Hathorne - Nashville

Hathorne offers outstanding service, a lovely ambiance, delicious food, and incredibly good cocktails. My mother and I shared four small plates and one large plate, and we had leftovers. We're used to tapas-style places that are stingy with portions, but that's certainly not the case at Hathorne! The house-made bread was one of the highlights. Everything was delicious; the small plates were generous and thoughtfully crafted. Our large plate featured red snapper with sun-dried tomatoes, and it was creatively spiced. Each dish we had was unique and interesting, which is something Nashville cuisine often struggles with. Hathorne takes risks with their food, but everything is approachable. Their choices are well thought out, and it truly pays off. We didn’t have dessert, but we did sample all the dessert cocktails. That being said, don’t miss the Amelie while it’s on the menu. It’s listed with cocktails, but it’s an absolute delight and a perfect compromise if you’re too full for a traditional dessert.

The service was exactly what you hope for in a fine dining establishment in Nashville. Everyone was warm, attentive, and genuine, especially the owner, John Stephenson. I'm not looking for dishes that are flashy or overly innovative just for the sake of it. At Hathorne, the food and drinks are expertly prepared, with flavors that both surprise and harmonize beautifully, making for an incredibly satisfying evening. It was the best restaurant experience I've ever had in Nashville, and I can't wait to go back!

The atmosphere of the restaurant was warm and inviting. It felt like a church hall, with remnants of the original structure incorporated into the decor. The tables were spaced out just enough to facilitate easy conversation without being disturbed by neighboring diners. The seating was a mix of gravel and comfortable chairs. The waiting staff was attentive, and the owner even stopped by our table to check in on us. But the true highlight of the evening was the food and drinks. I ordered two small plates: the pork ribs served with a tangy vegetable slaw and fries. Both dishes were delicious, but I especially loved the slaw, which paired wonderfully with the sweetness of the pork ribs. The fries were also great, accompanied by a unique aioli dip. My partner ordered the fried chicken with brown butter sweet potatoes, and he thoroughly enjoyed his meal. I barely had a taste, but I could tell the chicken was perfectly cooked with an amazing crispy skin. The brown butter sweet potatoes were a delightful twist, exhibiting a genuine sweetness rather than the usual sweet spices. The most intriguing part of the meal was the signature non-alcoholic cocktail recommended by our waiter. After checking if I liked spicy flavors, I tried the Suzette, made with Seedlip Garden, pineapple, lime, and habanero. The combination was fantastic—the sweetness of the pineapple and lime complemented the habanero's heat, which lingered beautifully on the palate. It’s definitely worth a try if you enjoy spicy beverages. All in all, Hathorn offered an exceptional culinary experience, and I highly recommend it. On another note, we accidentally left a hat at our table. When we returned, they had already contacted our daughter—who made the reservation—to let her know they had found it. That level of customer service is commendable!

Remarkably friendly and fast service and absolutely delicious food from the beginning to the end. The cocktails are fresh and delish. Fries safe. Everything was just so good. With regard to the recent 2 star rating, please do not. There's always someone who's not happy!

Fantastic birthday celebration! Mark John went above beyond to ensure the special day was a memorable one. Food was outstanding, service remarkable and atmosphere exactly what we had in mind! Many thanks!