A Local’s Guide to the 12 Best Italian Restaurants in Nashville in 2026

Last Updated on February 6, 2026 by Tori Pines

Italian food is my love language. I would seriously eat pasta and pizza every single day if I could, so I take my favorite Italian restaurants very seriously. This guide to the best Italian restaurants in Nashville will help you only dine at the best spots in the city, and know everything you need to know before visiting, including the best things to order!

I strongly prefer authentic Italian spots over American-Italian that most people are used to in the states, but I will include a few options for more Americanized spots if you prefer.

Why Trust Me?

Because I’m a local! I live in Nashville and visit these spots often. I’m always trying out new places to eat in Nashville and looking for the best spots to have a meal. I will give you all of my honest opinions, the good and the bad about each place! And I will continue to try new places often (for research of course), and add to the list as I find new places I love and think you will too!

Map of the Best Italian Restaurants in Nashville

Best Italian Restaurants in Nashville (Quick List)

• Il Forno
• Pelato
• Salento
• Nicky’s Coal Fired
• Little Hats Market
• All’Antico Vinaio
• Moto
• Sixty Vines
• Ravello
• Five Points Pizza
• Emmy Squared
• St. Vito Focacceria

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The 12 Best Italian Restaurants in Nashville, TN

1. Il Forno

Website
Hours: Wed-Thurs: 4-9pm, Fri: 4-10pm, Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-8pm
Address: 1414 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210
What to Order: Carpaccio Filet Mignon, Fettucini Bolognese, Cioppino, Pizza Diavola

If you’re craving the most authentic Italian restaurant in Nashville, have dinner at my favorite restaurant in the city, Il Forno! This Italian restaurant in the Wedgewood-Houston/Chestnut Hill area brings a little slice of Naples right to Nashville with its wood-fired pizzas, fresh handmade pastas, and classic Italian fare. Chef Egidio Franciosa (EG) grew up near Naples and built the restaurant’s blazing 900° brick oven imported straight from Italy, which means every Neapolitan pizza (think Margherita with a pillowy crust and charred bubbles) tastes like it belongs in Italia.

The menu goes way beyond pizza, too, with dishes like rich risottos and decadent pastas, plus Italian wines and cocktails that make a Nashville date night feel extra special. The vibe is cozy yet lively, great for everything from casual dinners to celebratory nights. We have enjoyed romantic date nights here, dinner with our baby and toddler, large group dinners when family visits and evenings out with friends. It’s really a great spot for any type of meal, and each time it brings us back to our 2 weeks in Italy.

2. Pelato

Website
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 5-9pm, Fri: 4:30-10pm, Sat 11-2 & 4:30-10pm, Sun 11-2 & 4:30-9
Address: 1300 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
What to Order: Garlic Bread with house made Mozzarella, Crispy Cauliflower Piccata, Radiatori Vodka, Campanelle Shrimp Limone

For yet another outstanding option of the best Italian restaurants in Nashville, get a reservation at Pelato. If you’re looking for casual Italian vibes with a sharable tapas style menu, Pelato in Germantown is one of Nashville’s most popular spots right now! This lively trattoria serves up Brooklyn-style Italian comfort food with a menu built around small plates and cozy classics that are perfect for sharing with girlfriends, dates, or your whole crew. We went with my whole family and it was perfect. With 6 people we could order a ton of different dishes and try a little bit of everything to decide what we liked best.

They’ve got rich pastas with creamy Vodka sauce, lemon cream or spicy tomato and more. I love the crispy fried street-food-inspired bites like fried zucchini strings and fried cauliflower. They have a huge wine menu and fun cocktails, like my favorite, Aperol Spritz. The atmosphere is modern and lively, so don’t expect a quiet ambiance. With Sunday Sauce family meals and weekend brunch on the calendar, there’s always a reason to go back. Pelato’s mix of bold flavors and cheerful service keeps locals and visitors raving!

3. Salento

Website
Hours: Every Day 3-9pm
Address: 329 Donelson Pike #303, Nashville, TN 37214
What to Order: Bruschetta, Margherita Pizza, Spaghetti and Roasted Cauliflower, Paparadelle Bolognese

For another can’t-miss stop on your list of Best Italian Restaurants in Nashville, snag a reservation at Salento Italia, a cozy, neighborhood Italian gem that’s quickly become a local favorite in Donelson! It’s located just minutes from the Nashville airport, so it can be the perfect stop on a trip to Nashville!

The menu is full of delicious pastas and pizzas. The pasta dishes vary from classics like spaghetti and meatballs to super unique recipes like Spaghetti and Roasted Cauliflower. But what I love most about the pasta menu is that many of the pastas come in small or large portions, so it’s super easy to build a dinner where you and your friends (or family!) share a bunch of dishes and try a little bit of everything! Or just get a small salad and small pasta for the perfect dinner.

We went here for dinner one night and immediately loved our experience. The vibe is upscale-casual, perfect for a date night or a celebratory dinner, but also totally appropriate to bring kids. My only negative about this spot is the Tiramisu, it’s watery and not good. Everything else is delicious though!

4. Nicky’s Coal Fired

Website
Hours: Sun-Thurs: 5-8:30pm, Fri & Sat 5-9pm
Address: 5026 Centennial Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209
What to Order: Nicky’s Focaccia, St. Pasquale the Second Pizza, Cavatelli Bolognese

For a laid-back but seriously delicious Italian meal in Nashville, Nicky’s Coal Fired is always a win! This casual, family-friendly spot is the kind of place you can roll into without feeling dressed up, but still leave raving about the food. Everything here feels authentic, from the simple menu to the coal-fired pizza oven (which is named, and that’s always a very good sign!).

The pizzas are truly out of this world, with perfectly blistered crusts, quality ingredients, and that unmistakable coal-oven flavor you just can’t fake. It’s a great option if you want amazing Italian food without the fuss, whether you’re grabbing dinner with kids in tow or keeping things low-key with friends. I love this spot for nights when you want comfort food done really right!

5. Little Hats Market

Website
Hours: 11am-8pm daily
Address: 1120 4th Ave N #101, Nashville, TN 37208
What to Order: Antipasto Salad, Chicken Parm Sub, Prosciutto and Mozzarella, The Traditional, Cacio e Pepe, Traditional Cannoli

For a more laid-back (but equally delicious) option, Little Hats Market is a must if you love Italian food and a casual lunch spot. This Italian market and café is perfect for lunch or an easy, no-frills dinner when you still want really quality food. It’s the kind of place where you want to order one of everything, fresh pasta dishes, hearty sandwiches, and rotating specials.

We love coming here when we don’t want a full sit-down meal but still want something comforting and flavorful. The sandwiches are huge, and their pasta dishes hit the spot if you’re craving something warm and cozy, but very authentic. It’s casual, quick, and unfussy, which makes it great for when you’re exploring Nashville and need a solid meal without committing to a long dinner. Plus, if you’re in Nashville during the spring, or any time the weather is nice, there’s a huge patio to enjoy. Little Hats Market is proof that some of the best Italian food in Nashville doesn’t need white tablecloths to impress!

6. All’Antico Vinaio

Website
West End Location:
Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am-8pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-10pm
Address: 1915 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
The Gulch Location:
Hours: 11am-6pm daily
Address: 622 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
What to Order: La Summer, La Toscana, La Favalosa

I almost screamed when I found out All’Antico Vinaio opened locations in Nashville because we LOVED it when we were in Florence!! If you’ve been to Italy and still dream about those massive, overstuffed sandwiches, this spot will hit you right in the nostalgia. Famous for its legendary schiacciata sandwiches, (like focaccia but thinner) All’Antico Vinaio brings the exact same Florentine flavors to Nashville. It’s crackly bread, high-quality Italian meats, creamy spreads, and very generous portions.

This is a fast-casual spot, but don’t let that fool you, the sandwiches are next-level and absolutely worth the hype. We ordered a couple different options and shared so we could try more than one (highly recommend doing this!), and every single bite was incredible. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or honestly anytime you want a taste of Italy without hopping on a plane. If you loved All’Antico Vinaio in Florence, you’ll be just as obsessed with the Nashville locations, and if you’ve never had it before, prepare to become a fan immediately. Oh, and they serve wine, which is another win!

7. Moto

Website
Hours: Sun-Thurs: 5-10pm, Fri & Sat: 5-11pm
Address: 1120 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203
What to Order: Formaggi, Burrata & Tomato, Pappardelle Bolognese, Carbonara, Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Moto Cucina + Enoteca will always have a special place in our hearts because it was the very first restaurant we tried when we moved to Nashville many years ago. From that first meal on, it totally set the bar for Italian food in the city. Moto is known for its house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal Italian dishes that feel elevated but still comfortable.

This is a great option when you want something a little nicer than casual, but not overly fancy or stuffy. We love ordering a couple of pastas to share, adding a pizza for the table, and lingering over a glass (or two) of wine. Oh, and don’t forget the charcuterie boards of course!

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it perfect for date nights, special occasions, or meet ups with your girlfriends. Moto has been a Nashville staple for years for a reason, and it’s still one of those places we recommend without hesitation. 

8. Sixty Vines

Website
Hours: Sun: 10am-9pm, Mon-Thurs: 11am-10pm, Fri: 11am-11pm, Sat: 10am-11pm
Address: 5055 Broadway Suite 3200, Nashville, TN 37203
What to Order: Charcuterie Board, Wood Grilled Shrimp, Pan Roasted Mussels, Fig & Prosciutto Pizza, Campanelle Pasta

Sixty Vines was the spot for my thirtieth birthday dinner, and honestly… it was such a fun choice. This place is perfect if you want Italian-inspired food with a lively, celebratory vibe and an incredible wine list to match, all while located right on Broadway, the main strip in Nashville! All of the best bars in Nashville are just steps away.

Sixty Vines is known for their sustainable wine on tap (so cool), which makes it really easy to order a few different glasses and try something new without getting too tipsy. Pours are as small as 2.5oz!!

The menu leans heavily Italian with shareable plates, fresh pastas, and wood-fired pizzas that are great for ordering family-style. It’s an awesome option for birthdays, girls’ nights, or group dinners where you want good food but also want it to feel social and upbeat. The space itself is bright, modern, and busy, definitely not a quiet, intimate dinner spot, but absolutely ideal for celebrating something special. If you’re looking for a place where the food, wine, and energy all come together, Sixty Vines is a win.

9. Ravello

Website
Hours: 5-9pm daily
Address: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
What to Order: Focaccia, Burrata, Margherita, Arabiata, Bolognese

​​Ravello definitely earns its spot on this list for the experience alone. Located inside the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, this restaurant is tucked away in the hotel’s stunning indoor greenhouse, surrounded by lush greenery, colorful flowers, and fountains, and honestly, that setting is the best part. It feels like you’ve stepped into a totally different world, which makes dinner here feel extra special even before the food hits the table.

The menu is definitely the most Americanized Italian on this list of the best Italian restaurants in Nashville, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s approachable, familiar, and perfect if you’re dining with a group that wants crowd-pleasing options. That said, the focaccia is incredible and absolutely worth ordering (I’d go back just for that). If you’re staying at the Gaylord or want a unique, memorable atmosphere with your Italian meal, Ravello is a fun and beautiful choice that feels like a mini escape right in Nashville.

Oh, and if you’re here in December, I highly recommend coming here. A visit to the Gaylord hotel is one of the best things to do in Nashville at Christmas!

10. Five Points Pizza

Website
East Nashville Location:
Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11am-11pm
Address: 1012 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206
West Nashville Location:
Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11am-11pm
Address: 4100 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
What to Order: Arugula Salad, Old World, Rocket Pie (add prosciutto)

Five Points Pizza is a Nashville classic and an easy pick when you’re craving casual, New York–style pizza, with big foldable slices, a chewy crust, and just the right balance of sauce and cheese. It’s the kind of place you go when you want something comforting, satisfying, and reliably good.

We love it for a quick lunch, a late-night bite, or honestly anytime you don’t want to pick up dinner and bring it home. You can grab slices or order a whole pie to share, and it’s perfect if you’re traveling with a group and want something everyone will agree on. I can’t even count the number of times we’ve eaten here at this point, and it’s always so good. But in my opinion, skip the garlic knots and just eat more pizza, I don’t think the knots taste as good as they look.

Five Points Pizza may be more casual than some of the other spots on this list of the best Italian restaurants in Nashville, but it’s a Nashville favorite for a reason, sometimes a great slice of pizza is exactly what you need.

11. Emmy Squared (Gulch Location)

Website
Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm
Address: 404 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
What to Order: Zia Fries, Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, The Ezzo, Skillet Baked Brownie

Emmy Squared is another awesome spot for pizza in Nashville. My husband and I have been obsessed with Detroit style pizza for the last few years, so when we first heard about Emmy Squared opening up locations here, we were so excited. This spot serves thick, crispy-edged squares with fluffy centers and a variety of great toppings. It’s definitely more modern and casual than traditional Italian, but it totally earns its place on this list of best Italian restaurants in Nashville for how good the food is.

This is one of our go-to places when we’re with friends or want an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner. The pizzas are super shareable, the seasonal specials are always good, and the vibe is lively without being chaotic. Emmy Squared is perfect for a relaxed night out where great pizza is the main event.

12. St. Vito Focacceria

Website
Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am-2pm & 5-9pm, Fri & Sat 11am-2pm & 5-10pm
Address: 605 Mansion St, Nashville, TN 37203
What to Order: Focaccia, Potato, Pepperoni, Spicy Tomato & Burrata

St. Vito Focacceria was one of those places we couldn’t wait to try, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We went right after they opened and were so excited to finally have such an authentic Italian spot in Nashville. The menu immediately reminded us of what you’d find in Italy. It was simple, focused, and clearly built around high-quality ingredients rather than overcomplicating things, which we loved.

Everything we tried tasted incredibly fresh, and the ingredients were truly top notch. The focaccia is the star here (as it should be), and we had to grab an extra piece to go, that is 100% the move. One of my favorite parts of the experience was getting to watch the owner in the kitchen making everything from scratch. He is so kind, so welcoming, and you can genuinely feel how passionate he is about the food. St. Vito Focacceria feels like a little slice of Italy in Nashville, and it’s a must if you appreciate simple, authentic Italian done really, really well.