Sinema Restaurant and Bar

Where do I even begin? There is no way that my words or photographs will even begin to do this restaurant justice, but I hope that what I share with you will prompt you to make a reservation so you can see for yourself why I’ve fallen in love.

Last week I got to experience Sinema, the new restaurant in the historic Melrose theater building on 8th Avenue/Franklin Road that officially opens to the public this Friday, June 27th. And that experience left me breathless.

When I first heard that the theater was being converted into a restaurant, I was immediately excited. And the more I read about it, hopeful. Hopeful that finally Nashville was getting something new and different on our culinary scene. Don’t get me wrong- I think we have some fantastic restaurants in this city, but many of them have started to feel the same to me. Feel the same, look the same, taste the same.

But not this.

From the moment I opened that front door and stepped inside, I knew this was special.

Truly, there are no words that can explain my first glimpse of the grand entryway, and I didn’t take a photo of it because I want you to have that same feeling that I had. But I did take a photo of the curved staircase because I couldn’t help myself. It is stunning. Leading up to the second level lounge and private dining space, it is an architectural detail that was kept from the original 1942 theater.

And speaking of the upstairs lounge, I want to move into it. Of course, I don’t think they’ll allow that, but you can be certain that I will be there often. With so many nooks and crannies and cool little areas to lounge with a friend, or a group of friends, this is the bar I’ve been waiting for.

Before you start thinking that all I care about is how absolutely gorgeous this space is, I guess I should tell you a little about the food and of course, the man behind the food. Chef Dale Levitski, an alumni of Top Chef (runner up in Season 3) and a James Beard Award nominee, moved here from Chicago a few months ago to take the helm of this new kitchen.

Personally, I was a big fan of his when he was on Top Chef, so it comes as no shock to me that I love the eclectic menu he has created at Sinema.

Sinema Nashville’s Bread n Butter
Sweet Corn Bacon Butter, White Bean Butter, Caviar Butter, Bella Bakery Bread

We ate a lot of food during our visit, but for the sake of space, the photos I’m sharing are of the dishes I considered to be the best of the best of this particular meal. I’ve seen rave reviews of other dishes pop up on Instagram from people that have also been fortunate enough to get an early taste of Sinema, so I’ve already started compiling my list for the next visit!

Foie Gras at Sinema
Zucchini Bread, Foie Gras Mousse, Curry Cashew Butter

We chose the foie gras as our appetizer, but honestly, I could have eaten it as dessert. It was sweet, but not in a bad way. My gosh, it was incredible. Next appetizers on my list to try: the Octopus (which a trusted source said is phenomenal) and the “Pig and Peach”, a bacon and ham pierogi with mushrooms, stone fruit, and porcini mushroom sauce.

As for entrees, I ordered the double cut pork chop and my husband ordered the lamb, but I probably ended up stealing about half of his. My goodness, it is incredible.

Since there doesn’t yet seem to be a menu posted online, I’ll share with you that prices for appetizers range from $10 – $16. For entrees, you’re looking at $22 – $42, with most prices being right in the middle of that range. The portions are very substantial, so you certainly don’t have to worry about leaving hungry. In fact, we had to take leftovers home because we couldn’t eat it all!

Sinema’s Colorado Lamb
Duck Fat Poached Rack, Lucknow Spiced Lamb Sausage, Pearled Barley Risotto, Anchovy Sauce Vert

Sinema

The Melrose Theater Building
2600 Franklin Pike
Suite 102
Nashville, TN 37204
615-942-7746

Mon – Thurs 4 – 11 pm
Fri and Sat – 4 pm to 12 am

(Sundays brunch will be added soon)

Interior details of the gorgeous new Sinema restaurant

~ Contest Closed ~

And the winner is…..

#54 Traci

Giveaway

Now the best part — I’ve got a Sinema 3 course dinner for TWO* to give away!

To enter, all you have to do is this:

Mandatory

1. Leave a comment telling me what you’ve read or heard about Sinema that excites you the most.

For up to 2 additional entries, you can do either or both of the following. Note: You must leave a separate comment for each optional entry.

2.  Follow Sinema on Twitter (@sinemanashville) and tweet “Win a 3-course dinner for 2 at the incredible new @sinemanashville from @betheats! http://bit.ly/T2XlWy”, then leave a comment telling me you’ve done so.

3.  Like Sinema on Facebook and come back and tell me you did so (or just tell me you already do if that’s the case!)

Contest ends on Friday, June  27th at noon CDT. Once the winner is chosen, I’ll make contact via email and post the name here on the blog. If they don’t respond within 48 hours, I’ll be forced to choose another, so be sure to check your email!

*Dinner does not include alcohol or gratuity