Valentino's Ristorante — Restaurant in Nashville-Davidson

I have heard some great things about Valentino's Restorante, so I decided to take my wife there for her birthday. While the food quality and service were on par with the pricing, the atmosphere and overall experience did not meet my expectations.

We had a reservation for 7:00pm on a Saturday evening and arrived thirty minutes early. The host politely greeted us and sat us within minutes of our arrival. To my surprise the dining room was nearly vacant except for one other couple. Although surprised, I took the opportunity to have a private night out with my wife.

We were seated near the window and immediately noticed that there were spider webs and dead insects on the windowsill. The temperature was very warm, to the point I was uncomfortable, and the room was almost silent. We kept our conversation to a near whisper, to avoid being rude to the fellow diners. Some subtle Italian music would have been well received. I would also comment that there is no dress code (at least not when I was there). This is only a concern because I was expecting a romantic dining experience with a more formal environment.

The food was delivered quickly and tasted delicious. Our server provided excellent service for the duration of our stay. There was no room for improvement from the service staff. Great Job!

Overall our dinner was less than $150 (two entrees and a bottle of wine) and the food was fairly priced for its quality. The service was excellent but the atmosphere did not meet my expectations for a...

Tucked away from the neon-lit honky-tonks and bustling crowds of Broadway, Valentino’s offers a refined and authentic Italian dining experience that’s a welcome respite from Nashville’s party scene. This isn’t just another Italian restaurant—it’s a place where everything is homemade, from the perfectly textured pasta to the rich, flavorful sauces that coat each dish with care.

The wine list is thoughtfully curated, featuring selections that complement the cuisine beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a bold red to pair with a hearty dish or a crisp white to balance delicate flavors, there’s something here for every palate.

Service at Valentino’s is impeccable—attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that every guest feels genuinely cared for. The ambiance is quiet and intimate, making it an ideal setting for conversation, whether it’s a romantic dinner, a business meeting, or simply a night out with friends who appreciate great food in a relaxed setting.

In a city known for its high-energy nightlife, Valentino’s is a deliciously refined escape, proving that sometimes, the best experiences are the ones that focus on quality, tradition, and hospitality.

Would definitely return—and recommend to anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine...

While our waiter was very friendly and amicable, and I feel bad for not being able to give a higher rating, I just can't.

This restaurant seems geared towards being a high-tier restaurant, and with the rather extraordinary prices to match that vision. However, they are stingey with the bread appetizer, and we had to ask for a refund several times, as my guests and I chatted and caught up. Typically the waiter at a high end restaurant will do this for you.

Also, please note that this is an Italian restaurant, despite all of the wall art, which depicts French advertising. And the interesting chairs which we asked about, were bought wholesale from a Chinese restaurant going out of business.

Appetizers start at $12 for a plate with a few sticks of asparagus and a slice or two of prosciutto. My ravioli entree was $28. I was pleased with the filling (lobster) and the quantity was exactly sized for one serving so I was full, but certainly no leftovers.

The pasta was not good!! It was overcooked, soft, chewy, not like a good al dente Italian pasta should be.

If the prices were 1/3 or maybe even 1/2 I would consider returning. But the quality at the price point just...