Inconsistent. The service tried, but the kitchen was holding up. We came here with a party of 17 (split between two tables), and food was average. We tried everything, and nothing was exciting. 4 people ordered the Black Spaghetti, and each person appeared to have a different version of it. Some with sauce and some without. This definitely as good look and ambiance, but food was a definitely let down.
(2)
Hannah L.
This place is amazingly consistent! The food and the service, I drove three and a half hours just to get their 30 day dry aged steak and it tasted just like it did the first time I had it. I highly recommend this place if you want the perfect meal and an atmosphere to match.
(5)
Bethany B.
Impeccable service, impeccable cuisine!! Delicious!! The server was professional and an authority on the menu. He made excellent recommendations! We started with the pork cheek terrine, which blew us away. Balanced flavors that fire all over the palate! We also had the calamari which was also cooked to perfection. For entrees, we had the Prawns & Risotto, Wagu Ragu, and Garganelli. All three were impressive! Again, well balanced flavors, perfect sized portions, and beautiful presentation. For the level of service and culinary aptitude, the menu is priced exceptionally well. Moto is a "have to try" destination!!
(5)
Kera G.
I really like Moto!! Very interesting menu! Great place for groups. I went to dinner with work colleagues. The restaurant has a cool vibe and was pleasantly busy! We were served by Jason and Jordan! Both full of energy, very excited about the menu and delivered great customer service!!! Jason volunteered to order a few appetizers on our behalf but promised not to over order so that we could enjoy more wonderful food!!! He did a great job! We had the calamari with an anchovy mayo, grilled octopus, deep fried oysters, artichoke hearts and Wagyu beef meatballs . . . I know it sounds like a lot, but they were small plates and a lot of us at the table so the amount ordered was perfect!! For dinner I had the black spaghetti with lobster and calabrian chilies. It was really good with a "kick." Pasta was cooked perfectly. I highly recommend this restaurant!!! Thank you for a great evening.
(4)
Kylie H.
Maybe we just got unlucky..... We had a late reservation and were seated right underneath the sports TV in the back room. Disappointed by that, didn't get to enjoy the atmosphere. We ordered a bottle of wine at the same time as two appetizers. We got both appetizers before we even got waters. After more waiting and reminding, we finally got our $50 bottle of wine. Not impressed by that service. I ordered the spicy sausage pasta and my husband ordered a pizza. We were going to split both. My pasta was served about 20 minutes before my husband received his pizza. Not only that, the person delivering my plate did not clear any dirty dishes. By the time his pizza came, my pasta was getting cold. The server didn't apologize until it came time for the final check & tip (surprise, surprise). I can't remember the last time I had such bad service. HOWEVER, the honey sausage pizza is to die for. I may try Moto again just for that pizza.
(2)
Pam H.
Top-notch service and great food... you can't ask for more than that! Came in on a Friday evening- actually, we had put our name down at a place across the street and after being told we would have an hour and a half wait, decided to wander around and see what our other options were. Checked out the menu at Moto Cucina, and decided maybe we would get a drink and a snack. This place is really deceiving- we walked in to a packed dining room and front bar area, and the hostess told us there was another bar in the back of the building, and we could order food there as well. When we entered the back bar, it was like another world. It was quiet, empty, perfect to sit with the girls and have conversation while enjoying cocktails. Thanks to the sweet hostess for the tip! We were warmly greeted by Dominic at the bar, who guided us through the cocktail and food menus. We decided to just get a couple dishes and share. since we had plans after dinner that involved lots of alchohol. We shared the Wagyu Beef meatball and the cheese platter. The burrata and proscuitto on the cheese plate were favorites. Since it was such a comfortable atmosphere and Dominic was taking such good care of us, we decided to continue our food and drinks at the bar. We ordered the sausage, onion, honey, fontina pizza (so good!), and the gnocchi with green apple. For some reason, we also decided we needed the olive oil tasting, which came with a mountain of foccacia and three different house-infused olive oils. Maybe all this was overkill for 4 people trying not to overeat, but it was well worth it! The gnocchi was the stand-out dish of the night. The soft, salty potato pasta with the crunchy apple was the most perfect combination. Every time I said I was done I had to have another bite. The pizza was great as well, but the gnocchi will definitely bring us back! The back bar area looks like a garden, with grass up the walls and mirrors that resemble windows. It was a very different vibe from the front area. There were a few larger parties that came in while we were dining at the bar, but it was still a more quiet, relaxed space, especially compared to the hustle and bustle up front. This is definitely a hidden gem, and I can't wait to come back!
(4)
Missy R.
Server was great Jordan Filet was great med rare with black truffle butter only Sprouts were wonderful My husband had the king salmon that has a skin that was lightly crusted. It was excellent Lobster ravioli started the night and a chocolate cake with coconut sorbet ended it. We loved it all and the people watching was good.
(5)
Tran N.
Service and ambience are top notch. Trendy Italian resto. Moto is located in the very hip and coming Gulch area. We did the pick meat and cheese appetizer; a delicious must. The focaccia was a little too salty...onto our pasta. We got the spinach fettuccine and black pepper tagliatelle. The flavors were great and all there, but both homemade pastas were just too soft. It felt like eating a plate of mush. Would not recommend pasta.
(3)
Lisa B.
After 2 visits, I do not have one negative thing to say about Moto! Both times we were seated in the front of the restaurant, in a corner booth on the window. I recommend trying for a table in that area if you want something a little more private/quiet! The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful, and during our second trip they somehow "remembered" us from our first visit months earlier - commenting on the date we were last there and seating us at the same booth. I couldn't quite decide if it was creepy or impressive. We're obviously in some kind of database, no one has that good of a memory of a one time guest! The food was fabulous both times! I had the blueberry lasagna the first time because I was just too curious not to. Don't let the name fool you, it's a mushroom lasagna with a blueberry balsamic drizzled on. Delicious, but incredibly rich. But I wouldn't have been able to finish it anyway since I stuffed my face with Wagyu beef meatballs as a appetizer. (Same beef as Kayne Prime. Just as delicious.) Also proven to be delicious: the prosciutto crostino, black pepper tagliatelle, chocolate mousse cake. The food is so rich that I could never be a regular, but it's perfect for an occasional indulgent night. Prepare to leave there fat & happy and maybe wear something with a stretchy waistband.
(5)
Lauren L.
When I tried the housemade burrata with butternut squash at Taste of Nashville, I knew immediately I was going to love this place. Cocktails- Not thrilled. Go with wine Appetizers- house made burrata! proscuitto crostini. sweetbreads. Mains- Black spaghetti with lobster. Its slightly spicy and delicious. My favorite, though, is the Orecchiette carbanara with a soft egg and corn. HOLY HELL it was delicious. My favorite dish here, and my favorite Italian dish ever. Dessert- get the tiramisu. Just do it. Perfect balance of textures and flavors. Sweet with a little salt. Soft with a little crunch. Excellent. Atmosphere- romantic and upscale. Get a reservation. - @gluttoneats -
(5)
Ellen K.
Came in for a weekend, and this was the one fancy dining out we did. Great vibe and great wine selection. I was pretty underwhelmed by the Carbonara I got with the soft egg - wouldn't recommend. The guanciale pork which was allegedly in the dish was no where to be found. Tasted like a basic macaroni and cheese with corn thrown in. Unfortunately the Margherita pizza was nothing to write home about either. But I tried my friend's Black Spaghetti which was delicious! Also the Brussel Sprouts are MUST - especially great for sharing as they are a big portion.
(3)
Gabrielle A.
Great restaurant! Awesome atmosphere incredible food! Cheese plate is a must. Their beet salad is so good, I had the sweet potatoe ravioli.... Sooo delicious!!! Their pastas are light and fresh and Full of flavor! Coming from an italian girl our standards are high for pasta! This place is almost as good and grandmas kitchen! maybe better for ravioli but don't tell her that! If you haven't been, you need to go! It's right in the gulch across from whiskey kitchen and adeles (2 other great nashville gems) I love this place, make a reservation, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Aubrey W.
Moto, with its proximity to the other M Street restaurants, offers valet parking, which is a blessing in the ever-hip Gulch. We handed off the keys and were escorted to a table with an adorable wooden "Reserved" sign, feeling quite VIP. The decor is modern, and the menu has a ton of options. I started with a glass of prosecco, the house-made foccaccia bread, and a shared appetizer of their housemade burrata. The cheese was so excellent! Everything was delicious. I also thought the croutons in the burrata/tomato mix were awesome, and I usually hate croutons. For my main course, I chose the Garganelli, a delicious pasta with a spicy tomato cream sauce and fennel sausage. It definitely had a kick! The pasta was perfectly chewy and fresh, and the sausage was a great complement. I ate every last noodle. I also sampled Lindsey's gluten-free pasta and a delish meatball. We also had a side of brussels sprouts (not pictured) that were actually really good. I mean, I hate veggies, but I could definitely eat those without protest! If only Moto knew what a huge compliment that is from me. We were so stuffed that even though we wanted dessert, we could not physically eat another bite. I would definitely come back to Moto for some more delicious bites.
(5)
Jennifer E.
My husband and I dined here to celebrate our fifth anniversary. We wanted a nice Italian restaurant since we will be traveling to Italy in November! There are times that I feel intimidated by trendy, "hipster," restaurants in The Gulch. I am a stay-at-home mom of two girls...I am used to slow cooker meals and yoga pants! However, Moto was awesome. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. Charlie and Mitch were excellent for our dining experience. We were given ample time to peruse the wine list. Any other place, I feel rushed to order my food, but Charlie allowed us to take our time and he did a wonderful job describing the dishes. We ordered: Duck Fat Olives Housemade Burrata Gnocchi Black Spaghetti Brussels Sprouts And a bottle of Antinoro Guado al Tasso (Vermentino) Tuscany 2011. Everything went together very well. There were flavors that were noticed across multiple dishes. And I appreciate their use of local meats and dairy. For after-dinner drinks, my husband had the Banfi (Grappa), and I had a Nardini (Amaro). Our dessert was the Tira Cotta. Delicious! Moto definitely got us ready for our trip to Italy. It further increased our appreciation of Italian-style cooking. I can't wait to come back!
(5)
Mike S.
Winner in every way, even if with a small group: order family style to get an array of flavors. Our young server knew his stuff, even the backup help were enthusiastic about the offerings. Wow to the Caesar, not a run of the mill copy cat salad here. Black pasta will bring me back.
(5)
Seth B.
Before I write this review I would like to say that I did not have a 5 star meal at Moto, but the venue and service were so wonderful that ultimately, I had a 5 star experience THE SCENARIO: Valentine's day dinner with my girlfriend (so the pressure was on). THE VENUE: Moto is absolutely gorgeous. When I walked in it reminded me of the AFTER results of television shows like Restaurant Impossible or Bar Rescue. It's wonderfully modern, upscale and unique. If you take a look at their website, you can see a shot of the restaurant: mstreetnashville.com/res… If you look at that picture, my girlfriend and I sat in the booth right in between the O and the T. It was lovely. One aspect I loved about Moto is they go the extra mile with little things whether it be decorations or unique style of service. For example, they have these fantastically large wine glasses (which of course are used to sell wine at a massive mark up, but that's besides the point). So, whenever you order wine they bring it in these small, mini glasses which they then pour in your wine glass and leave the leftovers for you in the mini glass. At first, it seemed unnecessary, but later I realized what a nice, classy touch it was. As for decorations they had this incredible wine cellar among the tables that was not only gargantuan, but there's a beautiful chandelier in the middle of it. I also liked that they had multiple options for water like tap and sparkling and even though I merely ordered tap they served it out of a fancy bottle which remained atop a neatly folded napkin. SERVICE: The service at Moto was perhaps the best I've ever experienced. Beyond my above mentioning of little things they do well, we had an absolutely fantastic waiter. He was incredibly knowledgeable, poised, personable and honestly, something of a culinary mastermind. FOOD: For our first course we had a cheese and meat plate. Now, this isn't something you'll find on their website menu, but they offer it on a separate, smaller menu. Basically, you can choose 3, 4 or 5 different meats and cheeses. They make several of the cheeses at the restaurant itself. For this one, our waiter chose two meats and cheeses for us. I wish I could remember all of them, but the highlights were a cut of wild boar and a homemade mozzarella cheese. For the entrees my girlfriend ordered the Black Pepper Tagliatelle which came with bolognese sauce and ricotta cheese. My girlfriend wasn't a huge fan of this and gave it three stars. I ordered the Black Spaghetti which was made with lobster and calabrian chilies. This was a very unique and interesting dish. For those who are unaware, black spaghetti is infused with squid ink, but the ink is tasteless. The texture is basically identical to regular spaghetti and the taste is exactly the same. The sauce it was cooked in was exquisite, but I honestly don't think I'd eat this again. TIPS: This place is apparently VERY upscale. Not so much in price, but I was surprised by how dressed up everyone was. Everyone was definitely dressed to impress and I felt under dressed in my jeans and black jacket (which is something I often wear to work which is a business casual setting). I saw a lot of dudes in suits, blazers, button downs with ties and women wearing heels and dresses. So, keep that in mind if you're coming here. There is FREE valet. This made life SO much easier because it was FREEZING and parking is a bitch around there. Make a reservation. EXTRA: When the meal was over the waiter presented my girlfriend a red rose and a small box of chocolates on the house (which is something they had been doing for all the ladies). This was just another example of Moto's over the top customer service and if my girlfriends happy, I'm happy. OVERALL: I honestly wasn't crazy about the food at Moto, but the service and the experience were second to none. I would definitely come back and after we finished our meal, we enjoyed a drink at their beautiful bar.
(5)
Van T.
Our go to when we are in the mood for elevated italian. Everything on the menu is pretty tasty although my faves are the octopus app, oysters, bolegnese with the wagyu meatballs, blueberry lasagna, picatta and whatever is on their specials menu. Portions are just enough. Fresh house made pasta is a must and they definitely do it right here. Wine list has a wide selection and good for various price points and service is also usually good.
(4)
Sheena T.
Almost a perfect experience. So close. BF and I had an impromptu date night, and I have been wanting to try Moto for a long time! We came in a bit late and were able to snag a nice booth at the front of the restaurant. I absolutely love the ambiance. It's modern and romantic, and they have a gigantic bar that is lovely. We ordered a bottle of wine, and I was pleased to see that they offer a variety of options to choose from with different price points. We got a delicious bottle of pinot for $36.00! Excellent. For entrees we got an order of wagyu beef meatball, and the prosciutto crostino with ricotta, thyme, honey. The crostino was amazing but the wagyu beef was a tad bit overcooked. Just a tiny bit. Entrees were the blueberry lasagna and the black spaghetti. MMM. Both were outstanding. The blueberry lasagna is a must try if you like mushrooms, it's not sweet, definitely savory and rich. It was unlike anything I've had before and I loved it! I'd highly recommend the black spaghetti as well, it had lobster in the sauce and was out of this world!! Since it was date night, we decided to go for dessert and ordered the buttermilk gelato and the white peach mint sorbet. YUM. For only $3 a scoop, it was the perfect end to the meal. I am a big fan of Moto and will be back again to hopefully up my review to 5 stars!
I love the review I'm about to write!! After my initial unfavorable experience at Moto, Antonio the manager messaged me here on yelp, invited me back, and assured me that this time would be different. No longer a fresh face here on M Street and long ago rid of its growing pains... This restaurant is officially my new "go to." They DO NOT charge per glass of ice tea. My first time here, apparently, was simply the victim of an inexperienced waitress. I ordered the chicken piccata (amazing) and my husband ordered Wagyu Filet (and I stole a bite). My husband, quite the connoisseur of steak here in the gulch- having eaten at Watermark, Adeles and Sambucca- has declared this steak: "Best in the Gulch!" He asked that I quote him in this review, so here goes "It's my 'perfect' but 'perfect' is relative. To be more descriptive it's cooked true to order, excellent flavor, very tender and much better than your average filet." I am so very glad I gave them a second chance. Even having the manager personally reach out to us in effort to right a wrong speaks volumes about this restaurant's quality and customer care. This is a "must try" for all gulch residents and all who visit. am
This place is great. The inside of this restaurant is beautiful. I have been here once for dinner and once just for drinks at the bar. Both times, the service was great. The staff is very friendly from the hosts to the bartenders to the servers. The Sangria and Bellini are delicious. I came here with friends, and everyone enjoyed their meals. I had the gnocchi, and it was outstanding.
(4)
brice b.
Nice atmosphere and very good service. The menu is very impressive and creates the anticipation of an authentic Italian meal but unfortunately that where it stops. This place is about the same as most places in middle America trying to pretend to be something they are not. The food at Moto is incredibly salty and every dish I had was covered in garlic to a point you could not even identify the food you were supposed to be enjoying. It's a sad but true realism that few Italian cooks outside of large cities in the US have the skills and courage to just cook good food with simple ingredients. Great Italian food is so pure to the ingredients and simplicity of the dish and unfortunately most restauranteurs completely miss the mark with bad renditions of simple foods. I really wish more people would travel outside the U.S. because they would likely learn that food can be amazing and not just filling.
(2)
Brien W.
Had a great meal on fathers day, third time dining here and it just keeps getting better. Had a few great appetizers, pizza, and 2 meatballs (pork and waygu) both delicious. Split 3 entrees among 4, waygu steak, veal chop and gnocci. with sides of Brussels sprouts and white cannelloni beans. They were able to portion it out in the kitchen so very civilized. Reminds me of a new age Palm w better food.
(5)
Mandy C.
I'm lovin it! Having just returned from Florence, I was craving some authentic Italian cuisine and had wanted to check this place out for awhile. It was a great choice and I'd like to return at a point when my budget will allow (don't get me wrong- the value is on point here). 1. Professional and great service 2. Blueberry lasagna has intricate flavors. The mushrooms are amazing! I would suggest having a bite of someone's. 3. Black spaghetti w/ lobster and peppers was out of this world! Be prepared for spice! And I'm for real, this dish shook it. This is what I would order as an entree next time. 4. Nice wine selection (they even have a limoncello martini). 5. Prosciutto crostino I loved every bit of it! Their menu is wonderful. The cuisine really brought me back to Italian cooking with the freshest of ingredients. Grazie!
(5)
Nicki R.
This has become one of my favorite restaurants in town! The atmosphere is hip but warm and the service has always been top notch. We have been with large groups, with our children and for date nights and I can honestly say that Moto is great for all three! They have a spectacular wine list and their menu is fantastic! My favorite dishes include: The prosciutto crostino The Wagyu Beef & buffalo mozzarella meatball (with spaghetti) The Black Peppar Tagliatelle The Wagyu Filet Tiramisu
(5)
Evan W.
(5)
l k.
The in-laws took us out for a belated birthday dinner and it was great...can't wait to go back and sample some more of their menu. We had the wagyu beef meatballs to start--totally delish. Based on all the positive Yelp reviews/the waiter's recommendation I had to try the blueberry lasagna and it was pretty good/interesting. The brussels sprouts were really good. Someone in our party ordered the wagyu steak and we all agreed it was the absolute best steak we'd ever had--perfection. A solid experience from start to finish -- we'll be back.
(5)
Tina H.
Excellent meal and service!! We had carpaccio, roasted lamb, and prawns, as well as the chocolate mousse cake. All of our food and wine was amazing! Our server also gave us great tips on where else to go off the beaten path of Broadway. I will definitely be back when I am in town next.
(5)
Alicia M.
Wow....amazing. Pros: Wagyu 6 Oz - if you've never tried this before and you love steak....try it. It's amazing. Roasted potatoes - some sort of cheese and truffle oil...delicious! Brussel sprouts - so good...insane. Riesling by the glass - perfect with my meal. I can't drink red wines. New peach sorbet, meringue, peach cream dessert - ridiculously good!!! Server: Travis - the BEST! Knowledgeable about the menu but also smart enough to confirm. I have a lot of allergies so I appreciated this! Cons: I just ate too much....my fault not theirs!
(5)
Ashley W.
By far the best restaurant I ate at while visiting Nashville. From the time I walked in, the friendly staff was very accommodating. But the food...I'm still dreaming about it. Let's start with the focaccia bread. I don't think I could get it in my mouth fast enough. It was the right bit of salty and savory. We ordered the calamari and Waygu Beef meatball to start. I had never eaten Waygu beef before but I never want to not eat it again. Just phenomenal. I ordered the gnocchi and it was quite honestly the best I ever had. One of the girls I was with originally ordered the manicotti but our waitress told us it would take longer than expected. So she ordered something else. Well when the manicotti was finished, Chef Luke himself brought it out and apologized. We were blown away! Overall, it was an amazing experience and we left in a food coma. Loved everything from the atmosphere, to the wait staff, to Chef Luke, and to, of course, the incredible food. Go here, now!
(5)
Chris L.
Wtf Only the bread was good! 4 cheese pizza smelled like feet. Black spaghetti smelled like vomit. I kid you not!
(2)
Melissa B.
We had reservations on a Saturday night and we were seated immediately. The servers were phenomenal! They know the menu inside and out and are great at helping you make decisions based on what you like. Our glasses never went below 3/4 full and they paced our meal out perfectly! They were completely on point! The food was equally as good! The garganelli and blueberry lasagna are delicious and the polenta fries are out of this world. It was such a great experience! We will definitely be back.
(5)
Megan K.
Elaborate menu, great for the adventurous foodie. A little pricey, considering it's pasta... I had the black pepper tagliatelle, which was really good. Very trendy vibe, but decent service. I enjoyed it, but am not racing to go back.
(3)
Bridget H.
What I liked: 1. Gnocchi with apple was very light, unexpected and delicious! I would return for this disk. 2. Open bar seating for walk-ins made it possible to eat dinner during prime time and a sold out restaurant 3. The bartender was very attentive and provided great service, made us feel like valued guest What I didn't like: 1. Overly trendy vibe, definitely a see and be seen crowd 2. The pork meatball wasn't my favorite - a little too greasy and lacked flavor 3. Asparagus with egg- usually one of my favorites, but the asparagus was a little too soggy for my taste Overall Verdict: Worth trying, but not high on my list as a local, feels like it's trying a little too hard and not the best, authentic Italian. I would say it's a good option for grabbing a quick bite at the bar with a glass of wine after work- try the gnocchi! If you're looking for amazing pasta, would say to try Rolf and Daughters
(4)
Margaret F.
Reservations really are recommended - my friend and I visited on a Tuesday night without a reservation, and had to eat at the bar (which wasn't really a hardship, just a bit noisy and space constrained). There is a good variety of wines by the glass. It was too dark for me to read the wine list, but a huge chalkboard above the bar helped me make a selection! My friend ordered the black spaghetti; I had the spinach fettuccine. We split an order of brussels sprouts. We were served some spongy white bread while our dinner was prepared. My friend reported that the black spaghetti was delicious - particularly after she tipped her plate to drain off a full quarter cup of oil(!). The fettuccine was also very tasty, if a little "melted" texture-wise. The brussels sprouts were very salty. Service was friendly, and since we were sitting at the bar, all we had to do was flag down the bartender if we needed something. I felt the prices were reasonable. The dinner described above, plus 3 glasses of wine, came to a total of $55. The non-pasta entrees were priced higher, but looked very good. I will go back to Moto, but next time I'll make a reservation...I think that, armed with this first-time experience (and reading other reviews), I can turn this into a 4- or 5-star experience.
(3)
Lisette M.
Visiting for work and came to try the black spaghetti, amazing, order it, trust me it was delicious. I will be back next time in in town.
(5)
Jamee C.
It has a great atmosphere and is conveniently located between St. Anejo and Virago, so it's a convenient location to meet up with people. I greatly enjoy their limoncellos and orangecellos and their wine selection is not bad either. The food is good enough to be pleasant and uplifting, but candidly, if one of my chef friends from out of town came in, this is not where I'd take them for food. However, location, atmosphere, price and taste altogether, it's an enjoyable establishment
(4)
Laura M.
Best meal the whole time I was in Nashville! Everyone in my party of 12 was amazing by how delicious everything was. Our server was also amazing and did a wonderful job describing the menu since we were all first timers and led us in the right direction when it came to choosing bottles of wine as well as entrees, sides, and of course desserts! I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Elaine S.
We came here to celebrate a friends bachelorette party. There were 19 of us which is an absurdly large group to accommodate, but they did a great job. We were seated near the back of the restaurant at two of the farm tables. We began our meal with the fried oysters that were really good. Not slimy at all, but not fried to the point where all of the oysters flavor was lost. While we did have to wait for a significant amount of time, the kitchen sent out meatballs and more oysters to keep us content until our food came. As many of the other reviews said, the black spaghetti with lobster was amazing! A touch of heat and very flavorful. The portion size was definitely enough to keep you full all night. I split this, and the lamb meatball, with a friend. The meatball was so good! Almost the size of my fist, it was moist and slightly spicy. Another friend had the blueberry lasagna, which I tried and I liked that as well although it was not mind-blowing. As for the service, that was excellent as well. Constantly being checked on, he was helpful without hovering. We even had a conversation in Spanish about his worldly travels and how passionate he is about the food at Moto Cucina. Great spot for a date night or special celebration.
(4)
Justin L.
Another amazing MStreet restaurant! Every bite delicious. Hand-made pastas with a creative balance. Can't say enough about the blueberry lasagne. Brussel Sprouts wonderful. Waygu meatballs spot on. Chocolate Mousse Cake perfect finisher. When in Nashville you can fill your entire visit with MStreet restaurants and never be happier.
(5)
Charles F.
Yum, yum, yum... the Brussel Sprouts are absolutely fantastic. I think I might fly to Nashville again just to have them. The pizzas are incredible. The meatball and pasta was terrific. The wine selection is also quite nice. You're not going to help your waistline any here, but it sure will add up to an enjoyable night. Great food. Great atmosphere. Great place.
(5)
Lauren W.
Last night I was invited to a special dinner at Moto Cucina and Enoteca, the newest venture from the folks over at M. Street First off I have to say that their execute chef Andy Hayes is top notch. Hhe trained at one of my all time favorite restaurants, Gramercy Tavern in New York. M. Street snapped up a good one! The inside of Moto is simply beautiful. Everything has clean lines, warm tones and soft lighting. They paid very close attention to every detail, including the inlaid patterns on the bar. They even have a rock bed open fireplace and a glass wine cellar. I sat at a booth and the booth seats were very comfortable, possibly the most comfortable booth I've ever sat in. To start off, the kitchen sent out four appetizers for all of us to sample. The first one out was duck fat olives. These were served warm with whole garlic cloves and orange zest. They were delicious, but anything covered in duck fat is delicious. I loved the temperature of the olives- just barely warm and very nice on the tongue. Next up was the pork cheek terrine with crispy pig ears. When we asked how this was made Chef Andy told us it was made with the whole head of the pig, and not just any pig, but a pig from Porter Road Butcher. It's good to know Moto gets their pigs whole from my favorite local butcher shop. This gets at least +10 awesome points. The terrine was creamy and spread easily on the crustini. I only wish they had more pig ears added for crunch; pig ears are always such a treat. Next up was the deep fried Apalachicola oysters with peperonata and preserved fennel. The topping reminded me of a lightly spiced chow-chow and added a really nice vinegar flavor to the fried oyster. Even someone at my table who said they don't enjoy oysters loved these! The last appetizer was the raw winter salad featuring shaved beets. I'm always skeptical of raw salads considering I've had a fair few that were disappointing, but this dish was simply divine. The vegetables were sliced so thin that they almost melted in your mouth. Add to that simple seasoning and blue cheese and you have yourself a winning raw salad. We were served two different pizzas: The porchetta and kale pesto with mozzarella, and the mushroom and black truffles with fontina. The mushroom pizza had a woodsy flavor that was enhanced by the sweetness of the shaved truffles. My favorite was the kale pesto slice, even though it was a tad bit too oily for me. First up was the gnocchi with crispy salsify and green apple in fonduta. This sauce was rich and paired well with the fresh crisp apple. The gnocchi themselves were light and pillowy and had a bouncy mouth texture. My favorite part was the crispy salsify, something I never tasted prepared in that fashion before. The next pasta was the black spaghetti with lobster and calabrian chilies. The squid ink pasta was thick and al dente with that sea flavor that makes black pasta so enjoyable. The lobster flavor was mild but the chilies added a nice kick. Chef Andy Hayes was nice enough to bring out a plate of their nightly pasta special. The special was a sea urchin and scallop spaghetti in a light lemon cream sauce. This was far and away my favorite pasta dish. The sea urchin on top was so beautiful it brought tears of joy to my eyes and made this my favorite version of urchin that wasn't sushi-style! They brought out the main entree of chicken saltimbocca with sides of brussels sprouts and roasted potatoes. Unfortunately I found the chicken the most un-interesting dish of the evening. Compared to everything else it was just kind of "meh." It was well-cooked, don't get me wrong, but it didn't blow my socks off (mind you I don't normally order chicken at restaurants because on my personal hierarchy of meats, it's on the bottom). The side dishes were so good that they totally overshadowed the chicken. The brussels sprouts were served crispy with panchetta and apple agrodolce. If you dine at Moto you must order the brussels sprouts, YOU MUST. The potatoes were nicely roasted with sun chokes, black truffle and some taleggio cheese. There was just a small amount of cheese, but it was so nice that I wish that they'd smothered the potatoes in it. We had two desserts. Gluttony, Ahoy! First was a Meyer lemon bundino (custard) with pistachio biscotti and a semolina shortbread. The custard was very light and fluffy. The final dessert was the Moto take on chocolate tiramisu. It was made with amaretto gelee, chocolate cake and mascarpone mousse and a cookie crumble. T 'll fully admit that I was spoiled at Moto. We had tons of amazing food, gracious and prompt service and our fill of red wine. I was very impressed with all of the food and how well-executed the event was. ** While I was provided this dinner gratis, all the opinions are honest and my own.**
(5)
Christina B.
Swanky place with a nice wine selection. Delicious Margherita pizza - as is expected at such a restaurant.
(5)
Summer S.
Really glad to grab a table without reservations. The food here was divine. We had a couple of appetizers (olive oil platter), lamb and risotto dishes. It was WONDERFUL! Must dine! See attached pics
(5)
Steve E.
So it's only been open a month. But The M restaurant group is not going to screw it up. I was extremely pleased to get Matt as our server as he had previously waited on us at Kayne Prime and might be the best ever. He made things much easier. I would highly suggest you ask for him. The menu is unique and full of options, from Kayne steaks to pizza to pasta to fish dishes. Our table of four ordered the mushroom pizza to share ( very good) and followed with entrees of cobia with Meyer lemon, blueberry lasagna, black spaghetti with lobster and Calabrian chiles, and the scallops. I tasted the scallops (perfect), and had the black spaghetti (good). The cobia and lasagna got taken out, and complimented by those enjoying. Dessert was a lemon bundino (excellent) and a hazelnut- caramel bar ( I have forgotten the proper name) and it was awesome. My feeling--it is very good, and has the potential to climb to fantastic. Pacing of our meal was good, service phenomenal and the complaints about portions I find to be a joke. It is properly portioned and fairly priced. If you want an endless pasta experience have fun at Olive Garden. We will be back and order differently just because they have a lot to offer.
(4)
Carey James B.
I ate there on a Sat Night 8:45pm and we had a really great bottle of Italian red wine with the chefs choice of a cheese plate, it was EXCELLENT and as you see from my reviews I can be kind of brutal. The service was great and the food was great too. Ive seen some of the other reviews and I think they just needed time to get it together, our service and experience was great! we did not make it past the appetizers because we tried a little of everything and were full before we could even get to a signature Italian dish ... The quality of the Italian things I did have were stellar. I did not try the main courses or the pizzas because i was full, I will come back and give them a shot.
(5)
David S.
Food OK, but didn't live up to hype. Wine very overpriced. Service terrible. Not going back anytime soon
(1)
Ali S.
I simply give this place the 5 stars for there Wagyu Filet. It's the most tender filet I have ever had. It just about melts in your mouth. Overall the restaurant is trendy and cozy. I highly recommend it to any steak lover in Nashville.
(5)
Carolyn M.
Lovely add to the crowded M Street crop of Gulch restaurants. I generally avoid the Gulch in all its stiletto and hair gel glory, but we had an amazing meal here without the pretentiousness of some of the other hot spots in the area. Great wine list, only Moretti on tap (so true to theme). I had amazing scallops and the olive oil flight is worth a go. The bar area is spacious and welcoming, and the back section of the dining room has a beautiful fireplace.
(5)
Peggy O.
Each course was a 5 star- drinks - appetizers-lamb meatball- "now that IS a meatball"! Had read about the black spaghetti and it was truly delish- a nice portion but not so huge where you leave feeling as if you will explode. Excellent service- attentive but not obnoxious. Will return
(5)
Christa P.
We went as a party of 8 for my husbands birthday last Saturday. Overall we had a good experience, food was pretty good, service was great and atmosphere is just as expected and in line with the others of M-Street = awesome. We started the meal with the octopus and wagyu meatball. We were really happy with the octopus - it was olive oil poached, served with borlotti beans, pancetta, salsa verde. We really liked the flavor, although another couple at the table got the same dish and said it was a little salty. We did not find this to be so. The wagyu meatball, was not as juicy or hot as we expected. It was served barely warm, with buffalo mozzarella, red sauce and bread. The cheese & sauce were great, but I expected more from the meatball. I love wagyu as it gives a lot of flavor (I ordered it later as my main). We were also able to try a few appetizers froom the other couples. Duck fat olives were great (pieces of garlic and you could really taste the duck fat), vegan pizza (served with different mushrooms, fresh herbs and nice tomato paste/sauce that was really great) and then a Peach & Prosciutto pizza with burrata and truffle honey. I personally really liked that pizza - although the person who ordered it wasnt too happy as it had a lot of carmalzied onions on it (Yum!) but the description didnt mention it and she wasnt a huge onion fan. For our mains, I ordered the Wagyu filet and my husband the 24 oz Bone In Dry Aged Ribeye. Both of our steaks were cooked to a perfect rare (as requested). My wagyu was seasoned perfectly and was absolutely melt in your mouth. My husband was not happy with his ribeye though. It didnt have any seasoning on it (like literally no salt or pepper) and was extremely thin (1"). He has had the Kayne Prime Bone in Ribeye which was around 1 1/2-2" thick, so he was quite disappointed in the flavor. For a side we ordered the roasted potates, served with sunchokes, black truffle, taleggio. They were super crispy and amazing in flavor. I had the fonduta as a side, which I dipped the potatoes in. It was made from a goat's milk cheese and was really yummy. Overall we had a good experience. The waitress was really great but we had a few menu items we werent happy with. Im sure if my husband was rating this he would give a 3, but Ill give a 4 since my wagyu was really great and so was service.
(4)
Victoria F.
Amazing! The side dishs of the cannelini beans and Brussel sprouts were out of this world! Black spaghetti had so much flavor. We also had the scallops that were cooked perfectly and super light! Service was great, really cool relaxed atmosphere as well! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Tiffany W.
Why has no one mentioned the pizza? Had an amazing prosciutto/peach/house-made burrata pizza that compares to City House's creations. MOTO's take on a luxurious shrimp&grits was great too; grilled shrimp over amazing sea urchin polenta with crabmeat, delicious. Best of all, you can add truffle to anything and everything on the menu. Go play, your belly will thank you!
(5)
Alison B.
Crazy fun night at moto tonight. Travis chris and Jordan took EXCELLENT care of us. Knowledgeable about the menu and quick to make fabulous recommendations, Travis was a superb server. The food was amazing. Was leary of the blueberry lasagna but glad we ordered it - delicious and different - rich and meaty. Brussel sprouts were awesome, as was the black spaghetti. Five stars FO SHO.
(5)
Caroline T.
Outstanding in every way possible! We got lost and were 30 minutes late to our reservation! They were super accommodating. When one girl got up from the table to use the ladies room, our server came over and spent a full minute refolding her napkin for her and placed it on the table. I've never been to a place with that detail of service. The food was out of this world! We got the olive oil flight and the Black Pepper Tagliatelle! I was speechless that's how good it was! Would recommend this place to anyone in a heart beat!
(5)
Kira S.
Generally, the M Street restaurant family is not really my vibe. A little too slick and "cool" for my tastes when I go out. But I had heard different things about Moto and was anxious to try it. The space is lovely with big open windows to let the light in. Personally I would prefer to dine in the front bar area, but a bigger group might prefer the darker, more secluded booths in the back. My husband and I were meeting a couple of friends and arrived early to enjoy a cocktail at the bar. I love seeing a classic Negroni on the menu, and it was perfectly balanced, a nice apertif to start the meal. When we were seated, our waiter was attentive but gave us space to decide what we wanted. We started with the octopus and the pork cheek terrine. Both appetizers presented beautifully and tasted fresh. I ordered the spinach fettuccine with braised lamb, olives, and mint. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the combination of the lamb, the saltiness of the olives, and the herbal character of the mint was delicious and unusual. I had bites of my husband's black spaghetti, which was also delightful. I can't wait to return and try some of the entrees as well. He also ordered the polenta fries, and I couldn't stop eating them! We split the Meyer lemon bundino, and it was just okay. I might skip dessert next time in lieu of just an espresso. The focaccia bread that was delivered was incredible, just about perfectly warm, fluffy, and great rosemary flavor.
(4)
Megha M.
We didn't really have a good experience at this place . To start with we had to wait about 30 min in spite of a reservation . And then we were seated in a back room next to a very noisy and drunk group of girls . Not the restaurants fault - but they could have seated us someplace else. The menu was extremely limited - with a very dew options to pick from. I got the mushroom pizza - which wasn't anythibg great . My husband and another friend ordered the lamb entree and they weren't impressed either. Another friend ordered their margarita pizza and that was probably tge best thjbg on the table. I`d rather go eat at saint anejo across the street for much less money and wait ! This was disappointing
(2)
Daniel S.
Let me start by saying I'm a big Italian food fan, and that I ate way too much at Moto. That being said, I love their modern take on the classics. A new flare is added to all the dishes you know, like blueberry lasagna and Waygu meatballs. But they pull it all off, and with a cleanly designed venue and knowledgable service. I will definitely be back to try a few other items on the menu.
(4)
Anita P.
The Atmosphere is fabulous! If you want to be seen hit up the bar, it kind of dark, but very lively. With the exception of the front booths, the dining room is dark, suitable for a romantic evening out. The food was excellent! Had the fried oysters, the presentation was like a work of art . Also had the lamb meatball, it was just a big meatball sitting in a tomato and herb sauce, with a crostini on the side. Wasn't too impressed with the BIG Meatball. The server brought it and then cut it up with the spoon and dipped the sauce over it. Didn't look appetizing before or after it was cut. Ordered the Black Spaghetti and the Seared Scallops. The black spaghetti was chewy.. very chewy. I was chewing and chewing and didn't know why. It wasn't that good. It didn't look good, and it was just ok. Nothing to pack up and take home if all you can eat is one bit. The lobster within was small and chewy. The scallops were perfectly seared. The potatoes lacked flavor and seasoning. The focaccia bread that was served pre meal was cut wrong (like a brownie) and didn't look appetizing. The service was spot on. The server was there for our every need. We never touched the bottle of wine, and he happily packed it to go! Great all around place to dine!
(4)
J L.
I LOOOOOVE Moto!! I have been there for dinner about 4-5 times in the last few months. Perfect place for a nice dinner with colleagues or friends, not too casual but not super fancy or stuffy. And the food is great. Disagree with a previous review on food selection being small- I think it's the opposite: There are tons of food options, including many appetizers, salads, pizzas, pasta dishes and entrees. I have been going down the pasta menu and still haven't tried all of them. Really Love: Sunburst Trout Crudo Pappardelle with Lamb Black Spaghetti with Lobster Garganelli with Fennel sausage Blueberry Lasagna Chicken Saltimbocca Mediocre: All of the pizzas- very average, I think the margherita is very bland, Quattro formaggi is just loaded with a lot of cheese. The Mushroom pizza is the best option of the pizzas, I think. Desserts: not bad, none stand out in my mind. I think there was an average Terrine or Tiramisu. Don't like the desserts here as much as at Kayne Prime. Decor and ambiance are GREAT- don't agree with other reviews that think it's too trendy-feeling. I think it's very comfortable and enjoyable.
(4)
David R.
Great atmosphere with wonderfully creative and flavorful food. Excellent service. Valet parking a plus.
(5)
Stacie S.
I recently went back to Moto after a rough visit and was able to thoroughly enjoy a fantastic meal and exceptional service. We received a very warm welcome and were made to feel at home and comfortable. The manager and waiting staff ensured that we had an amazing experience with them, and really went above and beyond. To the point where our waiter helped us get a cab in the snow! I'm definitely looking forward to dining with them again!
(5)
Michael M.
Seared Fois Gras and Black Spaghetti. I am not a fan of the black spaghetti as it is kind of bizarre relative to the pasta I am used to eating. I am Italian and have eaten at the best italian restaurants in the world. This is not one of them. It was monday night too. The A Team was likely not on duty tonight. I would go back because the ambience looks like it could be cool.
(3)
Marcia M.
What a fabulous Sunday feast I enjoyed here! After the completion of a long (and sometimes grueling) project, I grabbed a couple of my dearest friends and we headed to Moto to celebrate. This was indeed a grand idea. I was instantly smitten with the ambiance and textures of the space. From the exposed brick wall with the clean fonts painted carefully on it to the rich dark wood and opulence of the bar. The open layout was refreshing yet still managed to feel cozy and easy at the same time. Oh, heck yeah. I can totally get used to this.... And, the service? Stellar although there was a bit of a wait and an error with our Brussels Sprouts ($11) that came out with pancetta when we requested that it be nixed. (I'm vegan) They still receive 5 stars from me because they brought out a couple of complimentary desserts and checked in with us throughout the dinner to let us know that the order was taking longer than expected. I'm all good with this because of the effort, communication, and thoughtfulness with the way they addressed it OR could it be because I was enjoying the delightful bottle of Zenato Valpolicella ($44) that we ordered? Either way, no biggie! The Stone Ground Polenta ($9) and Cannelini Beans ($9) were nice additions to our table and were easily shared. One of my friends opted for the Green Plate ($22) which is a beautiful vegetarian entree that features green and local produce and I couldn't help but take a bite - delish! However, it did not hold a candle to what may be my new favorite vegan dish in Nashville: Blueberry Lasagna - $19 You may be scratching your head? Blueberries and lasagna? Yes. Indeed. I have to admit that even I was a bit thrown off when I first noticed it on the menu but I am so thankful that I jumped in with both feet! This entree is savory, comforting, and oozes an elegant flavor of wild mushrooms paired with blueberry balsamic. I didn't miss the presence of cheese at all with this dish. Even if you are not a vegetarian or vegan, I would still highly recommend ordering this to give your taste buds a jolt of tasty goodness. I seriously can't say enough wonderful things about this scrumptious take on lasagna. Need to plan a romantic date? Close a deal during a business dinner? Just need an excuse to enjoy delicious food in a beautiful environment? Head to Moto. You just may run into me while you are there! TIP: This restaurant is a new addition to M Street's fleet of dining/nightlife/venue spots. It is tucked in next to Virago and Saint Anejo and across the street from Whiskey Kitchen. Complimentary valet is conveniently located across the street!
(5)
Morgan D.
It was incredible. The server was knowledgable. Everything was fresh and packed with flavor. The resturabt is also comfortable and beautiful.
(5)
Machelle N.
Food was great, service was excellent! Very attentive staff. Loved the black spaghetti.
Being italian, I am picky about my italian restaurants. This place is amazing! So many unique dishes to choose from and they are all so good and flavorful. The focaccia bread comes to the table warm and simply delicious. I have had the black spaghetti with seafood, my husband had the italian sausage/pasta dish and both delish! The bomb might be the blueberry lasagna. It sounded so odd but something we had to try. We have now had it twice....YUM!! We ordered it as an appetizer for a large crowd and everyone was blown away by the taste. The flavors of each dish we so unique. For a side dish, I had the brussel sprouts and OMG!!! Even people that didn't like brussels were blown away. There combined the salt/sweet flavors in this dish perfectly. You must try them! One evening we ordered the cannelloni bean appetizer. That was the only thing we have had that was just OK. I make one as an appetizer with tomatoes and olive oil (and of course tons of garlic) that goes great with bread and we ordered with this in mind. If I didn't have my head thinking it was going to be like my appetizer, I might have been more pleased. It was good but just not what I was thinking it was. Servers were helpful, friendly and funny. Enjoyed our whole evening! Highly recommend!
(5)
Arianna S.
My favorite restaurant in Nashville so far. Got the octopus - perfect. The prosciutto crostino - so delicious. The black spaghetti - AMAZING. The caesar - soo good. The wagyu steak - best steak I've ever tried.
(5)
scott h.
Finally tried this place out last night. I would highly recommend the Brussels sprouts and the black spaghetti. Ambiance is was great. Cool place, go check it out.
(5)
Ellen M.
Unbelievable food!!! Unbelievable service!!! We made our next reservations on the way out it was that great of an experience! Try the black spaghetti, brussel sprouts, and filet.
(5)
cathy c.
A fantastic meal tonight - everything was delicious, from the gorgeous cheese and meat board (truffle honey, burrata, grilled bread, prosciutto and then some) to the amped up Caesar salad to gemelli with sausage and chills to the fish and the brussel sprouts. Honestly hard to pick a favorite dish, everything delivered and then some. The service was super courteous, attentive, friendly and helpful. Vibe is very cool (gorgeous space) but warm and welcoming. Great wine list. Can't wait to come back, a lot of things we still want to try (starting with that black spaghetti and the blueberry lasagne!).
(5)
M J.
I love this place! The decor is modern and sophisticated in a very cool way. I've dined here twice and was impressed both times. The duck fat olives were just okay but my hubby loved them. The brussel sprouts were crisp and yummy. The Wagyu filet cuts like butter. The most tasty, tender filet ever! The black spaghetti was phenomenal! It was a little slim on the lobster but had the perfect amount of spice. A friend had the risotto with beef shank that was mouth watering. To top things off, the dessert was crazy good. We had the strawberry rhubarb cobbler topped with buttermilk ice cream. The server was friendly and efficient.
(5)
Sloane S.
It's difficult for me to give an M Street restaurant 3 stars, but I really just didn't have the exemplary experience so characteristic of these dining establishments. The design of the restaurant is breathtaking. Unique and sexy in a subtle way. The only problem with the layout and materials used is the functionality. The surfaces of the floor enhance sound and make it difficult to carry on a conversation, despite the high backs of the booths. The service was...meh. We had a party of 4, so not unmanageable, and none of us required any special accommodations. It still took 45 minutes to get any bread (house made focaccia...ahhhhhmazing), and they provide 1 piece per person. Usually, that's plenty, but when waiting 2 hours for food, I'd like maybe another piece? During the two hours, he checked on us twice. It would have been difficult to order a second cocktail if we'd wanted one. The waiter was relatively knowledgeable about the menu, but he tended to ramble when it was pretty clear everyone at the table was ready to order. He was very sweet, but ending our experience by forgetting our to-go boxes was not the best of impressions. Now, to the food. The dishes ordered were the Chicken Saltimbocca, the Black Pepper Tagliatelle, the Blueberry Lasagna, and the Cobia. Two of us ordered the Sicilian Sangria. The prices here are typical of an M Street restaurant, but never have I seen portions so small for so much at one of their establishments. That is my primary complaint with Moto. It's hard to determine if the cleared plates were from utter enthrallment with the cuisine or starvation from the wait. I personally had the Cobia, and I tried the Blueberry Lasagna. Oh goodness, that lasagna. Incredible. It sounds adventurous, but trust me, it's a winner. The Cobia was good, but I won't recall it as a standout entree. As for the sangria, it was nothing special- a little watery and lacking the depth of flavor I expected. TL;DR Order the blueberry lasagna. Do it. No good for intense convos or first dates. Too little for too much. Don't be starving when you arrive. If you are, you'll either be slightly hungry when you leave, or broke and full.
(3)
Stephen B.
I hate Italian...and I LOVED MOTO! This is going into the rotation with Rolf & Daughters and City House when we want to splurge. I was skeptical at first, but as a belated birthday dinner and early Valentine's Day dinner I took my wife who is a voracious fan of italian food, which I generally stay away from, to MOTO. First, the service. This was their very first Friday night of service, and only third since they opened doors and I was impressed at how well they were running the front and the tables. Chris Hyndman the owner was there and Antonio who spent time at Kayne Prime before coming over to MOTO had it running like a top. The waitstaff was friendly and knowledgeable on all the food items on the menu; we discussed a lot of the options which they patiently went through. They were a little less aware of the wine list - it had a lot of italian which I didn't get a sense that any of them were too familiar with except for Antonio, so if you really want to dig into the wine list (which is excellent) make sure and ask for him to help out. Now the food. Like I said before, I hate italian ... however I love salt, so me and prosciutto are best friends. We ordered two apps: the winter raw vegetables and the prosciutto crostini. Honestly I would come back for the crostini - have two for lunch and call it a day. Absolutely awesome with the spread and generous portion of prosciutto on a perfectly baked piece of bread. The vegetable plate was ok, didn't knock me over - would've been better if the blue cheese had been crumbled and scattered through the plating versus a couple of small square slices so that you get a bit with each bite. You'll get a couple of servings of focaccia with a flight of 3 olive oils - every type was excellent, the focaccia was not greasy at all like what you get at other places. We opted for three main plates, the blueberry lasagna which is Angelo's from Kayne Prime's favorite dish (and he's Sicilian) to share. She got the Black Spaghetti, I got the chicken saltimbocca. Angelo had referred to it as the "vegetable lasagna" so we were a little confused but it did not disappoint. When you go to Moto the for first time - absolutely get this. It's not a big portion but it has a combination of flavors that will knock you over - delicate pasta sheets with mushrooms and blueberries on the top and a mix of blueberry balsamic and a brown sauce, I'm thinking madeira but could be wrong, was just amazing. The Black spaghetti - yes it's squid ink that I'm pretty sure Rolf & Daughters introduced Nashville to - was amazing as well; I really thought she was going to order a second plate of it. You have to love a seafood flavor because the lobster really comes on strong but how they've done the sauce - it's a just great dish. The Chicken Saltimbocca I won't do again, only because there are other items that are worth the investment to try next time. I was impressed to find out they were using vacuum cooking for it so it absolutely was a tender, juicy rolled chicken...but I think that process must really do a number on the prosciutto or pancetta because it just lacked that salt pop I expect. It generally lacked flavor in itself, however, the bed of kale was very salty - for me it was fine but I think the typical pallet would probably find it excessive. So if you get this dish make sure you get a good bite of the chicken and kale and I think it has a decent balance. For dessert we went with a meyer lemon custard like dish - can't recall the name but it was a fantastic finish to the meal. I was disappointed that the formaggi plates that were on the menu aren't available for a few more days - because the selection looked awesome. It would've been nice to close out with a choice of 3 and some port but it gives me one more thing to look forward to next time. Finally, the beverages. We started with a couple of their signature cocktails, she with limoncello martini and me with the south of Manhattan. Both were fantastic and there were lots of other choices that we were interested in trying - look for your liquor and start with that choice; I doubt it will disappoint you. The wine list is diverse but not so many choices that you can't zone in on something quickly. Luckily my wife has more experience in the italian options than me so she picked a Seghesio that was awesome. But anyone who's smart enough to carry Saldo with their Red Zins knows how to put a good wine list together. All in all it was a great experience and to give something 4 stars on it's 3rd day of operation is a feat in itself. Go get your reservation because this will be the next hardest behind Catbird Seat and City House to get for a long time to come.
(4)
Angela J.
Having moved from L.A. and being a serious foodie, I was starting to wonder if I'd ever find a place in Nashville that blew me away on every level...and then I went to Moto. The decor is chic, the staff is awesome and the black pepper tagliatelle? OMG. The best pasta I've had outside Italy. Seriously. So good it made me want to weep. I raved about it so much to the waiter, he brought the chef out to meet me. Been back several times and looking forward to going back many more!
(5)
Chris G.
This place is fantastic. The atmosphere was great! I had the Wagyu filet and you could cut it with your finger! I normally hate olives, but quite enjoyed the olives prepared in duck fat. My wife had the blueberry lasagna and loved it! We certainly enjoyed our double date and will be back! Awesome place!
(5)
Mark H.
Great food! My dining companions and I started out with a touch of many apps, duck fat olive's served hot,- nice and rich, calamari with a smooth anchovy mayo for dipping, meat balls so good I almost cried, and a pizza mushroom and black truffle, fontina. These where all fantastic. Everyone had a little bit of everything (group of 15) I continued with the caesar followed by the braised lamb. The salad was a little on the small side (I like greens) but very well prepared with a nice touch of a soft egg on the side. My lamb was fall-off the bone tender in a wonderful broth. There is a lot of pasta on the menu, and I had the exquisite pleasure of sampling the homemade dishes from my companions. I would eat this meal over and over again. The deserts were excellent too, in fact start here (be different)! Our service was nothing less than perfect the staff is clearly knowledgeable. It was the most indulgent and delicious Italian dinner I have treated myself to in recent memory. Not only will I go back, but I will tell everyone I know what a great dinner experience I had! That, I think is the highest complement you can give a establishment.
(5)
Josh S.
This restaurant just cancelled my NYE reservation that we've had for about 2 months because they've decided they'd rather charge a table minimum than honor existing reservations. Classless. I've never eaten there and now never will. I'll also make sure to encourage friends and clients to avoid M Street restaurants while visiting Nashville.
(1)
Jordan H.
A great atmosphere here while enjoying some of the best steak I've had in a while(filet). Pasta is fantastic or you have another option of pizza, which is wood fired. Just as good as the other three restaurants surrounding it, that are also very popular.
(4)
Melissa L.
One of the best dining experiences I've ever had! Went with my family for a fun night out. Started with the sangria, which was a risk for me, as I'm pretty picky about sangrias. It was light and refreshing, not too sweet, just the right amount of fruit. We shared the brussel sprouts, the lamb meatball, and the crostini, all of which were amazing. I had the filet with the black truffle butter on top, and it was hands down the best steak I've ever had. Friendly and fast service, fun and classy atmosphere, food worth every penny. (It is a bit pricey for a regular meal, but definitely go for a special occasion or to snack & drink in the bar area.) Will definitely be back here! Recommended to anyone.
(5)
Ella K.
Yay Nashville has a good Italian place in addition to Giovanni's! M street really nails it. Well done.
(5)
Claire C.
Best dinner in Nashville. Wonderful, unique menu and extremely knowledgable staff. I absolutely love the grilled octopus and the blueberry lasagna!! Seriously- get the blueberry lasagna. I never eat pasta (actually not really a fan at all) and I obsess over this dish at least once a week. I dream about it. It's so light and delicious and really you just need to try it because it's that unique. Honestly everything I have had here is wonderful. Great location , valet service, cool bar, overall perfect dinner spot !
(5)
donna g.
What a fabulous restaurant. I ordered a specialty of the day cioppino. Absolutely delicious. My husband had Wagyu beef filet cooked to perfection. Don't miss the maple flavored brussel sprouts. I asked our fantastic server Robert to ask the chef how he made it and boom! The chef appeared and told me. Service, cuisine, friendliness... A winning trifecta for our first dining experience in Nashville.
(5)
Chase A.
I've been to Moto about 7 times now. I still say the Chef's cheese plate & The Black Spaghetti are amazing. I recommend you pick your wine first, and then let the chef match your cheese and meat plate to it. My favorite Mstreet restaurant by far.
(5)
Teresa S.
Service is the worst. The food was good but took way too long. I had to let my entree get cold waiting on the to bring my companions entree. And the server just made ridiculous excuses. Then he disappeared for long periods. The place at 8p was almost empty yet they couldn't bring out our entrees together.
(1)
Leslie M.
Great decor. Delicious food. Stellar service. Must try: squid ink pasta and the truffled pizza. Foodgasm. Mmmmm
(4)
Chris R.
Service was pretty bad.. Long wait between our app and our meal with no explanation...they dropped a spoon off once and left...about 30min later our dinner came. Luke warm...and they dropped and ran no asking us if we wanted pepper or cheese like we heard them ask at the table next to us. We complained and then had to explain what we didn't like to three people. Very pretentious as other have said. Waiter spilled wine two tables down from us. Food was good...portions were medium sized. The black spaghetti had a good amount of lobster in it.
(4)
Vanessa L.
On a recent visit, the aforementioned waiter was gracious, kind, and went out of his way to see that my friends and I were well treated. Either he read this review or recognized me from the last visit. Either way, the review, and the waiter, deserve an upgrade.
(4)
Charles H.
Had the veal chop and cannellini beans. Both were perfect. Big rain storm hit when we were leaving and the hostess loaned us a couple of umbrellas. Thank you!!
(4)
Kyle F.
Yet again Moto comes through. Our waiter Robert was fantastic, the atmosphere was perfect, the food was al dente you couldn't ask for more. The barolo braised lamb was juicy and tender, the garganelli was a great mixture of spicy and creamy. Antonio also was gracious enough to stop by our table and make sure everything was perfect.
(5)
Brooke S.
Not only is the food perfection, but the service was incredible too. Joshua was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in helping us understand the menu and what might fit best with our taste buds. Nothing beats house-made, fresh pasta, the Bolognese was phenomenal.
(5)
Trish T.
It's another long review ladies and gents, so I'll break it down for you. The first paragraph is about food/what I ate. The second paragraph is about price and atmosphere :) I gave this place 4 stars because it's pretty expensive. I usually take photos, but I was pretty hungry guys (sorry) so I devoured everything before it had a chance ;). For starters, I ordered the orange dreamsicle cocktail (YUM!) and the charcuterie board. This place has the best selection of salami I've tasted in Nashville (besides Rolf and Daughters..but they don't serve it all the time). We ordered all 7 salamis, and it's hard to rank them because they were all reallllllly good. The crispy pig ears was a nice surprise with it's texture because it had the crunch of a pork rind with a slight chew. Give it a try!! My husband isn't a fan of cheese (unlike me), but we did order the house made burrata. It was interestingly hard (texture of a solid string cheese stick) because I was expecting something very soft and creamy. It had a very strong milk flavor (again not what I expected), but maybe this is the way it's supposed to be (I'm not a cheese expert lol). I ordered the black truffle mushroom pizza and my husband ordered the black spaghetti. My pizza was pretty good, although they serve an Italian sausage pizza with clams that sounded pretty stellar (next time!). The mister had no complaints with his dish and thought it to be quite delish, but I thought it was lacking a little bit of seafood flavor but it's still tasty. We love desserts, but nothing grabbed our attention. We're not fans of sorbets or coconut flavor desserts...maybe next time (I hope this is a seasonal dessert menu). If you're looking for a "bargain" meal with cheesecake factory portions (due to the price), this is not the place. The portions are normal size (not super sized), and each pasta/pizza dish averages very close to $20. Steaks/meat dishes are obviously more than $20 a plate. The cocktails are around $10-$12, which is 'usual.' However, my martini glass was only 1/2 way full and 1/4 of it was liquid and the rest was foam (yikes!.. maybe it depends on the bartender). Therefore, if you have a full blown meal..appetizers, drinks, main corse, and dessert it's easy to go over $100 for two. The charcuterie is pretty pricey too...7 items is more than $30, and they only give you 2 slices of each meat, and our burrata was a sad..sad butt end (maybe that's why it was so hard??) the size of 1.5 silver dollars (aka not big). Service was great/friendly, no one was/seemed stuck up (customers and servers) so I'm not sure why some people felt that way, or feel the need to add in a "FYI" the crowd here is a such-and-such crowd. The restaurant does have a business casual dress code, so dress appropriately :) and treat people the way you want to be treated (that's a bit obvious), but please don't come with a predetermined judgement that this a pretentious crowd..because I feel it's anything but "that."
(4)
Maria W.
My boyfriend went for an early dinner and had a very nice time. The interior is lovely and fresh and not too stuffy or crowded. My only complaint would be that there is a television. I just don't like that. We ordered calamari and meatball appetizer. The meatball was great (you just get one, but it's big). The calamari was good, nothing stellar and it came with a creamy dip, which I found strange and not complimentary. For our entrees we ordered the black spaghetti with lobster and the gnocchi. Both were amazing! We were happy with the portions, not too much or too little. The flavors were new and really well done. I recommend both dishes.
(4)
T V.
Delicious dinner in the Gulch. Great decor, and very friendly staff. Not inexpensive but worth it. Food was interesting and good. Many options and unique choices. Greatest servers! Beautiful decor.
(5)
Veronica V.
I loved the blueberry lasagna... Very different but such unique flavor. Food is great. The place is jamming on Wednesday night so make reservations. Service was a little in the slow side.... Started at 7:30pm and were done no earlier than 10:30pm and didn't even get dessert. Plan for three or four hours for dinner!
(4)
Heidi H.
Absolutely love the atmosphere at Moto ... particularly the tile-top bar that looks about 100 years older than it possibly can be. It's a fairly large restaurant that still feels intimate, plus it's conveniently located in downtown Nashville's burgeoning M Street development. My party had the cheese plate, the filet, pasta, polenta and asparagus. The filet melted in my mouth -- best steak I've had in months. Everybody loved their food. My only complaint is the sticker shock ... it ain't cheap, folks. Get ready to open your wallet, because there's no reasonably priced option on the menu, and I expect you're paying for the vibe as much as anything. But if you want to feel as hip as you ever have and be 100 percent sure of a great experience, make a reservation. Because you won't be getting in otherwise.
(4)
Pam S.
My new favorite in Nashville! The gnocchi is prepared with a perfect combination of ingredients, and the chef's formaggi was fabulous! My daughter ordered the blueberry lasagna, and offered me a bite, it was delicious and unlike anything I've ever had before, loved it!!! It will be hard for me to decide on my next visit whether to order the gnocchi again or the lasagna. Fantastic service, great atmosphere, and even better food. Everything you look for in a great restaurant.
(5)
Zach R.
Beautiful, elegant, italian done right I felt as if I was in a home and one huge family was taking care of me. This is hospitality at its finest.
(5)
Katie E.
Wonderful and attentive staff with succinct service. Nashville doesn't have a lot of options for Italian food that isn't dated by their dishes. Moto is the innovator in this category. They executed the dishes, the ambiance and the service very well. Highly recommend.
(4)
Melanie B.
Food was excellent and that was where it ends. Hostess forgot to seat us and we waited at the bar 30 minutes and there were plenty of open tables. Server was too busy for us and was around maybe four times on the two hours we were there. Service very very slow.
(3)
Todd A.
Pros: Well trained staff, fast service, interesting food options Cons: Small portions, lack of wine list details, pretentious environment I'll start off with the negative and end with the praise. First, I think most Nashville diners will find the portions far too small for the price. I don't mind small portions and I don't mind an expensive dish, but not both at the same time. One person in our party ordered the blueberry lasagna. We all sampled it and it was delicious, but the portion was about the size of a tin of Altoids mints, for $19! Under the menu section labeled "Meatballs" you might get the impression you're getting more than a single meatball, especially for $12. But no. You get "a" meatball, only slightly larger than a golf ball. I guess I was supposed to ask the waiter to clarify. My pork belly ravioli wasn't actually ravioli as you might expect. I'd call it deconstructed ravioli. There were two small pieces of pork belly along with a couple of microthin sheets of pasta, along with some greens and broth. For $14. My last complaint is about the wine list. Having been a wine drinker for many years now, I've come to know certain vineyards, varietals, and vintages that I like. I look for these on a wine list. I want details. At Moto, the wines were simply listed by the varietal and place of origin, i.e. "Pinot Noir, Washington State", "Cabernet Sauvignon, California" or "Super Tuscan blend". That's not very helpful for wine lovers who like to know the vineyard. Now, for the positives. All the food we had was delicious and presentation was equally impressive. The flight of three olive oils we had with focaccia bread was clearly premium. Our server was very helpful and well trained on the food. He was very accommodating in letting us sample a couple of wines before ordering. This is definitely appreciated. Our food arrived reasonably fast, as quick or quicker than I would expect. As for the food offerings, they were impressive. There was a surprisingly diverse selection of dishes that all sounded tempting. The blueberry lasagna might sound like a turn off, but it was actually quite good and did not have an overwhelming fruit flavor as you might expect. And even though they were pricey for no more than we got, the meatballs (we got beef and lamb) were succulent. They were about as well seasoned and perfectly cooked as could be. And in regard to prices, I think some menu items are more reasonably priced in relation to their portion size. The black spaghetti at $19 and the tagliatelle at $16 were decently portioned. They also have a nice selection of specialty cocktails, some of which I've not seen anywhere else. Overall, I think Moto is worth another visit, but I'm hoping they make some tweaks. The wine menu needs more details for those of us who are wine snobs and know exactly what we're looking for. I would also like to see the addition of some Rioja to the wine list, which I think is currently producing some of the best wines coming from Europe. I think making the portions of some dishes slightly more generous would go a long way to improving customer satisfaction.
(3)
Nick B.
Went on a Monday night, got in with no wait. Great atmosphere and cool, trendy interior. Calamari was greasy as well as the Brussel sprouts. Black spaghetti was great and flavorful. However none of the dishes came close to Italian at Rolf and Daughters.
(3)
Matt G.
Absolutely incredible spot. Every dish I've had.. Every server I've had (especially Matt w/ the beard) has been personable, knowledgable, and funny. Good prices and AMAZING cuisine. One of my new FAVORITE spots in all of Nashville. Must do! And try the black spaghetti!!
(5)
Dean B.
Was not that impressed with the quality of food at Moto. For a company that executes amazing restaurants, I feel they have missed the mark on an italian concept. What I tried: Quattro Formaggi Pizza - Extremely heavy handed on the cheese, slightly burnt crust, description claimed it was to have pancetta - I found no pancetta unless you count that one crumb less than a bacon bit in size. Pizza which should cook the fastest was delivered to the table about 7 minutes after the other plates. Black Spaghetti - OK flavor, Lobster was rather mutilated and not very elegant in presentation, chef apparently intended it to be this way so it sticks to the pasta. Chicken Piccata - Dark meat chicken (thigh) was a turn off for me. Came out cold so sent it back. Of course, the M Street staff are great and management took care of us, however this menu and restaurant needs some rework in my opinion. Will wait a while before returning but will return to give it another try.
(2)
Rich A.
Cool, trendy place, but the food is eh. Had cheese and meat plate to start and the burrata was the absolute worst I have ever had. They said it was house made, clearly they don't know how to make burrata. It was dry and almost not edible. Had the black spaghetti as an entree and it was way too oily. Not bad, but oily. Dessert I had their version of tiramisu and it was BAD. Like spoiled bad; tasted like spoiled milk. The waitress got a fresh one and tried it herself and agreed. They pulled it from the menu for the rest of the night. Got me a new dessert but still charged me??? I am not a complainer, but Nashville should stick to BBQ and not try Italian.
(2)
A A.
we had excellent service from our waiter, robert. he made great recommendations. i ordered the cobia (fish) and it was fantastic--im still thinking about a few days later. it was on a bed of lentils in a delicious vinegrette. my husband ordered the prime kobe filet and while the texture was amazing, it was very bland. not sure there was even salt and pepper on it but it was a good quality piece of meat. oh and we had started the meal off with a meat and cheese tray that came with some grilled bread and a peach compote. that, with a glass of white wine was wonderful. even though this place is labeled as "italian", we never even ordered pasta, which is what most people think of when they think of italian. maybe next time we will, but i would definitely recommend this place!
(5)
Michele R.
Absolutely fabulous. We ordered a pizza for an appetizer and it was perfectly baked. The Blueberry lasagna is delicious but even more amazing is the brussel sprouts. I don't even like brussel sprouts but loved these. They have a crispy sweetness to them that is difficult to explain. You just need to try them!
(5)
Claire C.
Finally got to eat here...I was worried that the portion size was going to be small, but I thought for the price, the portions were just fine. My boyfriend and I had the quattro formaggi and pancetta pizza as an appetizer and the black pasta and blueberry lasagna for entrees- both really good. Not the best Italian I've ever had (I like more traditional Italian) but the atmosphere is amazing and for a semi-reasonable price, you get some very interesting and different tasting dishes...I will be back for sure!
(4)
Erin R.
I am reluctant to give any restaurant 5 stars but was totally wowed by the food here. We tried this restaurant for the first time a few weeks ago. We went early on a Sunday evening and the restaurant was maybe 1/4 full. The restaurant itself is a beautiful modern space - both warm and industrial feeling. But, enough with aesthetics, let's get to the real reason you want to come here: the food! The focaccia bread they bring to the table is amazing. To take the bread to another level, I would recommend ordering a side of the black truffle butter to go with it. This compliments the bread beautifully. I started with the Baby Lettuces salad - it was great. The balsamic they used for the dressing was divine and the salad itself was a very large portion. Next up, I had the black pepper tagliatelle and added a pork meatball to the dish just for good measure. The marinara sauce they used in this dish had a little kick to it, must have been the pepper? But the sauce and the dish itself was delicious and very hearty. I was almost sorry I had ordered the meatball too because it was a lot of food but that's what the to go box is for. We were so full, we could not even contemplate dessert. If you want authentic Italian cuisine that does not resemble the type of food you would get at a chain Italian restaurant, then Moto is your place. Best Italian in Nashville!
(5)
Patsy B.
The meal was very good. Had black pasta with seafood, gnocchi, and pizza. Creative, served at perfect temperature, service ruined an otherwise perfect meal. No matter the question about a dish or more water to waiter it was AWESOME. And 33rd time you hear that word to describe something, you realize it is a catch word rather than the truth. I was amazed an M Street restaurant doesn't train their staff on what to say about the food and how to answer a guest's question more descriptively. In other words anytime now my guests and I hear the word we laugh! It is a word we use to mean exaggeration.
(3)
Sammy L.
My evening at Moto was one I will never forget. The food, wait staff, drinks and restaurant ambiance was impeccable. Asha, our waitress, made us feel welcome and offered her expertise on this delicious new menu. Anyone who comes here MUST try the blueberry lasagna. Overall, Moto made my Nashville experience wonderful and I am so glad to have stumbled upon this new gem of a restaurant.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Natalie G.
Inconsistent. The service tried, but the kitchen was holding up. We came here with a party of 17 (split between two tables), and food was average. We tried everything, and nothing was exciting. 4 people ordered the Black Spaghetti, and each person appeared to have a different version of it. Some with sauce and some without. This definitely as good look and ambiance, but food was a definitely let down.
(2)Hannah L.
This place is amazingly consistent! The food and the service, I drove three and a half hours just to get their 30 day dry aged steak and it tasted just like it did the first time I had it. I highly recommend this place if you want the perfect meal and an atmosphere to match.
(5)Bethany B.
Impeccable service, impeccable cuisine!! Delicious!! The server was professional and an authority on the menu. He made excellent recommendations! We started with the pork cheek terrine, which blew us away. Balanced flavors that fire all over the palate! We also had the calamari which was also cooked to perfection. For entrees, we had the Prawns & Risotto, Wagu Ragu, and Garganelli. All three were impressive! Again, well balanced flavors, perfect sized portions, and beautiful presentation. For the level of service and culinary aptitude, the menu is priced exceptionally well. Moto is a "have to try" destination!!
(5)Kera G.
I really like Moto!! Very interesting menu! Great place for groups. I went to dinner with work colleagues. The restaurant has a cool vibe and was pleasantly busy! We were served by Jason and Jordan! Both full of energy, very excited about the menu and delivered great customer service!!! Jason volunteered to order a few appetizers on our behalf but promised not to over order so that we could enjoy more wonderful food!!! He did a great job! We had the calamari with an anchovy mayo, grilled octopus, deep fried oysters, artichoke hearts and Wagyu beef meatballs . . . I know it sounds like a lot, but they were small plates and a lot of us at the table so the amount ordered was perfect!! For dinner I had the black spaghetti with lobster and calabrian chilies. It was really good with a "kick." Pasta was cooked perfectly. I highly recommend this restaurant!!! Thank you for a great evening.
(4)Kylie H.
Maybe we just got unlucky..... We had a late reservation and were seated right underneath the sports TV in the back room. Disappointed by that, didn't get to enjoy the atmosphere. We ordered a bottle of wine at the same time as two appetizers. We got both appetizers before we even got waters. After more waiting and reminding, we finally got our $50 bottle of wine. Not impressed by that service. I ordered the spicy sausage pasta and my husband ordered a pizza. We were going to split both. My pasta was served about 20 minutes before my husband received his pizza. Not only that, the person delivering my plate did not clear any dirty dishes. By the time his pizza came, my pasta was getting cold. The server didn't apologize until it came time for the final check & tip (surprise, surprise). I can't remember the last time I had such bad service. HOWEVER, the honey sausage pizza is to die for. I may try Moto again just for that pizza.
(2)Pam H.
Top-notch service and great food... you can't ask for more than that! Came in on a Friday evening- actually, we had put our name down at a place across the street and after being told we would have an hour and a half wait, decided to wander around and see what our other options were. Checked out the menu at Moto Cucina, and decided maybe we would get a drink and a snack. This place is really deceiving- we walked in to a packed dining room and front bar area, and the hostess told us there was another bar in the back of the building, and we could order food there as well. When we entered the back bar, it was like another world. It was quiet, empty, perfect to sit with the girls and have conversation while enjoying cocktails. Thanks to the sweet hostess for the tip! We were warmly greeted by Dominic at the bar, who guided us through the cocktail and food menus. We decided to just get a couple dishes and share. since we had plans after dinner that involved lots of alchohol. We shared the Wagyu Beef meatball and the cheese platter. The burrata and proscuitto on the cheese plate were favorites. Since it was such a comfortable atmosphere and Dominic was taking such good care of us, we decided to continue our food and drinks at the bar. We ordered the sausage, onion, honey, fontina pizza (so good!), and the gnocchi with green apple. For some reason, we also decided we needed the olive oil tasting, which came with a mountain of foccacia and three different house-infused olive oils. Maybe all this was overkill for 4 people trying not to overeat, but it was well worth it! The gnocchi was the stand-out dish of the night. The soft, salty potato pasta with the crunchy apple was the most perfect combination. Every time I said I was done I had to have another bite. The pizza was great as well, but the gnocchi will definitely bring us back! The back bar area looks like a garden, with grass up the walls and mirrors that resemble windows. It was a very different vibe from the front area. There were a few larger parties that came in while we were dining at the bar, but it was still a more quiet, relaxed space, especially compared to the hustle and bustle up front. This is definitely a hidden gem, and I can't wait to come back!
(4)Missy R.
Server was great Jordan Filet was great med rare with black truffle butter only Sprouts were wonderful My husband had the king salmon that has a skin that was lightly crusted. It was excellent Lobster ravioli started the night and a chocolate cake with coconut sorbet ended it. We loved it all and the people watching was good.
(5)Tran N.
Service and ambience are top notch. Trendy Italian resto. Moto is located in the very hip and coming Gulch area. We did the pick meat and cheese appetizer; a delicious must. The focaccia was a little too salty...onto our pasta. We got the spinach fettuccine and black pepper tagliatelle. The flavors were great and all there, but both homemade pastas were just too soft. It felt like eating a plate of mush. Would not recommend pasta.
(3)Lisa B.
After 2 visits, I do not have one negative thing to say about Moto! Both times we were seated in the front of the restaurant, in a corner booth on the window. I recommend trying for a table in that area if you want something a little more private/quiet! The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful, and during our second trip they somehow "remembered" us from our first visit months earlier - commenting on the date we were last there and seating us at the same booth. I couldn't quite decide if it was creepy or impressive. We're obviously in some kind of database, no one has that good of a memory of a one time guest! The food was fabulous both times! I had the blueberry lasagna the first time because I was just too curious not to. Don't let the name fool you, it's a mushroom lasagna with a blueberry balsamic drizzled on. Delicious, but incredibly rich. But I wouldn't have been able to finish it anyway since I stuffed my face with Wagyu beef meatballs as a appetizer. (Same beef as Kayne Prime. Just as delicious.) Also proven to be delicious: the prosciutto crostino, black pepper tagliatelle, chocolate mousse cake. The food is so rich that I could never be a regular, but it's perfect for an occasional indulgent night. Prepare to leave there fat & happy and maybe wear something with a stretchy waistband.
(5)Lauren L.
When I tried the housemade burrata with butternut squash at Taste of Nashville, I knew immediately I was going to love this place. Cocktails- Not thrilled. Go with wine Appetizers- house made burrata! proscuitto crostini. sweetbreads. Mains- Black spaghetti with lobster. Its slightly spicy and delicious. My favorite, though, is the Orecchiette carbanara with a soft egg and corn. HOLY HELL it was delicious. My favorite dish here, and my favorite Italian dish ever. Dessert- get the tiramisu. Just do it. Perfect balance of textures and flavors. Sweet with a little salt. Soft with a little crunch. Excellent. Atmosphere- romantic and upscale. Get a reservation. - @gluttoneats -
(5)Ellen K.
Came in for a weekend, and this was the one fancy dining out we did. Great vibe and great wine selection. I was pretty underwhelmed by the Carbonara I got with the soft egg - wouldn't recommend. The guanciale pork which was allegedly in the dish was no where to be found. Tasted like a basic macaroni and cheese with corn thrown in. Unfortunately the Margherita pizza was nothing to write home about either. But I tried my friend's Black Spaghetti which was delicious! Also the Brussel Sprouts are MUST - especially great for sharing as they are a big portion.
(3)Gabrielle A.
Great restaurant! Awesome atmosphere incredible food! Cheese plate is a must. Their beet salad is so good, I had the sweet potatoe ravioli.... Sooo delicious!!! Their pastas are light and fresh and Full of flavor! Coming from an italian girl our standards are high for pasta! This place is almost as good and grandmas kitchen! maybe better for ravioli but don't tell her that! If you haven't been, you need to go! It's right in the gulch across from whiskey kitchen and adeles (2 other great nashville gems) I love this place, make a reservation, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Aubrey W.
Moto, with its proximity to the other M Street restaurants, offers valet parking, which is a blessing in the ever-hip Gulch. We handed off the keys and were escorted to a table with an adorable wooden "Reserved" sign, feeling quite VIP. The decor is modern, and the menu has a ton of options. I started with a glass of prosecco, the house-made foccaccia bread, and a shared appetizer of their housemade burrata. The cheese was so excellent! Everything was delicious. I also thought the croutons in the burrata/tomato mix were awesome, and I usually hate croutons. For my main course, I chose the Garganelli, a delicious pasta with a spicy tomato cream sauce and fennel sausage. It definitely had a kick! The pasta was perfectly chewy and fresh, and the sausage was a great complement. I ate every last noodle. I also sampled Lindsey's gluten-free pasta and a delish meatball. We also had a side of brussels sprouts (not pictured) that were actually really good. I mean, I hate veggies, but I could definitely eat those without protest! If only Moto knew what a huge compliment that is from me. We were so stuffed that even though we wanted dessert, we could not physically eat another bite. I would definitely come back to Moto for some more delicious bites.
(5)Jennifer E.
My husband and I dined here to celebrate our fifth anniversary. We wanted a nice Italian restaurant since we will be traveling to Italy in November! There are times that I feel intimidated by trendy, "hipster," restaurants in The Gulch. I am a stay-at-home mom of two girls...I am used to slow cooker meals and yoga pants! However, Moto was awesome. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. Charlie and Mitch were excellent for our dining experience. We were given ample time to peruse the wine list. Any other place, I feel rushed to order my food, but Charlie allowed us to take our time and he did a wonderful job describing the dishes. We ordered: Duck Fat Olives Housemade Burrata Gnocchi Black Spaghetti Brussels Sprouts And a bottle of Antinoro Guado al Tasso (Vermentino) Tuscany 2011. Everything went together very well. There were flavors that were noticed across multiple dishes. And I appreciate their use of local meats and dairy. For after-dinner drinks, my husband had the Banfi (Grappa), and I had a Nardini (Amaro). Our dessert was the Tira Cotta. Delicious! Moto definitely got us ready for our trip to Italy. It further increased our appreciation of Italian-style cooking. I can't wait to come back!
(5)Mike S.
Winner in every way, even if with a small group: order family style to get an array of flavors. Our young server knew his stuff, even the backup help were enthusiastic about the offerings. Wow to the Caesar, not a run of the mill copy cat salad here. Black pasta will bring me back.
(5)Seth B.
Before I write this review I would like to say that I did not have a 5 star meal at Moto, but the venue and service were so wonderful that ultimately, I had a 5 star experience THE SCENARIO: Valentine's day dinner with my girlfriend (so the pressure was on). THE VENUE: Moto is absolutely gorgeous. When I walked in it reminded me of the AFTER results of television shows like Restaurant Impossible or Bar Rescue. It's wonderfully modern, upscale and unique. If you take a look at their website, you can see a shot of the restaurant: mstreetnashville.com/res… If you look at that picture, my girlfriend and I sat in the booth right in between the O and the T. It was lovely. One aspect I loved about Moto is they go the extra mile with little things whether it be decorations or unique style of service. For example, they have these fantastically large wine glasses (which of course are used to sell wine at a massive mark up, but that's besides the point). So, whenever you order wine they bring it in these small, mini glasses which they then pour in your wine glass and leave the leftovers for you in the mini glass. At first, it seemed unnecessary, but later I realized what a nice, classy touch it was. As for decorations they had this incredible wine cellar among the tables that was not only gargantuan, but there's a beautiful chandelier in the middle of it. I also liked that they had multiple options for water like tap and sparkling and even though I merely ordered tap they served it out of a fancy bottle which remained atop a neatly folded napkin. SERVICE: The service at Moto was perhaps the best I've ever experienced. Beyond my above mentioning of little things they do well, we had an absolutely fantastic waiter. He was incredibly knowledgeable, poised, personable and honestly, something of a culinary mastermind. FOOD: For our first course we had a cheese and meat plate. Now, this isn't something you'll find on their website menu, but they offer it on a separate, smaller menu. Basically, you can choose 3, 4 or 5 different meats and cheeses. They make several of the cheeses at the restaurant itself. For this one, our waiter chose two meats and cheeses for us. I wish I could remember all of them, but the highlights were a cut of wild boar and a homemade mozzarella cheese. For the entrees my girlfriend ordered the Black Pepper Tagliatelle which came with bolognese sauce and ricotta cheese. My girlfriend wasn't a huge fan of this and gave it three stars. I ordered the Black Spaghetti which was made with lobster and calabrian chilies. This was a very unique and interesting dish. For those who are unaware, black spaghetti is infused with squid ink, but the ink is tasteless. The texture is basically identical to regular spaghetti and the taste is exactly the same. The sauce it was cooked in was exquisite, but I honestly don't think I'd eat this again. TIPS: This place is apparently VERY upscale. Not so much in price, but I was surprised by how dressed up everyone was. Everyone was definitely dressed to impress and I felt under dressed in my jeans and black jacket (which is something I often wear to work which is a business casual setting). I saw a lot of dudes in suits, blazers, button downs with ties and women wearing heels and dresses. So, keep that in mind if you're coming here. There is FREE valet. This made life SO much easier because it was FREEZING and parking is a bitch around there. Make a reservation. EXTRA: When the meal was over the waiter presented my girlfriend a red rose and a small box of chocolates on the house (which is something they had been doing for all the ladies). This was just another example of Moto's over the top customer service and if my girlfriends happy, I'm happy. OVERALL: I honestly wasn't crazy about the food at Moto, but the service and the experience were second to none. I would definitely come back and after we finished our meal, we enjoyed a drink at their beautiful bar.
(5)Van T.
Our go to when we are in the mood for elevated italian. Everything on the menu is pretty tasty although my faves are the octopus app, oysters, bolegnese with the wagyu meatballs, blueberry lasagna, picatta and whatever is on their specials menu. Portions are just enough. Fresh house made pasta is a must and they definitely do it right here. Wine list has a wide selection and good for various price points and service is also usually good.
(4)Sheena T.
Almost a perfect experience. So close. BF and I had an impromptu date night, and I have been wanting to try Moto for a long time! We came in a bit late and were able to snag a nice booth at the front of the restaurant. I absolutely love the ambiance. It's modern and romantic, and they have a gigantic bar that is lovely. We ordered a bottle of wine, and I was pleased to see that they offer a variety of options to choose from with different price points. We got a delicious bottle of pinot for $36.00! Excellent. For entrees we got an order of wagyu beef meatball, and the prosciutto crostino with ricotta, thyme, honey. The crostino was amazing but the wagyu beef was a tad bit overcooked. Just a tiny bit. Entrees were the blueberry lasagna and the black spaghetti. MMM. Both were outstanding. The blueberry lasagna is a must try if you like mushrooms, it's not sweet, definitely savory and rich. It was unlike anything I've had before and I loved it! I'd highly recommend the black spaghetti as well, it had lobster in the sauce and was out of this world!! Since it was date night, we decided to go for dessert and ordered the buttermilk gelato and the white peach mint sorbet. YUM. For only $3 a scoop, it was the perfect end to the meal. I am a big fan of Moto and will be back again to hopefully up my review to 5 stars!
(4)Paul D.
My fiancé and I went to Moto on a blind first date over a year ago and returned last night to celebrate one last time before our wedding next weekend. Managers Matt Hosman and Tristan Snyder too incredible care of us.. as did our server, DeLorean. We shared the calamari, black spaghetti and the duroc porchetta- all was super tasty and made for really fun, memorable dinner. The staff worked as a team and took great care of us.. made sure it was a very special evening. THANK YOU!!!!
(5)Morgan O.
I love the review I'm about to write!! After my initial unfavorable experience at Moto, Antonio the manager messaged me here on yelp, invited me back, and assured me that this time would be different. No longer a fresh face here on M Street and long ago rid of its growing pains... This restaurant is officially my new "go to." They DO NOT charge per glass of ice tea. My first time here, apparently, was simply the victim of an inexperienced waitress. I ordered the chicken piccata (amazing) and my husband ordered Wagyu Filet (and I stole a bite). My husband, quite the connoisseur of steak here in the gulch- having eaten at Watermark, Adeles and Sambucca- has declared this steak: "Best in the Gulch!" He asked that I quote him in this review, so here goes "It's my 'perfect' but 'perfect' is relative. To be more descriptive it's cooked true to order, excellent flavor, very tender and much better than your average filet." I am so very glad I gave them a second chance. Even having the manager personally reach out to us in effort to right a wrong speaks volumes about this restaurant's quality and customer care. This is a "must try" for all gulch residents and all who visit. am
(5)Rena H.
Went there for dinner with my Company. Maybe we were a big group that is why the food was not great. My old fashion drink was weak, we got several entrées that were not memorable. We had brussels sprouts and it was burnt to a crisp.
(2)Paige F.
This place is great. The inside of this restaurant is beautiful. I have been here once for dinner and once just for drinks at the bar. Both times, the service was great. The staff is very friendly from the hosts to the bartenders to the servers. The Sangria and Bellini are delicious. I came here with friends, and everyone enjoyed their meals. I had the gnocchi, and it was outstanding.
(4)brice b.
Nice atmosphere and very good service. The menu is very impressive and creates the anticipation of an authentic Italian meal but unfortunately that where it stops. This place is about the same as most places in middle America trying to pretend to be something they are not. The food at Moto is incredibly salty and every dish I had was covered in garlic to a point you could not even identify the food you were supposed to be enjoying. It's a sad but true realism that few Italian cooks outside of large cities in the US have the skills and courage to just cook good food with simple ingredients. Great Italian food is so pure to the ingredients and simplicity of the dish and unfortunately most restauranteurs completely miss the mark with bad renditions of simple foods. I really wish more people would travel outside the U.S. because they would likely learn that food can be amazing and not just filling.
(2)Brien W.
Had a great meal on fathers day, third time dining here and it just keeps getting better. Had a few great appetizers, pizza, and 2 meatballs (pork and waygu) both delicious. Split 3 entrees among 4, waygu steak, veal chop and gnocci. with sides of Brussels sprouts and white cannelloni beans. They were able to portion it out in the kitchen so very civilized. Reminds me of a new age Palm w better food.
(5)Mandy C.
I'm lovin it! Having just returned from Florence, I was craving some authentic Italian cuisine and had wanted to check this place out for awhile. It was a great choice and I'd like to return at a point when my budget will allow (don't get me wrong- the value is on point here). 1. Professional and great service 2. Blueberry lasagna has intricate flavors. The mushrooms are amazing! I would suggest having a bite of someone's. 3. Black spaghetti w/ lobster and peppers was out of this world! Be prepared for spice! And I'm for real, this dish shook it. This is what I would order as an entree next time. 4. Nice wine selection (they even have a limoncello martini). 5. Prosciutto crostino I loved every bit of it! Their menu is wonderful. The cuisine really brought me back to Italian cooking with the freshest of ingredients. Grazie!
(5)Nicki R.
This has become one of my favorite restaurants in town! The atmosphere is hip but warm and the service has always been top notch. We have been with large groups, with our children and for date nights and I can honestly say that Moto is great for all three! They have a spectacular wine list and their menu is fantastic! My favorite dishes include: The prosciutto crostino The Wagyu Beef & buffalo mozzarella meatball (with spaghetti) The Black Peppar Tagliatelle The Wagyu Filet Tiramisu
(5)Evan W.
(5)l k.
The in-laws took us out for a belated birthday dinner and it was great...can't wait to go back and sample some more of their menu. We had the wagyu beef meatballs to start--totally delish. Based on all the positive Yelp reviews/the waiter's recommendation I had to try the blueberry lasagna and it was pretty good/interesting. The brussels sprouts were really good. Someone in our party ordered the wagyu steak and we all agreed it was the absolute best steak we'd ever had--perfection. A solid experience from start to finish -- we'll be back.
(5)Tina H.
Excellent meal and service!! We had carpaccio, roasted lamb, and prawns, as well as the chocolate mousse cake. All of our food and wine was amazing! Our server also gave us great tips on where else to go off the beaten path of Broadway. I will definitely be back when I am in town next.
(5)Alicia M.
Wow....amazing. Pros: Wagyu 6 Oz - if you've never tried this before and you love steak....try it. It's amazing. Roasted potatoes - some sort of cheese and truffle oil...delicious! Brussel sprouts - so good...insane. Riesling by the glass - perfect with my meal. I can't drink red wines. New peach sorbet, meringue, peach cream dessert - ridiculously good!!! Server: Travis - the BEST! Knowledgeable about the menu but also smart enough to confirm. I have a lot of allergies so I appreciated this! Cons: I just ate too much....my fault not theirs!
(5)Ashley W.
By far the best restaurant I ate at while visiting Nashville. From the time I walked in, the friendly staff was very accommodating. But the food...I'm still dreaming about it. Let's start with the focaccia bread. I don't think I could get it in my mouth fast enough. It was the right bit of salty and savory. We ordered the calamari and Waygu Beef meatball to start. I had never eaten Waygu beef before but I never want to not eat it again. Just phenomenal. I ordered the gnocchi and it was quite honestly the best I ever had. One of the girls I was with originally ordered the manicotti but our waitress told us it would take longer than expected. So she ordered something else. Well when the manicotti was finished, Chef Luke himself brought it out and apologized. We were blown away! Overall, it was an amazing experience and we left in a food coma. Loved everything from the atmosphere, to the wait staff, to Chef Luke, and to, of course, the incredible food. Go here, now!
(5)Chris L.
Wtf Only the bread was good! 4 cheese pizza smelled like feet. Black spaghetti smelled like vomit. I kid you not!
(2)Melissa B.
We had reservations on a Saturday night and we were seated immediately. The servers were phenomenal! They know the menu inside and out and are great at helping you make decisions based on what you like. Our glasses never went below 3/4 full and they paced our meal out perfectly! They were completely on point! The food was equally as good! The garganelli and blueberry lasagna are delicious and the polenta fries are out of this world. It was such a great experience! We will definitely be back.
(5)Megan K.
Elaborate menu, great for the adventurous foodie. A little pricey, considering it's pasta... I had the black pepper tagliatelle, which was really good. Very trendy vibe, but decent service. I enjoyed it, but am not racing to go back.
(3)Bridget H.
What I liked: 1. Gnocchi with apple was very light, unexpected and delicious! I would return for this disk. 2. Open bar seating for walk-ins made it possible to eat dinner during prime time and a sold out restaurant 3. The bartender was very attentive and provided great service, made us feel like valued guest What I didn't like: 1. Overly trendy vibe, definitely a see and be seen crowd 2. The pork meatball wasn't my favorite - a little too greasy and lacked flavor 3. Asparagus with egg- usually one of my favorites, but the asparagus was a little too soggy for my taste Overall Verdict: Worth trying, but not high on my list as a local, feels like it's trying a little too hard and not the best, authentic Italian. I would say it's a good option for grabbing a quick bite at the bar with a glass of wine after work- try the gnocchi! If you're looking for amazing pasta, would say to try Rolf and Daughters
(4)Margaret F.
Reservations really are recommended - my friend and I visited on a Tuesday night without a reservation, and had to eat at the bar (which wasn't really a hardship, just a bit noisy and space constrained). There is a good variety of wines by the glass. It was too dark for me to read the wine list, but a huge chalkboard above the bar helped me make a selection! My friend ordered the black spaghetti; I had the spinach fettuccine. We split an order of brussels sprouts. We were served some spongy white bread while our dinner was prepared. My friend reported that the black spaghetti was delicious - particularly after she tipped her plate to drain off a full quarter cup of oil(!). The fettuccine was also very tasty, if a little "melted" texture-wise. The brussels sprouts were very salty. Service was friendly, and since we were sitting at the bar, all we had to do was flag down the bartender if we needed something. I felt the prices were reasonable. The dinner described above, plus 3 glasses of wine, came to a total of $55. The non-pasta entrees were priced higher, but looked very good. I will go back to Moto, but next time I'll make a reservation...I think that, armed with this first-time experience (and reading other reviews), I can turn this into a 4- or 5-star experience.
(3)Lisette M.
Visiting for work and came to try the black spaghetti, amazing, order it, trust me it was delicious. I will be back next time in in town.
(5)Jamee C.
It has a great atmosphere and is conveniently located between St. Anejo and Virago, so it's a convenient location to meet up with people. I greatly enjoy their limoncellos and orangecellos and their wine selection is not bad either. The food is good enough to be pleasant and uplifting, but candidly, if one of my chef friends from out of town came in, this is not where I'd take them for food. However, location, atmosphere, price and taste altogether, it's an enjoyable establishment
(4)Laura M.
Best meal the whole time I was in Nashville! Everyone in my party of 12 was amazing by how delicious everything was. Our server was also amazing and did a wonderful job describing the menu since we were all first timers and led us in the right direction when it came to choosing bottles of wine as well as entrees, sides, and of course desserts! I can't wait to go back!
(5)Elaine S.
We came here to celebrate a friends bachelorette party. There were 19 of us which is an absurdly large group to accommodate, but they did a great job. We were seated near the back of the restaurant at two of the farm tables. We began our meal with the fried oysters that were really good. Not slimy at all, but not fried to the point where all of the oysters flavor was lost. While we did have to wait for a significant amount of time, the kitchen sent out meatballs and more oysters to keep us content until our food came. As many of the other reviews said, the black spaghetti with lobster was amazing! A touch of heat and very flavorful. The portion size was definitely enough to keep you full all night. I split this, and the lamb meatball, with a friend. The meatball was so good! Almost the size of my fist, it was moist and slightly spicy. Another friend had the blueberry lasagna, which I tried and I liked that as well although it was not mind-blowing. As for the service, that was excellent as well. Constantly being checked on, he was helpful without hovering. We even had a conversation in Spanish about his worldly travels and how passionate he is about the food at Moto Cucina. Great spot for a date night or special celebration.
(4)Justin L.
Another amazing MStreet restaurant! Every bite delicious. Hand-made pastas with a creative balance. Can't say enough about the blueberry lasagne. Brussel Sprouts wonderful. Waygu meatballs spot on. Chocolate Mousse Cake perfect finisher. When in Nashville you can fill your entire visit with MStreet restaurants and never be happier.
(5)Charles F.
Yum, yum, yum... the Brussel Sprouts are absolutely fantastic. I think I might fly to Nashville again just to have them. The pizzas are incredible. The meatball and pasta was terrific. The wine selection is also quite nice. You're not going to help your waistline any here, but it sure will add up to an enjoyable night. Great food. Great atmosphere. Great place.
(5)Lauren W.
Last night I was invited to a special dinner at Moto Cucina and Enoteca, the newest venture from the folks over at M. Street First off I have to say that their execute chef Andy Hayes is top notch. Hhe trained at one of my all time favorite restaurants, Gramercy Tavern in New York. M. Street snapped up a good one! The inside of Moto is simply beautiful. Everything has clean lines, warm tones and soft lighting. They paid very close attention to every detail, including the inlaid patterns on the bar. They even have a rock bed open fireplace and a glass wine cellar. I sat at a booth and the booth seats were very comfortable, possibly the most comfortable booth I've ever sat in. To start off, the kitchen sent out four appetizers for all of us to sample. The first one out was duck fat olives. These were served warm with whole garlic cloves and orange zest. They were delicious, but anything covered in duck fat is delicious. I loved the temperature of the olives- just barely warm and very nice on the tongue. Next up was the pork cheek terrine with crispy pig ears. When we asked how this was made Chef Andy told us it was made with the whole head of the pig, and not just any pig, but a pig from Porter Road Butcher. It's good to know Moto gets their pigs whole from my favorite local butcher shop. This gets at least +10 awesome points. The terrine was creamy and spread easily on the crustini. I only wish they had more pig ears added for crunch; pig ears are always such a treat. Next up was the deep fried Apalachicola oysters with peperonata and preserved fennel. The topping reminded me of a lightly spiced chow-chow and added a really nice vinegar flavor to the fried oyster. Even someone at my table who said they don't enjoy oysters loved these! The last appetizer was the raw winter salad featuring shaved beets. I'm always skeptical of raw salads considering I've had a fair few that were disappointing, but this dish was simply divine. The vegetables were sliced so thin that they almost melted in your mouth. Add to that simple seasoning and blue cheese and you have yourself a winning raw salad. We were served two different pizzas: The porchetta and kale pesto with mozzarella, and the mushroom and black truffles with fontina. The mushroom pizza had a woodsy flavor that was enhanced by the sweetness of the shaved truffles. My favorite was the kale pesto slice, even though it was a tad bit too oily for me. First up was the gnocchi with crispy salsify and green apple in fonduta. This sauce was rich and paired well with the fresh crisp apple. The gnocchi themselves were light and pillowy and had a bouncy mouth texture. My favorite part was the crispy salsify, something I never tasted prepared in that fashion before. The next pasta was the black spaghetti with lobster and calabrian chilies. The squid ink pasta was thick and al dente with that sea flavor that makes black pasta so enjoyable. The lobster flavor was mild but the chilies added a nice kick. Chef Andy Hayes was nice enough to bring out a plate of their nightly pasta special. The special was a sea urchin and scallop spaghetti in a light lemon cream sauce. This was far and away my favorite pasta dish. The sea urchin on top was so beautiful it brought tears of joy to my eyes and made this my favorite version of urchin that wasn't sushi-style! They brought out the main entree of chicken saltimbocca with sides of brussels sprouts and roasted potatoes. Unfortunately I found the chicken the most un-interesting dish of the evening. Compared to everything else it was just kind of "meh." It was well-cooked, don't get me wrong, but it didn't blow my socks off (mind you I don't normally order chicken at restaurants because on my personal hierarchy of meats, it's on the bottom). The side dishes were so good that they totally overshadowed the chicken. The brussels sprouts were served crispy with panchetta and apple agrodolce. If you dine at Moto you must order the brussels sprouts, YOU MUST. The potatoes were nicely roasted with sun chokes, black truffle and some taleggio cheese. There was just a small amount of cheese, but it was so nice that I wish that they'd smothered the potatoes in it. We had two desserts. Gluttony, Ahoy! First was a Meyer lemon bundino (custard) with pistachio biscotti and a semolina shortbread. The custard was very light and fluffy. The final dessert was the Moto take on chocolate tiramisu. It was made with amaretto gelee, chocolate cake and mascarpone mousse and a cookie crumble. T 'll fully admit that I was spoiled at Moto. We had tons of amazing food, gracious and prompt service and our fill of red wine. I was very impressed with all of the food and how well-executed the event was. ** While I was provided this dinner gratis, all the opinions are honest and my own.**
(5)Christina B.
Swanky place with a nice wine selection. Delicious Margherita pizza - as is expected at such a restaurant.
(5)Summer S.
Really glad to grab a table without reservations. The food here was divine. We had a couple of appetizers (olive oil platter), lamb and risotto dishes. It was WONDERFUL! Must dine! See attached pics
(5)Steve E.
So it's only been open a month. But The M restaurant group is not going to screw it up. I was extremely pleased to get Matt as our server as he had previously waited on us at Kayne Prime and might be the best ever. He made things much easier. I would highly suggest you ask for him. The menu is unique and full of options, from Kayne steaks to pizza to pasta to fish dishes. Our table of four ordered the mushroom pizza to share ( very good) and followed with entrees of cobia with Meyer lemon, blueberry lasagna, black spaghetti with lobster and Calabrian chiles, and the scallops. I tasted the scallops (perfect), and had the black spaghetti (good). The cobia and lasagna got taken out, and complimented by those enjoying. Dessert was a lemon bundino (excellent) and a hazelnut- caramel bar ( I have forgotten the proper name) and it was awesome. My feeling--it is very good, and has the potential to climb to fantastic. Pacing of our meal was good, service phenomenal and the complaints about portions I find to be a joke. It is properly portioned and fairly priced. If you want an endless pasta experience have fun at Olive Garden. We will be back and order differently just because they have a lot to offer.
(4)Carey James B.
I ate there on a Sat Night 8:45pm and we had a really great bottle of Italian red wine with the chefs choice of a cheese plate, it was EXCELLENT and as you see from my reviews I can be kind of brutal. The service was great and the food was great too. Ive seen some of the other reviews and I think they just needed time to get it together, our service and experience was great! we did not make it past the appetizers because we tried a little of everything and were full before we could even get to a signature Italian dish ... The quality of the Italian things I did have were stellar. I did not try the main courses or the pizzas because i was full, I will come back and give them a shot.
(5)David S.
Food OK, but didn't live up to hype. Wine very overpriced. Service terrible. Not going back anytime soon
(1)Ali S.
I simply give this place the 5 stars for there Wagyu Filet. It's the most tender filet I have ever had. It just about melts in your mouth. Overall the restaurant is trendy and cozy. I highly recommend it to any steak lover in Nashville.
(5)Carolyn M.
Lovely add to the crowded M Street crop of Gulch restaurants. I generally avoid the Gulch in all its stiletto and hair gel glory, but we had an amazing meal here without the pretentiousness of some of the other hot spots in the area. Great wine list, only Moretti on tap (so true to theme). I had amazing scallops and the olive oil flight is worth a go. The bar area is spacious and welcoming, and the back section of the dining room has a beautiful fireplace.
(5)Peggy O.
Each course was a 5 star- drinks - appetizers-lamb meatball- "now that IS a meatball"! Had read about the black spaghetti and it was truly delish- a nice portion but not so huge where you leave feeling as if you will explode. Excellent service- attentive but not obnoxious. Will return
(5)Christa P.
We went as a party of 8 for my husbands birthday last Saturday. Overall we had a good experience, food was pretty good, service was great and atmosphere is just as expected and in line with the others of M-Street = awesome. We started the meal with the octopus and wagyu meatball. We were really happy with the octopus - it was olive oil poached, served with borlotti beans, pancetta, salsa verde. We really liked the flavor, although another couple at the table got the same dish and said it was a little salty. We did not find this to be so. The wagyu meatball, was not as juicy or hot as we expected. It was served barely warm, with buffalo mozzarella, red sauce and bread. The cheese & sauce were great, but I expected more from the meatball. I love wagyu as it gives a lot of flavor (I ordered it later as my main). We were also able to try a few appetizers froom the other couples. Duck fat olives were great (pieces of garlic and you could really taste the duck fat), vegan pizza (served with different mushrooms, fresh herbs and nice tomato paste/sauce that was really great) and then a Peach & Prosciutto pizza with burrata and truffle honey. I personally really liked that pizza - although the person who ordered it wasnt too happy as it had a lot of carmalzied onions on it (Yum!) but the description didnt mention it and she wasnt a huge onion fan. For our mains, I ordered the Wagyu filet and my husband the 24 oz Bone In Dry Aged Ribeye. Both of our steaks were cooked to a perfect rare (as requested). My wagyu was seasoned perfectly and was absolutely melt in your mouth. My husband was not happy with his ribeye though. It didnt have any seasoning on it (like literally no salt or pepper) and was extremely thin (1"). He has had the Kayne Prime Bone in Ribeye which was around 1 1/2-2" thick, so he was quite disappointed in the flavor. For a side we ordered the roasted potates, served with sunchokes, black truffle, taleggio. They were super crispy and amazing in flavor. I had the fonduta as a side, which I dipped the potatoes in. It was made from a goat's milk cheese and was really yummy. Overall we had a good experience. The waitress was really great but we had a few menu items we werent happy with. Im sure if my husband was rating this he would give a 3, but Ill give a 4 since my wagyu was really great and so was service.
(4)Victoria F.
Amazing! The side dishs of the cannelini beans and Brussel sprouts were out of this world! Black spaghetti had so much flavor. We also had the scallops that were cooked perfectly and super light! Service was great, really cool relaxed atmosphere as well! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Tiffany W.
Why has no one mentioned the pizza? Had an amazing prosciutto/peach/house-made burrata pizza that compares to City House's creations. MOTO's take on a luxurious shrimp&grits was great too; grilled shrimp over amazing sea urchin polenta with crabmeat, delicious. Best of all, you can add truffle to anything and everything on the menu. Go play, your belly will thank you!
(5)Alison B.
Crazy fun night at moto tonight. Travis chris and Jordan took EXCELLENT care of us. Knowledgeable about the menu and quick to make fabulous recommendations, Travis was a superb server. The food was amazing. Was leary of the blueberry lasagna but glad we ordered it - delicious and different - rich and meaty. Brussel sprouts were awesome, as was the black spaghetti. Five stars FO SHO.
(5)Caroline T.
Outstanding in every way possible! We got lost and were 30 minutes late to our reservation! They were super accommodating. When one girl got up from the table to use the ladies room, our server came over and spent a full minute refolding her napkin for her and placed it on the table. I've never been to a place with that detail of service. The food was out of this world! We got the olive oil flight and the Black Pepper Tagliatelle! I was speechless that's how good it was! Would recommend this place to anyone in a heart beat!
(5)Kira S.
Generally, the M Street restaurant family is not really my vibe. A little too slick and "cool" for my tastes when I go out. But I had heard different things about Moto and was anxious to try it. The space is lovely with big open windows to let the light in. Personally I would prefer to dine in the front bar area, but a bigger group might prefer the darker, more secluded booths in the back. My husband and I were meeting a couple of friends and arrived early to enjoy a cocktail at the bar. I love seeing a classic Negroni on the menu, and it was perfectly balanced, a nice apertif to start the meal. When we were seated, our waiter was attentive but gave us space to decide what we wanted. We started with the octopus and the pork cheek terrine. Both appetizers presented beautifully and tasted fresh. I ordered the spinach fettuccine with braised lamb, olives, and mint. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the combination of the lamb, the saltiness of the olives, and the herbal character of the mint was delicious and unusual. I had bites of my husband's black spaghetti, which was also delightful. I can't wait to return and try some of the entrees as well. He also ordered the polenta fries, and I couldn't stop eating them! We split the Meyer lemon bundino, and it was just okay. I might skip dessert next time in lieu of just an espresso. The focaccia bread that was delivered was incredible, just about perfectly warm, fluffy, and great rosemary flavor.
(4)Megha M.
We didn't really have a good experience at this place . To start with we had to wait about 30 min in spite of a reservation . And then we were seated in a back room next to a very noisy and drunk group of girls . Not the restaurants fault - but they could have seated us someplace else. The menu was extremely limited - with a very dew options to pick from. I got the mushroom pizza - which wasn't anythibg great . My husband and another friend ordered the lamb entree and they weren't impressed either. Another friend ordered their margarita pizza and that was probably tge best thjbg on the table. I`d rather go eat at saint anejo across the street for much less money and wait ! This was disappointing
(2)Daniel S.
Let me start by saying I'm a big Italian food fan, and that I ate way too much at Moto. That being said, I love their modern take on the classics. A new flare is added to all the dishes you know, like blueberry lasagna and Waygu meatballs. But they pull it all off, and with a cleanly designed venue and knowledgable service. I will definitely be back to try a few other items on the menu.
(4)Anita P.
The Atmosphere is fabulous! If you want to be seen hit up the bar, it kind of dark, but very lively. With the exception of the front booths, the dining room is dark, suitable for a romantic evening out. The food was excellent! Had the fried oysters, the presentation was like a work of art . Also had the lamb meatball, it was just a big meatball sitting in a tomato and herb sauce, with a crostini on the side. Wasn't too impressed with the BIG Meatball. The server brought it and then cut it up with the spoon and dipped the sauce over it. Didn't look appetizing before or after it was cut. Ordered the Black Spaghetti and the Seared Scallops. The black spaghetti was chewy.. very chewy. I was chewing and chewing and didn't know why. It wasn't that good. It didn't look good, and it was just ok. Nothing to pack up and take home if all you can eat is one bit. The lobster within was small and chewy. The scallops were perfectly seared. The potatoes lacked flavor and seasoning. The focaccia bread that was served pre meal was cut wrong (like a brownie) and didn't look appetizing. The service was spot on. The server was there for our every need. We never touched the bottle of wine, and he happily packed it to go! Great all around place to dine!
(4)J L.
I LOOOOOVE Moto!! I have been there for dinner about 4-5 times in the last few months. Perfect place for a nice dinner with colleagues or friends, not too casual but not super fancy or stuffy. And the food is great. Disagree with a previous review on food selection being small- I think it's the opposite: There are tons of food options, including many appetizers, salads, pizzas, pasta dishes and entrees. I have been going down the pasta menu and still haven't tried all of them. Really Love: Sunburst Trout Crudo Pappardelle with Lamb Black Spaghetti with Lobster Garganelli with Fennel sausage Blueberry Lasagna Chicken Saltimbocca Mediocre: All of the pizzas- very average, I think the margherita is very bland, Quattro formaggi is just loaded with a lot of cheese. The Mushroom pizza is the best option of the pizzas, I think. Desserts: not bad, none stand out in my mind. I think there was an average Terrine or Tiramisu. Don't like the desserts here as much as at Kayne Prime. Decor and ambiance are GREAT- don't agree with other reviews that think it's too trendy-feeling. I think it's very comfortable and enjoyable.
(4)David R.
Great atmosphere with wonderfully creative and flavorful food. Excellent service. Valet parking a plus.
(5)Stacie S.
I recently went back to Moto after a rough visit and was able to thoroughly enjoy a fantastic meal and exceptional service. We received a very warm welcome and were made to feel at home and comfortable. The manager and waiting staff ensured that we had an amazing experience with them, and really went above and beyond. To the point where our waiter helped us get a cab in the snow! I'm definitely looking forward to dining with them again!
(5)Michael M.
Seared Fois Gras and Black Spaghetti. I am not a fan of the black spaghetti as it is kind of bizarre relative to the pasta I am used to eating. I am Italian and have eaten at the best italian restaurants in the world. This is not one of them. It was monday night too. The A Team was likely not on duty tonight. I would go back because the ambience looks like it could be cool.
(3)Marcia M.
What a fabulous Sunday feast I enjoyed here! After the completion of a long (and sometimes grueling) project, I grabbed a couple of my dearest friends and we headed to Moto to celebrate. This was indeed a grand idea. I was instantly smitten with the ambiance and textures of the space. From the exposed brick wall with the clean fonts painted carefully on it to the rich dark wood and opulence of the bar. The open layout was refreshing yet still managed to feel cozy and easy at the same time. Oh, heck yeah. I can totally get used to this.... And, the service? Stellar although there was a bit of a wait and an error with our Brussels Sprouts ($11) that came out with pancetta when we requested that it be nixed. (I'm vegan) They still receive 5 stars from me because they brought out a couple of complimentary desserts and checked in with us throughout the dinner to let us know that the order was taking longer than expected. I'm all good with this because of the effort, communication, and thoughtfulness with the way they addressed it OR could it be because I was enjoying the delightful bottle of Zenato Valpolicella ($44) that we ordered? Either way, no biggie! The Stone Ground Polenta ($9) and Cannelini Beans ($9) were nice additions to our table and were easily shared. One of my friends opted for the Green Plate ($22) which is a beautiful vegetarian entree that features green and local produce and I couldn't help but take a bite - delish! However, it did not hold a candle to what may be my new favorite vegan dish in Nashville: Blueberry Lasagna - $19 You may be scratching your head? Blueberries and lasagna? Yes. Indeed. I have to admit that even I was a bit thrown off when I first noticed it on the menu but I am so thankful that I jumped in with both feet! This entree is savory, comforting, and oozes an elegant flavor of wild mushrooms paired with blueberry balsamic. I didn't miss the presence of cheese at all with this dish. Even if you are not a vegetarian or vegan, I would still highly recommend ordering this to give your taste buds a jolt of tasty goodness. I seriously can't say enough wonderful things about this scrumptious take on lasagna. Need to plan a romantic date? Close a deal during a business dinner? Just need an excuse to enjoy delicious food in a beautiful environment? Head to Moto. You just may run into me while you are there! TIP: This restaurant is a new addition to M Street's fleet of dining/nightlife/venue spots. It is tucked in next to Virago and Saint Anejo and across the street from Whiskey Kitchen. Complimentary valet is conveniently located across the street!
(5)Morgan D.
It was incredible. The server was knowledgable. Everything was fresh and packed with flavor. The resturabt is also comfortable and beautiful.
(5)Machelle N.
Food was great, service was excellent! Very attentive staff. Loved the black spaghetti.
(4)Jenn S.
Incredible meal start to finish. Perfectly executed inspired dishes. Attentive service.
(5)Michelle C.
Being italian, I am picky about my italian restaurants. This place is amazing! So many unique dishes to choose from and they are all so good and flavorful. The focaccia bread comes to the table warm and simply delicious. I have had the black spaghetti with seafood, my husband had the italian sausage/pasta dish and both delish! The bomb might be the blueberry lasagna. It sounded so odd but something we had to try. We have now had it twice....YUM!! We ordered it as an appetizer for a large crowd and everyone was blown away by the taste. The flavors of each dish we so unique. For a side dish, I had the brussel sprouts and OMG!!! Even people that didn't like brussels were blown away. There combined the salt/sweet flavors in this dish perfectly. You must try them! One evening we ordered the cannelloni bean appetizer. That was the only thing we have had that was just OK. I make one as an appetizer with tomatoes and olive oil (and of course tons of garlic) that goes great with bread and we ordered with this in mind. If I didn't have my head thinking it was going to be like my appetizer, I might have been more pleased. It was good but just not what I was thinking it was. Servers were helpful, friendly and funny. Enjoyed our whole evening! Highly recommend!
(5)Arianna S.
My favorite restaurant in Nashville so far. Got the octopus - perfect. The prosciutto crostino - so delicious. The black spaghetti - AMAZING. The caesar - soo good. The wagyu steak - best steak I've ever tried.
(5)scott h.
Finally tried this place out last night. I would highly recommend the Brussels sprouts and the black spaghetti. Ambiance is was great. Cool place, go check it out.
(5)Ellen M.
Unbelievable food!!! Unbelievable service!!! We made our next reservations on the way out it was that great of an experience! Try the black spaghetti, brussel sprouts, and filet.
(5)cathy c.
A fantastic meal tonight - everything was delicious, from the gorgeous cheese and meat board (truffle honey, burrata, grilled bread, prosciutto and then some) to the amped up Caesar salad to gemelli with sausage and chills to the fish and the brussel sprouts. Honestly hard to pick a favorite dish, everything delivered and then some. The service was super courteous, attentive, friendly and helpful. Vibe is very cool (gorgeous space) but warm and welcoming. Great wine list. Can't wait to come back, a lot of things we still want to try (starting with that black spaghetti and the blueberry lasagne!).
(5)M J.
I love this place! The decor is modern and sophisticated in a very cool way. I've dined here twice and was impressed both times. The duck fat olives were just okay but my hubby loved them. The brussel sprouts were crisp and yummy. The Wagyu filet cuts like butter. The most tasty, tender filet ever! The black spaghetti was phenomenal! It was a little slim on the lobster but had the perfect amount of spice. A friend had the risotto with beef shank that was mouth watering. To top things off, the dessert was crazy good. We had the strawberry rhubarb cobbler topped with buttermilk ice cream. The server was friendly and efficient.
(5)Sloane S.
It's difficult for me to give an M Street restaurant 3 stars, but I really just didn't have the exemplary experience so characteristic of these dining establishments. The design of the restaurant is breathtaking. Unique and sexy in a subtle way. The only problem with the layout and materials used is the functionality. The surfaces of the floor enhance sound and make it difficult to carry on a conversation, despite the high backs of the booths. The service was...meh. We had a party of 4, so not unmanageable, and none of us required any special accommodations. It still took 45 minutes to get any bread (house made focaccia...ahhhhhmazing), and they provide 1 piece per person. Usually, that's plenty, but when waiting 2 hours for food, I'd like maybe another piece? During the two hours, he checked on us twice. It would have been difficult to order a second cocktail if we'd wanted one. The waiter was relatively knowledgeable about the menu, but he tended to ramble when it was pretty clear everyone at the table was ready to order. He was very sweet, but ending our experience by forgetting our to-go boxes was not the best of impressions. Now, to the food. The dishes ordered were the Chicken Saltimbocca, the Black Pepper Tagliatelle, the Blueberry Lasagna, and the Cobia. Two of us ordered the Sicilian Sangria. The prices here are typical of an M Street restaurant, but never have I seen portions so small for so much at one of their establishments. That is my primary complaint with Moto. It's hard to determine if the cleared plates were from utter enthrallment with the cuisine or starvation from the wait. I personally had the Cobia, and I tried the Blueberry Lasagna. Oh goodness, that lasagna. Incredible. It sounds adventurous, but trust me, it's a winner. The Cobia was good, but I won't recall it as a standout entree. As for the sangria, it was nothing special- a little watery and lacking the depth of flavor I expected. TL;DR Order the blueberry lasagna. Do it. No good for intense convos or first dates. Too little for too much. Don't be starving when you arrive. If you are, you'll either be slightly hungry when you leave, or broke and full.
(3)Stephen B.
I hate Italian...and I LOVED MOTO! This is going into the rotation with Rolf & Daughters and City House when we want to splurge. I was skeptical at first, but as a belated birthday dinner and early Valentine's Day dinner I took my wife who is a voracious fan of italian food, which I generally stay away from, to MOTO. First, the service. This was their very first Friday night of service, and only third since they opened doors and I was impressed at how well they were running the front and the tables. Chris Hyndman the owner was there and Antonio who spent time at Kayne Prime before coming over to MOTO had it running like a top. The waitstaff was friendly and knowledgeable on all the food items on the menu; we discussed a lot of the options which they patiently went through. They were a little less aware of the wine list - it had a lot of italian which I didn't get a sense that any of them were too familiar with except for Antonio, so if you really want to dig into the wine list (which is excellent) make sure and ask for him to help out. Now the food. Like I said before, I hate italian ... however I love salt, so me and prosciutto are best friends. We ordered two apps: the winter raw vegetables and the prosciutto crostini. Honestly I would come back for the crostini - have two for lunch and call it a day. Absolutely awesome with the spread and generous portion of prosciutto on a perfectly baked piece of bread. The vegetable plate was ok, didn't knock me over - would've been better if the blue cheese had been crumbled and scattered through the plating versus a couple of small square slices so that you get a bit with each bite. You'll get a couple of servings of focaccia with a flight of 3 olive oils - every type was excellent, the focaccia was not greasy at all like what you get at other places. We opted for three main plates, the blueberry lasagna which is Angelo's from Kayne Prime's favorite dish (and he's Sicilian) to share. She got the Black Spaghetti, I got the chicken saltimbocca. Angelo had referred to it as the "vegetable lasagna" so we were a little confused but it did not disappoint. When you go to Moto the for first time - absolutely get this. It's not a big portion but it has a combination of flavors that will knock you over - delicate pasta sheets with mushrooms and blueberries on the top and a mix of blueberry balsamic and a brown sauce, I'm thinking madeira but could be wrong, was just amazing. The Black spaghetti - yes it's squid ink that I'm pretty sure Rolf & Daughters introduced Nashville to - was amazing as well; I really thought she was going to order a second plate of it. You have to love a seafood flavor because the lobster really comes on strong but how they've done the sauce - it's a just great dish. The Chicken Saltimbocca I won't do again, only because there are other items that are worth the investment to try next time. I was impressed to find out they were using vacuum cooking for it so it absolutely was a tender, juicy rolled chicken...but I think that process must really do a number on the prosciutto or pancetta because it just lacked that salt pop I expect. It generally lacked flavor in itself, however, the bed of kale was very salty - for me it was fine but I think the typical pallet would probably find it excessive. So if you get this dish make sure you get a good bite of the chicken and kale and I think it has a decent balance. For dessert we went with a meyer lemon custard like dish - can't recall the name but it was a fantastic finish to the meal. I was disappointed that the formaggi plates that were on the menu aren't available for a few more days - because the selection looked awesome. It would've been nice to close out with a choice of 3 and some port but it gives me one more thing to look forward to next time. Finally, the beverages. We started with a couple of their signature cocktails, she with limoncello martini and me with the south of Manhattan. Both were fantastic and there were lots of other choices that we were interested in trying - look for your liquor and start with that choice; I doubt it will disappoint you. The wine list is diverse but not so many choices that you can't zone in on something quickly. Luckily my wife has more experience in the italian options than me so she picked a Seghesio that was awesome. But anyone who's smart enough to carry Saldo with their Red Zins knows how to put a good wine list together. All in all it was a great experience and to give something 4 stars on it's 3rd day of operation is a feat in itself. Go get your reservation because this will be the next hardest behind Catbird Seat and City House to get for a long time to come.
(4)Angela J.
Having moved from L.A. and being a serious foodie, I was starting to wonder if I'd ever find a place in Nashville that blew me away on every level...and then I went to Moto. The decor is chic, the staff is awesome and the black pepper tagliatelle? OMG. The best pasta I've had outside Italy. Seriously. So good it made me want to weep. I raved about it so much to the waiter, he brought the chef out to meet me. Been back several times and looking forward to going back many more!
(5)Chris G.
This place is fantastic. The atmosphere was great! I had the Wagyu filet and you could cut it with your finger! I normally hate olives, but quite enjoyed the olives prepared in duck fat. My wife had the blueberry lasagna and loved it! We certainly enjoyed our double date and will be back! Awesome place!
(5)Mark H.
Great food! My dining companions and I started out with a touch of many apps, duck fat olive's served hot,- nice and rich, calamari with a smooth anchovy mayo for dipping, meat balls so good I almost cried, and a pizza mushroom and black truffle, fontina. These where all fantastic. Everyone had a little bit of everything (group of 15) I continued with the caesar followed by the braised lamb. The salad was a little on the small side (I like greens) but very well prepared with a nice touch of a soft egg on the side. My lamb was fall-off the bone tender in a wonderful broth. There is a lot of pasta on the menu, and I had the exquisite pleasure of sampling the homemade dishes from my companions. I would eat this meal over and over again. The deserts were excellent too, in fact start here (be different)! Our service was nothing less than perfect the staff is clearly knowledgeable. It was the most indulgent and delicious Italian dinner I have treated myself to in recent memory. Not only will I go back, but I will tell everyone I know what a great dinner experience I had! That, I think is the highest complement you can give a establishment.
(5)Josh S.
This restaurant just cancelled my NYE reservation that we've had for about 2 months because they've decided they'd rather charge a table minimum than honor existing reservations. Classless. I've never eaten there and now never will. I'll also make sure to encourage friends and clients to avoid M Street restaurants while visiting Nashville.
(1)Jordan H.
A great atmosphere here while enjoying some of the best steak I've had in a while(filet). Pasta is fantastic or you have another option of pizza, which is wood fired. Just as good as the other three restaurants surrounding it, that are also very popular.
(4)Melissa L.
One of the best dining experiences I've ever had! Went with my family for a fun night out. Started with the sangria, which was a risk for me, as I'm pretty picky about sangrias. It was light and refreshing, not too sweet, just the right amount of fruit. We shared the brussel sprouts, the lamb meatball, and the crostini, all of which were amazing. I had the filet with the black truffle butter on top, and it was hands down the best steak I've ever had. Friendly and fast service, fun and classy atmosphere, food worth every penny. (It is a bit pricey for a regular meal, but definitely go for a special occasion or to snack & drink in the bar area.) Will definitely be back here! Recommended to anyone.
(5)Ella K.
Yay Nashville has a good Italian place in addition to Giovanni's! M street really nails it. Well done.
(5)Claire C.
Best dinner in Nashville. Wonderful, unique menu and extremely knowledgable staff. I absolutely love the grilled octopus and the blueberry lasagna!! Seriously- get the blueberry lasagna. I never eat pasta (actually not really a fan at all) and I obsess over this dish at least once a week. I dream about it. It's so light and delicious and really you just need to try it because it's that unique. Honestly everything I have had here is wonderful. Great location , valet service, cool bar, overall perfect dinner spot !
(5)donna g.
What a fabulous restaurant. I ordered a specialty of the day cioppino. Absolutely delicious. My husband had Wagyu beef filet cooked to perfection. Don't miss the maple flavored brussel sprouts. I asked our fantastic server Robert to ask the chef how he made it and boom! The chef appeared and told me. Service, cuisine, friendliness... A winning trifecta for our first dining experience in Nashville.
(5)Chase A.
I've been to Moto about 7 times now. I still say the Chef's cheese plate & The Black Spaghetti are amazing. I recommend you pick your wine first, and then let the chef match your cheese and meat plate to it. My favorite Mstreet restaurant by far.
(5)Teresa S.
Service is the worst. The food was good but took way too long. I had to let my entree get cold waiting on the to bring my companions entree. And the server just made ridiculous excuses. Then he disappeared for long periods. The place at 8p was almost empty yet they couldn't bring out our entrees together.
(1)Leslie M.
Great decor. Delicious food. Stellar service. Must try: squid ink pasta and the truffled pizza. Foodgasm. Mmmmm
(4)Chris R.
Service was pretty bad.. Long wait between our app and our meal with no explanation...they dropped a spoon off once and left...about 30min later our dinner came. Luke warm...and they dropped and ran no asking us if we wanted pepper or cheese like we heard them ask at the table next to us. We complained and then had to explain what we didn't like to three people. Very pretentious as other have said. Waiter spilled wine two tables down from us. Food was good...portions were medium sized. The black spaghetti had a good amount of lobster in it.
(4)Vanessa L.
On a recent visit, the aforementioned waiter was gracious, kind, and went out of his way to see that my friends and I were well treated. Either he read this review or recognized me from the last visit. Either way, the review, and the waiter, deserve an upgrade.
(4)Charles H.
Had the veal chop and cannellini beans. Both were perfect. Big rain storm hit when we were leaving and the hostess loaned us a couple of umbrellas. Thank you!!
(4)Kyle F.
Yet again Moto comes through. Our waiter Robert was fantastic, the atmosphere was perfect, the food was al dente you couldn't ask for more. The barolo braised lamb was juicy and tender, the garganelli was a great mixture of spicy and creamy. Antonio also was gracious enough to stop by our table and make sure everything was perfect.
(5)Brooke S.
Not only is the food perfection, but the service was incredible too. Joshua was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in helping us understand the menu and what might fit best with our taste buds. Nothing beats house-made, fresh pasta, the Bolognese was phenomenal.
(5)Trish T.
It's another long review ladies and gents, so I'll break it down for you. The first paragraph is about food/what I ate. The second paragraph is about price and atmosphere :) I gave this place 4 stars because it's pretty expensive. I usually take photos, but I was pretty hungry guys (sorry) so I devoured everything before it had a chance ;). For starters, I ordered the orange dreamsicle cocktail (YUM!) and the charcuterie board. This place has the best selection of salami I've tasted in Nashville (besides Rolf and Daughters..but they don't serve it all the time). We ordered all 7 salamis, and it's hard to rank them because they were all reallllllly good. The crispy pig ears was a nice surprise with it's texture because it had the crunch of a pork rind with a slight chew. Give it a try!! My husband isn't a fan of cheese (unlike me), but we did order the house made burrata. It was interestingly hard (texture of a solid string cheese stick) because I was expecting something very soft and creamy. It had a very strong milk flavor (again not what I expected), but maybe this is the way it's supposed to be (I'm not a cheese expert lol). I ordered the black truffle mushroom pizza and my husband ordered the black spaghetti. My pizza was pretty good, although they serve an Italian sausage pizza with clams that sounded pretty stellar (next time!). The mister had no complaints with his dish and thought it to be quite delish, but I thought it was lacking a little bit of seafood flavor but it's still tasty. We love desserts, but nothing grabbed our attention. We're not fans of sorbets or coconut flavor desserts...maybe next time (I hope this is a seasonal dessert menu). If you're looking for a "bargain" meal with cheesecake factory portions (due to the price), this is not the place. The portions are normal size (not super sized), and each pasta/pizza dish averages very close to $20. Steaks/meat dishes are obviously more than $20 a plate. The cocktails are around $10-$12, which is 'usual.' However, my martini glass was only 1/2 way full and 1/4 of it was liquid and the rest was foam (yikes!.. maybe it depends on the bartender). Therefore, if you have a full blown meal..appetizers, drinks, main corse, and dessert it's easy to go over $100 for two. The charcuterie is pretty pricey too...7 items is more than $30, and they only give you 2 slices of each meat, and our burrata was a sad..sad butt end (maybe that's why it was so hard??) the size of 1.5 silver dollars (aka not big). Service was great/friendly, no one was/seemed stuck up (customers and servers) so I'm not sure why some people felt that way, or feel the need to add in a "FYI" the crowd here is a such-and-such crowd. The restaurant does have a business casual dress code, so dress appropriately :) and treat people the way you want to be treated (that's a bit obvious), but please don't come with a predetermined judgement that this a pretentious crowd..because I feel it's anything but "that."
(4)Maria W.
My boyfriend went for an early dinner and had a very nice time. The interior is lovely and fresh and not too stuffy or crowded. My only complaint would be that there is a television. I just don't like that. We ordered calamari and meatball appetizer. The meatball was great (you just get one, but it's big). The calamari was good, nothing stellar and it came with a creamy dip, which I found strange and not complimentary. For our entrees we ordered the black spaghetti with lobster and the gnocchi. Both were amazing! We were happy with the portions, not too much or too little. The flavors were new and really well done. I recommend both dishes.
(4)T V.
Delicious dinner in the Gulch. Great decor, and very friendly staff. Not inexpensive but worth it. Food was interesting and good. Many options and unique choices. Greatest servers! Beautiful decor.
(5)Veronica V.
I loved the blueberry lasagna... Very different but such unique flavor. Food is great. The place is jamming on Wednesday night so make reservations. Service was a little in the slow side.... Started at 7:30pm and were done no earlier than 10:30pm and didn't even get dessert. Plan for three or four hours for dinner!
(4)Heidi H.
Absolutely love the atmosphere at Moto ... particularly the tile-top bar that looks about 100 years older than it possibly can be. It's a fairly large restaurant that still feels intimate, plus it's conveniently located in downtown Nashville's burgeoning M Street development. My party had the cheese plate, the filet, pasta, polenta and asparagus. The filet melted in my mouth -- best steak I've had in months. Everybody loved their food. My only complaint is the sticker shock ... it ain't cheap, folks. Get ready to open your wallet, because there's no reasonably priced option on the menu, and I expect you're paying for the vibe as much as anything. But if you want to feel as hip as you ever have and be 100 percent sure of a great experience, make a reservation. Because you won't be getting in otherwise.
(4)Pam S.
My new favorite in Nashville! The gnocchi is prepared with a perfect combination of ingredients, and the chef's formaggi was fabulous! My daughter ordered the blueberry lasagna, and offered me a bite, it was delicious and unlike anything I've ever had before, loved it!!! It will be hard for me to decide on my next visit whether to order the gnocchi again or the lasagna. Fantastic service, great atmosphere, and even better food. Everything you look for in a great restaurant.
(5)Zach R.
Beautiful, elegant, italian done right I felt as if I was in a home and one huge family was taking care of me. This is hospitality at its finest.
(5)Katie E.
Wonderful and attentive staff with succinct service. Nashville doesn't have a lot of options for Italian food that isn't dated by their dishes. Moto is the innovator in this category. They executed the dishes, the ambiance and the service very well. Highly recommend.
(4)Melanie B.
Food was excellent and that was where it ends. Hostess forgot to seat us and we waited at the bar 30 minutes and there were plenty of open tables. Server was too busy for us and was around maybe four times on the two hours we were there. Service very very slow.
(3)Todd A.
Pros: Well trained staff, fast service, interesting food options Cons: Small portions, lack of wine list details, pretentious environment I'll start off with the negative and end with the praise. First, I think most Nashville diners will find the portions far too small for the price. I don't mind small portions and I don't mind an expensive dish, but not both at the same time. One person in our party ordered the blueberry lasagna. We all sampled it and it was delicious, but the portion was about the size of a tin of Altoids mints, for $19! Under the menu section labeled "Meatballs" you might get the impression you're getting more than a single meatball, especially for $12. But no. You get "a" meatball, only slightly larger than a golf ball. I guess I was supposed to ask the waiter to clarify. My pork belly ravioli wasn't actually ravioli as you might expect. I'd call it deconstructed ravioli. There were two small pieces of pork belly along with a couple of microthin sheets of pasta, along with some greens and broth. For $14. My last complaint is about the wine list. Having been a wine drinker for many years now, I've come to know certain vineyards, varietals, and vintages that I like. I look for these on a wine list. I want details. At Moto, the wines were simply listed by the varietal and place of origin, i.e. "Pinot Noir, Washington State", "Cabernet Sauvignon, California" or "Super Tuscan blend". That's not very helpful for wine lovers who like to know the vineyard. Now, for the positives. All the food we had was delicious and presentation was equally impressive. The flight of three olive oils we had with focaccia bread was clearly premium. Our server was very helpful and well trained on the food. He was very accommodating in letting us sample a couple of wines before ordering. This is definitely appreciated. Our food arrived reasonably fast, as quick or quicker than I would expect. As for the food offerings, they were impressive. There was a surprisingly diverse selection of dishes that all sounded tempting. The blueberry lasagna might sound like a turn off, but it was actually quite good and did not have an overwhelming fruit flavor as you might expect. And even though they were pricey for no more than we got, the meatballs (we got beef and lamb) were succulent. They were about as well seasoned and perfectly cooked as could be. And in regard to prices, I think some menu items are more reasonably priced in relation to their portion size. The black spaghetti at $19 and the tagliatelle at $16 were decently portioned. They also have a nice selection of specialty cocktails, some of which I've not seen anywhere else. Overall, I think Moto is worth another visit, but I'm hoping they make some tweaks. The wine menu needs more details for those of us who are wine snobs and know exactly what we're looking for. I would also like to see the addition of some Rioja to the wine list, which I think is currently producing some of the best wines coming from Europe. I think making the portions of some dishes slightly more generous would go a long way to improving customer satisfaction.
(3)Nick B.
Went on a Monday night, got in with no wait. Great atmosphere and cool, trendy interior. Calamari was greasy as well as the Brussel sprouts. Black spaghetti was great and flavorful. However none of the dishes came close to Italian at Rolf and Daughters.
(3)Matt G.
Absolutely incredible spot. Every dish I've had.. Every server I've had (especially Matt w/ the beard) has been personable, knowledgable, and funny. Good prices and AMAZING cuisine. One of my new FAVORITE spots in all of Nashville. Must do! And try the black spaghetti!!
(5)Dean B.
Was not that impressed with the quality of food at Moto. For a company that executes amazing restaurants, I feel they have missed the mark on an italian concept. What I tried: Quattro Formaggi Pizza - Extremely heavy handed on the cheese, slightly burnt crust, description claimed it was to have pancetta - I found no pancetta unless you count that one crumb less than a bacon bit in size. Pizza which should cook the fastest was delivered to the table about 7 minutes after the other plates. Black Spaghetti - OK flavor, Lobster was rather mutilated and not very elegant in presentation, chef apparently intended it to be this way so it sticks to the pasta. Chicken Piccata - Dark meat chicken (thigh) was a turn off for me. Came out cold so sent it back. Of course, the M Street staff are great and management took care of us, however this menu and restaurant needs some rework in my opinion. Will wait a while before returning but will return to give it another try.
(2)Rich A.
Cool, trendy place, but the food is eh. Had cheese and meat plate to start and the burrata was the absolute worst I have ever had. They said it was house made, clearly they don't know how to make burrata. It was dry and almost not edible. Had the black spaghetti as an entree and it was way too oily. Not bad, but oily. Dessert I had their version of tiramisu and it was BAD. Like spoiled bad; tasted like spoiled milk. The waitress got a fresh one and tried it herself and agreed. They pulled it from the menu for the rest of the night. Got me a new dessert but still charged me??? I am not a complainer, but Nashville should stick to BBQ and not try Italian.
(2)A A.
we had excellent service from our waiter, robert. he made great recommendations. i ordered the cobia (fish) and it was fantastic--im still thinking about a few days later. it was on a bed of lentils in a delicious vinegrette. my husband ordered the prime kobe filet and while the texture was amazing, it was very bland. not sure there was even salt and pepper on it but it was a good quality piece of meat. oh and we had started the meal off with a meat and cheese tray that came with some grilled bread and a peach compote. that, with a glass of white wine was wonderful. even though this place is labeled as "italian", we never even ordered pasta, which is what most people think of when they think of italian. maybe next time we will, but i would definitely recommend this place!
(5)Michele R.
Absolutely fabulous. We ordered a pizza for an appetizer and it was perfectly baked. The Blueberry lasagna is delicious but even more amazing is the brussel sprouts. I don't even like brussel sprouts but loved these. They have a crispy sweetness to them that is difficult to explain. You just need to try them!
(5)Claire C.
Finally got to eat here...I was worried that the portion size was going to be small, but I thought for the price, the portions were just fine. My boyfriend and I had the quattro formaggi and pancetta pizza as an appetizer and the black pasta and blueberry lasagna for entrees- both really good. Not the best Italian I've ever had (I like more traditional Italian) but the atmosphere is amazing and for a semi-reasonable price, you get some very interesting and different tasting dishes...I will be back for sure!
(4)Erin R.
I am reluctant to give any restaurant 5 stars but was totally wowed by the food here. We tried this restaurant for the first time a few weeks ago. We went early on a Sunday evening and the restaurant was maybe 1/4 full. The restaurant itself is a beautiful modern space - both warm and industrial feeling. But, enough with aesthetics, let's get to the real reason you want to come here: the food! The focaccia bread they bring to the table is amazing. To take the bread to another level, I would recommend ordering a side of the black truffle butter to go with it. This compliments the bread beautifully. I started with the Baby Lettuces salad - it was great. The balsamic they used for the dressing was divine and the salad itself was a very large portion. Next up, I had the black pepper tagliatelle and added a pork meatball to the dish just for good measure. The marinara sauce they used in this dish had a little kick to it, must have been the pepper? But the sauce and the dish itself was delicious and very hearty. I was almost sorry I had ordered the meatball too because it was a lot of food but that's what the to go box is for. We were so full, we could not even contemplate dessert. If you want authentic Italian cuisine that does not resemble the type of food you would get at a chain Italian restaurant, then Moto is your place. Best Italian in Nashville!
(5)Patsy B.
The meal was very good. Had black pasta with seafood, gnocchi, and pizza. Creative, served at perfect temperature, service ruined an otherwise perfect meal. No matter the question about a dish or more water to waiter it was AWESOME. And 33rd time you hear that word to describe something, you realize it is a catch word rather than the truth. I was amazed an M Street restaurant doesn't train their staff on what to say about the food and how to answer a guest's question more descriptively. In other words anytime now my guests and I hear the word we laugh! It is a word we use to mean exaggeration.
(3)Sammy L.
My evening at Moto was one I will never forget. The food, wait staff, drinks and restaurant ambiance was impeccable. Asha, our waitress, made us feel welcome and offered her expertise on this delicious new menu. Anyone who comes here MUST try the blueberry lasagna. Overall, Moto made my Nashville experience wonderful and I am so glad to have stumbled upon this new gem of a restaurant.
(4)