If you’re looking for the real deal when it comes to Italian food in Nashville, stop scrolling and make a reservation at The Sicilian Butcher. This place isn’t just another trendy Italian spot — it’s the kind of restaurant that reminds you why food is worth celebrating.
From the moment you walk in, you’re transported out of Nashville and straight into Sicily. The energy, the warmth, and that incredible aroma of garlic, fresh herbs, and handmade pasta set the tone right away. The décor is modern yet cozy — with that perfect mix of old-world charm and Nashville personality.
Let’s talk food, because that’s where The Sicilian Butcher earns its legendary reputation. Every dish is crafted with precision and passion. The meatballs (yes, the famous build-your-own meatballs) are next-level — tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. You can mix and match your sauce and base, so whether you’re a classic marinara purist or a creamy Alfredo dreamer, there’s a perfect combo for you.
The pastas are all house-made and it shows. The rigatoni alla vodka is rich and silky, the truffle cacio e pepe is perfectly balanced, and the Sunday sauce tastes like it’s been simmering for generations. Even the appetizers — from the burrata board to the arancini — are worth every bite.
The cocktails are as creative as the menu, and the wine list is loaded with Italian gems. Don’t skip dessert either — the cannoli and Nutella cake are the kind of sweet endings that make you already plan your next visit before you’ve even paid the bill.
And beyond the food, the service here is phenomenal. Every staff member genuinely cares — they’re knowledgeable, upbeat, and treat you like family, which is what true Italian hospitality is all about.
Simply put, The Sicilian Butcher is the best Italian restaurant in Nashville. Whether you’re coming for a date night, family dinner, or group celebration, this place delivers every single time.
If you only try one restaurant in Nashville, make it this one. You’ll leave full, happy, and already planning your return visit.
10/10 — A must-visit. Bravo to Chef Joey Maggiore and the team for bringing a true taste of Sicily...
Read moreReally enjoyed this restaurant! We ordered the Italian saganaki appetizer and it was excellent! Tangy melty cheese and grilled ciabatta. I would order it again. I ordered the bruschetta as my meal, picking four types, and my husband ordered the lasagna. He said it was the best lasagna he ever ate. While dense, the pasta itself was handmade and light and there were 10 layers. He highly recommends. I definitely recommend the bruschetta. Being able to pick several and try different ones was fun and they were tasty. These are large portions. We also ordered some cannoli to go which were excellent once we took them home. The setting and ambiance was nice, clean, crisp, but comfortable. The wait staff was great. If I could find anything to critique it would be for the hosts and hostesses to not seat three couples directly next to each other when the restaurant is empty. We arrived earlier than the dinner rush so there were only a few people in the restaurant. We were sat 2 ft away from a couple and then another couple came and was sat down 2 ft away from us but the entire restaurant was empty. It was hard to keep conversation when there are two other conversations happening within 2 ft on either side of you. If the restaurant had been busy, I could understand, and would not have minded, but it wasn't. It would have been nice to have a little bit of privacy especially since there were so many open tables. But other than that, I commend the restaurant. The food was great, they had a band and the music was wonderful. We will...
Read more⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Perfection from Start to Finish!
The Sicilian Butcher in Nashville completely exceeded every expectation! From the first bite to the last, everything was phenomenal.
We started with the focaccia and whipped ricotta — so fresh, warm, and full of flavor it could have been a meal on its own. The pastas were absolute showstoppers: the gnocchi in vodka sauce was pillowy, rich, and perfectly balanced, while the spaghetti pomodoro tasted like it came straight from an Italian kitchen — light, bright, and beautifully simple.
And then the desserts… wow. The sfogliatella was crisp, buttery, and delicate, and the chocolate hazelnut mousse and espresso tart were pure art on a plate. Easily one of the best dessert trios I’ve had anywhere.
Every detail — the plating, the service, the music, the vibe — made the whole night feel special. Nashville has a lot of great restaurants, but this one stands out. The Sicilian Butcher doesn’t just serve food; it creates an experience you’ll crave...
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