At Culaccino, you can watch your meal be prepared in the open kitchen, as the pizza dough, which is fermented for 72-hours, is gracefully tossed into the wood-fired oven. The menu also features house-made pasta and paninis highlighting local provisioners.

Culaccino is no secret to Franklin locals, but those living outside Franklin probably don’t realize that this delightful upscale Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown easily rivals any of Nashville’s hottest restaurants. For me, the restaurant’s most unforgettable dish is its grilled octopus — I know, I know, I’m not much of an octopus fan either, but this particular dish is tender and exquisite and absolutely unforgettable. Culaccino’s artisan pizzas are also superb — Their dough undergoes a three-day fermentation process before being topped with inventive ingredients like hen of the woods mushrooms and taleggio cheese and wood-fired in their pizza oven .

We were absolutely wowed by our dinner at Culaccino, a new upscale Italian restaurant in downtown Franklin that’s a quick walk away from the Harpeth Hotel. Once we were seated at the bar, the bartender went through the menu with us with gusto, regaling us with the intimate details of the grilling of the octopus appetizer, the three-day fermentation of the pizza dough, the rolling out of fresh pasta. As our dishes began arriving, we quickly learned why she was so excited about the food — It was absolutely exquisite and rivals any meal I’ve had at Nashville’s culinary hotspots.

104 E Main Street, FranklinCulaccino is named after the Italian word for the mark a cold glass leaves on a wooden table, embodying how food and hospitality can leave a long-lasting mark. Dishes found at this Italian restaurant include scratch-made pasta dishes like the Ravioli (veal shoulder, bone marrow, robiola, butter sauce, Sangiovese reduction and sorrel), comforting appetizers like Nonna’s Lentil Soup (pastina, aromatic vegetables, san marzano tomato and pecorino) and 72-hour fermented woodfired pizzas.

Culaccino is an upscale Italian restaurant offering a menu of refined, modern Italian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for handmade pasta or wood-fired pizzas, Culaccino delivers a sophisticated dining experience with a creative twist on classic flavors. Conveniently, Culaccino is located just 6 minutes by car to the FSSD Performing Arts Center, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a delicious meal before heading to a performance.

Culaccino may be a newcomer to Franklin’s dining scene, but it’s made quick regulars out of the locals. The first solo venture from executive chef Frank Pullara, Culaccino is a concept perfectly suited for a casual lunch or a special occasion. While the house-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas are menu standouts, don’t skip the burger: an elegant take on the traditional with oven-roasted tomato, pancetta, stewed onions, and ooey-gooey taleggio fonduta.

Frank Pullara, chef and owner of Franklin’s esteemed Culamar and Culaccino Italian restaurants, has announced plans to expand into Nashville. A second Culaccino location is slated to open next summer in Nashville Yards, a 19-acre premier development downtown that houses Amazon, Grand Hyatt and a music venue called The Pinnacle among new homes, retail and entertainment destinations in the Gulch.

Culaccino, an Italian restaurant and bar known for its artisanal approach to Italian cuisine, has quickly become a favorite for those seeking a blend of traditional and modern dishes. Its warm, inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner. The house-made Pasta, particularly the Tagliatelle Bolognese, receives rave reviews for its authenticity and depth of flavor.

Nestled just off Main Street in historic downtown Franklin, Culaccinois a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine. This neighborhood gem, led by Chef Frank Pullara, is a must-visit among unique Franklin TN restaurants. With a waiting list for dinner reservations stretching close to a month, it’s clear that Culaccino has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

The perfect stop on any day exploring Franklin, Culaccino is second to none. Whether you feel like tucking into one of their 72-hour fermented pizzas, artisanal pasta dishes, ricotta frittata, or perfectly prepared entrees, you can’t go wrong. Better yet, don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their bourbon-based cocktails on the outdoor patio!

If you go to Franklin, you must eat at Culaccino and you must order the octopus and/or the duck. Even the girls loved the octopus, and once Jeff tasted my duck, he wished he had ordered it. It was an accident that we even ended up eating here (45-minute wait at the first restaurant we tried), but we were all thrilled to have found this place.

Culaccino: Chef and owner Frank Pullaro opened this Italian restaurant and bar as his first solo concept in downtown Franklin. Signature dishes include handmade pasta and woodfired pizza along Pullaro family recipes. Pullaro sources ingredients from local suppliers, like Hatcher Family Dairy, Bear Creek Farm and Honest Coffee Roasters.

The drive down to Franklin is completely worth it for me when there’s a meal at Culaccino involved. Pro tip: Head down during less traffic-y lunchtime for a bowl of chef Frank Pullara’s grandmother’s hearty, tomato-based lentil soup, which gets loaded up with fennel sausage, tender bits of pastina pasta, and house-cured pancetta.

Sip a glass of red or white while snacking on warm, house-made bread paired with a scoop of ricotta cheese and olive oil. Then, order one of everything on the menu. No matter which you choose, the seventy-two-hour fermented pizzas or the handmade artisan pasta dishes, you’ll leave feeling full and satisfied.

One of my favorite items was the liver pate’ which was served in a jar with a side of pickled veggies and toast. Now it’s the equivalent of one chicken liver spread on 4 pieces of bread. If you are not into eating mostly cheap gluten carbs ie pizza, pasta, bread choose a better restaurant.

Mack: This place was absolutely slammed when I visited and it's easy to see why. This restaurant from Frank Pullara is relaxed, convivial and just plain good. The service was excellent and knowledgeable about every detail, down to the wine.

104 E Main StFranklin, TN 37064(615) 435-3539 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Culaccino Italian Restaurant and Bar is an upmarket restaurant with wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta & traditional mains, plus a robust wine list.

Culaccino Italian Restaurant & Bar: Authentic Italian cuisine abounds. Signature dishes like wood-fired pizzas, panini sandwiches, and handmade artisan pasta pair with a stellar wine list and classic desserts such as tiramisu.

Culaccino Italian Restaurant and Bar, at 104 E Main Street, is one of my personal favorite eateries around. A usual go-to for the hubs and I on date night, it’s upscale but not pretentious. I recommend reservations.

Craft cocktails and an extensive wine list round out the experience at this spot in historic downtown Franklin, which is known for its authentic Italian dishes like housemade pastas, meatballs and paninis.

Culaccino italian restaurant & bar is located on the corner of 1st ave n and e main street. Find tripadvisor traveler reviews of nashville italian restaurants and search by price, location, and more.

We love Culaccino’s for authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of downtown Franklin. Their menu, cocktails, and wine list make for a wonderful evening out.