Pelato

For the final bites of my trip to Nashville, we had dinner at Pelato to experience some of the Italian dishes it’s known for. From shareable appetizers to rich pasta plates, this restaurant delivered a flavorful and energetic dining experience that felt like the perfect send-off meal.

We started with the garlic bread served with a side of melted mozzarella, and this dish was absolutely incredible. The flavor was simple yet bold, with perfectly toasted bread and creamy cheese that made it hard to stop eating.

For additional starters, we ordered the arancini, crispy garlic potatoes, and burnt broccoli. While all three dishes had great flavor, the potatoes and broccoli really stood out. The potatoes were crispy and packed with garlicky flavor, while the broccoli had a slightly charred, savory profile that balanced the richness of the meal.

We also added the fried calamari and meatballs al forno to the table. The calamari had a subtle kick of spice, which made it more interesting than traditional versions, and the baked meatballs were a satisfying, protein-forward addition with rich tomato sauce and cheese.

For the pasta course, we ordered the carbonara and the radiatori vodka. Both dishes were incredibly rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

The carbonara had a rich sauce that coated the pasta perfectly, while the radiatori vodka offered a slightly tangy, tomato-forward flavor. These dishes were indulgent in the best way and felt like the perfect finale to the meal.

For my first visit to Nashville, Pelato was a fantastic introduction to the city’s food scene. The lively atmosphere, flavorful dishes, and well-crafted cocktails created a fun, social dining experience that would be great for groups, date nights, or celebrations.

Pelato: 1300 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN