Casey Purer
Google
TL:DR - just go!
You know when something is so good you want to write home about it? Well, Pastis is exactly that — a fantastic addition to the Nashville dining scene.
Nashville isn’t typically known for French cuisine, but Pastis is helping to change that. It’s only been open a couple of months, and it’s already tough to snag a reservation. We took our chances as walk-ins and arrived a little before opening — and thankfully, they were able to squeeze us in.
Our server, Emma, was an absolute sweetheart — charming, attentive, and made us feel right at home.
To start, we ordered a glass of red wine and an espresso martini. My husband actually preferred my martini because it wasn’t overly sweet (a win in my book!). He also really enjoyed his red blend.
For appetizers, we shared:
• Escargot – classic and satisfying, on par with what you’d expect from a good French restaurant.
• Foie Gras – rich and indulgent, paired perfectly with their house bread.
• Scallop Crudo – my husband’s favorite; the citrusy sauce really brightened the flavor of the fresh scallops.
For mains, he went with the duck confit (crispy, tender, flavorful) and I had the Bouillabaisse (a hearty seafood stew and the reason I wanted to stop in on a Friday!). Both dishes were excellent and beautifully prepared.
We finished with profiteroles — delicate cream puffs filled with ice cream and drizzled in warm chocolate sauce. A classic French dessert and the perfect sweet ending.
Best of all? We were in and out in under an hour but never felt rushed. The service, pacing, and execution were a great example of a well-oiled machine in action.
We’re already planning our next visit to try more of the menu. Pastis is a gem — if you’re looking for French fare in Nashville, this is your spot.