Thompsons Kitchen...Southern (Roots) Toots, Global (Flavor) Failure Dined at Thompson's tonight, Fairview's answer to fine dining. As a Nashville and Williamson county native (yes, there are actually some of us still around), I grew up visiting family friends in Fairview and eventually married one. Fairview holds a special place in my heart, and as much as the landscape has changed and evolved over the years, it still possesses the quiet charm and salt-of-the-earth people it always has. With the arrival of big box retailers, fast food restaurants, and Californians, Fairview has experienced rising property taxes, soaring per acre prices and disappearing undeveloped land. Still, it's managed to hang onto its unassuming charm through all of this growth. Then two interlopers breeze into town. Per the website, the owner/chef and his wife are well-traveled, thought Fairview needed an elevated dining establishment, and thought they were just the ones to bring it to them. Well, that's all fine and dandy, save for a couple of issues: 1) The only thing harder than the most uncomfortable chairs I've maybe ever sat in at a restaurant was finding a menu item that sounded good. The menu is somehow both cumbersome and underwhelming at once. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees and even a kids' menu are among the offerings but they're just trying too dang hard. While traveling the world, they learned phrases such as "elevated" and "outside the box," which is fantastic, but you don't have to elevate every single thing. It's ok for a burger to just be a burger. And for goodness sake, ketchup doesn't need to be doctored. It's ketchup. Just let it do its thing. 2) If you're going to have a bunch of fancy pants items on the menu, expect that patrons will likely request accommodations and be willing to acquiesce to the reasonable requests. If I don't want pimento cheese on my burger, please don't roll your eyes when I ask for it to be left off and maybe have some normal toppings available. A member of our party asked what came on the burger. The server replied, "pickles, comeback sauce, bacon jam, and pimento cheese." My friend asked if she could get tomato and lettuce. She was told no and requested just pickles, but when her burger was delivered (well after the rest of our party received their food), it was slathered in whatever "comeback sauce" is. Because they assigned our server to other tables during our party of 14's meal, his visits were more spread out than they should have been for a party of our size. Drinks ran low and after having waited too long for her sandwich to come out initially, there was no time or use in sending it back once she did get it. Also, they may have traveled the world, collecting recipes and studying technique, but if they're going to have something called "smash burger" on the menu, I'd suggest taking a trip to Steak n' Shake to learn how a smash burger should really look and taste. 3) For $15, we ordered the "whipped feta" appetizer. A bowl arrived with a small scoop of whipped feta, a spoonful of cranberry jelly dolloped on top, and, per the menu, some "microgreens" which were really just garnish doing what garnish does: getting in the way. This was served with four slices of grilled sourdough bread that had spent a little too long on the grill and then suffered a heavy-handed olive oil application. It tasted like what I would imagine licking the grill cleaning brush would taste like. 4) The pricing was probably the most palatable element of the evening with one exception. Their daily specials included an item that seemed wildly out of place and even more outlandishly priced. Their take on Steak Frites - a 16-oz Cowgirl Steak, House Made Sweet Potato Fries, Kenny's Smoked Bleu Cheese Compound Butter and Horseradish cream - was priced at $70. Seventy! That is 232% higher than the next most expensive menu item. For steak and fries....the crowd-pleasing menu staple, traditionally priced around $25 to match its "aww, shucks" "everyman" persona. If I wanted to pay $70 for a steak dinner, you'd better believe it wouldn't be at this establishment. Nashville boasts some of the best steakhouses this side of the Mason/Dixon. Hard pass. 5) I haven't heard the word "no" so much since a middle school dance I chaperoned. Several in our party made requests - lettuce and tomato on a burger, leaving an unwanted sauce off, a candle for a birthday dessert they brought out, request to substitute a side - and each was met with a firm, unyielding declination. Summary: It's refreshing that it's not another Mexican restaurant or fast food joint. So definitely A for effort. The atmosphere is adequate. They accept reservations, which is nice. But nothing I put in my mouth wowed me or made me want more - tonight or ever again. And the service just tipped the experience as there was an underlying current of "I'm bothered" hiding just under the forced smile. Grade: C- read more

Like a SoHo restaurant in quaint Fairview! Been here several times with wife and kids, we all love it. A real Chef and a diverse menu (try the short ribs) that has something for everybody. And, great ambience! read more

Great food! Wish it was open more often, love this place! It should be a restaurant for lunch and dinner, then flip to a bar/grill between 10pm to 1am read more

Excellent food and service. A high end menu in a casual setting. Alyssa R. has usually been our server, and she is absolutely amazing.

A hidden jewel is in Fairview. We live on the extreme west side of Nashville and were vaguely aware of buzz about a restaurant across the county line in little 'ol Fairview. We had to Google to figure out what people are talking about. We went last night, and it was fabulous. The decor is casual chic, the service excellent and the food terrific. My crawfish pasta had a killer sauce, and my wife loved the innovative version of shrimp & grits. We split the whipped feta appetizer (the tomato jam is scrumptious) and the iceberg wedge (sans gorgonzola); each was excellent. We were too full for dessert. Wine list is light but adequate. Didn't pay attention to spirits or beer, but they have them. read more

Great concept. I don't think I ordered well. Others in our party did. The fresh trout was good. The gnocchi were ok, the squash helped but dish lacked overall flavor. My friend's cornbread and pork dish was literally amazing! Her spouse said his meatloaf sandwich was blah. My spouse ordered shrimp and grits (like always) and he's had better. He also had a tomato soup/grilled cheese appetizer and the sandwich was da bomb. The bread pudding dessert was a winner. Our cocktails were good. Best part was the live jazz. Awesome!! We'll go back and try other dishes. I like that the choices aren't over the top expensive and are different enough to challenge your palette. I'm sure they'll continue to improve. There was a 20 minute wait at 5:45 on a Saturday so the word is out. read more

I don't know where to start with the positive things I want to say about this gem! To start, it's a cute space in an old building and they have maintained the charm. Homey and inviting! The menu changes often and reflects the owner's relationship with local farmers and purveyors. I have lots of favorites on the menu but lean towards the Southern Buttermilk Caesar. It's salty, crunchy and a touch of sweet with the molasses drizzle. The shrimp tacos are also great. If the Pig and Peaches sandwich is on the menu, get it!! One of my favorite sandwiches ever! Sliced smoked pork, arugula, Boursin spread and a little house made peach jam. You really can't go wrong. And although I rarely have room for dessert, they are delicious. read more

What a gem!! Loved the food and the folks there were super nice. Started with a special appetizer of feta and jam on crostini. Entrees included fried chicken sandwich that was perfectly cooked and flavorful. We both enjoyed the Comeback Sauce and our server brought over a delicious spicy ranch sauce for dipping to try. Can't wait to come back!! read more

The Thompsons Kitchen - Feta appetizer - Southern Near Me - Fairview, Tennessee

Charming, quaint place that has great vibes as soon as you walk in. The service was wonderful and then the food blows you away!

Exceptional flavors, impeccable service, and inviting ambiance make dining at this restaurant an absolute delight!

I haven't dined in, but have gotten take out. I'm willing to give them another shot but first impressions were eh. The fried grit balls were tasty but SO SALTY. Nearly inedible. Hopefully it was a one off and they began tasting their food. I ordered the meatloaf sandwich as that seems to be the top item. When I started eating it, I had to double check what I ordered because the texture and taste was more like a cheap veggie burger. It's very weird and again SALTY. I couldn't eat more than a couple bites. Like I said, I'll give them another try but hopefully the chef has laid off all the salt. read more

Very nice surprise in Fairview. Very busy little place and on the louder side. Had salmon appetizer that was very flavorful throughout. Pimento cheese cornbread was really good as well - so moist! My dining companion had the meatloaf sandwich and thoroughly enjoyed it. We shared a brownie a la mode dessert that was also quite good. Congrats to the tiny town of Fairview on having such a great dining option! read more

We always enjoy going to Thompson's Kitchen. We like the decor and love the music on Friday nights. The food is delicious and service is top notch. read more

A local gem with an amazing menu--my fav is the cheese grits and shrimp. The ambiance is very appealing at the customer service, attentive.

The Thompson's Kitchen offers a cozy, inviting, and delicious meal whenever you come in. The atmosphere is very relaxing, the staff are ever-so welcoming, and the food is simply amazing. Some of my favorites are the crawfish pasta for a savory entree, their wedge salad that features a smokey tomato jam, the creamy shrimp dip as a starter, or their addicting French fries served with a house made bourbon ketchup. They also serve some of the best sweet tea I've had - and I've lived in the south my entire life! You won't ever be disappointed by The Thompson's Kitchen! read more

The Thompsons Kitchen - A filet mignon surf and turf special with veggies! - Southern Near Me - Fairview, Tennessee

See all

Overpriced for the portion served. $18 for dry, unseasoned chicken over sweet rice with a few bland garnishes is unreasonable. Wait staff ignored me. Restaurant does not serve bread with this dish, which is pretty standard at any sit down restaurant. I don't understand why this restaurant gets good reviews. I certainly will not be returning. read more

The Thompsons Kitchen - Bird of Paradise, lunch portion. - Southern Near Me - Fairview, Tennessee

This is tricky as I really love Thompson's kitchen and it's fare. Reason why I am not giving 5 stars tonight is because I brought them tons of business - all my high level clients - and to this day, the owner or some of the crew either don't recognize me or simply don't care to make a regular feel welcome. That's too bad because my business benefits a whole bunch of local places including theirs. Maybe the owners could try to at least nod, wave or smile when the regulars, and especially those who bring truckloads of other business, come in. This experience happened during a slow night for them btw. I guess it is too much to ask - go figure! read more

From the exterior this restaurant doesn't look like a restaurant. It looks like an old building. But inside it's a totally different look! Very cute inside cozy set up with music on Saturday nights. Food was great and Gemma , the owner is super friendly and down to earth. Takes the time to walk around and talk to her customers. Drinks are very good and prices are just as good. Highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Food truck gone Brick and Mortar! The fresh deliciously prepared meals are unique in flavor with a variety of menu choices. The staff are so attentive to our requests . They will proactively anticipate your needs. If you don't know the staff's story on their culinary journey do ask, it's interesting! The parking lot is always filled so you know that the dishes are good for this little town! read more

What a great experience! Food was excellent! Stacy provided outstanding service! We will be returning for sure!

This place is SO GOOD!! The staff is so friendly, and the food is delicious! Also the place itself is so well decorated and cute! read more

The Thompsons Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Fairview, Tennessee

Shrimp tacos that'll make you slap your mama!! Awesome service and high-end feel decor! Try it!

The Thompson's Kitchen is a super-cute little restaurant southwest of Nashville. It's got a country kitchen look and feel, adorably decorated. The restaurant describes it's food as Southern with global influences, and it has live jazz music on Saturdays, which is such a nice touch. The waitstaff and service is family-run and impeccable. We couldn't have asked for more attentive service. We started our meal with the shrimp dip, which was delicious - diced shrimp in a Parmesan sherry cream sauce, with a crispy topping. The Smokey Wedge Salad was interesting with a tomato jam on the side - loved it! My friend had the Gorgonzola Cream Pasta with chicken, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and bacon, and loved his dish. I had the Shrimp Tacos, which were very flavorful with perfectly cooked shrimp. They had a bit of an Asian flair, with jasmine rice included in the flour tortilla along with a tangy mango slaw, cilantro, and yum yum sauce. I did not enjoy the texture or taste of the rice, as it seemed like a filler versus a complimentary ingredient - too much carb that cut through the freshness of the dish for me. The tacos could have benefitted from a little more slaw and some heat from pickled jalapeño or Fresno peppers. I do recommend the restaurant, and if I get the tacos again, I would ask to exclude the rice. We also saw the pork loin, arugula, Boursin, and rum-peach jam sandwich at the table next to us - that looked awesome! read more

See all

Food is delicious, atmosphere is peaceful and the service was quick and friendly. They also have some allergy friendly options!

One word describes this place....Amazing!! Amazing food! Amazing service! Amazing all around!

The quality of the food simply doesn't align with the prices. At the price point they should be serving local and grass fed meat whenever possible. I could definitely tell the meat in my entree was not of great quality. I also found the staff and owner weren't nearly as welcoming as you would expect at a small town establishment. I hope that can improve upon things. Fairview could really use a nice dining spot. read more

A nice place to have a gourmet meal. I literally didn't know this place was here even though I passed by it countless times. Last time I had entered the place it was a farm supply/feed store. Ha! Well anyway, my in-laws insisted we go there and I was very surprised by the neat decor and chill vibes of the place. There were 7 of us and we all enjoyed everything we got. Nice high quality food. Higher priced but earns it for sure with good service, enjoyable surroundings and good food. Really the only decent date night/gourmet place in Fairview in my opinion. I've even been hearing a lot of buzz about this place from folks driving in from Nashville just for it. I'd love to see a little more sea food from here. Even oysters perhaps? Anyhow, i hope they keep up the good work and keep working up more delicious and creative dishes. We will be back for sure. :) read more

This place was perfect.... what happened???? Please go back to where you started!!! ... An atmosphere to match the high quality of service. In past visits, Stacy made us feel right at home and ushered us in to an evening that was sheer perfection. Truly a SoHo gem in our little borough of Fairview. However, the last time we went (two weeks ago) the vibe had changed. The cocktail menu was different. Drinks were different. Vibe was not Fairview's best kept secret, more like "like it or leave it." We're "leaving it" for now. read more

Delicious food, reasonably priced! The Bird of Paradise has to be my favorite meal at any restaurant locally! You won't be disappointed!

I've never had a bad meal here. Love to go for lunch, awesome service! Their food has interesting choices, everyone can find something they like. Desserts are really great and change periodically. read more

We visited after hearing great things! The atmosphere is wonderful- vintage meets rustic meets modern. Cozy place to eat! Hostess and server were kind, however our food took 1 hour to arrive. Fantastic iced tea and s'mores bread pudding dessert. Entrees fell a bit flat, they arrived luke warm. (Smashed burger + fries and bird of paradise meals) Probably just a staffing shortage, would go back for happy hour or a Saturday night for live music. read more

Thompson Kitchen is a staple in our house and never disappoints!!! Tonight, the Valentine's meal was exceptional! The stuffed tomato with boudin cheese, green salad, tuna steak with sautéed spinach and jasmin rice were exceptional. The chocolate kaulah cake and bold fashion drink with coffee laquer was the icing on the cake!!! I never eat dessert nor drink anything that strong. The pairing of the two was wonderful! The meal scores a 9 out of 10.. Stacey, our server, is also a wonderful addition to the restaurant and always a plus to any meal!!!!!!!! Highly recommend Stacey and this restaurant. read more

Have eaten here at least a dozen times. Love it and will be back many more. Burger is my favorite!

Food is very good. It is also pricey. Atmosphere is cool and service is good. Recommend calling ahead can be long wait times a reservation is a must. read more

The rib eye plate is the go to. If it's your first time there, it's a must. It's a small menu but everything on it is delicious. Their sweet tea is on my top five list. The staff are awesome. read more

So good, and it's so nice to have a cool spot like this in Fairview! The food is delicious, and the service is always great!

We took my mother there for her birthday and we all really enjoyed it. It's interesting well-made food in a casual setting with a super friendly staff. I had a delicious salad with goat cheese to start and I'd highly recommend the pimento cheese bread. We all enjoyed our entrees and shared a tasty bread pudding for dessert. We'll definitely be going back. read more

Fairview's own chef inspired restaurant. I have been a numbers of times and have not been disappointed yet. Jeff keeps thing's rolling up front while Rodney is working his magic in the back. Give it a go, I think you'll enjoy as much as I have! read more

We loved our time! We had great apps, mains, drinks, and Nicholas took such good care of us. Thank you for the great night!

New to Fairview, so I've only been able to go there twice so far, but it was a really enjoyable experience. The food was superb. It was quite busy, so the wait staff was running, but they were efficient enough considering. Parking leaves a little to be desired, and their hours have been strange during the pandemic, but I try to be understanding of that because its everywhere. It seems a bit bougie for lil' old Fairview, but I do hope it survives because it deserves a chance. It's as good or better than comparably priced Nashville restaurants. All the desserts I have tried are to die for. read more