Kitchen Notes Review: Southern Hospitality at Omni Hotel Nashville

Inside Omni Hotel in Downtown Nashville, Kitchen Notes offers a refined yet approachable dining experience that celebrates Southern cuisine with a lavish twist. As soon as you step into this charming eatery, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance, characterized by its rustic décor and sophisticated touches. Kitchen Notes prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both comforting and innovative, making it a standout destination for both hotel guests and local food enthusiasts. Join us as we explore the culinary delights that make Kitchen Notes a must-visit spot in Nashville’s vibrant dining scene.

About Kitchen Notes

Kitchen Notes’ inception is a story interwoven with Nashville’s gastronomic evolution. The restaurant, with its opening coinciding with the grand launch of the Omni Nashville Hotel in 2013, was designed to offer a unique dining experience that reflects the city’s culinary heritage. The décor, characterized by its rustic charm and warm, inviting atmosphere, sets the stage for a journey through the best of Southern cuisine.

The open kitchen adds an interactive element to the dining experience, allowing guests to witness the artistry of the chefs as they prepare meals. This combination of sophisticated style and homey comfort makes Kitchen Notes an ideal spot for both casual meals and special occasions.

The Biscuit Bar

The Biscuit Bar at Kitchen Notes is a delightful homage to one of the South’s most beloved staples: the humble biscuit. This unique feature of the restaurant invites diners to indulge in freshly baked, golden-brown biscuits that are light, flaky, and bursting with buttery goodness. Each biscuit is crafted to perfection, providing a warm and comforting start to any meal. The bar offers a variety of spreads and toppings, from classic butter and honey to more adventurous options like pimento cheese and bacon jam, allowing guests to customize their biscuits to their liking.

What sets The Biscuit Bar apart is not just the quality of the biscuits themselves, but the experience it offers. It’s a place where guests can engage with the rich culinary traditions of the South in a fun and interactive way. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a simple biscuit with butter or create a more elaborate concoction with multiple toppings, The Biscuit Bar at Kitchen Notes ensures a memorable and satisfying experience. This charming feature embodies the restaurant’s commitment to celebrating Southern heritage while offering a fresh and modern take on classic flavors.

Breakfast & Brunch

The breakfast and brunch offerings at Kitchen Notes are among Nashville’s finest. The brunch buffet, available on weekends, is a lavish spread of Southern favorites, including made-to-order omelets, waffles, and an array of local specialties. The restaurant’s focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients shines through in these meals, making their brunch a popular destination in Music City.

Menu Highlights

Kitchen Notes stands out in Nashville’s competitive dining scene for its dedication to Southern comfort food. The menu is a celebration of down-home cooking, featuring dishes that are both familiar and innovative. From biscuits and gravy to shrimp and grits, each recipe is crafted with care, ensuring a dining experience that is both comforting and exquisite.

Kitchen Notes’ beverage menu is as thoughtfully crafted as its food offerings. The bar serves a variety of classic cocktails, each with a unique twist, alongside an impressive selection of local beers and spirits. The wine list is diverse, featuring both domestic and international selections that pair wonderfully with the menu.

Breakfast Buffet

The breakfast buffet at Kitchen Notes is a lavish spread that promises to satisfy every palate with its diverse array of offerings. Begin your morning with a refreshing selection of seasonal fruits and berries, complemented by whole fruits and invigorating smoothies. For a protein-packed start, individual yogurts paired with gluten-friendly granola provide a wholesome option. The buffet also features an assortment of pimento cheese and artisan cheese crackers, adding a savory twist to your breakfast experience.

Baked goods enthusiasts will delight in the variety of assorted pastries and bagels, perfectly paired with cream cheese. For a warm and hearty option, the steel-cut oatmeal comes with dried fruits and brown sugar, offering a comforting and nutritious choice. The signature biscuit display, complete with honey butter and Nashville Co. jams, pays homage to Southern traditions, while the rich sausage gravy and Wiesenberger stoneground grits provide a true taste of the region.

Hot items include fluffy scrambled eggs, spiced breakfast potatoes, and specialty eggs that showcase the chef’s creativity. The buffet also features applewood smoked bacon, Omni country links, and unique blueberry sausage patties, catering to meat lovers. For those with a sweet tooth, cast iron pancakes with maple syrup are a must-try, alongside beverages like tea, coffee, soda, and juice to round out your meal. Additionally, guests can order server-prepared items such as sourdough pancakes, Belgian waffles, and eggs cooked to order, ensuring a personalized and satisfying breakfast experience at Kitchen Notes.

Music City Omelet

The Music City Omelet at Kitchen Notes is a delightful fusion of hearty Southern flavors and locally sourced ingredients, making it a standout breakfast choice. This omelet is expertly prepared with fluffy, perfectly cooked eggs that serve as the ideal canvas for the rich and savory fillings.

Inside, you’ll find generous pieces of country ham, offering a robust, smoky flavor that anchors the dish. Roasted peppers add a sweet, slightly charred taste, while caramelized onions contribute a mellow, sweet-savory depth. The omelet is completed with a generous helping of local cheddar, which melts beautifully to create a creamy, cohesive blend of flavors.

Served alongside this flavorful omelet are house potatoes, cooked to a golden crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. These seasoned potatoes provide the perfect complementary texture and taste, rounding out a meal that is both satisfying and reflective of Nashville’s vibrant culinary scene. The Music City Omelet is a must-try for those seeking a true taste of Southern breakfast traditions, elevated with a touch of local flair.

Shrimp & Grits

The Shrimp & Grits at Kitchen Notes is a quintessential Southern dish that combines comfort with sophistication. This dish begins with a foundation of Wiesenberger stone-ground grits, cooked to creamy perfection with a rich, hearty texture. The grits are infused with the subtle sweetness of fresh tomato, adding a layer of brightness to the base.

The star of the dish is the succulent Gulf shrimp, perfectly cooked to maintain their tender juiciness. These shrimp are complemented by savory country ham, which brings a smoky, salty depth that enhances the overall flavor profile. The entire dish is brought together by a generous dollop of herb butter, melting over the shrimp and grits to create a luscious, aromatic sauce.

Every bite of the Shrimp & Grits offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, from the creamy grits and juicy shrimp to the crisp country ham and fresh tomato. This dish encapsulates the essence of Southern cuisine with a modern twist, making it a standout option at Kitchen Notes.

Southern Succotash

The Southern Succotash at Kitchen Notes is a vibrant and hearty dish that celebrates the rich flavors and traditions of Southern cuisine. The base of this dish features charred yellow corn and okra, lending a smoky and slightly sweet taste that pairs beautifully with the freshness of the vegetables. Lima beans and black-eyed peas add a hearty, earthy component, providing both texture and flavor depth to the succotash.

The dish is completed with a smooth and creamy white bean spread, which ties all the ingredients together with its subtle richness. For those looking to add a protein, options like tender grilled chicken, succulent shrimp, or perfectly seared salmon enhance the succotash, making it even more satisfying and versatile.

Each bite of the Southern Succotash offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from the crisp and charred vegetables to the creamy bean spread. This dish not only highlights the essence of Southern cooking but also provides a nutritious and flavorful meal option at Kitchen Notes.

Quality of Food

The quality of the food at Kitchen Notes in Downtown Nashville is truly exceptional, reflecting a commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and meticulous culinary craftsmanship. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to highlight the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients, ensuring that every bite is a delight. The menu offers a blend of traditional Southern favorites and contemporary creations, all executed with precision and care. From the fluffy biscuits and rich sausage gravy to the innovative Southern Succotash, the attention to detail and dedication to quality are evident in every dish.

One of the standout aspects of Kitchen Notes is the consistency of their offerings. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast buffet, a hearty brunch, or a sophisticated dinner, the food maintains a high standard of excellence. The chefs take pride in their work, resulting in beautifully presented plates that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. The use of local produce and artisanal products not only supports the community but also ensures that diners experience the freshest flavors possible. This unwavering commitment to quality makes Kitchen Notes a standout dining destination in Nashville, offering a memorable culinary experience that keeps guests coming back for more.

Service and Staff

The service at Kitchen Notes in Downtown Nashville is nothing short of exemplary, contributing significantly to the overall dining experience. From the moment you step into the restaurant, you are greeted with warm smiles and a friendly demeanor that immediately sets a welcoming tone. The staff is highly attentive, ensuring that every need is promptly addressed without being intrusive. They demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the menu, eagerly offering recommendations and answering any questions with enthusiasm and expertise.

What truly stands out is the genuine hospitality displayed by the team at Kitchen Notes. Their professionalism is matched by a personal touch that makes you feel valued and cared for. The servers exhibit a keen attention to detail, from remembering your preferences to ensuring that your meal is perfectly timed. Their proactive approach, such as regularly checking in to refill drinks or adjust any aspects of your dining experience, creates a seamless and enjoyable atmosphere. This level of service leaves a lasting impression, making it clear that the staff at Kitchen Notes take pride in providing an outstanding dining experience, enhancing the restaurant’s reputation as a premier culinary destination in Nashville.

Price and Value

The pricing at Kitchen Notes reflects the quality and care put into each dish, positioning it as a mid-to-high-end dining option in Downtown Nashville. While the prices are on the higher side, they are justified by the exceptional quality of ingredients, the skillful preparation, and the overall dining experience. The emphasis on locally sourced produce and artisanal products adds intrinsic value, ensuring that each dish is fresh and thoughtfully crafted. When you consider the generous portion sizes and the attention to culinary detail, the cost becomes a reflection of the premium dining experience offered.

From the bountiful breakfast buffet to the meticulously prepared a la carte options, Kitchen Notes delivers a dining experience that feels worth every penny. The satisfaction derived from the rich flavors, innovative dishes, and superb service enhances the perceived value. Diners leave feeling that they have received a fair return on their investment, not only in terms of the food but also in the memorable experience created by the restaurant’s ambiance and hospitality. Overall, Kitchen Notes provides a commendable balance of price and value, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking a top-tier dining experience in Nashville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kitchen Notes, located in the heart of Downtown Nashville inside the Omni Hotel, is renowned for its Southern-inspired cuisine and warm, welcoming ambiance. Whether you’re planning to visit for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, you might have a few questions about what to expect. To help you make the most of your dining experience, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions that cover everything from menu options and dietary accommodations to reservations and parking. Here’s everything you need to know about dining at Kitchen Notes.

Visit Kitchen Notes

Kitchen Notes offers a dining experience that beautifully balances Southern tradition with contemporary flair. From the thoughtfully curated menu, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, to the inviting ambiance and impeccable service, every aspect of the restaurant is designed to make guests feel both comforted and delighted. The Biscuit Bar and diverse breakfast buffet highlight the restaurant’s creativity and dedication to quality, while signature dishes like the Shrimp & Grits and Music City Omelet showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region.

What sets Kitchen Notes apart in the vibrant Downtown Nashville dining scene is its commitment to providing a memorable and unique experience. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor seeking an authentic taste of Southern hospitality, Kitchen Notes delivers with style and substance. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, making every meal a celebration of the best that Nashville has to offer.