The Chef And I - Nashville

Guests can choose between a 5 or 7-course tasting menu, which changes monthly, or opt from a traditional rotating menu. One dish I particularly loved was the elk, which had a deliciously gamey and earthy flavor, paired wonderfully with corn. The Brussels sprouts were also delightful, especially with the house-made bacon included. I highly recommend trying the watermelon salad and the elite salad, both of which are refreshing and flavorful. Don't miss the caramelized cauliflower with goat cheese—it’s absolutely delectable! The wine selection is impressive as well; I was thrilled to see my favorite Napa winery, Sequoia Grove, on their list. Overall, the entire experience—service, food, and ambiance—was incredibly enjoyable. If you’re a food lover, this place is a must-visit. I can't wait to come back for happy hour and explore more items on the menu!

We dined in the kitchen and the chefs—Eric, Casey, and Blake—were amazing! I can't recommend it highly enough. The food was outstanding, and the hospitality was even more impressive. The 7-course dinner is definitely worth the experience!

There are no complaints or critiques I can possibly think of. Even when I mentioned being hot they brought me a fan. There was a possibility of hail so valet moved my car into the garage. The hostess communicated promptly even before I got there. It's the little things such as those examples which put some atmospheres over others. The staff was entertaining, kind, and efficient. The food was delicious, proportionate, and creative. Overall they made my anniversary one to remember, thank you.

The atmosphere was simply amazing. I opted for the five-course dinner with the upgraded wine pairing, and every dish was exquisite, each one surpassing the last. We were seated just outside the kitchen, which was so much fun! It was a pleasure to watch the chefs at work, interact with them, and learn about the dishes and their backgrounds. If you’re seeking an experience that's a bit out of the ordinary compared to a typical restaurant, I can’t recommend this place highly enough. I can't wait to return and try everything else on the menu!

At The Chef I in Nashville, dining is more than just a meal—it’s a front-row seat to a culinary show! This unique spot blends upscale dining with a vibrant, unpretentious vibe, with its décor that nods to pop culture and rock. The energy is infectious; however, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the tasting menu felt more like a series of culinary experiments than a carefully crafted story on a plate. This, paired with service that was inconsistent and inattentive at times with many dishes served without explanation didn’t quite match the high expectations set by the restaurant's chic vibe and interactive approach. What I Tasted: I embarked on a seven-course chef's tasting menu, complete with recommended wine pairings, hoping for a journey through Mediterranean-inspired flavors. While there were definite highlights—like the venison carpaccio and the lamb with Israeli couscous tabbouleh—each dish, felt a bit like a solo act rather than part of a cohesive concert. The charred jalapeño hummus was a flavor-packed punch, but it seemed oddly placed on a menu that should progressively elevate with each course. The most inventive dish was a Korean BBQ duck wrapped in Greek grape leaves, served atop Lebanese strained yogurt. It was intriguing, no doubt, but it didn’t quite hit the mark needed to make it truly exceptional. Standout Feature: One of the most thrilling aspects of dining at The Chef I is the open kitchen concept. It’s like being backstage at a concert where the chefs are the rock stars, cooking up dishes with flair and creativity right before your eyes. What Was Mid: For a place that promises an upscale, chef-inspired tasting experience, the lack of attention to detail—especially in plating and service—was disappointing. Small things, like resetting tables or clearing wine glasses, were overlooked, which detracted from the overall experience. While the concept is fantastic, the execution left me wanting just a bit more polish and consistency to truly match the creative energy in the kitchen.