Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Southeast Nashville

41 restaurants available nearby

1. Mere Bulles

4.6

Exceptional(5035)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Brentwood

Booked 35 times today

Mere Bulles in Brentwood stands out as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering an array of dishes that celebrate modern American flavors with a unique twist. Patrons consistently rave about the "best shrimp and grits we have ever had" and the she crab soup, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. The ambiance, reminiscent of a grand manor house, enhances the dining experience, making every meal feel special — from a lively Sunday brunch to a cozy dinner by the fireplace. Reviews often mention the "incredible service" and the culinary delights like the prime rib and crème brûlée, emphasizing that Mere Bulles is more than just a meal; it's a memorable dining experience. Whether it's a casual happy hour or a significant celebration, Mere Bulles consistently exceeds expectations, making it a must-visit destination in Brentwood for lovers of refined American fare.

A photo of Common Ground - Berry Hill restaurant

2. Common Ground - Berry Hill

4.8

Exceptional(123)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Berry Hill

Booked 11 times today

Common Ground - Berry Hill in Nashville is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, creating an exceptional dining experience that locals and visitors alike are raving about. With a menu that blends elevated classics with innovative flair, diners are treated to dishes like the "best Smashburger in the universe" and perfectly cooked scallops. The enthusiastic reviews highlight not only the delectable food but also the world-class cocktail program and attentive service, making every meal memorable. "The focaccia bread starter is absolutely a must!" one guest exclaims, capturing the essence of Common Ground’s commitment to quality and authenticity in every bite. Whether for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this neighborhood gem consistently delivers a top-notch culinary adventure.

3. Geist

4.8

Exceptional(2379)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Germantown

Booked 62 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.

4. The Catbird Seat

4.8

Exceptional(176)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Music Row

Booked 10 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 The Mockingbird Nashville restaurant

5. The Mockingbird Nashville

4.7

Exceptional(3175)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • The Gulch & North Gulch

Booked 46 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."

6. Bastion

4.9

Exceptional(44)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • South Nashville

Booked 4 times today

Bastion, nestled in the vibrant Wedgewood Houston neighborhood of Nashville, TN, offers a culinary journey like no other. Spearheaded by James Beard Foundation Award Nominee Chef Josh Habiger, this 24-seat venue is a mecca for lovers of global, international cuisine. With a weekly set menu of six dinner courses, diners are treated to a tantalizing array of flavors and ingredients from around the world. Guests rave about the "innovative, delicious food" and the unique opportunity to interact with the chefs during their meal. The experience is enhanced by thoughtful wine pairings and creative cocktails, making Bastion a must-visit destination for those seeking a standout dining experience in Nashville. As one guest put it, it's the "best restaurant in Nashville" for adventurous eaters and culinary enthusiasts alike.

7. etch - Nashville

4.7

Exceptional(8560)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Sobro

Booked 45 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.

8. Blue Aster

4.4

Awesome(325)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Midtown

Booked 7 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.

9. 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 Gannons - Nashville restaurant

10. Gannons - Nashville

4.6

Exceptional(445)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Sobro

Booked 47 times today

Gannons in Downtown Nashville is an absolute delight for seafood lovers! Nestled at The Marriott Courtyard, this casual fine dining gem shines with its fresh, delectable seafood offerings. Guests rave about the "Brie Oysters" and "Swordfish specials," which are said to be "cooked and seasoned perfectly." One diner exclaimed that the "Oysters Rockefeller" were the "best ever," underscoring the quality and freshness of their seafood. The atmosphere, enhanced by live jazz, complements the culinary experience, making Gannons a must-visit for those seeking an authentic seafood dining experience in Nashville. With consistent praise for both the ambiance and the cuisine, it's clear why Gannons stands out in the vibrant Sobro neighborhood.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MatthewVIP
Chicago / Illinois •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The flavors were amazing and the waiter was incredible. Also was able to try a few off-menu cocktails that were spot on. This place will definitely be a repeat stop on our next visit.
More info
The Mockingbird NashvillePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• The Gulch & North Gulch
•
4.7
L
Liz
Nashville •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
EXCEPTIONAL!! Best steak I've ever had! Do not pass on the cheese charcuterie board. The duck was fabulous! The lamb most exquisite! The salmon did not disappoint. Best Old Fashion, very smooth! Pricey but definitely a bucket list location, especially when it's all decorated for Christmas! Special occasion destination - anniversary, graduation, family visiting for holidays, etc. Our waiter, Paine, was the best! Very knowledgeable with amazing recommendations. I'm also most appreciative of the lady with Open Table that helped me change our reservation 3 times! :)
More info
GeistPrice: Expensive• American• Germantown
•
4.8
D
DaveVIP
Nashville •40 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Mere Bulles is an institution, food is always great. Chris was an amazing server.
More info
Mere BullesPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Brentwood
•
4.6
B
Barbara
Nashville •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 Dec 2024
We love this quaint little town restaurant that reminds me of NY or European eateries. The food was amazing, fresh, and well prepared. The ambience is cozy but not invasive. There’s a hum of conversations but not loud and jarring to disturb your dining experience. If you’re looking for fine food, a charming setting, old world feel and place to celebrate a special occasion or have a business dinner, we recommend Common Ground, Berry Hill.
More info
Common Ground - Berry HillPrice: Expensive• American• Berry Hill
•
4.8
C
ChadVIP
Nashville •36 reviews
5.0
Dined on 5 Dec 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

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Southeast Nashville

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41 restaurants available nearby

1. Mere Bulles

2. Common Ground - Berry Hill

3. Geist

4. The Catbird Seat

5. The Mockingbird Nashville

6. Bastion

7. etch - Nashville

8. Blue Aster

9. Thistle & Rye

10. Gannons - Nashville

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