Best Upscale High Protein Restaurants in The Gulch | Upscale & High Protein

9 restaurants in Best Upscale High Protein Restaurants in The Gulch | Upscale & High Protein

• TailGate Brewery Music Row — Italian · rated 4/5: This lively Music Row haunt pulses with a rhythmic energy, where the golden glow of craft taps meets the irresistible aroma of bubbling, stone-fired pizzas and toasted artisan sandwiches. Whether sipping a citrus-forward IPA or a crisp local cider, diners find themselves immersed in a communal atmosphere that celebrates Nashville’s creative spirit through bold flavors and laid-back charm.
• Luogo — Italian: Luogo serves as a sophisticated sanctuary where the sizzle of the grill and the vibrant colors of fresh crudo create an atmosphere of effortless Italian elegance. Guests linger over crisp, golden fritto misto and paper-thin wagyu carpaccio before diving into charred pizzas and tender meatballs that capture the soulful essence of Tuscany. It is a destination where modern culinary artistry meets the warmth of a neighborhood gathering, offering a sensory journey through bold textures and bright, coastal-inspired flavors.
• 888 — Chinese: 888 pulses with a modern energy, offering a sophisticated escape where the crunch of golden chicken karaage meets the refined artistry of jewel-toned sashimi and hand-pressed nigiri. Guests linger over steaming pots of savory donabe fried rice and artisanal sake, while the amber glow of premium Japanese whisky sets the stage for a night of spirited conversation and culinary discovery.
• Thai Esane Nashville Music Row — Thai: Nestled in the heart of Music Row, this vibrant destination pulses with the bold, aromatic energy of authentic Thai street food reimagined for a modern urban crowd. The air carries the scent of sizzling satay and ginger-infused steam, while plates arrive brimming with everything from the satisfying crunch of golden calamari to the bright, citrusy heat of a perfectly balanced beef salad. It is a place where traditional Southeast Asian flavors find a rhythmic harmony, inviting diners to linger over shared small plates in a space that feels both effortlessly cool and deeply welcoming.
• Parlor Doughnuts — American: This lively, vintage-inspired hub invites guests into a world of artisanal indulgence, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of warm dough and gourmet glazes. Each layered confection is a study in decadence, ranging from the salty-sweet harmony of Maple Bacon to the whimsical, sugar-dusted nostalgia of the Carnival and Sandy Beach. It is a destination where the humble doughnut is elevated to an art form, offering a sensory escape that feels both timeless and delightfully modern.
• Slim and Husky's — Italian: This high-energy eatery pulses with the rhythmic spirit of hip-hop, where the aroma of artisan dough and spicy Nashville hot chicken invites guests into a vibrant, community-focused space. Creative, thin-crust pizzas serve as edible tributes to urban culture, layering bold ingredients like zesty herbs and premium meats into flavor-packed masterpieces that feel like a neighborhood house party in every bite.
• Han's Banh Mi & Pho — Vietnamese: The air at Han’s Banh Mi & Pho hums with the savory scent of toasted garlic and the fragrant heat of simmering red and panang curries. Guests can tuck into plates of smoky, wok-seared drunken noodles or crisp, golden crab rangoon, all served in an inviting space where bold Southeast Asian flavors and fresh ingredients are celebrated in every vibrant bite.
• Gathre Nashville — American: This spirited Nashville destination invites guests to linger in a space where Southern tradition is reimagined through a lens of modern, vibrant flavors. The air carries the sweet scent of warm cinnamon rolls and savory short rib grit cakes, while colorful plates like the citrus-kissed grapefruit avocado salad and zesty firecracker cauliflower turn every meal into a communal celebration of soulful, elevated comfort food.
• Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina — Steakhouse: This sophisticated sanctuary reimagines the classic American steakhouse, where the rich aroma of butter-poached USDA Prime and Wagyu beef wafts through a space defined by modern elegance and refined luxury. Shimmering towers of market-fresh shellfish and the day’s most delicate catches provide a coastal counterpoint to the indulgent, marbled cuts, all elevated by artfully-crafted cocktails and a world-class wine cellar. Every meal unfolds as a masterclass in culinary precision, inviting guests to linger over bold, savory flavors in an atmosphere that feels both high-energy and impeccably polished.