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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Midtown

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38 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Evelyn's restaurant
1. Evelyn's
4.3
Awesome(167)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Midtown
Booked 5 times today
Evelyn's in Midtown Nashville has quickly established itself as a premier destination for cocktail enthusiasts seeking both quality and innovation. This Cocktail Bar stands out for its dedication to crafting memorable experiences, featuring drinks that complement a modern Southern-inspired menu. Patrons rave about the "best dirty martini in Nashville" and celebrate the expertise of bartenders who are "extremely knowledgeable" and provide "excellent recommendations." The ambiance, brimming with retro charm and cosmopolitan flair, makes Evelyn's not just a place to dine, but a venue to savor the art of mixology. Whether it's for a quiet meeting or a lively celebration, Evelyn's cocktail bar delivers an exceptional blend of flavor, creativity, and atmosphere.
A photo of The Chef and I restaurant
2. The Chef and I
4.5
Awesome(3031)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Music Row
Booked 12 times today
At The Chef and I on Music Row in Nashville, contemporary American cuisine is elevated into an art form. This culinary gem offers a unique blend of innovation and intimacy, bringing the kitchen to life as a stage for gastronomic delights. Customers rave about the unforgettable interactive experiences, with one noting, "This is not a meal. This is an experience, a memory to be treasured." The Chef and I standout for its ability to turn dining into a performance, where dishes like the acclaimed caramelized cauliflower and the expertly paired wine selections capture the essence of contemporary flair. The personalized attention from the chefs adds a distinctive touch, making every visit not just a meal, but a cherished memory. As one reviewer summed it up, "Amazing food experience... 5-star quality food, excellent service and the chef was so entertaining."
A photo of Gathre restaurant
3. Gathre
3.9
Excellent(161)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Midtown
Booked 11 times today
Nestled in Nashville's vibrant Midtown area, Gathre stands as a beacon of farm-to-table excellence, offering a fresh twist on classic Italian cuisine. Drawing directly from the rich agricultural surroundings of Tennessee, Gathre highlights the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients in dishes that resonate with authenticity and flavor. A recent review raves, "The food was amazing! I had a strawberry spinach salad and pasta plate that were excellent." This commitment to quality and regional produce not only supports local farmers but ensures a dining experience that is both genuine and exceptionally delightful. Gathre's farm-to-table approach truly captures the essence of Nashville's culinary spirit, making it a must-visit for those seeking a meal that is both heartwarming and environmentally conscious.
A photo of Midtown Cafe restaurant
4. Midtown Cafe
4.9
Exceptional(5055)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Midtown
Booked 51 times today
Midtown Cafe in Midtown, Nashville, stands out as a beacon of Continental cuisine excellence. Since its establishment in 1987, it has consistently provided diners with a superb dining experience that highlights the quality and authenticity of its Continental offerings. Guests rave about the diverse and delicious options, with one reviewer exclaiming, "The only rough part of the evening was deciding what to order. There were so many delicious options. Not just entrees. The sides were amazing and different." From the praised veal prepared three ways to the unforgettable lobster risotto, each dish showcases meticulous preparation and rich flavors. The consistent high praise for their food and service underlines Midtown Cafe's commitment to excellence, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional Continental cuisine.
A photo of The Catbird Seat restaurant
5. The Catbird Seat
4.8
Exceptional(176)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Music Row
Booked 12 times today
The Catbird Seat in Music Row, Nashville, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, distinguished by its interactive, chef-run setting that has garnered accolades including "Best New Restaurant" from both GQ Magazine and Bon Appetit. This intimate venue offers a 22-seat counter where diners can witness the culinary artistry firsthand, making each meal not just a dish, but a performance. Renowned for its tasting menu, the restaurant delivers an unparalleled dining experience with every course meticulously crafted to tell a unique story through its flavors. Reviewers consistently praise its innovative approach; one guest was moved to tears by the "pure joy of food," highlighting the emotional impact of their culinary journey. Another asserts it's "probably the best tasting menu in Nashville," placing it on par with Michelin-starred establishments. The Catbird Seat’s commitment to excellence makes it a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional Contemporary American meal.
A photo of Blue Aster restaurant
6. Blue Aster
4.4
Awesome(325)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Midtown
Booked 8 times today
Blue Aster, nestled in the vibrant Midtown area of Nashville, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with its innovative farm-to-table approach. Celebrated for its seasonal menus that highlight local and regional purveyors, the restaurant ensures the freshest ingredients in dishes that delight both the palate and the eye. Patrons rave about the exceptional quality and presentation, declaring meals like the "Dallas cut" dinner and "fresh toast" breakfast as "superb." The ambiance, described as "chic" and "cosmopolitan," complements the dining experience, making Blue Aster a must-visit for those seeking a standout American culinary experience in Nashville.
A photo of Thistle & Rye restaurant
7. Thistle & Rye
4.1
Excellent(73)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Midtown
Booked 2 times today
Thistle & Rye in Midtown, Nashville, delivers an exceptional Contemporary Southern dining experience that genuinely stands out. Nestled on the third floor of the Conrad Hotel, this restaurant blends traditional Southern charm with a modern twist, offering a globally inspired menu that excites the palate. Guests rave about the “delicious” food and “fantastic” atmosphere, with live music enhancing the vibrant ambiance. The KFC cauliflower and the acclaimed cheeseburger are must-tries, each dish showcasing the innovative culinary approach to Southern cuisine. With glowing reviews like “10/10” and high praise for the attentive service, Thistle & Rye is a beacon of contemporary Southern delights in the heart of Nashville.
A photo of The Mockingbird Nashville restaurant
8. The Mockingbird Nashville
4.7
Exceptional(3175)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • The Gulch
Booked 44 times today
At The Mockingbird Nashville, located in the vibrant Gulch & North Gulch neighborhood, culinary excellence meets American cuisine with a delightful global twist. Diners rave about the "excellent menu choices," with must-try dishes like the Mockingburger and the globally-inspired Flock Yes, which guests describe as "phenomenal." The atmosphere is as inviting as the menu, featuring art deco decor and a whimsical mirrored bird sculpture that adds to the dining experience. Whether it's the "delicious" Mac N Cheese or the innovative cocktails, every bite and sip at The Mockingbird is crafted with flair and precision. It's no wonder locals and visitors alike are quick to recommend this Nashville gem, celebrating it as a "must-stop" spot for its "creative food and drink offerings" and consistently "amazing service."
A photo of Geist restaurant
9. Geist
4.8
Exceptional(2379)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Germantown
Booked 68 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Germantown neighborhood of Nashville, **Geist** shines as a beacon of American cuisine, offering a memorable dining experience that locals and visitors alike rave about. Patrons are consistently impressed by the "spectacular" food and the unique ambiance of the Champagne Garden. As one diner exclaimed, the food is "always amazing," with favorites like the shrimp bucatini and inventive appetizers such as Fries with Crab. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in every dish, described as "cooked perfectly" and "high quality," making every meal feel like a special occasion. With its "warm, intimate atmosphere" and "friendly, professional service," Geist is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic American dining experience in Nashville.
A photo of etch - Nashville restaurant
10. etch - Nashville
4.7
Exceptional(8560)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Booked 44 times today
Located in the vibrant SoBro district of Nashville, Etch stands out as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. Under the culinary genius of Chef Deb Paquette, known for her accolades as Nashville's best chef, Etch presents a menu that dazzles with global flavors and inventive presentations. Reviewers rave about the "incredible" food and service, highlighting dishes like the "must have cauliflower" and the "sublime salmon." Each dish is crafted with a bold, artistic flair, making dining at Etch a captivating experience. Guests also enjoy the interactive atmosphere provided by the open kitchen and the thoughtful service that makes every visit memorable. Whether it's for a casual dinner or a special occasion, Etch consistently impresses with its exceptional cuisine and warm ambiance, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers in Nashville.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Mary
    Greensboro / Winston Salem / Highpoint •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Lovely Christmas menu. Food was cooked perfectly. An array of Flavors made the experience even more delightful. More than enough food. Excellent wine selection. Our waiter was personable, and was a great guide through each course. Prime rib was prepared to perfection.
    More info
    Blue AsterPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Midtown
    •
    4.4
  • anna
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Fantastic Christmas breakfast! We enjoyed it and hope to come back soon
    More info
    Evelyn'sPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Midtown
    •
    4.3
  • ConcettaVIP
    Nashville •86 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Absolutely one of the best dining experiences we've had in a long time. We booked our reservation on the spur of the moment as we had other dining plans that we bailed on because the restaurant was overly touristy and noisy and ridiculously priced. Midtown Cafe saved our evening. We are pescatarians so it is always a challenge finding more than one seafood entree on menus these days, so we were thrilled to have a variety of seafood items to choose from. We started with the mussels as an appetizer, which was cooked perfectly. My husband ordered the sea bass and I had the trout. Both dishes were delicious and artfully prepared. Cocktails were excellent and priced fairly. Our server, Carol was phenomenal. A true five star pro -- attentive, friendly and totally on top of everything. The cozy ambiance made for a perfect evening. We are grabbing some friends and coming back very soon.
    More info
    Midtown CafePrice: Expensive• Regional American (Southern)• Midtown
    •
    4.9
  • AmberVIP
    Nashville •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    My all time favorite restaurant. Love the atmosphere and the staff is amazing!
    More info
    The Chef and IPrice: Expensive• Regional American (Contemporary Southern)• Music Row
    •
    4.5
  • ChadVIP
    Nashville •36 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 5, 2024
    The flavor profile of all the dishes were outstanding. Service and atmosphere is very good. Highly recommend.
    More info
    The Catbird SeatPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Music Row
    •
    4.8

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Midtown

Discover the best of contemporary American cuisine right in the heart of Midtown, Nashville. Our curated selection of restaurants in this vibrant area offers a modern twist on classic American dishes, emphasizing freshness, innovation, and regional ingredients. Midtown, known for its dynamic dining scene, is a hub for culinary creativity, particularly along the historic Music Row and near Vanderbilt University. Here, each restaurant combines traditional flavors with contemporary techniques, creating unique dining experiences that cater to both casual outings and special occasions. From exceptional service to meticulously prepared dishes, these eateries are celebrated for their commitment to quality and their ability to deliver a memorable gastronomic adventure. Indulge in everything from herb-crusted meats and spiced hummus to innovative small plates and sparkling cocktails, all designed to satisfy the discerning palate. Explore Midtown's contemporary American dining landscape, where each meal is not just eaten but experienced.

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