William W.
Yelp
I'm stingy with bestowing five stars on any restaurant. And I figured there was no way I was going higher than four stars for an establishment at the end of a strip mall. Could it be that good? But as always, I give every business an equal opportunity no matter their location, because hidden gems can literally occupy any space.
With a 4.5 on Yelp, a 4.8 on Open Table, and a 4.9 on Google, Serrato's is burning up the charts! However, we've been burned with countless restaurants in Franklin that aren't worth more than three stars, only to have Franklinites distribute perfect ratings like it's candy on Halloween. Would this be another letdown? The deck was stacked against them as Serrato's early acclaim gave us high expectations. And WOW, they absolutely met them!
In a very modest kitchen in this unassuming establishment, Chef José Serrato and his assistants are working magic back there! After decades in the hospitality business, José opened his own restaurant in late 2021 in the old Fulin's space in Parkway Commins. And they deserve any and all accolades they receive! Coming from a family of professional chefs, I noticed that every dish was expertly prepared, and that Serrato's can hang with some of the best steakhouses in Middle Tennessee in this ultra-competitive market! What a find! Thank heavens for Yelpers who locate even the most obscure gems!
The filet mignon is so tender, so perfectly prepared that it's better than any other beef within a 20-mile radius (it nearly matches the Wagyu beef at Nashville's Kayne Prime and Bourbon Steak, two of the best in the business). The crab and lobster butter on top was superb, and the scallops I added to this marvelous duo of filets were of very high quality with incredible texture and preparation.
The flaky sea bass (the special of the night) and the tender airline chicken were also perfectly textured and spectacularly prepared. The charcuterie board is a fabulous starter with a great combination of meats and cheeses, and even some REALLY good olives and grapes!
As a gourmet cook, one of my greatest pet peeves is that so many restaurants butcher mac and cheese. The sauce isn't right, there isn't real cheese, the quality of pasta is insufficient, or the flavor is just off. Thank heavens Serrato's executes a perfect truffle mac! The cheese is real and gooey and flavorful, the pasta shells are al dente, the truffle flavor is noticeable but not overwhelming, and the sauce is wonderful. Wow! Order that side! The fries are also amazing, perhaps cooked in duck fat for an incredible outer texture and inner tenderness.
José, I am hard to impress. But you have impressed me to the max! We will return many times!