfast Poutine and Hot Chicken & Mac! Wash it all down with a bottle of bubbles.
The half bottle of champagne is the enemy of man -EH
Come join us for fare and libations!
Cheers!

Top review

L

Lukevip

Dined 4 days ago

Awesome, neighborhood gem! Check it out - GREAT cocktails, yummy food and wonderful staff. GO!

A photo of Blue Aster restaurant

4.6

4.6 (299)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Midtown

About the restaurant

Offering an innovative twist to modern American cuisine, the restaurant’s seasonal menus focus heavily on a farm-to-table approach, sourcing most of the ingredients from local and regional purveyors and farms, along with a selection of fresh seafood and a variety of local ranch steaks. Blue Aster serves daily breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Top review

P

Patricia

Dined on Sep 1, 2024

Our server was Caroline B. She went above and beyond to accommodate a pleasing and comfortable experience. She was very polite and made us feel welcome. A special request was handled with a smile . TY Caroline B. Another outstanding experience with Sylvia Gamble . She had the wine service etiquette down like a seasoned pro . We were so impressed by this young lady who executes her training with pride . TY Sylvia Miss Kitty afternoon tea experience.

The Hampton Social Rooftop

4.6

4.6 (787)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

===*Limited Food Menu Offerings.*===

===*All guests must be at least 21 years old to enter.===

The Hampton Social Rooftop is a Dine & Party Experience.

Coastal-inspired rooftop hotspot offering playful, modern, spontaneous delights of hand-crafted cocktails, our signature Rosé, and culinary creations. The Nashville Rooftop atop The Hampton Social evokes the feeling of cocktailing and socializing seaside. Find yourself overlooking Nashville with unobstructed scenes of downtown and enjoy an indoor/outdoor bar fixed with a retractable roof for cocktails, bites, and weekend brunch.

===*Music Volume may not be suitable for those interested in an intimate dining experience.*===

Top review

M

Mindy

Dined on Sep 5, 2024

Always a good time and lots of pretty settings and walls for photo ops at all levels but especially the rooftop. The guitar shot is a must if you're celebrating any special event - get your camera ready before the sparklers sputter out. We came for the view, decor and drinks but we were all blown away how good the food was - didn't expect that. The Caesar salad - delish and crunchy. Lobster roll - wow. The shell drink is fun but gets kind of messy and a little too communal for 2024. Nice view of the Titans stadium and convenient parking in the garage below plus validation.

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A photo of Lobster Roll of a restaurant

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Parmesan Truffle Fries

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