From budding new relationships to longtime love, there are moments in every couple’s relationship that warrant celebration over a bottle of bubbly, an extravagant dinner, and an indulgent dessert. (Valentine’s Day, perhaps?) Whether your love language aesthetic is warm and cozy or glitz and glamour, Nashville’s hospitality scene offers something for all the lovebirds out there.
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Sugar & Spice
Lockeland Table Community Kitchen and Bar
There’s nothing like a warm chocolate chip cookie to stir feelings of nostalgia and contentment: it warms a heart. A mainstay at neighborhood gem, Lockeland Table, the LT Skillet Chocolate Chip, topped with Vanilla Bean Bravo gelato, is so big and rich and studded with melty dark chocolate chips it will warm two. (1520 Woodland St., 615-228-4864; lockelandtable.com)
City House
Since 2009, City House’s pastry chef Rebekah Turshen has been creating cakes worth dreaming about. Her Tennessee Waltz Cake has become a classic that often makes her rotation because it’s so widely loved. But couples will feel just as euphoric sharing her Lemon Almond Ricotta Skillet Cake, Vanilla Malt Mint Ice Box Cake, Ginger Apple Meringue Cake, or... (1222 4th Ave. N., 615-736-5838; cityhousenashville.com)
Tempered Fine Chocolates
Decisions, decisions. Wine and chocolate or whiskey and chocolate? The Tempered chocolatiers have designed flights of both for your pleasure. They’ve selected a specific truffle, bar, or confection to go with each glass of red wine or brown liquor. Note: This is by reservation only, held in the late afternoon: a testament to the wisdom of dessert before dinner and a great way to enjoy a day date. (1201 5th Ave. N., Suite 103, 615-454-5432; temperedfinechocolates.com)
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Intimate Independents
Audrey
Chef Sean Brock honors his Appalachian heritage and grandmother’s legacy with his innovative, delectable cuisine, enhanced in all facets: the interiors meld American folk arts and Japanese minimalism in fine balance. The staff is relaxed, informed, and hospitable. The vibe is upbeat yet tranquil and conducive to conversation, making it a memorable experience on all counts. (809 Meridian St., 615-988-3263; audreynashville.com)
Josephine
At their homage to American farmhouse cooking, Chef Andy Little and his wife, General Manager and Sommelier Karen Van Guilder-Little welcome guests with the grace and familiarity of at-home hosts. Their Whole Chicken for 2, a golden, sumptuous bird presented in a copper roaster with crispy potatoes and kale dressed in grilled onion vinaigrette, carries those cozy vibes further, imbued with homey yet elegant comfort. (2316 12th Ave. S., 615-292-7766; josephineon12th.com)
Lola
Celebrate like Spaniards. Inside the contemporary new build in Sylvan Park, Lola offers a gorgeous array of Spanish tapas and wines. Toast each other with a glass of Catalan cava and delight in sharing plates of ceviche, crispy artichokes, croquetas, and more. Viva el amor! (4401 Murphy Rd., 615-830-5499; lolanashville.com)
Margot Cafe and Bar
Her menu changes every day, but what has remained unchanged for 21 years is chef Margot McCormack’s style of seasonally driven fare and gracious hospitality, wrapped in the charm of a café in Provence. Even with the mutable menu, you can count on a few constants, so, start your evening with a round of crisp French 75s, Provençal marinated olives, and the house chips with aioli. (1017 Woodland St., 615-227-4668; margotcafe.com)
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Inside Those Chichi Hotels
Carne Mare
Carne means meat, mare means sea, and at Chef Andrew Carmellini’s clubby Italian chophouse, you have luscious choices from both and a polished staff to guide and serve them to you. Some dishes, such as the snapper roasted over lemon leaves and the spumoni flambé, are prepared tableside with flourish— perfect for same-side-sitting. Plus, the gorgonzola-aged wagyu strip steak is a revelation. (W Nashville, 300 12th Ave. S., 615-379-9000; carnemarenashville.com)
Drusie & Darr
Descending the staircase into the lavish dining room, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world at Drusie & Darr. Indeed, it’s one designed under the guidance of world-renowned chef Jean- Georges—modern, but aligned with the hotel’s architecture and history. Serene and sophisticated yet relaxed and approachable, a meal here creates lasting memories. (Hermitage Hotel, 231 6th Ave. N., 615-345-7116; thehermitagehotel.com)
Bourbon Steak
Life feels more dramatic, headier, in a stunning surround of windows 34 stories up. That’s the first draw of Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak—its incomparable setting—our city of lights spread out in all directions. It’s a vibrant stage for what’s to follow: superb steaks, succulent seafood, and posh service. (JW Marriott, 201 8th Ave. S., 629-208-8440; nashvillebourbonsteak.com)
Yolan
Tony and Cathy Mantuano are well-versed in the art of hospitality, attuned to authentic Italian cuisine. Their mission is to make guests feel lavished. With Tony’s stellar fare, Cathy’s meticulously curated wine selections, and the staff’s impeccable service, you and your companion will feel pampered and gratified. (The Joseph, 403 4th Ave. S., 615-231-0405; yolannashville.com)
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A Pre-Dinner Drink...
Black Rabbit
The circa 1890 building is steeped in history as the site of both a rum-running tunnel from Prohibition times and the notorious Jimmy Hoffa jury-tampering scandal. It also captures the sultry spirit of the Printer’s Alley neighborhood. Sink side-by-side into the lounge sofa and sip barrel-aged old fashioneds. Need a little nosh? Split an order of Rabbit Rolls, of course. (218 3rd Ave. N., 615-891-2380; blackrabbittn.com)
Fable Lounge
Wit and whimsy: You’ll be drawn in by Fable’s speakeasy vibes and Roaring Twenties escapism. Where to sip one of the expertly crafted “notions and potions”? With cocktail bars on two levels, an array of seating in intimate booths, and plush couches in the piano lounge or on the sheltered terrace, you have plenty of charming choices. Enhance any cocktail with a CBD tincture to feel an extra spark. (114 28th Ave. N., 615-645-5150; fablelounge.com)
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...Or a Post-Dinner Nightcap
The Vesper Club at The Continental
Start your evening at the small bar in The Continental, where beverage director Jon Howard curates an experience like no other in the city. Over the course of one hour, he’ll shake, stir, swirl, pour, and mist five distinct martinis for you, each served with a petite yet indulgent spoonful of specialty caviar. It’s a decadent way to say “I love you.” (Grand Hyatt, 1000 Broadway, Suite 101, 615-622-3225; thecontinentalnashville.com/the-vesper-club)
Le Loup
Up the stairs from The Optimist in east Germantown, Le Loup has an alluring maritime “if you know you know” back-alley, back-door mystique. Settle in at the curved bar where Master Barkeep Kenneth Vanhooser chisels ice into faceted crystals, and crafts extraordinary quaffs as complex as novellas. Meanwhile, treat yourselves to the broiled seafood: the crab cake is swoon-worthy. (1400 Adams St., 615-709-3180; leloupnashville.com)