Yada on Franklin — Restaurant in Clarksville

My party and I ate at Yada last week. One person had the chicken parmesan, another had the meatball skillet, and I had the carbonara. Every diner really enjoyed their meal and had nothing but wonderful things to say. I, however, really wanted to give Yada 4.5 stars because my carbonara had English peas in it. Not only do I abhor peas, I've never had peas in carbonara - and I've eaten a LOT of carbonara. I've made many recipes for carbonara, watched a lot of videos about carbonara, and not one of them had peas. Maybe this was the chef's one-off version, maybe it was a family recipe, maybe I just looked at all the wrong recipes. Now, the menu does in fact say the carbonara has peas in it. I'm guessing I just have a mental block because I was surprised to see peas. But not only did the carbonara have peas, there was a single sliver of bacon hidden deep within the beehive of noodles. However... the rest of the carbonara was simply awesome. I simply had to move the peas aside, savor the bacon, and my goodness it was tasty! Additionally the bread was fresh and just as crusty as I am! I have to say Yada absolutely knocked the dipping sauce out of the park. Hands down the best dipping sauce I've had anywhere. Exactly right (for me!). But what convinced me that Yada was legit was the Olive Oil Citrus Cake. I now have dreams about that orange cake. I'm somewhere on the warm coast of the Mediterranean, wearing European sunglasses (they're different, you can tell), the sun dancing on the waves, I have a cool glass of water and this cake. This cake was the kind of cake you think about during long stretches of a road trip. I will tell my grandkids about this cake. Oh, I'll make sure they go to Yada and have some, but I'll remind them every fall about this cake. And I cannot say enough about the service. Our waitress was fantastic. She did not judge me for griping about the peas. Also, she was sweet enough to promise not to tell the chef I asked for salt (that is not the fault of the chef, I just prefer more salt than the average human). The food arrived promptly via several runners. The place is run well and very professionally. I decided on the trip home that, all things considered, particularly the cake, Yada deserved my forgiveness about the peas and single morsel of bacon. I rationalized this had to be my own short-coming. Maybe I've just been looking at all the wrong carbonara recipes. I daydreamed about that cake for a while and decided I would be a selfish, poor excuse of a human to give Yada anything less than 5 stars. I'll definitely be back! Dont tell the chef that I picked out all the peas. Maybe I'll get the cake as an appetizer. My friend is, right now, as I type this, texting me about how great his meatball skillet meal was. He's asking if he can go on the next work-trip. I bet its because of the cake. 5 stars!! 10 stars! ALL...

If you’re in search of a dining experience that transcends the ordinary and ventures into the realm of culinary ecstasy, Yada is your destination. From the moment you step through the door, you are enveloped in an atmosphere that promises not just a meal but a journey through the art of gastronomy.

Yada's commitment to homemade excellence is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Each dish is a masterful symphony of flavors, meticulously crafted with an attention to detail that speaks volumes about the chef's passion and skill. The moment you take your first bite, it becomes abundantly clear that this is not merely food—this is an extraordinary celebration of taste and texture.

Imagine, if you will, a warm, velvety carbonara pasta that feels like a comforting embrace, each bite revealing layers of rich, nuanced flavors that linger long after the last bite. Or picture a perfectly prepared dish where every morsel is imbued with a harmonious balance of spices and herbs, the result of a painstakingly precise technique that elevates the humble ingredient to new heights of culinary splendor.

Even the simplest of dishes at Yada are imbued with a profound depth of flavor, transforming them into epicurean revelations. The breads are a revelation in themselves—crusty on the outside, with an interior so tender and flavorful that it could only be the product of careful, artisanal craftsmanship. And let’s not overlook the desserts: each one is a decadent masterpiece, beautifully plated and crafted with a delicate balance of sweetness and texture that makes you want to savor every last crumb.

In every aspect, Yada delivers a dining experience that is nothing short of epic. It’s a celebration of the homemade ethos, where every dish tells a story of dedication, creativity, and unparalleled skill. For those who revel in the joys of exceptional cuisine, Yada isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary sanctuary where the artistry of homemade cooking reaches its zenith. Prepare to be dazzled, delighted, and...

I think the positives up front. The food is definitely well-crafted (as they like to say there) and the sauces are well above most restaurants I have gone to. My mother had the eggplant parmesan and said it was the best she had ever had. The meatballs were really very light and almost fluffy in texture (that was a different experience). The pizzas are definitely good and match the experience they promise with a Naples-style pizza. Service was really, really friendly. I saw some reviews that panned the service, but everyone was smiling and were helpful to a fault. We were well-taken-care-of. *Overall, the food is actually really good.

Now the negatives: Definitely not a place to bring the kids. No kid-friendly options. We had wanted plain pasta for the children, but were charged the full price for the pasta dish with the bells and whistles. I was not happy with that. I was not looking for chicken fingers, but plain pasta or a regular pizza option should not be too much to ask. No free bread? I had to pay eight dollars a loaf. That seems like it should be a staple. Now, the meals do some with bread, but while you are waiting... Portions, as has been mentioned in many other posts, are very small. Be really ready for sticker-shock. As you get the items, the cost really really adds up. For a group of six (three of whom were kids, though one does eat like an adult) getting standard meals and a couple glasses of wine, the cost was $250. I am not sure I have paid that much for a meal ANYWHERE.

I am not sure where to rally rank this as a star rating - good food, but really expensive. Puts it in the...