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
As a Melrose/8th South resident, I’ve been fascinated by the overhaul of that building! I watched it transform from blight to a gorgeous mixed-use building. I was coming home from work one day driving down 8th and saw that huge “SINEMA” sign and was immediately excited…then I researched and found out Dale was at the helm…I was immediately brought to tears of joy!
Followed
LIKED!
Saw an ad on Facebook! Sinema looks like it’s going to be AMAZING! Awesome atmosphere, food by Dale Levitski from Top Chef, what more could you ask for! Can’t wait to try it!
Followed and Tweeted on the Twitter! :)
Liked!
The food and restaurant both look awesome!
Liked on Facebook:)
Very excited to try the Octopus! I hear it’s delish!
Following Sinema on Twitter!
Liked Sinema on Facebook
Very excited about trying the lamb that our friend Knook posted. It looked so good, the lamb topped with an herb-y chimichurri-like dollop, green beans, over a bean/farro type grain. I want that. I am a little Jealy of that.
That lamb is DELICIOUS!!!
I am now follwoing Sinema on twitter.
I now like Sinema on Facebook.
I loved him on Top Chef, and the food looks amazing! Also excited that Melrose was the neighborhood they chose :)
Liked them on Facebook!
Love the history behind the place :)
i follow on fb too!
Love to hear about new restaurants in the Nashville area! Looks like a great atmosphere with on point food options!
Love the atmosphere, and excited about good foie gras!!!!!
Liked on Facebook too!
Everything you wrote about this excites me.
I am following Sinema on Twitter and tweeted
I liked Sinema on Facebook
I’m so excited to experience a modern step back into time! The space looks amazing and the food, inspiring. I’m a ceramic artist and am delightfully surprised to have a tile design that resembles the diamonds on the menu cover. Can’t wait to dine this weekend!!
Liked on Facebook
My wife is a fan of Top Chef, so the fact that Dale is in town is big for her. Sealing the deal for me was the biggest “foodie” I know being so excited about Sinema. Then another cooler, hipper power couple in Nashville had a chance to sneak preview Sinema on Tuesday and raved about it. Sold.
Liked on Facebook. Photo gallery there was good to see.
So excited to try a new place in Nashville! The food looks beautiful and delicious.
I followed and tweeted!
I liked on Facebook!
like them on facebook, goata go to just see the wall and the decor. This weekend for sure. win or not.
I’m so glad that they went with a theater theme, I was worried the building was going to get a facade that erased it’s roots. Looking forward to checking it out.
So happy we got to try Sinema last week – like you, I’m blown away by the decor and set up inside. I hope to be there often, too! (And run into you! :)) I ordered the rib-eye that was covered in French onion soup goodness and tasted Kristen’s lamb. When I return I’ll probably have the lamb. Though if Chef Levitski could make that pierogi appetizer an entree, I would ABSOLUTELY order that. It was perfect.
I’m most excited to try their drink creations, then brunch when they roll it out. A friend is tending bar there that only ever works places with incredible drinks, so I can’t wait!
i tweeted @laceythelush
I had already liked Sinema on facebook. Been waiting on this spot to open for ages!!
Am so glad the Melrose Theater has been re-stored!
…and that another Beth is just as excited about it as I am. Even though I haven’t actually tasted the food yet.
p.s. Have followed and tweeted as instructed!
I am most excited for the whole ambience of the restaurant and bar. I read an article and saw photos of Sinema in Nashville Guru. What I look for in a restaurant is not only great food, but a great experience. I think Sinema is going to be the new hotspot for those trendy Nashville natives!
btw… liked their FB page! I’d love it if I could :)
Beth – I’m SO excited about this restaurant! Since I live in the Melrose neighborhood, I’m so glad to see more development in this area. And, I was THRILLED when I heard they were keeping some of the details of the original theater, such as that gorgeous staircase. Your photos confirm my suspicion – it looks gorgeous! It’s going to put the Melrose neighborhood (and Nashville) on the culinary map. I’m excited to try it out. Thanks for the preview!
P.S. So great to meet you today! :)
tweety-tweet-tweet-ed!
Tweeted and liked too. :)
I’m really excited to see the magnificent interior design elements! The pictures look AMAZING! Chef Dale and Q-Juan have put together an exciting menu that looks more impressive than the interior! Hubby and I haven’t had a date night since 2012, so one night would be like a vacation for us!
I have heard about the amazing atmosphere– driving by it as they have been working on construction has also been a treat!
As a born and raised Nashville native I love that they’re taking in the institutions of old Nashville and giving them new life and new purpose in ways that the city rarely has before. Dale and Q-Juan have created something special in a space that for too long has sat under appreciated, they’re breathing new life into old spaces.
Added a like to FB so I can keep up with their upcoming opening and future news.
I have read a couple of different items on Sinema from your site, Eater’s site and the Nashville Scene. I am most excited about trying out a Top Chef calibre’s menu. I think the dishes look amazing and can’t wait to eat there.
Just followed @sinemanashville on twitter and tweeted Win a 3-course dinner for 2 at the incredible new @sinemanashville from @betheats! http://bit.ly/T2XlWy”
Just followed Sinema Nashville on Facebook!