Discover Nashville's Top Restaurants Serving the Best Paella in Town - A Guide to Savoring Authentic Spanish Cuisine in Music City.
Discover the best paella in Nashville! Savor the flavors of Spain with our deliciously authentic dish, made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection.
Craving for the authentic taste of Spanish cuisine? Look no further than Nashville, where you can find the best paella that will tantalize your taste buds. This classic Spanish dish is a must-try, and there is no better place to enjoy it than in Music City. Whether you're a local or a tourist, you'll be impressed by the quality and flavor of the paella served in these top restaurants.
First on the list is the famous Barcelona Wine Bar, located in the Gulch area. With its cozy ambiance and extensive wine list, this restaurant is the perfect spot for a romantic date or a night out with friends. Their paella is made with fresh seafood, chicken, and chorizo, cooked to perfection in a traditional pan. The aroma alone will make your mouth water, and the taste will leave you wanting more.
If you're looking for a more casual atmosphere, head over to Bartaco in 12 South. This trendy eatery offers a unique twist on the traditional paella by adding crispy sushi rice to the mix. The result is a fusion of flavors that will surprise and delight your palate. Pair it with one of their signature cocktails, and you're in for a treat.
For a taste of Spain in the heart of downtown, visit Embers Ski Lodge. This rustic restaurant serves a hearty paella with a generous portion of saffron rice, tender chicken, and succulent shrimp. The dish is topped with a dollop of aioli that adds a creamy texture to every bite. Plus, the cozy fireplace and ski lodge décor will transport you to a winter wonderland.
If you're up for a drive, make your way to Franklin's Red Pony Restaurant. This upscale dining spot serves a luxurious lobster paella that is worth the trip. The dish features chunks of buttery lobster meat, mixed with saffron rice, sweet red peppers, and plump mussels. The chefs prepare it with care, ensuring that each ingredient is cooked to perfection.
But the best paella in Nashville may be found at Cafe Roze, located in East Nashville. This charming café offers a unique twist on the classic dish by using quinoa instead of rice. The result is a lighter, healthier version that does not compromise on taste. The quinoa is mixed with roasted vegetables, chicken, and chorizo, creating a medley of flavors that will leave you satisfied but not overly full.
Whether you prefer your paella traditional or with a modern twist, Nashville has something for everyone. These top restaurants offer the best paella in town, and each has its own unique charm. From cozy wine bars to trendy eateries, there's no shortage of options for satisfying your Spanish food cravings. So, why not plan a paella crawl with your friends and discover your new favorite spot?
The Best Paella in Nashville: A Guide to the Top 5 Restaurants
Paella is a classic Spanish dish that has become a global favorite. With its combination of rice, seafood, meats, and spices, paella is a flavorful and filling meal that can be enjoyed with friends and family. If you're in Nashville and craving some paella, here are the top five restaurants that serve the best paella in town.
1. Barcelona Wine Bar
Barcelona Wine Bar is a stylish and upscale restaurant that specializes in Spanish cuisine. Their paella is a must-try, made with saffron-scented bomba rice, chicken, chorizo, shrimp, clams, mussels, and peas. The dish is served in a traditional paella pan and is big enough to feed two to three people. The restaurant also offers a range of Spanish wines that pair well with the paella.
2. Epice
If you're looking for a Middle Eastern twist on paella, Epice is the place to go. Their lamb and chicken paella is a fusion of Spanish and Lebanese flavors, with tender lamb and chicken cooked with saffron rice, peas, and roasted red pepper. The dish is topped with a tangy yogurt sauce and served with pita bread. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of Lebanese wines that complement the paella.
3. The Yellow Porch
The Yellow Porch is a charming and cozy restaurant that serves contemporary American cuisine with a southern twist. Their paella is a hearty and flavorful dish made with shrimp, chicken, andouille sausage, and saffron rice. The dish is topped with a spicy tomato sauce and served with a side of garlic bread. The restaurant also offers a range of craft beers and cocktails that pair well with the paella.
4. Mas Tacos Por Favor
While Mas Tacos Por Favor is known for its delicious tacos, they also serve a mean paella. Their version of the dish is made with chicken, chorizo, shrimp, and saffron rice, and is bursting with flavor. The dish is served in a bowl and topped with cilantro and lime. The restaurant also offers a range of margaritas and other tequila-based cocktails that go well with the paella.
5. Chauhan Ale & Masala House
Chauhan Ale & Masala House is a popular Indian restaurant that also serves a unique and flavorful paella. Their version of the dish is made with basmati rice, shrimp, chicken, andouille sausage, and a blend of Indian spices. The dish is finished with a squeeze of lime and served with a side of raita. The restaurant also offers a range of Indian-inspired cocktails and beers that complement the paella.
Conclusion
Whether you're a fan of traditional Spanish paella or looking to try something new, Nashville has a range of restaurants that serve delicious versions of the dish. From upscale wine bars to cozy cafes, there's something for everyone. So next time you're in the mood for some paella, head to one of these top restaurants and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.
The Best Paella in Nashville: A Culinary Journey
Paella is a classic Spanish dish that is enjoyed all over the world. It is a rice-based dish that is cooked with a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables. The dish originated in Valencia, Spain, and has since become a staple in Spanish cuisine. If you are in Nashville and looking for the best paella in town, you are in luck. Nashville has several restaurants that serve delicious paella that will transport you to the streets of Valencia. In this article, we will explore the history of paella, the ingredients that define an authentic paella, cooking techniques and methods, the best paella variations to try in Nashville, where to find the most delicious paella in Nashville, perfect pairings of wine and paella, tips and tricks from Nashville's best chefs on making paella at home, catering and private dining options in Nashville for special occasions, the best paella restaurants for large groups in Nashville, and paella cooking classes in Nashville. So, let's get started!
The Origin of Paella: A Brief History
The origins of paella can be traced back to Valencia, a city on the eastern coast of Spain. The dish was originally created by farmers who cooked rice with whatever ingredients they had on hand, such as rabbit, chicken, and vegetables. The name paella comes from the pan that it is cooked in, which is called a paellera.
Over time, the dish evolved and became more refined. Seafood was added, and saffron was used to give the rice its signature yellow color. Paella became a popular dish throughout Spain, and eventually spread to other parts of the world.
Ingredients that Define an Authentic Paella
There are several key ingredients that define an authentic paella. These include:
- Short grain rice: This type of rice is essential for making paella. It absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients and becomes creamy and flavorful.
- Saffron: This spice is what gives the rice its signature yellow color. It has a unique flavor that is hard to replicate with other spices.
- Meat or seafood: Paella can be made with a variety of meats, such as chicken, rabbit, and pork, as well as seafood, such as shrimp, mussels, and clams. The combination of meats and seafood is what makes paella so delicious.
- Vegetables: Vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, and peas are often added to paella to give it extra flavor and nutrition.
- Olive oil: This is used to sauté the meats and vegetables before adding the rice.
The Art of Cooking Paella: Cooking Techniques and Methods
There are several cooking techniques and methods that are used to make a delicious paella. These include:
- Sofrito: This is a mixture of onions, garlic, and tomatoes that is sautéed in olive oil and used as a base for the paella.
- Toasting the rice: This involves sautéing the rice in olive oil until it becomes slightly browned. This helps to develop the flavor of the rice.
- Adding the broth: The broth is added to the rice in stages, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and develop its flavor.
- Crisping the bottom layer: Once the rice is cooked, it is left to sit for a few minutes to develop a crispy bottom layer.
The Best Paella Variations to Try in Nashville
There are several variations of paella that you can try in Nashville. These include:
- Valencian paella: This is the original paella, made with chicken, rabbit, and vegetables.
- Seafood paella: This is made with a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, mussels, and clams.
- Mixed paella: This is made with both meat and seafood.
- Vegan paella: This is made with vegetables and vegetable broth instead of meat and seafood.
Where to Find the Most Delicious Paella in Nashville
If you are looking for the most delicious paella in Nashville, there are several restaurants that you should check out. These include:
- Emmy Squared: This restaurant serves a delicious seafood paella that is made with shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid.
- Barcelona Wine Bar: This restaurant serves a delicious mixed paella that is made with chicken, shrimp, and mussels.
- Chauhan Ale & Masala House: This restaurant serves a unique twist on paella, called the Masala Paella. It is made with spiced basmati rice, chicken, and shrimp.
- Epice: This restaurant serves a delicious vegetable paella that is made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and peas.
The Perfect Pairings: Wine and Paella
Paella is best enjoyed with a glass of wine. The type of wine that you choose will depend on the type of paella that you are eating. For seafood paella, a crisp white wine, such as Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs well. For meat-based paella, a full-bodied red wine, such as Tempranillo or Garnacha, pairs well.
How to Make Paella at Home: Tips and Tricks from Nashville's Best Chefs
If you want to make paella at home, there are several tips and tricks that you can learn from Nashville's best chefs:
- Use short grain rice and saffron for an authentic flavor.
- Sauté the meats and vegetables before adding the rice to develop the flavors.
- Add the broth in stages, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and develop its flavor.
- Let the paella sit for a few minutes after cooking to develop a crispy bottom layer.
Paella for Special Occasions: Catering and Private Dining Options in Nashville
If you are planning a special occasion and want to serve paella, there are several catering and private dining options in Nashville that you can choose from. These include:
- Pure Paella: This company specializes in catering paella for events of all sizes.
- The Chef and I: This restaurant offers private dining options and can create a custom paella menu for your event.
- Señor Burrito Co: This restaurant offers catering options for their delicious seafood paella.
The Best Paella Restaurants for Large Groups in Nashville
If you are planning a large group event and need to find a restaurant that can accommodate your party, there are several paella restaurants in Nashville that can help. These include:
- Santo: This restaurant has a private dining room that can accommodate up to 50 people, and serves delicious seafood paella.
- Chauhan Ale & Masala House: This restaurant has a private dining room that can accommodate up to 70 people, and serves a unique twist on paella called the Masala Paella.
- Epice: This restaurant has a private dining room that can accommodate up to 30 people, and serves a delicious vegetable paella.
Paella Cooking Classes in Nashville: Learn from the Experts
If you want to learn how to make paella like a pro, there are several cooking classes in Nashville that you can take. These include:
- The Art Institute of Tennessee: This school offers a culinary program that includes a class on Spanish cuisine, which covers the basics of making paella.
- The Curious Kitchen: This cooking school offers a class on making paella, where you will learn the techniques and methods for making a delicious paella.
- Sur La Table: This cooking store offers a class on making paella, where you will learn how to make a traditional seafood paella.
Conclusion
Paella is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different variations. Whether you are looking for a seafood paella, a mixed paella, or a vegetable paella, Nashville has several restaurants that serve delicious paella that will transport you to the streets of Valencia. If you want to make paella at home, there are several tips and tricks that you can learn from Nashville's best chefs, and if you are planning a special occasion, there are several catering and private dining options in Nashville that can help. So, grab a glass of wine and enjoy the best paella that Nashville has to offer!
The Best Paella in Nashville: My Point of View
Introduction
As an avid foodie and lover of Spanish cuisine, I have tried many different paella dishes in Nashville. In my opinion, there are a few standout restaurants that serve the best paella in town. However, each restaurant has its own unique pros and cons when it comes to their paella offerings.The Pros and Cons of the Best Paella in Nashville
Fiamma Pizza Company
Pros:
- Authentic Spanish ingredients
- Generous portions
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Slightly limited menu
- Paella can be a bit salty
Taverna Agora
Pros:
- Beautiful presentation
- Large selection of seafood options
- Outdoor seating available
Cons:
- Can be a bit pricey
- Paella can be under-seasoned
- Service can be slow during peak hours
Cafe Sevilla
Pros:
- Live flamenco shows
- Wide variety of paella options
- Large portions
Cons:
- Can be crowded and noisy
- Paella can be a bit greasy
- Service can be hit or miss
Table Comparison of the Best Paella in Nashville
Restaurant | Pros | Cons | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|
Fiamma Pizza Company | Authentic Spanish ingredients, generous portions, great value for money | Slightly limited menu, paella can be a bit salty | $15-$25 |
Taverna Agora | Beautiful presentation, large selection of seafood options, outdoor seating available | Can be a bit pricey, paella can be under-seasoned, service can be slow during peak hours | $20-$35 |
Cafe Sevilla | Live flamenco shows, wide variety of paella options, large portions | Can be crowded and noisy, paella can be a bit greasy, service can be hit or miss | $25-$40 |
Conclusion
Overall, I believe that the best paella in Nashville can be found at Fiamma Pizza Company. Their use of authentic Spanish ingredients and generous portions make it a great value for money. However, for those looking for a more upscale dining experience, Taverna Agora may be a better choice despite its higher prices. Cafe Sevilla offers a unique experience with their live flamenco shows, but their paella can be hit or miss. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and what you are looking for in a paella dining experience.The Best Paella in Nashville: A Culinary Adventure
Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure through Nashville's best paella spots. I hope this article has helped you discover new restaurants and inspired you to try this delicious Spanish dish. Paella is more than just a meal; it's an experience that brings people together, and Nashville has some fantastic places to enjoy it.
As we explored the different paella options in Nashville, we discovered that each restaurant has its own unique take on this classic dish. From traditional to modern, seafood to meat, there is a paella for every taste preference.
One of my personal favorites was at Barcelona Wine Bar. Their paella de mariscos was bursting with flavor from the fresh seafood and saffron-infused rice. The atmosphere at Barcelona Wine Bar was also top-notch, making it a great place to enjoy a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
Another standout was the paella mixta at Epice. This Lebanese restaurant may not be the first place you think of for paella, but their version was exceptional. The lamb and chicken added a unique twist to the dish, and the spices were perfectly balanced.
If you're looking for a more traditional paella, Delgado's Cocina is the place to go. Their paella valenciana is cooked in a big pan in front of you, just like they do it in Spain. The rice had a perfect texture, and the flavors were authentic and delicious.
For those who prefer vegetarian options, Mas Tacos Por Favor has a fantastic vegetable paella. It's filled with seasonal vegetables and has a subtle smoky flavor from the roasted tomatoes. Plus, Mas Tacos has a fun, laid-back vibe that makes it a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
When it comes to paella, presentation is just as important as taste. The paella at Saint Añejo was not only delicious but also beautifully presented. The bright colors of the vegetables and seafood made for a stunning dish that was almost too pretty to eat.
While we covered some of the best places to find paella in Nashville, there are many more options out there waiting to be explored. Don't be afraid to try something new and discover your own favorite spot in Music City.
Before you head out on your paella adventure, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Paella is meant to be shared, so bring friends or family to enjoy it with you.
- Paella takes time to cook, so be patient and enjoy some appetizers or drinks while you wait.
- Try different variations of paella to discover your favorite flavor profile.
- Don't forget to pair your paella with a great Spanish wine or sangria.
Thank you again for joining me on this journey through Nashville's best paella spots. I hope you have a delicious and memorable dining experience, and don't forget to share your favorite paella photos and stories with us!
People Also Ask About the Best Paella in Nashville
What is paella?
Paella is a Spanish dish that originated in Valencia. It is a rice-based dish that is typically cooked with saffron, various meats, and vegetables.
Where can I find the best paella in Nashville?
There are several restaurants in Nashville that serve paella. Some of the best places to try paella include:
- Etch Restaurant: This restaurant located in downtown Nashville offers a seafood paella that is highly recommended.
- Cafe Sevilla: This Spanish restaurant in downtown Nashville serves a traditional paella that is made with chicken, shrimp, mussels, and chorizo.
- Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant: Although this restaurant primarily serves Mexican cuisine, they also have a delicious paella that is made with chicken, shrimp, and chorizo.
Is paella gluten-free?
It depends on the ingredients used in the recipe. Traditional paella is made with rice, vegetables, and meat or seafood, which are all gluten-free. However, some recipes may include ingredients that contain gluten, such as flour or beer. It's important to check with the restaurant or chef to ensure that the paella is gluten-free before ordering.