About
When your Middle Tennessee getaway requires fine dining, where sustainability, seasonality, and cross-cultural cuisine are the stars, then visit The Catbird Seat.
Diners sit at a U-shaped counter surrounding an open performance kitchen for a “catbird seat” view of the process. This interactive setup creates a welcoming, interactive environment, adding allure to one’s dining experience.
The visionaries behind this restaurant are brothers Max and Benjamin Goldberg, who opened the restaurant in 2011. While there are several chef table restaurants in NashVegas, The Catbird Seat is unique. Here, the kitchen changes its head chefs every couple of years. Each new team brings a distinct style, dictating everything from the flavor profiles to the plateware and music. By continually reinventing itself, the restaurant has made Nashville a top culinary destination.
When chefs Andy Doubrava and Tiffani Ortiz took the helm, the restaurant reached a significant milestone, earning a prestigious Michelin Star in 2025. The duo also helped the establishment become a James Beard Foundation nominee for Outstanding Restaurant.
Doubrava and Ortiz craft ever-evolving, multi-course dishes rooted in sustainability, seasonality, and storytelling. Their professional partnership stems from a shared dedication to rethinking food waste and supporting regenerative agriculture.
Book a reservation well in advance of your vacation and experience world-class cuisine in this chef-centric restaurant.
Vibe
The Catbird Seat is in the historic Bill Voorhees Building, a classic brick-fronted building with bold industrial details. You enter through an understated door located on Paseo Place, with paid valet parking at the entrance, making your arrival smooth and effortless.
Step inside to discover a sleek, minimalist interior design. Warm overhead lighting, clean lines, and dark wood accents focus your attention on the stunning U-shaped counter. Here, every guest has a clear view of the kitchen workspace.
The atmosphere is energetic, welcoming, and interactive, and feels like an exclusive dinner party rather than a pretentious eatery. As a result, guests can relax and engage with fellow food enthusiasts.
With the traditional walls between the chefs and the guests removed, you become part of the interactive dining experience. The culinary team crafts, plates, and presents each dish, explaining the ingredients and the stories behind their creation.
This dynamic, one-of-a-kind atmosphere must be experienced on your Casago vacation to be appreciated.
The Catbird Seat: Menu & Drinks
The menu is an ever-evolving, multi-course, seasonal adventure, so we can only provide samples of what you can expect.
Rest assured that the kitchen team designs each plate to challenge expectations while remaining incredibly satisfying. You’ll have 10 to 12 distinct dishes per seating, ensuring peak freshness for every ingredient sourced. It’s an epicurean adventure of a lifetime!
A frequent standout favorite is the Royal Red Shrimp and Collard Green Dumpling. This dish pays homage to traditional Southern ingredients and Asian cooking techniques. It comes served with rich pot liquor and toasted nigella seed oil.
Another highly rated creation is the Coal Roasted Maitake Mushroom. The culinary team pairs the earthy mushroom with rich sea urchin and a delicate rose butter sauce. The savory profile highlights the subtle notes of the maitake.
Guests also rave about the savory Yeast Donut, a unique pastry featuring a decadent, rich liver filling balanced by tart, sweet cherries. The distinct flavors provide a perfect, memorable transition toward the sweet dessert courses.
As one would expect at an award-winning eatery like The Catbird Seat, the beverage program is unmatched. Diners can select a traditional, curated wine pairing, while inventive non-alcoholic pairings receive exceptional reviews. One notable option is a sophisticated, root beer-inspired kombucha. This complex drink blends traditional sassafras, sarsaparilla, wintergreen, and vanilla. Birch syrup, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar add unique depth to the robust flavor profile.
Securing a dining reservation here elevates any trip to Nashville. The interactive counter, chef-centric menu, and intimate setting will give you a deep appreciation for the ongoing culinary evolution taking place in Music City.
Local Tips
- Make your reservation a month in advance of your getaway. Yeah, it’s that busy!
- The paid valet parking on Paseo Place lets you avoid downtown parking challenges.
- Sign up for their updates and specials to keep you in the know.
- Dining on Wednesday or Thursday offers a more laid-back atmosphere.
