Etch is one of Nashville's most celebrated fine-dining destinations, opened in 2012 by James Beard–nominated chef Deb Paquette. The restaurant's globally inspired menu pulls from Asian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Latin American traditions, combining bold flavors and creative technique in a sleek downtown setting.
Signature items
A vegetarian crowd favorite
All dinner entrée prices at the Nashville location.
| Dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Tempura Tofu | $28.00 |
| Sichuan Fried Chicken | $33.00 |
| Grilled Pork Chop | $36.00 |
| Venison | $39.00 |
| Grilled 8oz Filet | $44.00 |
Like-for-like comparison of comparable courses at Nashville-area and national fine dining spots.
| Course | Etch Nashville | Alinea (Chicago) | Capital Grille | Morton's Steakhouse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bread / starter | $5.00 | $5.00+ | $9.00 | $10.00 |
| Salad | $12–$18 | $25.00+ | $16.00 | $14.00 |
| Signature entrée | $33–$44 | $285 (tasting) | $52.00 | $52.00 |
| Dessert | $11.00 | included | $12.00 | $12.00 |
Etch opened in downtown Nashville in 2012, quickly earning a reputation as one of the city's finest tables. The restaurant is the creation of chef Deb Paquette, a James Beard Award semifinalist whose eclectic style draws on flavors from Korea, Morocco, Argentina, Italy, and beyond. Her philosophy centers on bold combinations that challenge convention while remaining deeply satisfying — an approach that put Etch on national best-restaurants lists within its first few years.
The dining room occupies a sleek, contemporary space steps from the Bridgestone Arena, making it a popular destination for pre-show dinners and special occasions alike. Happy hour draws a loyal crowd of locals for discounted bites and cocktails, while the lunch menu offers a more accessible entry point to Paquette's cooking. A second location opened in Franklin, Tennessee in late 2024, extending the brand's reach to the southern suburbs of Nashville.
Etch is well regarded for its vegetable-forward dishes — the Roasted Cauliflower is consistently cited as a standout — alongside premium proteins like the filet, venison, and rotating seafood specials. The wine list spans global regions and the cocktail program is equally thoughtful, making Etch a complete fine dining experience from first bite to last sip.
Make a reservation, check current hours, and confirm today's menu on the official Etch website.
Reserve a table at Etch NashvilleEtch is known for the globally inspired cooking of chef Deb Paquette, whose menu pulls from Korean, Moroccan, Argentinian, Italian, and other culinary traditions. Signature dishes like the Roasted Cauliflower, Steak Carpaccio, and Venison have earned the restaurant consistent acclaim and a place on national best-restaurant lists.
Dinner entrées range from $28 (Tempura Tofu) to $44 (Grilled 8oz Filet), with appetizers at $5–$34 and desserts at $5–$11. Expect to spend roughly $60–$100 per person with drinks. Seafood specials are priced at market rate.
Yes. Etch serves lunch with its own separate menu featuring appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrées, all priced more affordably than the dinner menu. Lunch entrées run $15–$18.
Yes. Happy hour is available with discounted bites — including Roasted Cauliflower for $8, Steak Carpaccio for $11, and Octopus & Shrimp Bruschetta for $10 — alongside $4 draft beers, $6 featured wines, and $8 staple cocktails.
Yes. Etch has strong vegetarian options across all menus, including the celebrated Roasted Cauliflower, the Charred Broccolini entrée, Ancient Grain Bowl, and Tempura Tofu at dinner. Several dishes are also vegan-friendly.
Yes, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekend service. Reservations can be made through OpenTable or directly via the official Etch website at etchrestaurant.com.
Deb Paquette is the executive chef and co-owner of Etch Nashville. She is a multiple James Beard Award semifinalist recognized for her eclectic, globally inspired cooking style. She has been a central figure in Nashville's fine dining scene for over two decades.
Yes. A second Etch location opened in Franklin, Tennessee in late 2024, bringing chef Paquette's menu to Nashville's southern suburbs. The original downtown Nashville location remains the flagship.
Etch is fine dining with a contemporary feel — smart casual to business casual attire is appropriate. While there is no strict dress code enforced, diners typically dress up for dinner service given the upscale setting and occasion-driven clientele.