Margot Cafe & Bar

After enjoying the drinks, food, and service at Margot for a while (resident East Sider), I'll provide a much delayed review of one of my favorite spots. I travel about 200 days a year, and have been fortuanate to dine at some really great restaurants all over the country. Margot is still one of my favorites and I always enjoy coming home and walking down to the bar for a drink and some food. Homemade pastas, local and organic ingredients, hand cut potato chips, new items on the menu every night, and an $8 pizza with homemade dough that could be a meal. What else could you ask for? Maybe a great wine list? Check. Servers that know their food and drinks thoroughly? Check. Great ambience? Check. I have read some of the negative reviews on this page and must say I'm sorry for those folks, it's possible you had a server with an off night, or had bad luck with a dish, but the tone of some of the reviews read like comment cards for Sizzler. As for the kevlar remark, that's just ignorant and offensive. I grew up in Brentwood and you couldn't PAY me to move from my Eastside Craftsman/Victorian neighborhood to River Run or Rest or Branch. I hear those houses aren't selling so well these days... more

I absolutely love this restaurant. I love the food, the ambiance, everything about it!!! I visit at least once a month, it is amazing. Pros: Everything more

I absolutely love this restaurant. I love the food, the ambiance, everything about it!!! I visit at least once a month, it is amazing. Pros: Everything more

After many attempts trying to get into Margot through a reservation (where the phone attendant ALWAYS held a ridiculously bitchy attitude), I got in this past week with a group of friends. All I have to say is, what is the fuss all about? The food is completely sub-par - very sloppy, greasy, and just plain uninspired. Bacon is supposed to be a light flavoring, not a fatty grease swim thrown on some very amateurish meat and potatoes. Margot prides itself on a new menu every day, but I would be more impressed if it perfected a solid menu every season. Big disappointment. I'm thankful that I tried it because now I never have to go back again. more

After many attempts trying to get into Margot through a reservation (where the phone attendant ALWAYS held a ridiculously bitchy attitude), I got in this past week with a group of friends. All I have to say is, what is the fuss all about? The food is completely sub-par - very sloppy, greasy, and just plain uninspired. Bacon is supposed to be a light flavoring, not a fatty grease swim thrown on some very amateurish meat and potatoes. Margot prides itself on a new menu every day, but I would be more impressed if it perfected a solid menu every season. Big disappointment. I'm thankful that I tried it because now I never have to go back again. more

My husband & I had a wonderful time at Margot Cafe last Friday night. The waiter bent over backwards to make our dinner enjoyable (including bringing me a "taste" of the amazing artichoke soup since I'm 9mos pregnant & didn't think I could eat a whole bowl). We shared the cheese plate (yum!) and both enjoyed our entrees (trout & homemade pasta). We moved to N'ville from San Francisco and this meal ranked right up there w/ some of our favorite meals in SF - fresh food, fresh menu, excellent service. We'll be going back to Margot for sure... more

My husband & I had a wonderful time at Margot Cafe last Friday night. The waiter bent over backwards to make our dinner enjoyable (including bringing me a ""taste"" of the amazing artichoke soup since I'm 9mos pregnant & didn't think I could eat a whole bowl). We shared the cheese plate (yum!) and both enjoyed our entrees (trout & homemade pasta). We moved to N'ville from San Francisco and this meal ranked right up there w/ some of our favorite meals in SF - fresh food, fresh menu, excellent service. We'll be going back to Margot for sure... more

Loved it took some friends there for a birthday and everyone (picky ones included) loved the food. The coffee was to die for, blood-orange mimosa fabulous, very crowded but we had reservations so got seated immediatley. Highly recommended. Very friendly staff and delicious food. Can't wait ot go back. Pros: Everything Cons: Nothing more

Loved it took some friends there for a birthday and everyone (picky ones included) loved the food. The coffee was to die for, blood-orange mimosa fabulous, very crowded but we had reservations so got seated immediatley. Highly recommended. Very friendly staff and delicious food. Can't wait ot go back. Pros: Everything Cons: Nothing more

nice romantic setting on patio but we received lackluster service and inflated prices on drinks and entrees. didn't live up to the hype of reviews. but was still probably the nicest place to eat in east nashville. more

nice romantic setting on patio but we received lackluster service and inflated prices on drinks and entrees. didn't live up to the hype of reviews. but was still probably the nicest place to eat in east nashville. more

I had looked forward to eating here for quite a while, and finally had the opportunity to visit. First of all, we had excellent service. I set up the reservation the night before for a Thursday night, no problem. The person I spoke to on the phone was friendly and had a great sense of humor. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were seated in a perfect spot on the patio on a lovely spring night. The server was friendly and knowledgeable, attentive without overdoing it. The innovative cocktails were delicious. I had an asparagus bisque that had an unexpected spicy touch for an appetizer, along with the tasty seasoned oil and bread. Next was a panfried-to-perfection chicken breast with yummy gnocchi and snap peas. I had a bit of my partner's steak, which came with the most delicious swiss chard I have ever tasted. The seasoning was spot-on in every dish, very, very tasty and never boring. I have to admit that after eating at the more budget friendly (and sometimes disappointing) spinoff Marche, I was prepared for something so-so at Margot. But, the service was excellent, the chef was amazing, and the food was divine. It was reasonably priced for the high quality, and restored my faith in eating out in Nashville. I'll definitely try to make it here as much as I can, and I can't wait to try the brunch. I am really pleased with Margot's restaurant, it's definitely now my favorite restaurant in Nashville. Pros: great cocktails, food perfectly seasoned and prepared, nice service, great chef Cons: none. more

I had looked forward to eating here for quite a while, and finally had the opportunity to visit. First of all, we had excellent service. I set up the reservation the night before for a Thursday night, no problem. The person I spoke to on the phone was friendly and had a great sense of humor. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were seated in a perfect spot on the patio on a lovely spring night. The server was friendly and knowledgeable, attentive without overdoing it. The innovative cocktails were delicious. I had an asparagus bisque that had an unexpected spicy touch for an appetizer, along with the tasty seasoned oil and bread. Next was a panfried-to-perfection chicken breast with yummy gnocchi and snap peas. I had a bit of my partner's steak, which came with the most delicious swiss chard I have ever tasted. The seasoning was spot-on in every dish, very, very tasty and never boring. I have to admit that after eating at the more budget friendly (and sometimes disappointing) spinoff Marche, I was prepared for something so-so at Margot. But, the service was excellent, the chef was amazing, and the food was divine. It was reasonably priced for the high quality, and restored my faith in eating out in Nashville. I'll definitely try to make it here as much as I can, and I can't wait to try the brunch. I am really pleased with Margot's restaurant, it's definitely now my favorite restaurant in Nashville. Pros: great cocktails, food perfectly seasoned and prepared, nice service, great chef Cons: none. more

When the sous chef left to open his own place, I was worried that the food would suffer, as I don't think Margot was doing much of the cooking lately. Fortunately, this was not the case. The food is almost always spot on. The neighborhood is great. The atmosphere is quaint and romantic, as are most of the restaurants Fred Grgich helped to conceive. My only complaint is the consistently slow, apathetic service. From the moment I walk in the door (or call on the phone to get my reservation) to the moment I leave I feel awkward and unwelcome. Clearly trickling from the top, the staff here behaves like they are doing you a favor. I would be inclined to agree with them, if they were feeding me at home in my dining room for free. At over $50.00 a person, I should feel appreciated, not burdensome. I will continue to dine here for convenience and for good food; however, I will not continue to tolerate their superior attitudes. Until Margot has her own megachef empire, she should keep her pedistal in the pantry. Pros: Food, decor, neighborhood Cons: service, staff's attitude more

When the sous chef left to open his own place, I was worried that the food would suffer, as I don't think Margot was doing much of the cooking lately. Fortunately, this was not the case. The food is almost always spot on. The neighborhood is great. The atmosphere is quaint and romantic, as are most of the restaurants Fred Grgich helped to conceive. My only complaint is the consistently slow, apathetic service. From the moment I walk in the door (or call on the phone to get my reservation) to the moment I leave I feel awkward and unwelcome. Clearly trickling from the top, the staff here behaves like they are doing you a favor. I would be inclined to agree with them, if they were feeding me at home in my dining room for free. At over $50.00 a person, I should feel appreciated, not burdensome. I will continue to dine here for convenience and for good food; however, I will not continue to tolerate their superior attitudes. Until Margot has her own megachef empire, she should keep her pedistal in the pantry. Pros: Food, decor, neighborhood Cons: service, staff's attitude more

Being from a city known for lavishly loaded Sunday brunches, I have always been disappointed at Nashville's idea of Sunday brunch. Margot is the exception. The food is always fresh and great. I love that the menu is based on what is in season and fresh. I also like that a lot of the produce and ingredients are purchased locally. I only wish that there was more space and tables available. It can be a challenge to get a table for Sunday brunch(even when you have made reservations months in advance). I do not recommend sitting at the bar unless you do not mind people squeezing in between you and your party to order drinks while you dine. Parking is sometimes a problem. French press coffee,mojitos, and mimosas are a must. Fromage plate is always great, as is the steak and eggs and the eggs benedict. Go early as they sometimes run out of things. I have been to dinner once and had to order three different times due to short supply(my waitress wanted to know what did I expect since it was 9:00pm on a Saturday night). I will try dinner again, but for me brunch is what they do best. Pros: Food quality and freshness, decor, cocktails Cons: Space, parking, reservation availability more

Being from a city known for lavishly loaded Sunday brunches, I have always been disappointed at Nashville's idea of Sunday brunch. Margot is the exception. The food is always fresh and great. I love that the menu is based on what is in season and fresh. I also like that a lot of the produce and ingredients are purchased locally. I only wish that there was more space and tables available. It can be a challenge to get a table for Sunday brunch(even when you have made reservations months in advance). I do not recommend sitting at the bar unless you do not mind people squeezing in between you and your party to order drinks while you dine. Parking is sometimes a problem. French press coffee,mojitos, and mimosas are a must. Fromage plate is always great, as is the steak and eggs and the eggs benedict. Go early as they sometimes run out of things. I have been to dinner once and had to order three different times due to short supply(my waitress wanted to know what did I expect since it was 9:00pm on a Saturday night). I will try dinner again, but for me brunch is what they do best. Pros: Food quality and freshness, decor, cocktails Cons: Space, parking, reservation availability more

I was very pleased to go to Margot Cafe last night with my wife, for an early Valentines Day meal. Having read some less than stellar reviews on citysearch I was a little concerned about both service and food. Well, I have to say that the food (strip loin, salmon & chive pancakes, olive oil/bread) was the best I have had anywhere outside the more exclusive eateries on Maui. Margot greatly exceeded all expectations. Parking was easy. We were seated right away. The service was A+. The food was excellent, both high class and accessible. My wife and I felt at home within immediately. It was simply remarkable. As to the "Kevlar" remark, Green Hills, get over yourself! There is more across the river than LP field, and Channel 5 "breaking news". Excellent A+ Pros: Excellent everything Cons: ? more

I was very pleased to go to Margot Cafe last night with my wife, for an early Valentines Day meal. Having read some less than stellar reviews on citysearch I was a little concerned about both service and food. Well, I have to say that the food (strip loin, salmon & chive pancakes, olive oil/bread) was the best I have had anywhere outside the more exclusive eateries on Maui. Margot greatly exceeded all expectations. Parking was easy. We were seated right away. The service was A+. The food was excellent, both high class and accessible. My wife and I felt at home within immediately. It was simply remarkable. As to the ""Kevlar"" remark, Green Hills, get over yourself! There is more across the river than LP field, and Channel 5 ""breaking news"". Excellent A+ Pros: Excellent everything Cons: ? more

This is our favorite restaurant in Nashville. The atmosphere is wonderful and the food is fresh and the menu is different each evening. I love the fish and order it every time. There is a great bar and it seems like everyone there knows each other. We take friends that come to town here every time and they always come back wanting more. Do yourself a favor and forget about the other chains and regular places. Give Margot's a chance and you'll see why everyone loves it! Pros: Service is amazing Cons: Not very kid friendly more