🍽️ Restaurant Run of the Week: Pelato

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Germantown has no shortage of good restaurants, but Pelato still manages to stand out. Billing itself as authentic Brooklyn Italian, Pelato brings a New York sensibility to Nashville with a menu built around small plates meant for sharing. The concept works really well in practice. Instead of committing to one big entree, you end up ordering a spread and passing things around the table, which makes for a more social kind of dinner. The atmosphere matches that energy too. It's lively without being loud, the kind of patio that feels great for a date night or hanging with friends.

The drinks are where Pelato really shines. The cocktail list is strong across the board, but the Casanova was the standout of the night. It's the kind of drink that sets the tone for the whole meal and makes you want to stay for a second round before the food even arrives.

On the food side, the Burrata Crostini was the clear highlight of the meal. Creamy, perfectly crisp, and exactly the kind of starter that makes you want to order a second one before you've finished the first. The meatballs and pasta were both good, though they didn't quite hit the same high bar the crostini set. Still solid, just not the showstoppers the rest of the meal promised.

Pelato also has locations in Franklin and Charleston, with Williamson County reportedly getting a new spot soon, so this Brooklyn Italian concept clearly has some momentum behind it. The Germantown location is a great representation of what makes the concept work: good drinks, a fun shareable menu, and a room that makes you want to linger.

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• 📍Location: Germantown and Franklin

• 🍴Recommendation: Burrato Crustini

• ⭐️ Highlight: Atmosphere, Drinks

🔎 Last Eaten Review: Branzino with Stuffed Mushrooms

The branzino came with a really good pesto sauce that added a nice herby brightness to the fish, and it was a solid dish overall. But the stuffed mushrooms were the real standout here, easily one of the best things on the menu. Savory, rich, and packed with flavor in every bite. I would definitely come back for those and the burrata crostini. If you're working your way through the small plates at Pelato, make sure these make the cut.

🍝 Check them out: https://www.pelatorestaurant.com/

Have a great day!

Hueston Nelson | Publisher | The Nashville Grapevine