Incredibly special experience with creative, delicious crafted food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennifer Burcham
I REALLY REALLY wanted to love this place. The staff was very gracious and by far the best part of the meal. For the price of the meal and drinks I think the decor was lacking. The bathroom had a candle clearly from target which did not lend to a high end exclusive vibe. The food was aesthetically beautiful but overtly salted for my taste. There were some great dishes but many of them were overpowered by the flavor of a single ingredient. I wish I could have tasted more of the nuances of each dish. I’m no chef so maybe it’s just me but compared to other tasting menus and fine dining experiences this meal left me disappointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Justin Lee
If you are searching for a dining experience that transcends the ordinary in Nashville, this restaurant should be at the very top of your list. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with an elegant yet understated atmosphere—modern design softened with warm lighting and impeccable attention to detail.
The service is nothing short of world-class: attentive without being intrusive, with staff who are not only knowledgeable about the menu but also passionate about food and wine pairings. Every course feels like a carefully composed piece of art.
The flavors are layered, balanced, and surprising—each dish tells a story. Ingredients are clearly sourced with the highest standards, and the chef’s creativity shines through in every bite. From delicate starters to beautifully plated mains and desserts that rival fine patisserie, the consistency of excellence is remarkable.
Yes, the price is high, but it reflects the caliber of the experience. This isn’t just a dinner—it’s an immersion into culinary craftsmanship that could easily stand alongside Michelin-starred establishments in larger cities. Nashville has many great restaurants, but this one feels like it is on the verge of setting a new standard for fine dining in the city.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gloria Medina
My best friend, my sister from another mother, and I had the pleasure of dining in a beautiful establishment to celebrate a birthday, and it was truly an unforgettable experience! It felt like everything you would expect from a Michelin-star restaurant. The food was prepared to absolute perfection in my humble opinion, and the wine pairing complemented it beautifully—it was just as exquisite. The evening was elegant, the atmosphere enchanting, and every bite was delicious. It wasn’t just a meal, it was an experience that left us both grateful and excited to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atherly Foltermann
The tasting menu was playful yet precise—each course surprising without ever losing balance. Highlights included a delicate seafood dish and a rich lamb plate. Service felt personal and engaging, and the chef’s counter setup made the evening immersive and memorable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wcheatham77
I can’t express enough how much I love this restaurant. Truly the most unique and amazing restaurant in Nashville. Potentially even the best fine dining restaurant in the South
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeffery Jeffery
The atmosphere made it feel like a special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Taryn
The whole experience was incredible. It felt elevated without being pretentious. The ingredient selection was intentional and focuses on local purveyors. This meal was definitely better than some of the 1 star Michelin restaurants I have dined at.
Jeffrey
The Catbird Seat promises an intimate, immersive dining experience, an American contemporary chef's table showcasing local ingredients through a progressive tasting menu designed to build excitement and tell a story, but I question whether their design promotes that success. This review is an amended, rewritten comment. My original submission was much less kind, and was based on my inaccurate understanding of seating. I was led to believe that 2, and only 2 seating times were offered. I saw every customer seated after our original group as an impolite interruption and unforgivable offense to already seated customers and especially to the chef and staff! I was wrong. Policy allows guests to be seated as they arrive. However, my new understanding of this policy does not make my experience any different, although it does explain away my main objection; I had such high expectations that any deviation from perfection had the effect of being greatly inflated. I do believe some courses fell short of, at least, my expectations, that desert courses were the highlight of the meal, and that the overall value fell short of the price point. It did, however, have an impact on my graded outcome. My major issue remains as originally stated; if you are seating guests as a group, family style, in an open kitchen so the chef's magic is on display for all to witness and experience, then their creations should be presented and enjoyed by that group as one; like an opera, play or recital, even a culinary one, should begin and end so all in attendance can experience the presentation, in it's entirety, as one. I apologize for the harsh tone of my original review. It was a result of my disappointment in your seating policy, my understanding of it, and because of the extremely high expectations my wife and I shared as we looked forward to our Catbird Seat dining experience .
Holly
This was my second time to Cat bird seat. The first time that I came, the food was fantastic. This time I was a little less impressed with the food. . Overall, it was a really fun experience and I would go again for the experience itself.
Tonight was an incredible night. I took my girlfriend to The Catbird Seat for her birthday—something we’ve both dreamed of doing. We wanted a true chef’s tasting experience, and this place more than delivered.
Let me start by saying the service was phenomenal. Every single person we encountered was welcoming, knowledgeable, and truly passionate about what they do. A special thank-you to Tiff, Sarah, Erica, and Brandon (hopefully I spelled their names right)—just to name a few of the incredible people who made the evening so memorable for both of us. The chefs were engaging and informative, and the wait staff walked us through each course with care and detail, making the whole experience feel intimate and personal.
As for the food—it was extraordinary. Genuinely the most delicious and artfully presented meal I’ve ever had. Each course offered something unique and bold, and the flavors were unforgettable. This was a culinary experience in every sense of the word.
That said, my one critique—and the reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5—was with a single dish: the Côte de Boeuf with smoked garlic and red currant jus. Unfortunately, my cut had a tendon running through it, which really took away from the otherwise perfect execution of that course. The flavor was outstanding, but the texture of that tendon made the dish hard to enjoy. At this price point and level of dining, I was hoping for a seamless experience across every plate.
Still, this was a night to remember, and I would absolutely go back. I highly recommend The Catbird Seat to anyone looking for a thoughtfully curated fine dining experience in Nashville. We’re hoping to plan the next time we come back soon, and I’m confident that next time, my experience will be a solid 5 out of 5.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Drew
Calling all brave foodies! If your palate craves adventure, The Catbird Seat is your culinary Everest. This isn't for the faint of heart; their dishes are exciting, bold, and utterly unique and will challenge and delight your tastebuds. If you're a cautious eater, you might prefer a quieter culinary path. But for those who embrace the unknown with an open mind (and stomach!), prepare for an unforgettable journey. Just a friendly heads-up: you'll need that same adventurous spirit when the bill arrives, especially if you partake in the wine/drink pairing (very recommended!). But trust me, it's a price I'm more than willing to pay for another round of their extraordinary creations!
johanne
A few people had arrived after us and ended up getting seated before us for the same seating. Was a bit annoyed. Then our turn finally came. As we were lead through the dark corridor and multiple sets of curtains that frustration all whisked away. We realized we had just entered into an arena of culinary prowess. This was a well oiled machine. Organized in such a way that you just knew it made sense. The next 2 hrs we watched, listened and savoured the most delicious creations ever known to man. With each drop of a plate a thorough explanation was delivered. As we listened intently the scents in the room would wave over us. Each bite was savoured. Plate after plate, we decided this was now our favourite. From beginning to end each course displayed the thought, pride and love put into this meal. The petite wine pairing expertly selected to match the offerings. Only regret was not getting the full pairing. The Catbird Seat offers Nashville a unique experience where one can indulge in local fare like no other 10/10 would do again!!!
Pamela
The new space is beautiful and so inviting. It is definitely comparable to a 3 star Michelin restaurant experience in both atmosphere, food, and service. Food is creative and delicious.
Michael McCollum
An immersive culinary experience. Every dish, each bite feeds your imagination as well as your tastebuds. I felt as if I had travelled the world via these flavors. It was like being at an amusement park for your palette, heart, and mind. A soul-satisfying experience.
Incredibly special experience with creative, delicious crafted food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I REALLY REALLY wanted to love this place. The staff was very gracious and by far the best part of the meal. For the price of the meal and drinks I think the decor was lacking. The bathroom had a candle clearly from target which did not lend to a high end exclusive vibe. The food was aesthetically beautiful but overtly salted for my taste. There were some great dishes but many of them were overpowered by the flavor of a single ingredient. I wish I could have tasted more of the nuances of each dish. I’m no chef so maybe it’s just me but compared to other tasting menus and fine dining experiences this meal left me disappointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
If you are searching for a dining experience that transcends the ordinary in Nashville, this restaurant should be at the very top of your list. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with an elegant yet understated atmosphere—modern design softened with warm lighting and impeccable attention to detail.
The service is nothing short of world-class: attentive without being intrusive, with staff who are not only knowledgeable about the menu but also passionate about food and wine pairings. Every course feels like a carefully composed piece of art.
The flavors are layered, balanced, and surprising—each dish tells a story. Ingredients are clearly sourced with the highest standards, and the chef’s creativity shines through in every bite. From delicate starters to beautifully plated mains and desserts that rival fine patisserie, the consistency of excellence is remarkable.
Yes, the price is high, but it reflects the caliber of the experience. This isn’t just a dinner—it’s an immersion into culinary craftsmanship that could easily stand alongside Michelin-starred establishments in larger cities. Nashville has many great restaurants, but this one feels like it is on the verge of setting a new standard for fine dining in the city.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My best friend, my sister from another mother, and I had the pleasure of dining in a beautiful establishment to celebrate a birthday, and it was truly an unforgettable experience! It felt like everything you would expect from a Michelin-star restaurant. The food was prepared to absolute perfection in my humble opinion, and the wine pairing complemented it beautifully—it was just as exquisite. The evening was elegant, the atmosphere enchanting, and every bite was delicious. It wasn’t just a meal, it was an experience that left us both grateful and excited to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The tasting menu was playful yet precise—each course surprising without ever losing balance. Highlights included a delicate seafood dish and a rich lamb plate. Service felt personal and engaging, and the chef’s counter setup made the evening immersive and memorable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I can’t express enough how much I love this restaurant. Truly the most unique and amazing restaurant in Nashville. Potentially even the best fine dining restaurant in the South
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The atmosphere made it feel like a special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The whole experience was incredible. It felt elevated without being pretentious. The ingredient selection was intentional and focuses on local purveyors. This meal was definitely better than some of the 1 star Michelin restaurants I have dined at.
The Catbird Seat promises an intimate, immersive dining experience, an American contemporary chef's table showcasing local ingredients through a progressive tasting menu designed to build excitement and tell a story, but I question whether their design promotes that success. This review is an amended, rewritten comment. My original submission was much less kind, and was based on my inaccurate understanding of seating. I was led to believe that 2, and only 2 seating times were offered. I saw every customer seated after our original group as an impolite interruption and unforgivable offense to already seated customers and especially to the chef and staff! I was wrong. Policy allows guests to be seated as they arrive. However, my new understanding of this policy does not make my experience any different, although it does explain away my main objection; I had such high expectations that any deviation from perfection had the effect of being greatly inflated. I do believe some courses fell short of, at least, my expectations, that desert courses were the highlight of the meal, and that the overall value fell short of the price point. It did, however, have an impact on my graded outcome. My major issue remains as originally stated; if you are seating guests as a group, family style, in an open kitchen so the chef's magic is on display for all to witness and experience, then their creations should be presented and enjoyed by that group as one; like an opera, play or recital, even a culinary one, should begin and end so all in attendance can experience the presentation, in it's entirety, as one. I apologize for the harsh tone of my original review. It was a result of my disappointment in your seating policy, my understanding of it, and because of the extremely high expectations my wife and I shared as we looked forward to our Catbird Seat dining experience .
This was my second time to Cat bird seat. The first time that I came, the food was fantastic. This time I was a little less impressed with the food. . Overall, it was a really fun experience and I would go again for the experience itself.
Restaurantji Recommends
Tonight was an incredible night. I took my girlfriend to The Catbird Seat for her birthday—something we’ve both dreamed of doing. We wanted a true chef’s tasting experience, and this place more than delivered.
Let me start by saying the service was phenomenal. Every single person we encountered was welcoming, knowledgeable, and truly passionate about what they do. A special thank-you to Tiff, Sarah, Erica, and Brandon (hopefully I spelled their names right)—just to name a few of the incredible people who made the evening so memorable for both of us. The chefs were engaging and informative, and the wait staff walked us through each course with care and detail, making the whole experience feel intimate and personal.
As for the food—it was extraordinary. Genuinely the most delicious and artfully presented meal I’ve ever had. Each course offered something unique and bold, and the flavors were unforgettable. This was a culinary experience in every sense of the word.
That said, my one critique—and the reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5—was with a single dish: the Côte de Boeuf with smoked garlic and red currant jus. Unfortunately, my cut had a tendon running through it, which really took away from the otherwise perfect execution of that course. The flavor was outstanding, but the texture of that tendon made the dish hard to enjoy. At this price point and level of dining, I was hoping for a seamless experience across every plate.
Still, this was a night to remember, and I would absolutely go back. I highly recommend The Catbird Seat to anyone looking for a thoughtfully curated fine dining experience in Nashville. We’re hoping to plan the next time we come back soon, and I’m confident that next time, my experience will be a solid 5 out of 5.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Calling all brave foodies! If your palate craves adventure, The Catbird Seat is your culinary Everest. This isn't for the faint of heart; their dishes are exciting, bold, and utterly unique and will challenge and delight your tastebuds. If you're a cautious eater, you might prefer a quieter culinary path. But for those who embrace the unknown with an open mind (and stomach!), prepare for an unforgettable journey. Just a friendly heads-up: you'll need that same adventurous spirit when the bill arrives, especially if you partake in the wine/drink pairing (very recommended!). But trust me, it's a price I'm more than willing to pay for another round of their extraordinary creations!
A few people had arrived after us and ended up getting seated before us for the same seating. Was a bit annoyed. Then our turn finally came. As we were lead through the dark corridor and multiple sets of curtains that frustration all whisked away. We realized we had just entered into an arena of culinary prowess. This was a well oiled machine. Organized in such a way that you just knew it made sense. The next 2 hrs we watched, listened and savoured the most delicious creations ever known to man. With each drop of a plate a thorough explanation was delivered. As we listened intently the scents in the room would wave over us. Each bite was savoured. Plate after plate, we decided this was now our favourite. From beginning to end each course displayed the thought, pride and love put into this meal. The petite wine pairing expertly selected to match the offerings. Only regret was not getting the full pairing. The Catbird Seat offers Nashville a unique experience where one can indulge in local fare like no other 10/10 would do again!!!
The new space is beautiful and so inviting. It is definitely comparable to a 3 star Michelin restaurant experience in both atmosphere, food, and service. Food is creative and delicious.
An immersive culinary experience. Every dish, each bite feeds your imagination as well as your tastebuds. I felt as if I had travelled the world via these flavors. It was like being at an amusement park for your palette, heart, and mind. A soul-satisfying experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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