13 romantic restaurants in Nashville for the best date night

Nashville’s reputation as one of America’s best party cities is not unfounded. The honky-tonk bars, the superb barbecue restaurants, and the amazing sports arenas all make this city the perfect place to let loose. But Nashville is an underrated travel destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway or date night. Whether it’s the charming streets, old buildings, the beautiful Cumberland river, or spectacular local culture, Nashville is the perfect place to take a trip. Just remember to plan ahead by getting a reservation, finding luggage storage in Nashville if needed, and figuring out all of your logistics ahead of time. You won’t want to be scrambling while you’re trying to have a romantic evening.

There are so many options for finding the perfect romantic restaurant to impress your date. There are classic Southern restaurants, chic bistros, upscale steakhouses, lots of street food, trendy gastropubs, Italian trattorias, and everything in between. With such an approachable culture, all of these places have a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. Nashville’s epic food scene also provides some of the best dining experiences you can get. 

Here are the best romantic restaurants in Nashville for date night: 

Audrey

Fans of southern food and southern charm will love this East Nashville restaurant’s adorable dining room. Audrey, named for chef Sean Brock’s grandmother, pays homage to traditional Appalachian cuisine and culture with a quaint concept that’s perfect for Sunday brunch or a dinner date. Everything about this place is designed to charm your pants off, whether it’s the silverware and plates or the antique decor. 

Reservations are recommended, but there is bar seating with a similar menu worth checking out if you’re dropping by. It’s all about comfort at Audrey, but it’s not a bad idea to dress like you’re eating dinner with grandma.

Our recommendation:

Expect elevated Southern food with a few creative touches. Grits, grilled oysters, chicken & dumplings are all reimagined in inventive ways without making them unrecognizable. Surprisingly, given this is a southern restaurant, there are always a number of fantastic vegetarian options on the menu. With a seasonal focus, the menu rotates heavily to showcase fresh ingredients from local producers. 

Location:

809 Meridian St, Nashville, TN 37207

Price level: 

$$$

The Yellow Porch Restaurant

Widely regarded as one of the best fine dining spots for any occasion, this attractive bistro is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. The food is upscale, but the atmosphere is approachable, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is downright delightful. Make a reservation or get there early to snag a table on their famed covered patio (which they call a porch, but we won’t argue with them).  

Our recommendation:

Expect impressive dishes that are prepared and presented with creativity you wouldn’t (but should) expect from Nashville restaurants. Crab cake with Japanese chili oil or duck confit infused with sorghum are inventive mainstays on their dinner menu. Keep an eye out for specials because this chef-driven restaurant comes up with some truly unique creations. 

Location:

734 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204

Price level: 

$$

The Continental Nashville

Located on Broadway at the Grand Hyatt hotel, The Continental Nashville is your quintessential high-end restaurant for upscale dining experiences. The space is sleek and luxurious, with intimate seating that’s designed for date night. This isn’t a restaurant you’ll want to leave to chance, so making a reservation and dressing for a special occasion are highly recommended. That being said, there is limited bar seating for enjoying specialty cocktails in a swanky setting. 

Our recommendation:

For celebrating special occasions, opt for the prix fixe menu, which you'll have to book in advance. There are also caviar and martini pairing options as well. While these can be expensive, they’re some of the best upscale dining experiences you can get in Nashville and a surefire way to impress your date. If you’re dining a la carte or just very hungry, the prime rib is the best in town. 

Location:

1000 Broadway Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37203

Price level: 

$$$

Dinner With Friends

Don’t let the name throw you off because this stylish bistro is the perfect place for a romantic evening. One of the most popular new restaurants in the West End brings a modern fine dining experience that will excite both the trendy crowd and those looking for the classics. Chilean sea bass, lamb chops, and a rotating seasonal menu are all that you can expect in this sleek kitchen. Making a reservation is advisable because Dinner With Friends isn’t massive, but its popularity is certainly growing. 

Our recommendation:

This is an entirely alcohol-free restaurant, which makes it a true rarity in Bourbon-soaked Nashville. Your taste buds won’t lack tasting interesting flavors, however. Dinner With Friends presents a lovely menu of inventive mocktails showcasing fresh ingredients in unique flavor profiles. They are made to pair with their exquisite food as well, making this a truly tasty date night destination.

Location:

1719 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Price level: 

$$

Yolan

Located in the shiny new Joseph Hotel, Yolan brings one of the most interesting Italian dining experiences in Nashville. This makes sense, given that this city has a modest reputation and heritage for Italian cuisine. While Italian food is most popular for classically prepared favorites reminiscent of Grandmas, tablecloths, and “the old neighborhood,” Yolan is rewriting the script with a modern interpretation. The tasting menu is always a wonderful option for celebrating special occasions. 

The sleek but welcoming atmosphere is perfect for a first date. Intimate lighting and seating are ideal for long dinners, and the service is never rushed. Reservations are recommended, especially for later nights on weekends.

Our recommendation:

The wine list is one of the best in Nashville, so take a break from the bourbon and explore this deep menu. Save room for dessert because Yolan employs one of Nashville's best pastry chefs. Whether it’s a reimagined cannoli or classic tiramisu, your taste buds will thank you for not filling up on too many carbs. 

Location:

403 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

Price level: 

$$$

Giovanni Ristorante

This multi-level space in Downtown Nashville is the perfect romantic restaurant for nostalgic couples. Sure, Giovanni Ristorante is a New York transplant, but this restaurant has worked in the toughest market for decades for a reason. They create an amazing ambiance in their attractive dining room and then woo you with delicious Italian-American food. It’s a simple approach, but it gets happy couples in the door. Reservations are recommended but not necessarily required. 

Our recommendation:

Upscale Italian classics like risotto del giorno, veal tagliatelle, and black truffle pappardelle alla Norcina are indulgent ways to celebrate a special occasion. Save room for the tiramisu.

Location: 

909 20th Ave S, Nashville TN 37212

Price level: 

$$$

Lockeland Table

Pizzerias and wood-fired restaurants are often lumped into the “neighborhood family-friendly restaurants” category. This may be true of most places serving this style of food, but Lockeland Table not only certainly transcends this but is one of the best romantic restaurants in Nashville. Lockeland Table is housed in a repurposed storefront and has all the best charm for date night. It’s almost impossible to get a table here on weekends without a reservation, so plan ahead.

Our recommendation:

Their menu of wood-fired pizzas is exceptional. There are some mainstays on the menu, but keep an eye out for special pies with seasonal ingredients. It’s absolutely worth splitting one of these while venturing out into their regional dishes like Nashville hot pig ears. 

Location:

1520 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206

Price level: 

$$$

Lou Nashville

With a dining room reminiscent of a Parisian café, it’s safe to say this Riverside Village spot is a solid choice for a romantic meal. While the exceptional European food and stellar wine list are the main draws here, you can rest assured that your money will be put to good use. Lou’s owners and staff regularly participate in fundraising through the restaurant to support noble causes like Planned Parenthood and efforts against anti-LBGTQ legislation. 

Our recommendation:

Make a reservation. This tiny spot is busy almost every night of the week. 

Location: 

1304 McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37216

Price level: 

$$

Miel Restaurant

For a romantic night in West Nashville, head to this small but stylish fine-dining restaurant. It may not look like much from the outside, but Miel Restaurant has one of the most attractive dining rooms in town, with bright, elegant decor that’s perfect for a romantic getaway. Book a table well ahead of time because there is limited seating. 

Our recommendation:

They serve craft cocktails using seasonal ingredients, and their wine list is superb. The menu rotates weekly, based on chef Jason Lalacona’s obsession with fresh, seasonal produce. 

Location:

343 53rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209

Price level: 

$$$

Pelican & Pig

Among Nashville’s top date night destinations, this spot has to be the most charming. Housed in a former automobile shop, this stylish gastropub serves wood-fired Southern food with a modern twist. The decor has a slightly industrial-chic vibe, but the dim lighting and cozy atmosphere are perfect for intimate dinners. The casual setting can be busy at times, but walk-ins are usually accommodated in a reasonable timeframe, and the bar area is surprisingly well-suited for dates. 

Our recommendation:

Everything is wood-fired and flavor-packed on this stellar Southern menu. Most entrees are inventive takes on classics, like the pork chop, which is served with a gooseberry relish. Beer, bourbon, and cocktails are the most popular beverages here, but there’s a solid wine list as well. 

Location: 

1010 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Price level:

$

Peninsula

If there’s a culinary love language, it’s either Spanish or French. In this case, Peninsula Restaurant is fluent in both. This intimate eatery specializes in modernized Iberian and European classics. So expect familiar dishes like Spanish tortillas with an unexpected ingredient or twist like braised rabbit. There are a number of veggie-friendly options on the menu as well, like their delicious tomato toast. To drink, Peninsula has a solid wine list, but you’ll find most diners sipping on one of their specialty gin & tonics. There’s a whole menu of them to choose from.

Our recommendation:

If you’re planning a romantic dinner, make a reservation well in advance because this spot is ultra-popular with everyone from hipster foodies to suburbanites.

Location:

1035 W Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Price level: 

$$

Sadie’s

This café-style Mediterranean restaurant is as charming as you get, and that’s saying something in a city like Nashville. While their dinner menu is exceptional, this is one we recommend for romantic lunch dates. It’s a bright dining room with loads of natural light, with charming decor (bulb lighting, light blue everywhere), and an even better ambiance. The staff is amazing, and the atmosphere is friendly. 

It gets popular during brunch, as this sort of place translates perfectly to sharing mimosas and catching up with friends. Still, the place never gets too crowded or rowdy, with a relaxed and dignified scene being the perfect backdrop for a date. Making a reservation ahead of time will help you beat the brunch crowd. 

Our recommendation:

Delicious seasonal cocktails using fresh fruit are popular on this menu. The rotating menu features Mediterranean classics like lamb kebabs, grilled octopus, and spanakopita. This is also a great value for sharing a few plates and exploring the drink menu's hand-crafted cocktails.

Location:

1200 Villa Pl, Nashville, TN 37212

Price level: 

$$

Sinema

Repurposed from Eighth Street’s iconic Melrose Theater, Sinema is a trendy cocktail bar serving fantastic signature drinks and fun modern American food. The decor is heavily inspired by the former tenant, with a retro-glamor reminiscent of classic Hollywood movie previews. It’s tastefully done and never falls into the kitschy pitfalls like so many themed restaurants. Instead, there’s a dimly-lit stylish dining room and bar area that are perfect for date night. 

Sinema is a Nashville staple, but it's a casual spot, so reservations are only needed for peak times. If you have to wait, there are much worse places to be than their bar area.

Our recommendation:

The menu features updated versions of classics, like spinach orzotto, and an imaginative charcuterie board. Save room for dessert because their pistachio cheesecake is the best thing on the menu. 

Location:

2600 8th Ave S Suite 102, Nashville, TN 37204

Price level: 

$$$

Conclusion

Once your romantic dinner is over, remember to have a little bit of Nashville fun at a honky-tonk, or rooftop bar. There’s so much to this city’s charm that you won’t want to miss, including the varied street food scene. While your romantic getaway is the perfect way to get to know your date, make sure you’re having a proper Nashville experience.