Nashville, the capital city of Tennessee, is known for its music, history, and food. The city has a diverse culinary scene, with a plethora of restaurants serving various cuisines.
Among these, Italian cuisine stands out for its delicious pasta dishes. Whether you're looking for classic spaghetti and meatballs or something more adventurous, Nashville has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
From cozy family-owned restaurants to upscale eateries, Nashville has a wide range of pasta joints to choose from.
Each restaurant has its unique style and flavor, making it difficult to choose the best one. However, we've scoured the city to find the top pasta restaurants that are sure to impress.
These restaurants offer a variety of pasta dishes, including traditional Italian favorites and modern twists. Some of the restaurants on our list are known for their handmade pasta, while others focus on using local ingredients to create unique flavors.
No matter what your preferences are, there's a pasta restaurant in Nashville that will satisfy your appetite.
So, whether you're a local or just visiting, be sure to check out these restaurants for some of the best pasta Nashville has to offer.
From casual dining to fine dining, there's a pasta restaurant for every occasion. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to indulge in some mouth-watering pasta dishes.
1. Maggiano's Little Italy
Maggiano's Little Italy is a semi-upscale chain restaurant that serves classic Italian fare in a relaxed and polished space.
The restaurant offers family-style meals and takeout options. The food is excellent, with a wide variety of Italian dishes to choose from. The service is friendly, attentive, and timely.
The atmosphere is romantic and family-friendly, making it a great place for a date or a night out with the family.
The restaurant's famous rigatoni and four cheese ravioli are highly recommended. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are large, making it a great value for money.
2. PennePazze
PennePazze is a hidden gem for anyone who loves Italian cuisine. The restaurant offers a modern and cozy atmosphere with friendly staff who are always ready to help.
The pasta is homemade and delicious, and the pizza is a must-try.
The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. The restaurant is usually busy, but the service is efficient and quick.
If you're looking for a casual spot for classic Italian food, PennePazze is definitely worth a visit.
3. Rolf and Daughters
Rolf and Daughters is a New American restaurant with a focus on pasta dishes.
The menu offers creative combinations like sweet corn agnolotti and cashew fish sauce with watermelon.
The pasta is cooked to perfection and the ingredients are fresh and flavorful. The atmosphere is industrial-chic with communal tables and inventive cocktails.
The service is friendly and accommodating, making for a great dining experience.
4. Pizza Perfect
Pizza Perfect is a must-visit pasta restaurant for anyone looking for delicious, authentic Italian cuisine.
Their pizzas and pastas are top-notch, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.
The environment is pleasant and the prices are very reasonable.
Whether you're a visitor or a local, Pizza Perfect is definitely worth a visit.
5. Bella Napoli Pizzeria
Bella Napoli Pizzeria offers authentic Italian cuisine with wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas.
The exposed-brick setting adds to the ambiance, and the outdoor courtyard is a nice touch. The wait staff is attentive and knowledgeable about the menu.
The pizza has a thin, crispy crust with a slight char, and the pastas are fresh and tasty.
The owner is often present and greets customers, making for a welcoming atmosphere. Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.
6. Valentino's Ristorante
Valentino's Ristorante is an upscale Italian restaurant that serves delicious housemade pastas and wines. The restaurant is known for its Northern Italian cuisine and live music performances, which add to the cozy atmosphere.
The knowledgeable and talented staff provide excellent service, making it a great option for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.
The menu includes classic Italian dishes such as lasagna, chicken parm, and cioppino. The warm bread and superb olive oil complement the dinner perfectly.
The restaurant is pricier than other Italian options, but the quality of the food and service make it worth the cost.
7. Luogo
Luogo is a must-visit pasta restaurant for anyone who loves Italian cuisine.
The food is authentic and delicious, with the duck ragu being a standout dish.
The ambiance is beautiful, making it a great spot for a fancy night out.
The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, making the dining experience even better. Reservations are recommended to avoid disappointment.
8. Coco's Italian Market & Restaurant
Coco's Italian Market & Restaurant is a great spot for Italian food. The menu is extensive and offers a variety of dishes to choose from.
The service is excellent and the servers are friendly and accommodating.
The restaurant has a fun atmosphere and is perfect for a nice meal. The prices are reasonable and the portions are large.
The market area is also worth checking out for homemade pasta and sauce to take home. Coco's is definitely worth a visit.
9. IL Forno
IL Forno is a hidden gem of an Italian restaurant with a modern ambiance. The hand-made pasta, pizza dough, bread, and sauce are all freshly prepared in-house.
The chef has curated an authentic Italian menu that uses purely Italian ingredients.
The restaurant offers live music and a cozy atmosphere. The service is fast and efficient, and the staff is friendly and professional.
The prices are competitive, and the portions are generous. IL Forno is the perfect place for a romantic date night or a family dinner.
10. Porta Via Ristorante e Bar
Porta Via Ristorante e Bar is a modern spot for Northern Italian dining.
They serve wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, house-made pasta, and fresh gelato, all in a quaint Italian atmosphere.
The restaurant has a cocktail bar and an ice cream shop. The service is excellent, and the prices are reasonable for a white table cloth restaurant.
Porta Via Ristorante e Bar is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian cuisine.
11. Nicoletto's Italian Kitchen
Nicoletto's Italian Kitchen is a must-visit for pasta lovers.
The homemade noodles and sauces are bursting with flavor and worth the slightly higher prices. The walnut pesto is a must-try!
The portion sizes are generous, and there is even outdoor seating for those who want to enjoy their meal al fresco.
The vegan "meatballs" are a unique and tasty option, even for non-vegans. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making for a pleasant dining experience overall.
12. Caffe Nonna
Caffe Nonna is a cozy Italian restaurant that serves up homestyle pasta dishes.
The menu has a mix-and-match option where customers can create their own pasta dish with freshly made sauces. The lasagna is a standout dish, and the tiramisu is a must-try for dessert.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The restaurant has a rustic decor that creates an intimate dining experience.
Caffe Nonna is perfect for anyone looking for an authentic Italian meal.
13. Pastaria
Pastaria is a modern Italian restaurant that offers updated Italian cuisine in a contemporary setting. The restaurant has an open kitchen that adds to the ambiance.
The menu offers a variety of pasta dishes, salads, and pizzas. The food is made with fresh ingredients and is served in generous portions.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The restaurant also offers gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
The prices are on the higher side, but the quality of the food justifies the cost. Pastaria is a great spot for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner.
