International Market — Restaurant in Nashville-Davidson

Parking was really easy, found street parking right away even on a Saturday night but it looks like they even have a lot in the back so you likely won't have an issue there (maybe weekday lunch time is worse?). We didn't have a reservation as there were none available and the host was very accommodating, even holding a table for us when I called ahead (I didn't get his name but he was a very stylish, tattooed gentlemen who was great). Was super impressed with the vegetarian options, we got the impossible dumplings as an appetizer and they were great. The dinner entrees were phenomenal, we got this BBQ tofu ramen and the tofu was sliced so thin and tender it was incredible. And the lettuce wrap with the rice ball was so good, the rice was so crispy on the outside and had a variety of good veggies and spices baked in. It was really great to go to a thai place and mix it up from the usual Pad Thai, drunken noodle, curry type dishes that we normally get from Thai Phooket.

Unfortunately there were a couple of hiccups with our server that derailed the experience. I ordered the IM Spicy cocktail which was so quite good but so spicy that I couldn't take more than a couple of sips. When I asked if I could have a different cocktail or not be charged for it as I couldn't drink it I was told that they can't swap it out or do refunds but I was welcome to pay for another cocktail. Not the end of the world but still a bummer. Then at the end of the meal I saw we were charged for the bottle of still water which we thought was just tap water. I've never eaten somewhere that brought you bottled water you would be charged for without even offering tap water. I asked if he could take the $6.50 charge off for the bottle and he just said "No sorry I can't." I truly cannot recall I time where there was an issue with the bill or my food at a restaurant and I asked the server about and their answer was "there is nothing I can do", let alone that happening twice in one meal.

I guess this is turning into an AITA post and maybe I was totally in the wrong both times. But I'm hoping that we just had a bad experience with one server and that management isn't fostering a culture of service like this. Really a shame because the food...

I first had lunch at International Market in 1983! It was introduction to Thai food and I fell in love. I ate there at least 1x a week until I moved to California. Even though California is covered with excellent Thai restaurants the International Mkt remained my favorite. Every time I visited Nashville it was literally my first stop from the airport. I introduced my California—born children to it they love it too! I even bought a mason jar of hot chili sauce to bring home with me, cajoling TSA into letting me pass. I told the whole story. Imagine my sadness when I heard from a friend they had closed down! Sad doesn’t even begin to describe it. This was my touchstone, my rock, the best Thai in Tennessee. Ouch. Well, I’m back in town this week and realized, I’d never verified that story, had no reason to. Day before yesterday I checked google maps. Imagine my joy!!!! I literally spoke out loud, hellyeah!!! 10 minutes later I was on my way and soon enough I found the new restaurant across the street from the old location. I loved the Belmont area and gosh, has it changed since the 80s. Love the new place and the food is to Thai for, same as it ever was. The next generation is doing fine. And they still have that wonderful red chili sauce, so good, so spicy. Plus, they serve beer now too!!! I am leaving Nashville today, back to the west coast. Guess where I’m having lunch before I go?……. Thank you so much for keeping the Love Alive! May the International Market live long and prosper. I feel good telling this story, even to complete strangers and passersby on the street, haha. I am literally a 40-year...

I knew this place was a good one when I walked in and smelled everything a person with an appetite would enjoy. We grabbed 2 seat at the bar and ordered a few items. The bartender (Forgot his name - he has glasses), is AMAZING. He's very knowledgeable, service is top tier and he's welcoming. He gave us a breakdown of popular items, his favorite and even the sauce rack! 10/10.

For starters we had the Crab & Shrimp dumplings and 2 OG Vegetable egg rolls. Both of them were 10/10. VERY flavorful and the portion size was good for 2 people. We also ordered 2 more egg rolls to go!

For entrees we had Taylor's Rice w/ an egg - spicy and salty 10/10 - perfect bed for any protein on the menu.

The Hatyai crispy chicken was a little pricy @ $32 but it was worth it. The chicken was cooked to perfection and it came with sticky rice/sauces. I'd def. order this again.

Spicy Lamb Dan Dan Noodles were tasty! The chef was not shy with the amount of lamb that was on the plate and the flavors were in concert with one another. 10/10

Banana Spring Rolls were decent. For the price point, I'd skip this but they were tasty.

Overall, this place is def. a cool date night/hangout spot. The host was very accommodating, the bartender was on point and the food blew us out the water. This will be my go-to whenever I visit...