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Had a great meal here last night while in Franklin. Food was absolutely great. It is a very busy small restaurant. We were seated at very small table for 2 which isn't my favorite ( understatement) but I totally get it... they cant put us at a 4 top with 2 people when the place is 100pct capacity. Our server was terrific and just loved the food and atmosphere. The asparagus fritter app was really good. Also enjoyed the Gnocchi a pizza and salad. Was a lot to eat and even with a glass of wine the whole tab was just a bit over $100 for 2 people. Well worth it ! .... The hostess when we arrived wasn't un friendly , but not exactly friendly and welcoming. As the initial point of contact / first impression ... I think it's important. Never the less, that did not take away from an overall great experience
Came here with friends during the Dickens of a Christmas celebration and were not happy with the service we received. It was not super busy at 12pm when we arrived despite the festival and my friends and I were looking to get some white wine and cocktails, maybe some appetizers and enjoy the unusually warm weather on the patio. When we asked the hostess for a table outside but just wanted to get drinks, her response was cold and passive aggressive, essentially implying that it would be too much work for us to be seated outside just for drinks. We offered to go to the bar and bring drinks outside ourselves, she gave a non response and continued to work as if we weren't there. We asked again and she finally said that she could seat us outside. Our server was also passive aggressive, consistently commenting on the fact that we were not getting food, just drinks ("I know you're just getting drinks but please enjoy some of our complementary bread!" "Ive brought you some water even though I know you're just getting drinks!"). I was considering potentially getting an appetizer as well but the attitude from The staff was off putting. We did see someone who I believe was a manager providing exceptional service to some of the tables around us. As we were leaving we saw that other parts of the patio were opening up so our sitting out there was a non issue. The overall experience was off putting and I don't anticipate returning when there are other excellent options nearby.
If you are in downtown Franklin and are hungry for some Italian food, check this place out. It's best to get reservations on peak days. We came here on Monday night with no reservations and we got 2 seats at the bar right away. I started off with an Old Fashioned with Sazerac Rye, bar tender did a good job! They brought out some warm bread which was very good. They just changed to their Fall Menu. For an entree I got the Gnocchi with the fall flavors! It was very good. Paired well with the Old Fashioned! Also got the L'Unico Pizza added mushrooms and sausage, it was very good! Cheers!
Culaccino is a great spot for Italian food. It's the first spot I've dined at in Franklin where everything we ordered was great. I love a spot where anything on the menu will be good. We dined on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. We were lucky enough to get a table outside on the patio. I made a reservation to be safe, but walk ins were being seated right away. I'm sure reservations are more important for dinner. We were a little worried about service at first. Our server greeted us and then disappeared. Another server arrived and took over. Everything was smooth and great with service from there! Our cocktails were great. I had the Bourbon'd Not Break. It had a nice bourbon flavor and was refreshing at the same time. My husband had the Me Myself & Rye. I will have to order this next time. It had the bolder flavor of the two drinks. The complimentary bread and dip were very good. I loved the delicious olive oil, salt, and dip with the bread. We shared the Ricotta Frito which was delicious. It wasn't heavy for a fried item. My Mafalde was very good. I loved the fresh flavors and al dente pasta. It was a lighter flavor for a pasta. My husband really enjoyed the Tonnarelli and meatballs he added. The meatballs were meaty and tender with a nice flavor. The Budino Di Banane was so good. I'm not a big banana fan and still enjoyed it. The crunchy hazelnuts and amarana cherry gave nice texture to the dessert. I'd highly recommend this spot! If you've moved from a city with great food you'll find this to be on par with true foodie town food.
Chef/Owner Frank Pullara's twin Culaccino, service has improved with a team approach. It's a very tight seating in a bistro setting, with a full bar, and a good, primarily European, wine list. We managed to walk in; same day reservations are hard to get, The Meatballs are excellent, but just a little spicy. The Half Chicken a little overcooked, and the sauce with halved baby onions almost make up for it. The Tiramisu is excellent. Parking nearby is limited.
We came here for my wife's birthday dinner to help celebrate her and I brought my whole family. What we found might be of interest to you.... Ambiance: Very nice little appointed restaurant with a modern but still old world flair to it. Parking is a huge issue but not necessarily there entirely fault as it's all pay nearby (excepting the spots on the street if you can find one in downtown Franklin) and there lot also has pay signs (not cool). Service: We had a newer server, which normally we don't mind as we are pretty patient folks..but unfortunately once we finally got our drinks and appetizers we finally got to order the entrees. My son in law wanted chicken alfredo which is. it on the menu but the server said that this other dish was similar and so my son in law agreed to go with that. We ordered 2 of thise dishes 1 with shrimp and 1 with chicken 2 other plates (i had the cacio y pepe) and my wife had the aribiatti plate. This is when things went south. 45-50 min later they finally brought out the food and it was already 8pm on a weekday...not a weekend. My son in laws got a shrimp dish instead of chicken and when he challenged the waiter for his order the waiter said well it will take longer so are you just ok with the shrimp? Ummm no that's not the way to solve this.....after a few kind exchanges and because it was already 8pm he agreed to the shrimp so as not to wait another 20min. The good was average - nothing tonight home about except the noodles were very good - seemed to be homemade and rivaled the kind of noodles I had in Italy just a few months back. The sauce and cheese were really heavy however and oily which was not my Italian experience. Prices: This is where it gets hard for me to recommend anything here. Plates are super high priced for pasta - and then to add $10 for a 5 ounce breast of. chicken or $13 for shrimp and then charge my son in law for his plate but not take off the shrimp charge when they got it all wrong. Drinks were high as well however that's pretty consistent around the area of downtown Franklin! Summary: In my opinion - I'd avoid and head to other Italian establishments not only for better service (realizing he was new but someone should have stepped in from management) but better food and prices to boot. Keep Munching!
In downtown Franklin amidst a growing food scene is this trendy little spot with excellent Italian food. Perhaps the highlight is the pasta made in house, a rarity in Middle Tennessee. And each dish features that scrumptious, hearty, slightly chewy pasta expertly cooked al dente. Delicioso! The menu is quite impressive and extraordinarily creative! Clever dishes include gnocchi in a salumi bolognese, octopus with capers and taggiasca olives, braised rabbit with a forest mushroom sauce, and even fusion dishes like a pizza with Italian finocchiona salami and pickled Asian shishito peppers! Best of all, they support local businesses by acquiring meat products from places like Bucksnort Trout Ranch and the much-heralded Bear Creek Farm in Leiper's Fork. After scanning the menu and all its irresistible options, I chose an Italian classic that I've eaten in Italy many times, the cacio e pepe featuring tonnarelli pasta, pecorino romano cheese, and pepper. It's simple but perfectly flavorful. And I'd say any dish here will live up to your expectations.
The food was more incredible and perfectly portioned than I could have expected. Our server was very attentive even though it was pretty busy, me and my family ended up waiting about an hour and a half on a Thursday night. The atmosphere is comfortable and classy, probably my new favorite restaurants in Downtown Franklin. The bread served at the beginning was addicting. The pasta was a beautiful presentation and delightful portion of flavor. Additionally, my family had two desserts: The Torte Teneria and the Budino Di Banane, both were absolutely incredible.
1 year ago
2 years ago
Located in downtown Franklin, Culaccino Italian Restaurant + Bar offers authentic Italian cuisine, date-night atmosphere, and attentive service. My recent dining experience here was a great experience and we will definitely return. The restaurant has a cozy ambiance, with a modern yet rustic decor. Whether you're dining with family, friends, or on a romantic date, Culaccino provides the perfect backdrop. Service From the moment we walked in, the staff at Culaccino made us feel welcome. We arrived a bit early for our 6:15 pm reservation on a Monday night and we were seated immediately. Our server, Bradley, was knowledgeable, friendly, and on point with his service, ensuring that our dining experience was exceptional from start to finish. Food The star of the show at Culaccino is undoubtedly the food. We started with warm bread and whipped butter alongside two glasses of Marches De Barcola, a dry red wine similar to a Malbec. For appetizers, we tried the meatballs soaked in all sorts of goodness like fresh tomato sauce, whipped butter, and packed with a ton of flavor. For the main courses, the Veal Ravioli stood out with its rich, buttery flavor of bone marrow in a creamy sauce. The Pappardelle pasta with lamb was tasty, and the only feedback would be for the sauce to be slightly thicker and a bit more flavor. Although the menu appears to change periodically, one side dish we would 100% recommend is the Charred Broccolini, served over mashed potatoes and mixed with meat, veggies, and more--it's a delicious and unique addition to any meal. We agreed it's the most flavorful Broccolini we've ever had! Parking Parking is convenient, with options for street parking or a free parking garage located on the same street. This makes it easy to visit without the hassle of searching for a spot, even on busier nights. Overall Culaccino Italian Restaurant is a gem in downtown Franklin, offering a true taste of Italy with its delicious cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service. With a few minor improvements, this restaurant has the potential to reach even greater heights. I highly recommend Culaccino for anyone looking to enjoy a wonderful Italian dining experience. read more
7 months ago
4 years ago
OBSESSED IS LIKE AN UNDERSTATEMENT. What you need: Need the good bread and ricotta starter. Honestly, we have been getting TWO of these because my husband and I both want our own. I will say any other time I've gotten anything with ricotta anywhere ever in 40 years of life, it's been a NO for me. Somehow this hits all the right taste buds and goes into overload. Also, I should say, we have never actually ordered in, we always do carry out. Every single time, it's been great. If we don't make our own pizza at home, this is by far the best pizza in/near Franklin. We also just are creatures of habit and get the same thing every time. Margherita pizzas for both of us and the bread/ricotta starters. I'm sure everything they have is amazing and I would recommend this to EVERYONE. GO. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. read more
I had lunch with a couple of friends at Culaccino recently, and really enjoyed it. It's an upscale Italian restaurant in the adorable downtown Franklin. It has a great vibe, and the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. They brought the table a plate of fresh bread with a ricotta to dip. So yummy! And we also shared the brussel sprouts side. I decided on the campanele for lunch, and that was definitely the right choice! It was a creamy pasta dish with prosciutto, peas, cream, truffle butter, and parmigiano. I'd highly recommend ordering this. My friend ordered the pizza, which I tried and liked. But I was much happier with my dish ;) It's on the pricier side, especially for lunch, but the food was delicious. I think it would be the perfect spot for a nice date night! read more
3 years ago
Great food! Great service! Outside seating is available but caution it is very hot out there and you will be sweating! If calling in for a big party specify you want to be sat inside otherwise great all around! 10/10! Beef tartar, yes! Salads, yes! Broccolini, yes! Wine, yes! All their fish is also a yes! read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Hands down one of my favorite spots! I love everything on the menu, and the cocktails are to die for! The staff is always very attentive and polite. I gotta say the late night menu option is really what puts it over the top. A lot of restaurants in this town close down early and stop serving food. This is one of the only places I have found that I can get an extraordinary meal later at night. Reservations can be hard to get however, if you sit at the bar, you are almost always able to find a seat! read more
2 years ago
The food was awesome. The service was so attentive and quick and overall it was a great experience. read more
8 months ago
Unbelievable! And they are open at 9:30am with a huge menu (not just brunch items!) on the weekends. Do not snooze on this place - the doughs and pastas are completely homemade, and the flavors are spectacularly balanced and masterful. Can you tell I'm a huge fan?! Had the Il Re Di Bologna Pizza ($14) which features mortadella, ricotta, pistachio pesto, garlic chips, and a beautifully wood-fired, crispy & chewy homemade pizza crust which is even better than the West coast Settebello chain, or as good as Arizona's Pizzeria Bianco (without the 2hr wait!). Be sure to ask for your Culaccino pizza "well done" if you really enjoy the charred blisters on the edge of your pie (I certainly do!) Also had the Wood Oven Frittata ($15) which has roasted mushrooms, leeks, robiola, and scallions in it, and it's incredibly light and airy and as a Frittata *should* be. Note: this Frittata will change the way you think about omelettes - specifically, you may never want an omelette again for brunch, and may fully convert yourself to the Frittata camp! What a beautiful egg creation, again with expert execution. Delicioso! On top of mindblowing Italian fare, their service was absolutely phenomenal. IF you're in Franklin on a weekend morning with your pals / bridesmaids / pickleball team / what-have-you, skip all of the rest, and come HERE for brunch. Such a no-brainer, it's ridiculous. And they even have an outdoor patio if you want to see-and-be-seen dining along Main St. So pumped to have discovered Culaccino. Bravo, Frank! (the chef/owner) You've created something very, very special. read more
9 months ago
I started my meal with the prosecco cider from the Nashville-based TailGate Brewery -- it was very dry just as I like my ciders. The complimentary bread served shortly after we were seated was soft and delicious and was elevated by the ricotta spread. As an appetizer, we ordered the asparagus fritters, which were disc-shaped blends of asparagus with notes of lemon and saffron, topped with pecorino cheese. I'm generally not a huge fan of asparagus, but this was a delicious form of the vegetable. For my entree, I ordered the L'Unico pizza, Culaccino's take on the classic margherita pizza. The toppings included san marzano tomato, bufala mozzarella, basil and olive oil on top of a 72-hour fermented crust. The pie is wood-fired, so the crust was crispy. The crust was delicious, but it overpowered the actual toppings. I would have liked a little more of a tomato base to balance the dryness of the crust. The dollops of mozzarella were good but rather sparse. The basil provided a slightly peppery, fresh flavor. For dessert, I tried the bomboloni, an Italian donut of sorts. The ball of dough was injected with a Nutella-esque sauce. I picked up on subtle notes of lime or lemon which was a bit distracting, but overall it was a good way to end the meal. While I wasn't blown away by the food, I for the most part enjoyed the meal. I would certainly return to explore more of the menu. read more
2 years ago
Service was absolutely incredible! Our waitress was so kind and graciously remade our espresso martinis when asked! The bread service is also fantastic! read more
2 years ago
Special for the night - Rigatoni. It was Impeccable! My husband requested pizza - sausage, mushrooms & Pepperoni toppings. They were so accommodating in making it happens. The result - hands down for a very tasty pizza. One of the best Italian restaurant. Highly recommend. We will be back. read more
We decided to do a late lunch here on a Friday and it was pretty busy. Liked that they had a patio and the indoor seating was smaller than we thought (kind of tight). Our greeter was so nice and they seemed a little understaffed, but really responsive. Their table bread is awesome. Whipped ricotta is good but the bread itself is delicious! The drinks were fantastic - flavorful and well balanced. Food was great! We started with the Burrata Salad and the beets were a great addition to the salad. Shared the L'Agnello Sacoro pizza, which was tasty. I did think it was going to be more of a flatter pizza, but it was still good. We also had the Campnelle pasta. That was really tasty and wish I had a spoon to drink the sauce (just kidding), but it was good. I did like seeing the pasta made (door is open) and all the service and food service was timely. Our server was nice and checked in, however I was a little put off at the beginning when she made a 1-2 recommendations for every section of the menu. It's nice to get 1-2 recommendations for the main course, but she went through it thoroughly, super nice person, but a bit much. My big gripe was the noise level! You really can't have a conversation in there and if you do, you're doing so in a loud voice. I remember having the same issue in an LA Italian restaurant I loved (Bottega Louie). Just horrible acoustics in there. Next time we might try their patio seating. All in all, great food, service and experience! read more
If it weren't for the fireplace outside, you would completely miss this little Italian Franklin gem. Went here last night with my girlfriend and when it comes to meal experiences from start to finish, Culaccino's is definitely on the top three list. The service was fantastic (shout out to Will) and the inside layout has the chef's line exposed as well as their custom wood fire oven for the artisanal pizzas. I will say that they pack a lot of people inside (we went there at 5pm on a Friday), so it can feel a little cramped, but the packed house didn't negatively affect our experience one bit. It's great if you're there on a date or with friends because if you say you're sharing dishes, they'll evenly split the meals and serve them on separate plates. Will definitely be coming back here! read more
We were looking for a nice place to have lunch and came across this little gem in downtown Franklin. We came in and the ambiance is just beautiful. The decor is fabulous. We were seated in the dining room which is just lovely the host brought us over water and the most wonderful ricotta thyme with olive oil spread for the rosemary bread. It was delicious. Then our server came over. Bradley!! She is amazing. She gave us all kinds of suggestions on the food since we haven't eaten here before. She gave us the popular dishes and also her personal favorites. I order the chicken thigh plate and my husband ordered the margarita pizza. Both were Bradley's favorites. And to be honest after ordering this dish of the chicken thighs is my favorite too. It was one of the best things I have ever tasted. And the margarita pizza was amazing. Then of course we had to order dessert and got the little banana donut holes (can't remember what they called them) with the Nutella dipping sauce and it came with a little milk and straw. So cute. And soooooo good. All I got was a pic of the dessert. Darn. Everything was so good I forgot to take pictures of them. The service, the ambiance, the food was first rate. We will definitely go back. And ask for Bradley. She was absolutely the best. read more
2 years ago
Wonderful food and service! We are still exploring Franklin after moving from downtown Nashville, and so happy to have found this gem. The service was great and pizzas were so yummy! Definitely recommend checking it out, their bar and patio were very inviting! read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
The staff was very friendly and attentive. The steak was delightful and the pizza was tasty. read more
We were there last Saturday and it will definitely not be our last time. I had the Campanele pasta with the Smoke & mirrors & the Kiss from a Rosemary cocktails. All of it was amazing! Outstanding customer service. We had a great waiter that explained to us the menus and I went with his suggestions which I do not regret. The dessert we had was Tiramisu which was delicious. Cannot wait to go back and try the rest of the dishes and cocktails. read more
2 years ago
Quick service and the food was tasty. The tonnarelli is a nice option if you're looking for something that is isn't too heavy. The L'unico pizza was also a delight. read more
3 years ago
1 year ago
We had dinner at Culaccino last night, the food and the service were exceptional! It a small venue but a nice cozy atmosphere. read more
1 year ago
Service was great. We started with Nonno's Fennel Sausage. I ordered the Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder while my lady enjoyed the Ravioli. I paired this with the Primativa Red Wine. The intimate ambiance is nice and location is great. read more
Head downtown Franklin to try the addictive offerings of Culaccino, an incredible Italian restaurant. The new eatery is absolutely beautiful and the location provides great parking. I can't say enough about the service - it was some of the best I've had in Nashville in a while. They're attentive and the restaurant owners and staff pay attention to detail. Your meal starts with a homemade ricotta which is served with warm French bread. Talk about a delicious way to start any meal! A few favorites were the risotto, mafalde and tiramisu. They also have an extensive wine list. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Amazing Italian food!! Make sure you have a reservation because the restaurant itself is not very big. With that being said, if the restaurant is full, the space gets very loud. We didn't mind because the food was so good and worth the noise!! read more
1 year ago
I wish I had something negative to say to ensure the chef engages with this review, but I don't as it was all amazing! Service was excellent, wine was delightful, and every dish was spectacular. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in town. read more
2 years ago
I see why this is so many people favorite restaurant in Franklin! The pesto shrimp pasta was so good! Also love a place with free bread along with the ricotta. Don't forget to finish with the tiramisu! read more
1 year ago
4 years ago
Had a wonderful time sitting outside on their patio. As a fellow pizzaiolo, I was completely impressed by how they perfectly cook their pizza and how beautifully fermented the dough was! Excellent! Our server, Ajay, not only was incredibly friendly, but also made some great suggestions. We had a great time sitting in his section. The pasta is made daily and we could tell that a lot of passion goes into the quality of their food. Great job to the chef and the staff! read more
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Culaccino - italian - Updated May 2026
Best of Franklin
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