Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Nashville

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Nashville? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Bastion

5.0

5 (266)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

South Nashville

About the restaurant

**June reservations will open Friday, May 1st at 12:00pm**

Bastion is the 24-seat restaurant of James Beard Foundation Award Nominee Chef Josh Habiger. It is located in a separate area within the casual cocktail bar of the same name, and it is a part of Nashville's Wedgewood Houston neighborhood. In November 2025, Bastion was awarded a MICHELIN Star.

Bastion's dining room features counter seating around the kitchen for parties of 2 as well as three tables for parties of 3 to 6. Bastion's small team serves a weekly set menu of six dinner courses featuring many dishes with a wide variety of flavors, ingredients, and inspirations. Friendly service guides you through the culinary experience, which also features wine pairings, creative cocktails, and a curated vinyl soundtrack. Come early or stay late in the hidden Little Bar, which is a private offering for guests of the restaurant.

Top review

Christy

Dined 2 days ago

Had an incredible experience at Bastion. Sat near the chefs and they encouraged questions. They were all so passionate about their dishes and you could tell. From start to finish, it was phenomenal. Definitely recommend this restaurant!

The Catbird Seat

4.9

4.9 (459)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

The Gulch & North Gulch

About the restaurant

**June reservations will open Friday, May 1st at 12:00pm**
We accept parties of 1-4 guests by reservation only.

The award-winning MICHELIN-starred The Catbird Seat now welcomes guests to its beautiful new home on the fifth floor inside The Bill Voorhees Building on 8th Avenue South. Join Chefs Tiffani Ortiz and Andy Doubrava for an innovative, playful and seasonal 13-course tasting menu rooted in bold creativity. Thoughtfully curated beverage pairings, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are available to enhance the experience.

Dinner is $195 per person, with an optional beverage pairing offered upon arrival. We can accommodate allergies, religious restrictions, and vegetarian diets with advanced notice. We cannot accommodate vegan diets or dairy allergies.

Come early, or stay late, and visit The Patterson House, our adjoining cocktail bar, for a pre- or post-dinner drink.

Top review

RachelGold

Dined 1 day ago

Everything about the experience from start to finish was thoughtfully curated and wonderfully executed! The dishes were inventive, but approachable and the wine pairings were a perfect match every course! Lastly, but definitely not least all the staff was wonderful - knowledgeable, personable, and immensely talented. We’ll be back every time we are in Nashville!

Cafe Roze

4.9

4.9 (83)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

East Nashville

About the restaurant

Cafe Roze is an all-day cafe in East Nashville specializing in fresh and simple breakfast, lunch and dinner options, as well as top-notch cocktails at night.

Led by longtime New York chef Julia Jaksic, executive chef of Employees Only Singapore and formerly of Jack’s Wife Freda, Cafe Roze offers a beautifully designed space, delicious fare and a cool yet approachable vibe, making it a favorite neighborhood dining spot for visitors and locals alike.

Top review

DanaGold

Dined 4 days ago

An amazing meal with the best service! Hannah was the BEST!

Junior

4.9

4.9 (142)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Talbot's Corner

About the restaurant

From the team behind award-winning Nashville staples Rolf and Daughters + Folk comes, Junior — a space where classic fine dining meets playful creativity. The menu is anchored in Basque-style open-flame grilling, executed with refined French technique and shaped by the best ingredients our farmers and fishmongers can offer. Every dish reflects intentionality and restraint, with a creativity rooted in respect for both the ingredients and the culinary traditions that inspire us.

Our bar and wine program follows suit: thoughtful, minimal-intervention producers, classic profiles alongside unexpected finds, and plenty of room to play.

The space is intimate — about 50 seats, including the bar — designed with lacquered wood, parquet floors, deep red leather banquettes, hi-fi sound, and soft lighting. It's warm, elegant, and just a bit offbeat.

Top review

LukeGold

Dined on Apr 30, 2026

Outstanding. One of the best restaurants in Nashville. Every dish was thoughtfully and skillfully created and prepared. Highly recommend this restaurant. Don't skip out on the small bite starters - we had the scallop and it was phenomenal. An excellent start to a fantastic meal. This was so good, we've already re-booked and look forward to coming back with friends.

etch - Franklin

4.7

4.7 (630)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Franklin

About the restaurant

etch is a globally-inspired restaurant by award-winning Chef Deb Paquette. The original location opened its doors in 2012 in lively downtown Nashville; the second location opened in 2024 in The Factory at Franklin. The modern restaurant houses two private dining rooms, a full bar, and a chef’s bar, giving guests a look into the restaurants' culinary prowess.

etch’s eclectic menu incorporates innovative dishes inspired by Deb's and Executive Chef Jess Lambert's favorite regions of the world to leave a lasting impression, or etch, on every diner. A wine list with over 80 choices is available, along with high-gravity local beers and hand-crafted signature cocktails.

Desserts are prepared in-house by Executive Pastry Chef Megan Williams, whose creations top the list for the city’s sweet confections. House-made ice creams and artfully plated desserts change seasonally, providing a revolving array of treats that will keep you coming back for more.

Top review

SusanGold

Dined 4 days ago

Our server, Brooklyn and her team were attentive and knowledgeable. Wonderful from start to finish! Pork belly, roasted cauliflower and Caesar salad. Rhubarb tart for dessert!

etch - Nashville

4.7

4.7 (8937)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown / Sobro

About the restaurant

etch is a globally-inspired restaurant by award-winning Chef Deb Paquette, located in lively downtown Nashville. The modern restaurant houses two private dining rooms, a full bar, and a chef’s bar, giving guests a look into the restaurants' culinary prowess.

etch’s eclectic menu incorporates innovative dishes inspired by Deb's and Executive Chef Jess Lambert's favorite regions of the world to leave a lasting impression, or etch, on every diner. A wine list with over 80 choices is available, along with high-gravity local beers and hand-crafted signature cocktails.

Desserts are prepared in-house by Executive Pastry Chef Megan Williams, whose creations top the list for the city’s sweet confections. House-made ice creams and artfully plated desserts change seasonally, providing a revolving array of treats that will keep you coming back for more.

Top review

Amy

Dined 4 days ago

Chrissy was amazing! Knowledgeable and friendly. Food was delicious and why we always come back!

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Octopus & Shrimp Bruschetta

Coal Town Public House

4.8

4.8 (643)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Franklin

About the restaurant

Coal Town Public House is a modern American grill located in the heart of Westhaven Town Center. Our diverse menu is comprised of elevated and unique takes on American cuisine, as well as a full service bar boasting a wide array of wine, beer and craft cocktails. The restaurant features a lush interior with high ceilings, stylish fixtures and plenty of natural light. Nestled against Magli Green, our retractable garage doors open completely to let in the sun, fresh air and views of the lake. The Public House will set the scene for you to enjoy a truly memorable dining experience with friends and family!

Reservations recommended. No take-out available.

Top review

Patricia

Dined on May 2, 2026

Excellent service. We had filet mignon, cheeseburger, and spaghetti squash pasta. All delicious.

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Experience

Public House Brunch

Experience

Mother's Day Brunch 2026

Mere Bulles

4.7

4.7 (5175)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Brentwood

About the restaurant

Mere Bulles offers superb food, outstanding service, and a beautiful setting. With a 'make it happen' attitude, our goal is always to exceed your expectations. Lunch can be in and out or a leisurely meal with important clients. Dinner is there for any special occasion or another perfect evening out.

Mere Bulles reminds you of what was once the grand manor house of Maryland Farms. In Spring and Summer, relax in our bright, cheerful Indoor Patio with its floor to ceiling windows. Surrounded by majestic old maple trees, the outdoor patio is the place to be when the weather permits. In Fall and Winter, cozy up to the fireplace for a great meal in The Living Room. We have eight inviting private dining rooms. which can be booked by phone or E-mail through our friendly and astute Events Staff. Join us for Sunday Brunch 9:30am-1:30pm.

For parties larger than 7, please call the restaurant @ 615-467-1945 or email us at info@merebulles.com

Top review

AndyGold

Dined 5 days ago

Always perfect--love these guys--total pros--thank you!!!

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Popular dish

Carrot Cake

Red Pony Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (4747)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Franklin

About the restaurant

Since opening in 2006, Red Pony Restaurant has offered guests a unique take on fine dining. Owner Jason McConnell’s eclectic approach to Southern cuisine delivers innovative and flavorful dishes in an inviting, upscale environment. Our mission is to deliver exceptional food with unparalleled service. Every “First-time guest” is hoped to be a future “Regular”. The first of the McConnell Hospitality Group concepts, Red Pony Restaurant is the winner of several accolades. The food and cocktails menus change 8 times a year to feature seasonal and local ingredients. The robust wine list is a repeated winner of Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence.

Top review

Keith

Dined 4 days ago

great experience for my first time visit. food and service were excellent.

Gannons - Nashville

4.7

4.7 (741)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown / Sobro

About the restaurant

Gannons Nashville is a Casual Fine Dining restaurant located at The Marriott Courtyard in the heart of Downtown Nashville. We offer a wide variety of dishes including fresh oysters and highly curated cocktails designed by our experienced team of mixologists. Join us for live jazz and a dinner experience you wont soon forget!

Top review

DavidGold

Dined 3 days ago

Food and service were great. The prime rib was excellent.

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