Once Upon A Time In France
French restaurant · East Nashville
1102 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Highlights
French bistro serving steak frites & escargot
French bistro serving steak frites & escargot
"I was shocked when I heard that Pastis, synonymous with Manhattan dining, was coming to Nashville." - Daniel Maurer
"If an impromptu flight to Paris is out of the cards, Once Upon a Time in France is the quickest way to transport yourself from Music City to the City of Lights. Straight out of the 1920s Parisian bistro playbook, this small restaurant is owned by a local French family who prides themselves on serving unfussy French classics - think escargot, steak tartare, and duck confit. Reservations aren’t accepted here, so arrive early, grab a chilled glass of Sancerre, and take in some quality people-watching." - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones
"Once Upon a Time in France is a bistro located in East Nashville at 1102 Gallatin Avenue. Owned by French father-son duo Melvil Arnt and Laurent Champonnois, it opened in December in the former Steak & Pizza space. The restaurant offers French-style comfort food, including a French onion soup made using the owner's family recipe and a Steak Frites with a choice of sauces. The wine list features varieties from France and Europe, and the menu is noted for its reasonable prices, with the steak being the most expensive item at $20." - Audrey Carleton
"A chic 1920s-inspired French bistro that offers a classic menu including escargot, steak tartare, and boeuf bourguignon. It features over 75 French wines, European beers, aperitifs, digestifs, and some well-priced cocktails. The venue is run by Laurent Champonnois and Melvil Arnt, a Parisian musician and sound engineer, and is open Wednesday to Sunday with specific hours." - Delia Jo Ramsey
A family‑run bistro channeling 1920s Paris—steak frites, escargot, and a deep French wine list—regularly cited by local guides and national reviewers. Small, atmospheric, and ideal for a slow, candlelit evening in East Nashville.
