Pastaria: The Italian Retreat in the Heart of Nashville

Photo Credit: Erica Calhoun


This conversation is part of the “Meet Nashville” series
exclusive interviews with local Nashville bars, restaurants, hotels, attractions & more owners.


When the doors of Pastaria first opened in Nashville, it wasn't just another Italian restaurant making its debut.

At the heart of Pastaria's success is a commitment to authenticity and quality, blending time-honored Italian recipes with the best local ingredients Nashville has to offer.

Welcome to Pastaria โ€” a taste of Italy in the soul of Nashville.

Executive Chef Evelynn Hadsell tells the story below. Enjoy!

๐Ÿ”— Business Information
๐Ÿ”—Interview with owner
๐Ÿ”—Behind the scenes

Restaurant Information

Name: Pastaria

Executive Chef: Evelynn Hadsell

Address: 8 City Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209

Description: Home-style Italian elegance in the heart of Nashville


Interview with the Executive Chef:

Exclusive Nashville To Do interview with Evelynn Hadsell, executive chef of Pastaria located in Nashville, Tennessee —

Interview Date:

November 20, 2023

How would you describe Pastaria?

Home. In a word, I would describe Pastaria as a home away from home for all of its patrons. A place where you are greeted like an old friend when you walk in the door, and the food feeds more than just your stomach, but your soul as well.

Photo Credit: Erica Calhoun

Pastaria boasts a “taste of real Italy in Nashville.” How do you interpret and bring this vision to life in the dishes you create?

Creating dishes that are “Sorta Close to Italy” comes from honoring the traditions of Italian cooking while using local and seasonal products.

The menu showcases a variety of pastas, pizzas, and appetizers. Are there any dishes that you consider your personal signature or that best represent the essence of Pastaria Nashville?

There are so many incredible dishes on our menu that represent our essence here at Pastaria Nashville such as the Cacio e Pepe, which is a traditional Roman pasta dish that is so incredibly simple, but requires the perfect technique to create.

This also includes our Citrus Salad with torn Castelvetrano olives and shaved red onion and our Marinara Pizza, which showcases how important the quality of ingredients is, far more important than quantity.

Authenticity seems to be a key theme for Pastaria. How do you ensure the ingredients used are true to Italian cuisine?

Authenticity is extremely important to us here at Pastaria. We import many products from cheese to vinegar.

In the spirit of Italian cuisine, we use local ingredients whenever possible. My sous chef and I are constantly at farmers markets around Nashville and work closely with local farmers in the greater Nashville area.

You emphasize using local products as much as possible. Why is this important to you?

The use of local products is important to us not only because it embodies the spirit of Italian cuisine and culture, but also because it connects us with the community we are so happy to be a part of!

Are there any dishes that were specifically created or adapted with the Nashville audience in mind?

The Chicken Parm.

Where can we go to learn more?

Behind the Scenes

Author
Alex Hawker

Hey. Iโ€™m Alex. I'm the founder and writer here at Nashville To Do. I've been living in and writing about Nashville for over a decade now, and I'm excited to share all I've learned! Learn more about me here.


Author
Alex Hawker

Hey. Iโ€™m Alex. I'm the founder and writer here at Nashville To Do. I've been living in and writing about Nashville for over a decade now, and I'm excited to share all I've learned! Learn more about me here.


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