Spring is right around the corner, and after a long winter season cooped up inside, I am welcoming the change to warmer weather and new experiences with open arms. As we all climb out of our proverbial bunkers, there are quite a few new restaurants to visit and delicious experiences to be had around Franklin.
Whether you are planning a spring getaway or just looking for a new local date night spot, I’ve got some fabulous places to eat in Franklin!
Franklin Bakehouse
The Franklin Bakehouse is a dreamy bakery and “new style convenience market” in downtown Franklin. Angie and Bill Muir founded the shop after a 20-year dream to do so and plenty of inspiration from tasting their way across the country and abroad in Europe. The light and airy atmosphere, complete with outdoor seating and a quaint bar, make the bakehouse a lovely place to linger and grab a bite any time of day.
The case of freshly baked pastries is truly impressive, which includes made from scratch muffins, croissants, and scones. One of their most popular items is the Everything Scone filled with scallion cream cheese; it’s a savory pastry you won’t find anywhere else in town!
Another highlight is the two to three counter salads made fresh daily, usually including quinoa or farro mixed with bright veggies and greens tossed in a light vinaigrette. This idea was directly inspired by a Parisian cafe Angie visited years ago, where she fell in love with the beautiful colors and flavors of these ready-to-eat counter salads. Folks are equally loving the European-style baguette sandwiches offered daily for lunch.
The Bakehouse is also a delightful spot to drop by after work and enjoy a glass of wine or local beer on tap and charcuterie. Don’t forget to pick up a few of their gourmet grocery items and a freshly baked loaf of sourdough to take home.
Culaccino
Another fantastic chef-driven restaurant in downtown Franklin is always welcome, and the newest addition, Culaccino is a must-try! Executive Chef and owner Frank Pullara moved to Franklin from Naples, Florida, to start this authentic Italian eatery inspired by his Italian heritage and years of culinary training.
The heart behind Culaccino is to celebrate family, food, and heartfelt memories. So whether you are looking for a family-friendly restaurant or a romantic dinner for two, you can’t go wrong with this downtown Franklin gem.
Kick-off dinner with an Italian-style signature cocktail like the “Regional Dialects,” featuring house Limoncello, Vodka, and Prosecco, the perfect late afternoon spring sipper on the restaurant’s ample patio!
A few of the staff favorites from the menu include the homemade Gnocchi with slow-braised rabbit, basil pesto, green beans, pine nuts, and fresh parmigiana, as well as the homemade pizzas with a 72-hour fermented crust. The Il Fienile pizza is a true showstopper, topped with prosciutto, artichoke, hen of the woods, a farm-fresh egg, and pecorino crema. If your mouth is watering, you are not alone!
Izzy’s Feel Good Food
Brad Bitterman was the Food and Beverage Director at the Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville when he and much of his staff were furloughed when the hotel shut down due to the pandemic.
He and his wife Jo, along with many of the staff they had worked with, were left without work and very few restaurant jobs available at the time. Several months later, they found a fantastic location, took a risk, and decided to open a restaurant of their own near downtown Franklin, affectionately named Izzy’s, after their daughter. They completed several renovations and even put in a stage so that customers could enjoy live music at their family-friendly restaurant.
The approachable menu includes affordable and delicious food for all ages. One clever section of the menu is called “Things on Fries,” which includes the Lobster Fries that start with a basket of fries and are topped with knuckle and claw lobster meat sautéed in butter, oregano, and lemon, and then drizzled with a lemon garlic aioli.
The Franklin Hot Chicken Cobb is another crowd-pleaser, with a homemade hot chicken cutlet, sliced atop a traditional Cobb salad with all the fixin’s. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere, along with the diverse menu, makes Izzy’s a must-try for locals and visitors alike.
Perry’s Steakhouse
What began as a small, family-owned butcher shop and deli in Houston, Texas, has expanded into one of the nation’s premier, award-winning steakhouses. Locals are thrilled that the first Tennessee location of Perry’s Steakhouse is in the Cool Springs area.
Perry’s is known for its impeccable ambiance, exceptional customer service, and elaborate presentations, including intricate table-side carvings and flaming desserts. This is the ultimate celebratory dinner restaurant, complete with a rose petal-laced table for anniversaries and a complimentary dessert trio for birthdays.
As far as the stand-out menu items, I prefer a lighter appetizer at a steakhouse, so the signature fried asparagus topped with jump lump crabmeat is right up my alley. However, for a starter that packs a punch, the Beef and Bleu is a big hit, with tender sliced beef filet and a bleu cheese and bacon marmalade served on a toasted French baguette.
As for the main event, I’m a filet girl, and the Filet Perry does not disappoint. It’s wrapped in applewood smoked bacon, topped with jumbo lump crab meat, and then covered with Perry’s velvety steak butter. Surprisingly, the most famous menu item at Perry’s is the “seven finger high” pork chop, which is selected specifically for Perry’s and then cured, roasted, slow-smoked, and caramelized and then carved tableside.
Last but not least, the dessert menu holds its own as well. The Nutty d’Angelo is the stand-out, made with crushed pecans flambeed with brown sugar and brandy tableside, served over vanilla ice cream dipped in white chocolate and toasted almonds. What else is there to say? Bring your appetite, and prepare to be treated like royalty at Franklin’s newest steakhouse!
Burger Dandy
The newest burger joint in town boasts a simple, straightforward menu consisting of mouthwatering smash burgers, crispy crinkle fries, and homemade milkshakes. Burger Dandy is all about bringing good cheer from the bright red and blue color scheme of this carryout burger shop to the classic menu!
The “Just Dandy” burger is exactly as you would hope, made with American cheese, Coca-Cola onions, the signature burger sauce, and don’t forget to add on the sweet and spicy “Kool-Aid Pickles.” The crinkle-cut fries come crispy and salted, smothered with cheese, or loaded with house-made chili and melted cheese. Wash it all down with the ultimate chocolate shake made with real chocolate ice cream, chocolate milk, and dutch chocolate syrup.
Burger Dandy offers drive-thru and carry-out service with outdoor patio seating available situated right next to Americana Taphouse. This is a fabulous option for a lunch break with kids in between discovering all that downtown Franklin has to offer.