Italian food has become an American staple. Head into the streets of Nashville and experience eateries with that authentic Italian flair you’ve been looking for. Treat yourself to hand-rolled gnocchi, twirl your fork into a creamy bowl of linguini, and devour cheesy ravioli at any of these local restaurants.

PennePazze

This local Italian joint serves up fresh, authentic-style dishes. Farm-to-table ingredients effortlessly blend into decadent presentations, from the Gnocchi Crema di Gorgonzola main to Panna Cotta desserts. But we’re really here for the pasta, so the Amatriciana or the Campanelle Pazze are an absolute must-try.

Pastaria

Head to Pastaria for dinner and dive into a steaming bowl of Strozzapreti – or better known as bolognese – for a hearty and meaty pasta. Or for a slightly lighter pasta dish with a bit of a kick, you’ve got to try their Chitarra Aglio e Olio (olive oil pasta).

Moto

With an incredible bar and an award-winning wine list, this Italian spot is the place you want to be for dinner and drinks. Taste test your way through their minimal yet dynamic menu by trying an order of the Black Spaghetti – yes, it’s actually black –, the Spaghetti Pomodoro, or the Agnolotti. Pair it with a glass of sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, or brut.

Mangia Nashville

Mangia literally translates to “eat”, and we’re here to do just that. This is definitely the place to be for those Italian-American favorites, like their Chicken Parmesan, Mangia Mac (an Italian mac and cheese), or the Meatballs with Sunday Sauce. 

And when you’re ready to try something new in Nashville, read more of our blog posts for great recommendations on local dining, entertainment, and recreation.