Midtown

F. Scott’s (2210 Crestmore Rd., 615/269-5861, Mon.–Thurs. 5:30–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5:30–11 p.m., Sun. 5:30–9 p.m., $26–38) is an upscale restaurant and jazz bar with one of the best wine lists in Nashville [1]. Diners are ushered into a black-and-white-tiled dining room, where the sounds of live jazz from the adjacent listening room follow them. Enjoy a relaxed meal with wine pairings and great conversation. Food at F. Scott’s is meant to be savored. Appetizers include rabbit tart, or pancetta and scallops with caviar, and entrées might be pan-seared seafood, dressed-up shepherd’s pie, and grilled beef tenderloin. Save room for dessert: homemade ice cream, coconut cake, or a cheese plate paired with the perfect dessert wine.

A favorite for Music Row [2] power lunches, special occasions, and late-night bar food, Sunset Grill (2001 Belcourt Ave., 615/386-3663, $11–30) serves lunch Tuesday–Friday 11 a.m.–3 p.m., dinner nightly 5–11 p.m., and late-night Monday–Saturday until 1:30 a.m. Dinner favorites include Voodoo Pasta, a spicy pasta dish with shrimp and andouille sausage, and the grilled beef tenderloin. At lunch, when most choices clock in at under $12, you can order salads, sandwiches, and pasta. The Cobb salad and chicken-salad sandwiches are always popular. Food here is prepared with care, often using organic and locally produced ingredients. The outdoor patio is popular during warm weather, and it is a great place to people-watch.

Restaurant Zola (3001 West End Ave., 615/320-7778, Mon.–Thurs. 5:30–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5:30–11 p.m., $16–30) is consistently among Nashville’s [1] favorite restaurants for romance, special occasions, and its menu. Located in a strip mall in the city’s upscale West End, Restaurant Zola wows with its intriguing fusion of Mediterranean and Southern cuisine and superb wine list. Fresh seafood, top-grade meats, and vegetarian entrées that are much more than an afterthought define the menu. Zola’s paella and the lobster omelet headline the seafood menu; pork tenderloin and grilled venison highlight the meats, and the signature vegetable tower will make even meat-eaters smile. Be sure to save room for some of the best desserts in town.