Last updated: February 2026 by Corey Gasman
etch
etch • 303 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37201, United States
We had dinner at etch in downtown Nashville, just steps from the Country Music Hall of Fame. Location-wise, it is an easy choice if you are already in the area. Overall, the meal delivered strong execution on the main dishes, but a few details kept it from being a full five-star experience.
What We Ordered
We started with the Beet and Berry Salad. It was flavorful, but leaned much sweeter than expected. There were only a couple slices of beet compared to a larger portion of greens, and the goat cheese semifreddo read more like frozen cheesecake than traditional goat cheese. Interesting idea, but it needed more acidity to balance the sweetness from the berries and semifreddo.
The entrées were where etch really shined. The scallops were beautifully cooked, tender and buttery, and easily the standout dish of the night. They were the kind of scallops that make you pause mid-conversation.
The filet was equally solid, cooked just right and served with beef jus, a red wine gastrique, and a tarragon shallot butter that added richness without overpowering the meat.
Filet with beef jus and red wine gastrique at etch Nashville.
Service and Pricing
Service was friendly, attentive, and efficient. The kitchen was happy to split each dish onto two plates since we were sharing, which we appreciated.
That said, we did have a small pricing hiccup. We added one extra scallop and were told it would be eight dollars, but it appeared on the bill as thirteen. At sixty-four dollars for four scallops total, it definitely stood out.
The atmosphere is polished but leans a bit corporate, more business dinner than cozy night out. Pricing reflects the downtown location. Our total came to $214 before tip and $258 all in for one salad, two entrées, two glasses of wine, and one cocktail.
Final Verdict
Overall, etch is worth trying if you are already downtown, especially if scallops are your thing. The food is well executed, but you are paying premium prices for the location and overall experience.
FAQ: etch Nashville
Reservations are a smart move for dinner, especially on weekends or if there is an event downtown. Walk-ins can work at off-peak times, but this is not the kind of place to gamble on at prime hour.
The scallops were the standout dish and the one I would recommend first. If you want a classic steak option, the filet was well cooked and nicely layered with sauces and butter.
Yes. It is priced like a downtown Nashville restaurant. You are paying for the location and experience. If you are watching budget, save it for a planned night out.
Polished and professional. It leans more business dinner than romantic date night. Still a nice experience, just not especially intimate.
Yes. The kitchen split dishes onto two plates without issue, which made sharing easy and seamless.
Yes. It is centrally located and very close to major attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame, making it convenient if you are already downtown.