Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Nashville | Upscale Italian Food

29 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Nashville | Upscale Italian Food

• Tee Line Nashville — American · rated 5/5: Tee Line Nashville pulses with a playful energy where the rhythmic slide of curling stones across the ice meets the thunderous strike of bowling pins in a sprawling, industrial-chic social hub. Guests gather around communal tables to share crispy wood-fired pizzas and frosty local drafts, creating a high-spirited atmosphere that transforms a casual meal into an interactive sporting adventure.
• DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana Bellevue — Italian · rated 4/5: The roar of massive wood-burning ovens serves as the heartbeat of this bustling pizzeria, where the scent of charred dough and bubbling mozzarella fills the airy, communal space. Skilled pizzaiolos hand-stretch dough made from imported Italian flour, topping each pie with vibrant San Marzano tomatoes before sliding them into the intense heat to achieve a perfect, leopard-spotted crust. Long wooden tables invite a lively, shared dining experience that captures the spirited essence of a traditional Naples market right in the heart of Bellevue.
• 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.
• Little Hats Market — Italian · rated 4/5: This inviting market space hums with the warmth of a neighborhood kitchen, where the steam from bowls of "little hat" pasta and savory wedding soup carries the nostalgic scent of slow-simmered traditions. Crispy, golden-hued arancini and toasted ravioli provide a playful contrast to bright, artisanal salads, while hearty meatball plates anchor a meal that celebrates the soulful simplicity of handcrafted comfort. Every visit feels like a journey through a modern Italian pantry, blending the vibrant crunch of a Calabrian chop with the cozy, familiar embrace of freshly baked garlic bread.
• NY — American · rated 4/5: The air is thick with the irresistible scent of toasted garlic and bubbling mozzarella, drawing diners into a vibrant space that captures the soul of a classic New York corner slice shop. Hand-tossed pizzas with perfectly charred crusts and molten cheese take center stage, accompanied by golden-brown garlic knots and crisp, garden-fresh salads. Whether folding a classic pepperoni slice or diving into a custom-stuffed calzone, every meal offers a flavorful, flour-dusted journey to the heart of the Big Apple.
• Urban Cowboy - Nashville Arcade — Italian · rated 4/5: Tucked within the historic Nashville Arcade, Urban Cowboy pulses with a soulful, high-energy spirit where the scent of charred, wood-fired crusts and botanical cocktails fills the air. Weathered textures and neon glows create a ruggedly chic backdrop for communal gatherings, inviting guests to linger over artisanal pizzas and spirited conversation in a space that feels both timelessly Western and vibrantly modern.
• Demos' Restaurant — Italian · rated 4/5: Demos' Restaurant radiates a timeless, welcoming warmth where the savory scent of sizzling USDA top sirloin and the iconic crunch of golden cheese toast set the stage for a quintessential American feast. The kitchen masterfully bridges the gap between steakhouse indulgence and comforting home cooking, offering everything from tender bacon-wrapped filets to vibrant, oven-baked chicken and fresh-cut salmon. It is a place where every meal feels like a celebration of tradition, inviting guests to linger over generous plates and the lively hum of a neighborhood favorite.
• Old Hickory Pizza & Pub — Italian · rated 4/5: Step into a warm, wood-accented haven where the comforting aroma of stone-baked dough and savory toppings fills the air, inviting neighbors to linger over cold pints and shared stories. Golden, hand-tossed crusts emerge from the oven with a satisfying char, providing the perfect canvas for rich sauces and melted mozzarella that pair effortlessly with a rotating selection of crisp craft ales. This lively retreat captures the essence of a classic pub, offering a timeless space where the simple joy of a well-crafted pie and a friendly atmosphere creates an enduring community cornerstone.
• Pizza Perfect - Bellevue — Italian · rated 3/5: This Bellevue neighborhood favorite envelops guests in the nostalgic aroma of slow-simmered marinara and toasted garlic, creating a warm sanctuary for lovers of classic Italian-American comfort. Golden-brown pepperoni rolls and bubbling, cheese-laden pans of lasagna emerge from the kitchen alongside savory meatball sliders, offering a hearty dining experience that feels like a soulful, home-cooked embrace.
• Caffe Nonna — Italian: Stepping into Caffe Nonna feels like a warm embrace, where the comforting aroma of slow-simmered sauces and toasted garlic wafts through an intimate, candlelit space. Hand-rolled pastas and time-honored family recipes take center stage, celebrating the soulful simplicity of Italian home cooking with every tender, flavorful bite. This charming sanctuary invites guests to linger over velvety glasses of red wine and plates that taste deeply of tradition and heart.
• Five Points Pizza - West Nashville — Italian: This vibrant West Nashville haunt hums with the kinetic energy of a classic New York slice shop, where the intoxicating aroma of bubbling mozzarella and toasted garlic fills a bright, industrial-chic space. Friends and families gather under high ceilings to tear into oversized, thin-crust pies boasting a signature char and foldable crunch, perfectly paired with a rotating selection of local craft beers for a quintessential neighborhood experience.
• Café Yolan — Italian: Café Yolan exudes a polished Italian charm, where the scent of toasted focaccia and shaved truffles drifts through an atmosphere of effortless sophistication. Guests are treated to a masterclass in Northern Italian flavors, from the delicate, marbled richness of carne cruda to vibrant, hand-crafted pastas and golden risottos that celebrate the season’s harvest. It is a destination where every plate—from the architectural beauty of a stuzzichini tower to the comforting warmth of pumpkin triangoli—invites a leisurely exploration of culinary artistry.
• Yolen — Chinese: Yolen invites diners into a world of refined indulgence where classic Italian soul meets contemporary culinary artistry. Guests savor the playful luxury of caviar-topped bomboloni and towering displays of stuzzichini before diving into velvety pumpkin triangoli or earthy, forest-scented mushroom risotto. Every plate is a vibrant celebration of texture and season, transforming a meal into an elegant, sensory journey through reimagined Mediterranean flavors.
• 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.
• Roberta's R Slice Arcade — Italian: Neon lights and the nostalgic hum of vintage games set a high-energy stage at this vibrant urban outpost, where the spirit of Brooklyn street food meets a retro arcade aesthetic. Thin, shatteringly crisp "R Slices" emerge from the ovens topped with bold, unconventional ingredients that balance sweet heat and savory richness, creating a fast-paced destination for a modern-day pizza party.
• Sho Pizza — Italian: Sho Pizza invites diners into a vibrant, welcoming space where the comforting aroma of blistered crusts and melting mozzarella drifts from a roaring oven. Artisanal pies emerge with perfectly charred edges and a thoughtful curation of seasonal toppings, elevating the humble slice into a gourmet experience that balances rustic tradition with modern flair. Whether shared over a casual glass of wine or enjoyed as a quick neighborhood bite, every meal captures the soulful essence of hand-stretched dough and slow-simmered sauces.
• Dumpling House — Chinese: Steam rises from bowls of silken wonton soup in this lively neighborhood gem, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of hand-pleated dumplings and rich, nutty sauces. Velvety pork and shrimp dumplings are bathed in indulgent peanut butter glazes, while chilled noodles and zesty pickled cucumbers provide a refreshing, crisp counterpoint to the bold heat of spicy tofu. From the playful fusion of pork pizza dumplings to the comforting warmth of traditional broths, every dish offers a soulful exploration of texture and taste.
• Slice of Italy — Italian: Slice of Italy invites guests into a warm, bustling atmosphere where the air is thick with the savory aroma of golden-brown garlic knots and bubbling mozzarella. The kitchen celebrates the joy of the shared table, turning out everything from crisp, tender calamari and herb-infused pesto bread to hearty, hand-rolled meatballs that melt in the mouth. It is a vibrant neighborhood haunt where the comfort of classic Italian-inspired starters meets the lively energy of a casual, communal feast.
• The Stillery Midtown — American: This spirited Midtown social hub pulses with urban energy, inviting guests into a warm, wood-accented space where the aroma of bubbling cheese and savory spices fills the air. The kitchen elevates Southern-inspired comfort with its legendary hot chicken mac and cheese—a decadent marriage of fiery heat and velvety cream—alongside artisanal pizzas topped with everything from salty prosciutto to robust, meaty favorites. Every plate, from the golden crunch of steak fingers to the salt-dusted warmth of soft pretzels, is crafted for sharing in an atmosphere that feels both effortlessly cool and deeply welcoming.
• Onda — Italian: Onda pulses with a modern energy where the bold, soulful aromas of Korean comfort food mingle with a playful, contemporary spirit. Guests gather over vibrant plates of crispy-glazed wings and bubbling tteokbbokki, discovering a menu that balances the golden crunch of kimchi arancini with the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of traditional bossam. This lively destination transforms familiar staples into an artful, communal feast, where every bite—from charred corn cheese to delicate mandoo—celebrates the rich flavors of a reimagined Seoul kitchen.
• Tempo — Italian: Tempo pulses with the vibrant spirit of a Texas morning, drawing guests into a lively space filled with the comforting scent of griddled tortillas and spiced chorizo. The kitchen turns out soulful, hand-held treasures like smoky bacon-and-egg tacos and hearty potato scrambles, creating a sun-drenched sanctuary where bold regional flavors and casual hospitality take center stage.
• Pizza Perfect — Italian: The air is thick with the comforting scent of slow-simmered marinara and golden, garlic-rubbed dough, drawing guests into a warm neighborhood haunt where classic Italian-American comfort takes center stage. Diners tuck into bubbling trays of beef lasagna and savory ziti or share plates of tender meatball sliders and pull-apart pepperoni rolls that celebrate the simple joy of melted cheese and rich, savory sauces. It is a welcoming haven where every forkful of pesto-swirled spaghetti or bite of deep-dish cheese bread feels like a hearty, soul-satisfying embrace.
• il Forno — Italian: Bathed in the golden glow of its namesake oven, il Forno invites guests into a lively space where the air is thick with the scent of toasted focaccia and seasoned olive oil. Artfully plated carpaccio and crisp fresella celebrate the vibrant flavors of the Italian coast, while sprawling antipasto platters bring friends together over a bountiful feast of cured meats and artisanal cheeses. Every meal here feels like a spirited celebration of tradition and togetherness, turning a simple dinner into a shared Mediterranean journey.
• 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.
• Castrillo's Pizza — Italian: Castrillo's Pizza serves as a vibrant neighborhood hub where the irresistible aroma of hand-tossed dough and savory tomato sauce draws guests into a world of classic comfort. Each day unfolds with a new celebration of melted mozzarella and golden-brown crusts, from the satisfying pull of warm cheese bread to the steam rising off a shared extra-large pie that anchors a lively family feast.
• Rolf & Daughters — Italian: Housed in a soulful, industrial space where exposed brick meets the warm glow of communal tables, this neighborhood anchor hums with a vibrant, high-energy charm. The kitchen celebrates the beauty of the season through crusty house-made sourdough and artfully composed plates of earth-driven vegetables and silky stracciatella, leading the way to a masterclass in handmade pasta. Every bite of chewy cecamariti or rich tonnarelli feels like a revelation, offering a deeply comforting yet sophisticated dining experience that lingers long after the final course.
• Bellagio Pizza & Subs — Italian: The air at Bellagio Pizza & Subs is thick with the irresistible scent of toasted dough and savory spices, drawing in those seeking the ultimate in neighborhood comfort food. Golden, thick-cut potato wedges arrive draped in molten cheddar and smoky bacon, perfectly paired with hand-stretched breadsticks and crispy, herb-crusted mozzarella sticks that pull apart in satisfying ribbons of cheese. It is a warm, unpretentious retreat where every basket of crunchy onion rings and tender chicken fingers celebrates the simple, timeless joy of a perfectly fried snack.
• 312 Pizza Company — Italian: This lively haven of Chicago-style comfort welcomes guests with the irresistible aroma of bubbling cheese and golden, house-made dough. Friends gather over baskets of pillowy dough nuggets and crispy, hand-cut fries dipped in rich beer cheese, all leading up to the main event: a towering, molten slice of authentic deep dish. It is a warm, indulgent retreat where every bite—from the savory breaded mushrooms to the thoughtful vegan options—celebrates the soulful art of the perfect crust.
• City House — Italian: City House captures the soulful intersection of Southern hospitality and Italian rustic charm, where the warm glow of the dining room invites guests to linger over plates designed for sharing. The kitchen transforms humble ingredients into vibrant masterpieces, from the salty crunch of house-made taralli and golden frico to tender rabbit meatballs and seasonal salads that burst with citrus and roasted sweetness. Every meal feels like a spirited celebration of craft and comfort, grounding sophisticated flavors in a relaxed, communal atmosphere that feels both timeless and essential.