4. Restaurants

Epice

2902 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN, 37204
  • (615) 720-6765
  • Store is closed

Epice Menu

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  • Chris C.

    Not bad. A little pricey for what you get.

    (3)

  • Catherine L.

    Very good!! And great ambiance for a date night or a nice meal with the girls. The drink I had, which you can order with bourbon, vodka, or another liquor I did not recognize, was unbelievably delicious (I had too many). The fish was perfectly cooked. My waitress was a bit inattentive and the menu was slightly pricy, but a great place for a special meal.

    (4)

  • Annie G.

    Oh my gosh!!!!! What a pleasant surprise! This place was outstanding to say the least!!! While visiting in Nashville, my friends and I decided to try Lebanese food, just for something different after overloading on "Southern food". The food at Epice was spot on! We each ordered a different meat for our entree. I got the steak and my friends each had the lamb and the chicken. Each meat was cooked perfectly, and I mean perfectly!! Such a warm blend of seasoning on each meat as well. The meats were served with a latticed display of roasted veggies that also included the intoxicating mix of spices as the meat. Epice is probably in my top 25 places I have ever eaten. Please skip the fried chicken when in Nashville and try out Epice!

    (5)

  • Kina L.

    When I first stepped through Epice, I felt like I was back in the spice markets of Western China/uzbekistan/kazahkstan. The restaurant was heavily fragranced and I loved it. I ate dinner on their small patio which like most places in Nashville, is easily connected to the main dining room via a garage style door. All meals start with some crispy breads perfectly paired with high quality olive oil. For an appetizer we had the Al-raheb, which is a puree of roasted eggplant. This is the perfect cold appetizer for a late summer night. Entree wise, I had the Sayadeya spiced fish filet with caramelized onions and vermicelli rice. The filet was phenomenal. Its amazing what turmeric and cumin will do to a plain tilapia filet. The rice (long grain) was very light and fluffy and also well seasoned. Overall, a great first time Lebanese dining experience. In regards to parking, you are able to park at the side lot from White's Mercantile. The restaurant is right across from Sloco and Burger up if you need a reference point.

    (5)

  • Nicole P.

    After reading several great reviews and getting an email from Style Blueprint that raved about this new place, I decided to try it and treat my friend to a birthday lunch. We both ordered something different, and neither were anything to be pleased with. I ordered per my waiter's suggestion the sandwich wrap, Lahmajin. It came with a peasant salad and potatoes. Unfortunately, the salad was wilted, and some of the lettuce was brown (looks like leftovers from my house from a couple of days ago). The potatoes were flavorful, but too salty. The birthday girl ordered the flatbread appetizer and wasn't impressed. Looked like a manager or owner was there, but never bothered to address us or ask how the food was- so disappointed. We gave it a shot and had hoped to have found a great new place, unfortunately we won't be back for more.. side note and 2 stars for the beautiful and clean interior.

    (2)

  • Salman S.

    Hearing we have a new Lebanese place in town,means I have to try it. Right opposite the good old burger up in 12 south. Walking in the setup ambiance was amazing, not a lot of tables so I would suggest you make a reservation on the weekend. The host were nice and got a table for 2 pretty fast, table size is a little small I believe for 2 but the setting is nice. The bar area is pretty hip and the bar tenders are good with the drinks as everyone around seemed pleased. Food starts out with some dry bread and olive oil with some black pepper I think . We ordered the shish tawook and kofta kebab. You get a nice salad light in the beginning and after you are done shortly the food is brought in. The meat both the chicken and beef tated amazing and well marinated. It doesn't look much but fills you up. All plates come with a side of potatoes no rice or bread with your meal. The humus was pure Lebanese and the tahini had a twist of cilantro in it, garlic sauce was extra thingy so beware. Meat amazing taste n well clocked Only negative I have is feeling the plates are too over priced as 50% of your plate is just potatoes. It is more of a more exotic twist to Lebanese food on the plate

    (4)

  • Lisa B.

    I've had dinner at Epice twice now and I have loved everything I've had (which includes the bites stolen from my dining companions' plates)! We had reservations both times, but I think we would have been fine without them. The staff is friendly and are willing and eager to explain the menu or help you decide if you aren't up on your Lebanese. They even carry a Lebanese wine, which I didn't know was a thing. They don't have their own parking lot, but have permission to use spots at places nearby, including White's Mercantile next door. We had no issues parking close next door either time since White's was closed by the time we got there. Even if you don't consider yourself adventurous in the food department, you will like something here! If I'm wrong, call me and I'll finish it for you.

    (5)

  • Susan P.

    It is Vanderbilt graduation week and we are in town for this last college celebration for our son. Three of us had a wonderful dinner at Epice in the restaurant district which is hip and fun. The decor is lovely with dining options inside or on tent covered outside area with lovely event lighting. I didn't see many exterior or interior shots so I included a few. Our party of three had: Tabouli Hummus Epice salad with salmon Veal shank Eggplant and lamb with vermicelli rice A bottle of the Cabernet blend The hostess and owner/manager were accommodating and welcoming. The waiter was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. But most of all the food was fresh, creatively prepared and excellent. I love middle eastern food. That said, this restaurant prepares the food in such a way that even a less adventurous diner would enjoy . If you are not sure about Lebanese food, I would say give this a try . I think this place has a really magical combination of positive things going on. We have three ore family members coming in tomorrow and I wish this was the restaurant I had picked for tomorrow night.

    (5)

  • Loralyn D.

    I've heard great things about dinner, but I've only been here for lunch. I came on a weekday around noon and there were plenty of tables and just a 2 minute wait to get one. The food was pretty good. The potato side had a lot of great spices. I'd love to come back and get something more traditional than a wrap.

    (4)

  • Jennifer J.

    Service is horrible! Brunch today started off well. My friend who is visiting from NYC and I came here right at 11, so the place was pretty empty. We ordered some drinks, apps, and 2 main courses...pretty good start to a Sunday. When my shashuka came, I was very excited. I even shared on Instagram as it looked amazing. What I didn't realize though was exactly how hot the pan was as I burned my arm while reaching over to try my friend's plate. Under normal circumstances, I would have just brushed it off...however, I found it extremely rude and inconsiderate that neither our server, host, or anyone else in an establishment where there was just one other table, didn't bother to help. Don't restaurants have first-aid kits? Don't restaurants want to have their customers in good spirits, not burned both figuratively and literally? Just was pretty shocked and surprised that my skin was bubbling and red, but no one bothered to offer any help or assistance. *Also, as a follow up to my post on Instagram and Twitter about my experience, management suggested I go back and that they would be nicer??!! Um? What?? Why would I go back?? When I replied no, they then deleted my post and comments. Food was good. Service and attitude was poor.

    (1)

  • Blair S.

    Healthy yet satisfying meal? I'm in. The ambiance was nice and the surroundings are slick. I enjoyed the lentil soup, with bits of chard and a lemon zing. It was presented beautifully, with a lemon slice on top and small pink salt on top of the lemon. Then I had the labneh, which has soft cheese, olives, and tomatoes (see photos). Something on the plate spread and made a couple pieces of pita slightly soggy, but otherwise it was delicious. The cilantro potatoes on the side had a great mix of seasoning and light oil. The fresh greens salad was refreshing and I could eat a whole plate of it if given the opportunity. Park in the street or luck upon one of the side spots. We came right at 12 on a Friday and were seated almost immediately. It took a little while to get drinks and orders, but once we did, the food arrived pretty quickly. Prices are reasonable. I look forward to trying more of the menu soon.

    (4)

  • Kim P.

    We finally were able to fit this place into "life". We went for a late Friday lunch. By 3 pm there were only a few people inside. We ordered the fish salad and fish sandwich- both great. The sandwich came with a side of what were "French fry style potatoes" . We had a humus appetizer -good, but we could have used extra pitas or crackers. Food was very fresh....price point $42 with tip, including a Perrier and mango ice tea,

    (4)

  • Sam Z.

    Nice atmosphere, friendly staff however the restaurant does NOT serve traditional or authentic Lebanese food as advertised. The food is ok but I did not recognize the food of my childhood. The za'ater and olive oil brought by our friendly waiter was ok but it should never be served with fried pita bread. It would have been better served focaccia style or with fresh or warmed pita bread. The hummus was heavy on tahini and short on lemon juice. The Sayadiya fish platter was also disappointing because it did not have a hint of the original Lebanese recipe. The lentils in the mjedrah were undercooked and the dish had no hint of cumin. The drink menu included a few red and white wines but none from Lebanon, the land of Bachhus the God of wine. The restaurant surprisingly did not offer Arak a must for every Lebanese meal.

    (3)

  • Anand R.

    Whole lotta of MEH....... Where to start. If you order a $7/appetizer - say hommus and labneh, how about bringing out more than a quarter piece of pita- I mean how expensive is bread? When asked for more pita, we received another quarter piece, cut in two. Our appetizer plates were rushed off of the table to serve waiting salad plates; we had to interrupt to keep the appetizer plates. Mains: Mujadara - should be a really tasty vegetarian street food that's been made pretentious for $16; tasty potatoes, but the lentils were made to the consistency of meatloaf and it was hard to tell there were caramelized onions. Bustan: 4-inch chunks of vegetables that could never be fully cooked because they were sooo large - again for $17, Epice can do better. Underwhelming wine. Having been to many Lebanese restaurants around the world and Lebanon, we were really looking forward to dining here. Epice missed the mark; there's little value for the price.

    (1)

  • Lauren P.

    Epice was an absolutely amazing spot for lunch this past Sunday. I came to Nashville for a mini girl's trip Friday-Monday. My friend and I wanted to wander up and down 12 South, but needed a bite to eat first. The BBQ spot down the street was packed, as were a few of the more casual restaurants. My friend's aunt highly recommended Epice, so we opted to go there instead of waiting elsewhere. First - the atmosphere was great. We received quick and friendly service. And the food... OMG. Amazing. My friend got the open-face salmon sandwich. The salmon was so moist-- really delicious. I got the lamb wrapped sandwich and thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Seriously, it was so flavorful, moist, and there was not one thing about it that I didn't like. Came with a side salad (also good) and potatoes (had to hold myself back from scarfing them all down). I probably could have eaten two sandwiches and still wanted more... because it was delicious, not because it wasn't hearty. I actually only ate half the sandwich and ate the rest the next day. We also shared the hummus, and it was delish. Definitely go to Epice--not just to escape the crowds on 12 South, but also because it's awesome.

    (5)

  • Miranda P.

    Wow horrible and incredibly poorly run. I am appalled. Pita tasted like it was frozen /old. They brought my meal out and I cut the first piece of chicken and gave it to my dad and then saw it was completely RAW. We told the sever and she said they were making a fresh dish. Well she comes out with 3 pieces of chicken!!! On a $20 dish that I couldn't eat a bite of and possibly will make my father sick.... 3 pieces! When there was about 7 on the original dish.. The manager was about 2 feel from us but never came over to the table he was too busy texting on his phone and drinking wine. And then switched to bottled water. I guess the water they are serving us is not good enough.... I will say the potatoes were good that was one thing I did enjoy. I am from Detroit and know what Lebanese food is suppose to taste like... This was just so unremarkable.

    (1)

  • Trace S.

    One of my favorites in Nashville! Amazing food in a super cool venue. Great patio too!

    (5)

  • Todd B.

    What can i say about Epice? Phenomenal. Insane. Surprising. Astonishing. Like nothing I've ever had before. Delicious. Gracious. Best new restaurant in Nashville. I'll leave it there. Go.

    (5)

  • Mike S.

    Spent lunch in Nashville today and found Epice to be a very pleasant surprise not too far from an old favorite (frothy monkey) but seemingly worlds away from what I remember about 12South. It's a pretty smart layout brought to us by the same gent behind Kalamatas on Hillsboro (is that even still there?) with a decent amount of natural light if for a slender dining hall. But the best spot in the house in my opinion is at the bar. Because of how Epice is arranged, the bar gives a superior view of just about everywhere else and close proximity to the action in the kitchen. Plus I really like the scales with classic Lebanese species conspicuously just above eye level in the background... a truly nice touch. For lunch, I started with the Adas be-silik, a surprisingly light and lemony lentil soup with chard. Then I migrated to the Sfeeha, a scrumptious flatbed with cured thin strips of beef...an accompaniment to a. Barolo. For the main it was Lahmajin, lamb in a flatbread wrap with their signature pickles and onion relish. Good stuff, once again. But you know... As good as everything else was, the signature was actually the desert. The date tart is special. I've been a lot of places and eaten many strange and wonderful things just recently...but the date tart may be my favorite desert in 2015 (I know it's still early). It's a Meyer lemon and ginger spice candied date with lemon curd and apricot chutney that's not to be missed. Simple as that. .

    (4)

  • Lyrad V.

    Been wanting to try Epice since I heard about its existence months ago. There are plenty of Greek restaurants in the area serving up Mediterranean cuisine, but this place is unique in that it is more upscale and serves Lebanese cuisine, which in some ways similar but in many ways different. My husband and I came on a Saturday around 3:30. Having just cycled 75 miles this morning, I was ready to eat and we knew we would beat the dinner rush (I've heard this place is popular, but they do take reservations). We were the only customers in the place, which is fine because we like to avoid crowds. We started out with the Al-raheb, which is roasted eggplant puree with tomatoes and onions. I love baba ganoush and thought it would be similar being a "puree," but the dish is more chunky, like the consistency of smashed bruschetta. It was delicious and was tossed lightly with fresh lemon juice, served with pita bread and chips. For dinner, I ordered the hummos beyrouti. The hummus was delicious and was spread over an entire plate, topped with ground braised sirloin with pine nuts, served with pita bread and chips and small sides of homemade pickles and something else pickled (possibly radish slices). It was delicious. My husband ordered the shawarma, served as a wrap with seasoned sirloin and onion relish. This was served with a peasant salad and cilantro seasoned potatoes. Also came with a side of a some sort of creamy cucumber dipping sauce which was good. Epice is located in the heart of 12th South and the restaurant is nicely done as far a decor. Clean, modern, simple. We were greeted and seated by the owner, and the service was good. We'll definitely be back! Glad to have healthier options like Epice.

    (5)

  • Laura B.

    My brother and I had dinner at Epice last night, and I am SO glad we chose to try it! First time for both of us. It was a Friday, so I called ahead to see if they were busy and the hostess gave me a reservation just to make sure. They weren't necessarily slammed when we arrived, but I thought it was accommodating and nice. We sat at the bar (which I requested), and our bartender was fantastic. I worked as a server/bartender for 14 years, so I appreciate service that is friendly, knowledgable, and laid back- which was her approach. Wish I knew her name, but she had very short hair and was fantastic. She helped us navigate the menu, chatted with us, and cracked some jokes with my brother (he can't help himself). The FOOD. Also fantastic!!! I was in the mood for fresh, and that's exactly what we got. Interesting but comforting, clean but complex. We started with the Fatayer pies- delicious and fun to try 3 different things. We had a bottle of the Vinho Verde. Then for entrees, I got the Batinjan and my bro got Tawook chicken. I love that you get a salad (also delicious) before your meal- it's nice to feel like when you're paying a little more for a meal, you get what you're paying for. I have to say, it's well worth it and the end bill was not bad at all. I don't write a ton of reviews on here, but I felt compelled to because I was so impressed. Thank you, Epice, you now top my list and we will be back!!

    (5)

  • Ashwin M.

    It's easy to miss Epice in a couple of ways. If you drive too fast, you'll miss it. If you eat there, and leave, you'll miss it. Like someone with a serious kitten addiction problem, I realized that I had a middle-eastern food problem after I ate at Epice the first time. As a vegetarian, my choices were pretty decent. But what was hyper-decent was the presentation. Until Epice, middle-eastern food was functional: good stuff, served in a bland atmosphere by bland people. After Epice, it was sublime. Great food, served in a setting that made me feel like the olive oil in their cubes of rice: decadent and ich. Their choice of wines are quite limited, and slightly expensive IMO, but it's a price to pay. Having gone there about five times now, and eaten every unique thing possible, there is only thing left to do: start over again.

    (4)

  • Casey H.

    Wow.... I'm always down to try new places. A vendor asked me to have lunch with her and I suggested that we go Epice. I've never been and don't think I've had Lebanese food before. The place is very nice, new and clean. Food ranges from $8-15 which is on the higher end for lunch but worth it for the area, ambience, food quality and service. I had the spiced white fish (tilapia) with rice and grilled vegetables. When I saw spiced - I thought spicy but the waitress explained that it was seasoned with cumin and that's "spiced". I was a bit apprehensive because I associate the smell of cumin to BO. Anyway, I decided to stick with my order. The food came out pretty quickly and was great. I would definitely go back even if I had to pay for my own meal!

    (5)

  • Annabelle A.

    Overall a very nice place for lunch (that can get pretty pricey for dinner). Parking: Pretty good for 12South! They share parking with White's Mercantile next door, so we didn't have a problem. Atmosphere: Very nice! Modern & simple with lots of light & what looks like a great eating area outside. Food: Mixed. Good portions & a lot of vegetarian options. The spiced fish I had (Sayadeya ) was delicious! I would definitely go back for that. The Fatayer appetizer (trio of pies) was ok - not bad but not great. We also tried 2 of the sandwiches (1 was the Shawarma) which I didn't care for much at all. It is probably just the Lebanese style of flavoring, but it was very floral to me... Service: Pretty good. The waitress was nice & obliging but a little scattered (had to double check our order a couple times). Maybe their policy is to not write down the orders, but it would be beneficial instead of her trying to remember everything... Conclusion: A solid place to try a new style of cuisine & I would like to try a few more things there next time.

    (4)

  • Layne P.

    Please, please, please hire wait staff that is on par with your fantastic menu. I would have ordered more appetizers but our server wasn't writing our order down and was continually repeating our order out loud in a (vain) attempt to remember it all. We LOVED our food- I always do. But the over all experience leaves much to be desired.

    (2)

  • Blake T.

    I have only eaten here one time, but it was without a doubt one of the best meals I've ever had in Nashville. My wife and I started with the Epice Sfeeha which is a flatbread with cheese and a cured beef that was unique and extremely flavorful. My entree was a steak kabob that was served perfectly medium rare and was one of the most tender and well seasoned steaks I've ever eaten. My wife got the pistachio encrusted rack of lamb which I would highly recommend. The pistachio is one of my favorite snacks and flavors, and having that rich, nutty crust encase juicy lamb is a winning combo. Dessert was their pots de creme which was a creamy and satisfying way to end the meal. Five stars! I can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Megan K.

    Just okay... not sure what all the hype is about. Great addition to the Nashville food scene, being focused on Lebanese cuisine in a prime location. Great location and pretty space. Solid service--I went for a lunch date after hearing rave reviews... but was honestly, a little let down. Don't get me wrong--the food was good (I went with the Epice Salad), but I just didn't think it was worth all of the hype. Wouldn't be super disappointed if I don't find my way back.

    (3)

  • Joanna L.

    Sunday night dinner was fabulous. Got the eggplant and ground sirloin which came with a salad. The salad was interesting and not my favorite but the eggplant and sirloin was a wonderful combo. The roasted vegetables and the rice was also absolutely wonderful and I was pleasantly surprised by every bite. I also tried a bite of the fish and it was extremely well cooked. I loved it and would recommend both plates. Definitely had a wonderful experience, our server was extremely friendly and helpful and helped me make my choice.

    (4)

  • Micheal P.

    We showed up at Epice on a whim and discovered it was somewhat difficult to get in, even on a weeknight, without a reservation. The host worked some magic and got us seated anyway. Perhaps he took pity on us because I was obviously extremely pregnant, or maybe he welcomes everyone with such enthusiasm. I might describe Epice as elevated middle eastern cuisine. The dishes are actually pretty common place middle eastern fare, but that's not easy to find (apart from greek food) in Nashville. We have a few friends that live in Beirut and they recently described a dish of spiced beef on a bed of hummus, topped with pine nuts. We were pleased to see it on the menu and eager to try it. That dish (Hommos Beyrouti) wasn't as extraordinary as we had imagined, but it was good. The roasted eggplant in the Batinjan was quite tasty. What really impressed me at Epice were the satellite dishes that accompanied our dinner. The peasant salad was a carefully crafted, bright, lemony start to dinner. I wanted more. The rice pudding, infused with orange blossom water, was like a creamy citrus cloud. The attention bestowed on those little dishes is what motivates me to return to Epice and give it another try. Four stars for salad, dessert, and a friendly host.

    (4)

  • Sheena T.

    Wow. I am extremely pleased with Epice and the fact that they have been open 3 weeks while providing an almost flawless first meal for myself and companion. Impressed. (NOTE: It's pronounced like "A Piece") I'm hoping that they provide some signage soon, because if it wasn't for Yelp and Katie's photo of the exterior, we probably would have driven right by. It looks like a part of the spa that is next door. Very modern and clean and inside is extremely minimalistic. Heart! Our waitress came over with some dipping olive oil and spices with a crisp pita cracker. It was awesome! She was quick to give some suggestions and explain the menu to us. We had to start with the hummus and Labneh, a soft cheese spread/dip with cucumber and olives. Both were outstanding. I usually go for hummus but must admit I liked the cheese slightly better. We decided to go big and ordered the Lahmeh entree, which was pistachio encrusted rack of lamb with a lentil side dish and some kind of heavenly crumble on top... WOW. It was epic. I ordered the Mujadara, lentils and rice pilaf with a side of these insanely amazing potato wedges and vegetables. Not to mention the presentation was outstanding. Both entrees came with the peasant salad, and I LOVED it. It was light but flavorful at the same time. That can be extremely tough to do, but they nailed it! I'd say that was theme of the meal, tons of spices and flavors that melded extremely well and created a unique flavor. WOW. I was blown away. Despite having to box up leftovers, we had a sweet craving and ordered the pots de crème. It was light but still delicious and came with a very unique chocolate chip cookie sort of thing. It was heavenly. The service was top-notch, and we were checked on multiple times and were never without a full glass in front of us or with empty plates wasting space. A plus! I can see this spot becoming very popular very quickly and it's well-deserved. Check them out!

    (5)

  • Jessica W.

    Spices and seasonings are on point!! We had dinner and enjoyed the atmosphere as well as the food. We started with the hummus, which is really great! I got the chicken skewers with the Epice salad. The salad has a yummy slice of goat cheese, which takes the whole thing up a notch. My portion of chicken with potatoes on the side was plenty!! Could hardly finish. Pot de creme for dessert was splendid! Prices are good. Not overpriced. Def worth a try!!

    (5)

  • Leah W.

    Food is amazing. Service is incredible. Maher (the owner) is one of the nicest people I have met since moving to Nashville and ensures each guest feels welcomed and enjoys their experience.

    (5)

  • Aubrey W.

    Epice is a small bistro by the same restaurateur as Kalamatas. (I've also heard good things about Kalamatas.) I'd never eaten Lebanese food before, but the menu looked interesting. Parking is crazy in 12South, so before I drove out there I Googled to figure out the parking situation. Epice has some spaces out front and a few in the Green Pea Salon lot. White's Mercantile lot is available after 6 p.m. No problem! I easily found a spot at White's. Epice is definitely on the small side, but not in a bad way! I liked the modern/simple decor (very zen), and our waiter was attentive and complimentary. He didn't mind us taking our time through our courses and chatting away. We ordered the Kibbeh appetizer, little seasoned ground sirloin bulgur wheat bundles with a dipping sauce. I immediately said they were like mini Lebanese corn dogs, but in a good way! Our meals included nice salads as well. (Note: I don't like salad, but I made it through a couple of bites which is a big deal.) We also ordered red wine to go with our meals. For my main dish, I had the Hummos Beyrouti, a chickpea purée, braised ground sirloin, and pine nuts with pita chips. It was really good! Everything came out so fast. After the appetizer I was only able to eat half of my meal, which pleased Dan immensely because he devoured my take-home box later. We decided to indulge in desserts, so we share the Roz be-Haleeb (rice pudding with orange blossom infusion) and Katayef Lebanese crepes (one with a mild, sweet cheese and the other with walnuts). The desserts were soooo good. I would recommend it for a couple on a date, because it's quiet, intimate, and has good ambience. The prices aren't unreasonable, but it is definitely a little more upscale-focused than Epice.

    (4)

  • Ali S.

    Dropped by here with a few colleagues for lunch. I was very impressed with the food here. I got the beef shawarma sandwich which came with potatoes and a salad. It had a great combination of spices and presentation. It tasted great plus it was made healthy. Overall it was a great place to drop by for lunch.

    (5)

  • Rivka E.

    I have been a fan of Epice virtually since it opened. My most recent experience will keep me from ever returning. Over a week ago, I dined there for lunch with 6 colleagues. It was a special celebratory meal and as the guest of honor, I had selected Epice. Shortly after being seated, I uncrossed my legs and experienced a sharp pain by my right knee. I looked and saw a deep cut (gash really) to my leg over 1/2 an inch long and about 2 mm deep. I looked under the table and found a bolt attaching the table top that had a very sharp burr sticking out. This was extremely sharp and was not something tiny; it was easy to see and to feel. We flagged down our waitress and asked for a first aid kit while I held my flesh together so it would not bleed all over. She was apologetic when I showed her the cut. She did not take me up on my offer to show her/have her feel the burr upon which I was injured. She got the kit and appeared to tell other restaurant personnel about the incident. About 5 minutes later she came back with supplies. She waited while I clumsily administered first aid to my bleeding leg. Eventually, a person who appeared to be the manager (he never identified himself) came over. He was completely blasé and disinterested in the whole thing; he also declined to feel or view the burr. He stated that a number of their tables had had such issues and they had them filed down but must have missed this one. He then said he had sent someone to get a box of Band-Aids. Apparently that was sufficient in his mind, because he drifted off - only to be seen 5-10 minutes later when he presented me with the box of Band-Aids. For him, the incident was resolved. For me, not so much. I had the pleasure of continuing to dine AT THE SAME TABLE for the rest of the meal!!! I did so sitting diagonally so I would not slice open my other leg. No one seemed to notice/care that they left us sitting at a table with a very sharp piece of metal sticking out. I am not the type of person to cause a scene or be rude, so I was overly nice about the whole thing and I suspect that led them to believe they could be so lackadaisical about the incident. The food was delivered and looked amazing. Well, for everyone except one of my colleagues, who had a hair in her plate. As her hair has a very stark ombre dye to it, it was quite obvious it was not her hair. She said nothing about it initially, but we noticed her face and asked what was wrong. We called the waitress over and she immediately apologized and said they would get her another meal. She also said they would comp this person's meal. My colleague then sat for almost 10 minutes with no food, watching us eat, while she waited for her fresh, hairless, meal. Once that was delivered, we were all happy and very much enjoyed the meal. Only two of the other women in my group had ever eaten at Epice before and the rest were all totally blown away by the food. We then ordered four desserts to split between us. Again, the food was great. It was the management's handling of the running of the restaurant that was appalling. We requested the bill and when it arrived, we discovered that they had not comped the dish with the hair, nor my meal (although they never said they would comp my meal, just the one with the hair). Our entire party of seven women was stunned. I certainly was not looking for any grand gesture on their part, but this was not a minor scratch. This was a slice deep enough that it wouldn't stay closed without multiple steri strips. Because we were there for a celebration, we did not make a scene and continued to be wholly gracious. After returning to work, we realized my injury should be looked at by a doctor in case I needed stitches or a tetanus shot. It was properly irrigated, cleaned and glued shut by a doctor. Meanwhile, my boss (who paid for the meal) called Epice to speak to the owner. Immediately apologetic, he indicated he wanted to contact me. When she emailed my contact information to Epice's email, it bounced back. Three nights ago she hand delivered my contact information to him. She explained who she was and gave him the envelope. He simply took it, set it down and returned to a group of his staff. He did not apologize to her in person, act as if he cared about what had happened, or assure her that he had done anything in response to the incident. As of this moment, almost 3 days later and over a week since I was injured, I have not heard from him. I am truly appalled by this new low in customer service. Due to how this was (not) handled, Epice has lost my business and that of the other women with whom I dined. Had I been a squeaky wheel or raised a big stink, I am sure they would have bent over backwards to appease me. That is not how customer service should work. There are too many delicious restaurants in Nashville to waste your time and money going to one where a gracious customer is considered insignificant at best, and a nuisance at worst!

    (1)

  • Zoey N.

    Awesome food and atmosphere! Will definitely come back! Their vegetarian Bustan is so good! I heard the mango tea is good too, will def try next time.

    (5)

  • A. Jesse Jiryu D.

    My girlfriend and I had both soups (Adas Be-silik and Muhamara). The former was good, the latter excellent, like an haute revival of tomato soup and parmesan. The labneh was good and the hummus outstanding -- very small portions with only half a pita each, but with great attention and quality. The Epice salad was big and sweet, with warm goat cheese, candied oranges?, and a syrupy fig dressing. Good, but too sugary for a salad according to my taste. The tart and simple Peasant salad was a better choice. The Bustan vegetables were extraordinary, charred and spicy with a pesto sauce on the side, and a big square of lentil-rice pilaf. By this point we were both too stuffed to finish the meal but wish we could have. A bottle of light and spicy Cavalchina was well-priced and paired nicely. The service was extraordinarily thoughtful and attentive; our waiter very carefully watched our pace and synchronized the kitchen with our stomachs.

    (5)

  • Stephanie S.

    Simply delicious! I had the pistachio crusted lamb and red Lebanese wine! Yummy! Excellent service AND we met the owner Maher who was the coolest! If I lived in Nashville, this would be my favorite restaurant!

    (5)

  • Hillary P.

    If this review is just based on the food, I would be giving it three stars, sadly the service was atrocious. The host at the front of the restaurant had a ridiculous attitude and refused to accommodate us when I asked if my friend could sit with us for 10 minutes, even though the restaurant was half empty and continued to get less busy as we were there. I understand that they do things a certain way, but his haughty dismissal was beyond rude. Our server was fine, but definitely had an attitude as well, and kept standing over our table, silently, until we stopped eating and asked what she needed. The hummus and spicy fish entree we're very tasty, but the salads and bustan were not worth the price. I won't be going back.

    (2)

  • Leah N.

    I recently moved to Nashville from Austin, Texas and my time in ATX made me a bit of a spoiled foodie. This is the best lunch I have had in town so far. Healthy, flavorful and filling. Reasonably priced, nice atmosphere, and attentive waitstaff. I had the lentil soup (tangy and lemony!), chicken pita with salad and cilantro potatoes. Total YUMMERS! Highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Adam L.

    First experience with Lebanese food. Everything was excellent. Stuffed Pies app, ground sirloin hummus and spicy fish. Loved it.

    (5)

  • Anna Y.

    This is an outstanding place. I don't even know where to begin! - Food (they follow the authentic recipes to the letter, won't swap for cheaper ingredients (like pine nuts) and actually a Lebanese friend recommended this place, she is saying she hasn't eaten anything that authentic since she left home. Decent amount of food (not fashionably tiny servings where you feel like you need to order 2-3 courses to make yourself full, and I don't eat a lot). - Prices are really, really reasonable for this type of place and for what you get (and for 12 South, okay). Fantastic price / quality ratio - Atmosphere and design - lovely - Music - can make it or break it. Epice is the former Great, great, great place. One of my favorite restaurants in Nashville.

    (5)

  • Vicki P.

    Dinner here with my husband after a long day. Found the atmosphere very calm and inviting. We both enjoyed our soups and entrees of lamp tenderloin and the sea bass. Hope to visit here again. Our waiter was kind and accommodating.

    (4)

  • Karli W.

    The service was fantastic. The food was incredible. And the ambience is so cool! The owner came to our table to make sure we were enjoying our meal and offered some wine pairings. After a brief description of what kind of wine I drink, he brought me a glass that was just to my liking. We ordered the Al Raheb to start which was sooo yummy and a perfect size to start off our meal. My boyfriend got the lamb shank which was delicious. Their hummus is authentic and fresh. Perfect for a date night or a night out without friends. Overall, LOVED IT.

    (5)

  • Abi T.

    I was excited to try Epice last Friday night as I'd heard good things and Lebanese cuisine it not something we get a lot of opportunity to eat in Nashvile. We strolled in around 8:30 without reservations and it was quite busy. The host (owner?) went off to see if he could find a table for two as I made a snarky comment to my date who notoriously avoids planning like the plague. Before I could finish my reprimand, we were seated and he was vindicated. Oh, well. He'll learn someday. The ambiance was lively and cozy, with understated decor. There's no art on the walls, but cool architectural details in the wall textures, sculptural ceiling, and wood window lattice provide a cohesive feel. It totally works. The service wasn't memorable, but in a good way. I don't recall wanting for water refills or plate clearing at any point. I appreciated the little cracker snack with herbed oil for dipping when we sat down. The food had great flavor and servings were substantial. We started with Adas Be-silik (lentil and kale soup, with an unexpected lemony flavor) and Labneh (fresh and light, herbed cheese dip). Small peasant chopped salads came next, light and lovely without any sweet or creamy annoyances. I had the Hummos Beyrouti, which was really delicious, but just not what I wanted once I saw it. It was basically hummus with ground beef and pine nuts and I suddenly remembered I'd had hummus at lunch. Oops! This hummus was way better than store bought, though! My guy had Kafta and LOVED it. He had ordered it before, but now declared it his favorite dish in Nashville at the moment. It came with roasted potaoes and veggies, all with lovely spices. For dessert we shared the lemony cheese tart. I can't remember the name of because our server only spoke it to me, but a quick google search makes with think it was Halawet al Jibn and it was really great. Tangy and not too sweet, perfect with a cup of strong coffee. By this point we'd finished the bottle of Vino Verde and they don't serve liquor, so we meandered down the street for a nightcap. Overall a great experience at Epice. I will be back to try more dishes and the atmosphere at lunch.

    (5)

  • Melissa L.

    Great spot for lunch in Nashville (probably good for dinner too)! We had the hummus and fatayer to start. I had the batinjan for my main - eggplant with ground sirloin. The mango nectar to drink was yummy. Overall, authentic Lebanese cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Anna J.

    The food was on point, delicious, aggressively seasoned. I had the lamb tenderloin (off the grill) and it was so tasty. Lamb was cooked perfectly. The grilled vegetables were great, but the potato stack was the best! The peasant salad was excellent, although a little bit bitter, but I don't mind it. Everything was decently priced, but still a bit more pricey than I expected. Service was excellent as well, quick and friendly. I definitely would go back to try something else, especially some apps and desert!

    (4)

  • Cari J.

    Sometimes, you're rewarded for trying something new. This restaurant is an example of just such an occasion. I could not be more pleased with my experience at Epice. I made a reservation for 2 at 7 PM, and when I arrived at 6:50, I was taken directly to my seat. The decor was minimal, but perfect for the concept. Since I had to drive home, I didn't have any wine, but the selection was decent. We started with hummus. It was the best hummus I've ever eaten, and considering that hummus is practically a food group for me, that's high praise. My friend ordered the special, Chilean sea bass en papillote, and was VERY pleased. I've never seen her eat more than half her food, and she cleaned her plate. I ordered the kafta (some spell it "kofta" or "kofte"), seasoned ground beef patties with a stack of perfectly seasoned and cooked potatoes and grilled slices of carrot, squash, and zucchini. It was all perfectly cooked with just enough spice to be interesting, but little enough that you could taste the flavors of the meat and vegetables. I couldn't finish my giant portion, and look forward to having it for lunch tomorrow! We shared dessert, katayef, which was DELICIOUS. There was a crepe-like fried pocket filled with a soft, mild cheese and topped with a strawberry and fig sauce, and a spicy/sweet crushed walnut (think baklava) -filled pocket with a FANTASTIC kiwi sauce. There was also a dollop of the most perfect homemade lemon curd. It was a truly excellent ending to a great meal. Last note---the service was OUTSTANDING. Our waitress was very knowledgable, took the time to list ingredients and describe dishes, and had the most impeccable sense of timing. She might be a mind-reader. Overall, EXCELLENT experience. I've been to many Nashville restaurants, and had many great meals, but this one was particularly good. I recommend it highly!

    (5)

  • Caitlin C.

    Excellent. I'm pretty confident in stating that this is pretty darn authentic. I'm not some kind of middle eastern food expert but I do have several family friends from Israel and Lebanon and this is the food I pretty much grew up on in Los Angeles when I was over at their houses. I like to hop in Epice for a to-go lunch ordered from the bar. I've also had several of their appetizers and samplings from friends plates, when I've actually dined in. I've only been in for lunch and I can't wait to get in for dinner! I loved the atmosphere and they have done a spectacular job with the minimalistic sheik interior. I would recommend calling ahead about reservations and I think this place might be better suited for parties of 2-6. If you're there on a day when the owner is in, you're sure to get a fabulous story about Lebanon and some good recommendations. The warm potato side, which comes with many dishes, is pretty freakin spectacular, especially when you've grown tired of soggy old french fries at every other restaurant in Nashville. I think we, as a city, are incredibly lucky to have such an establishment open up. I hope it paves the road for other similar places. Between you and me, the whole "new southern", "refined southern", "reinvented southern" has become tedious and boring. I'm not saying we shouldn't celebrate those things, or stop sourcing locally, but sheesh do something different! And Epice is definitely different. I think Nashville is ready for these different places, our minds are open and you should come on down and experience something new at Epice!

    (5)

  • Savannah R.

    Goodness gracious, Epice is something special. Epice is a MUST if you are in the 12 South area or... if you aren't, make it your destination for lunch or dinner. Reservations are recommended for dinner (maybe close to necessary, unless you're okay with grabbing some of the 6-8 seats at the bar) but feel free to walk in at lunch time. The food is to.die.for. Seriously, omg. Everything that I have had (majority of the menu) is delicious. The entrees come with a fabulous Peasant Salad tossed with cucumber, tomatoes, radish (I believe) and a minty vinaigrette. The staff at Epice is well trained and if you aren't familiar with Lebanese style food, they will happily explain it to you and make recommendations.

    (5)

  • Amy C.

    WOW! I am so glad I picked up the April edition of Nashville Lifestyles magazine! This issue was all about my favorite subject, FOOD - specifically the 25 BEST DISHES in Nashville. Epice was featured under "Best Entrees", so of course I had to give them a shot for myself. My husband and I went for lunch on a Tuesday afternoon and we promptly greeted and taken to a table w/in their BEAUTIFUL restaurant. This is my kind of place...simplistic modern would be the best description. You can tell that the focus is on the food here and that's just the way I like it! Being first timers, our waiter was very kind to go over the menu with us and help us make our selections. I went with the cobia fish sandwich and my husband went with the Swawarma wrap. Each entree came with a small Peasant Salad and side of Cilantro Roasted potatoes...AMAZING. The flavors were so fresh, light and surprising! I was immediately transported to the Mediterranean! Everything here just WORKS...from the atmosphere to the cuisine! I can't wait to come back for more...this is the type of food I could eat EVERYDAY! So glad we have this gem here in Nashville!!

    (5)

  • Tracy F.

    YUM. YUM. YUM. One of the newest additions to the 12 South neighborhood is also one of my new favorite restaurants in Nashville. Epice was the perfect place to go for dinner with my friend and her parents tonight - the food was fresh, interesting, different (in a really great way) and absolutely delicious. We began our meal with two appetizers suggested to us by our waitress: Fatayer, a trio of stuffed pies, and another pickled egglant dish I can't remember the name of. They were both very good, though the pies were all delicious and the most memorable of the two. For dinner, I chose the Batinjan, an incredible roasted eggplant dish stuffed with ground beef, vegetables and pine nuts and served with rice and grilled vegetables. The eggplant was melt-in-your-mouth tender and bursting with flavor and juicy ground beef. The rice was perfectly seasoned with cumin and butter and served as a wonderful compliment to the eggplant. My friend's mom ordered the Sayadeya, a spicy fish dish, which was also tender and delicious. Our server was adorable, the prices were very reasonable for the amount and quality of food served, and the atmosphere was elegant yet casual. I'll be back whenever the craving for Lebanese food strikes!

    (5)

  • Diana S.

    Epice is aptly named, for the food at this Lebanese bistro is simple fare elevated by the seasonings of the marinades, rubs and sauces. When a friend and I went for lunch, we started with the Al-Raheb, an eggplant spread which was bright, lemony and light, and served with pita triangles and long, thin, crisps laden with herbs and spices. We were told that the soups are vegetarian (no meat or poultry broths used) and often are or can be made vegan. An example of the "can be made" was the delicious roasted red pepper soup, which is a thick puree of red peppers cooked with garlic and potatoes (I think). Veggie has a dollop of yogurt on top; vegan does not. I had a grilled fish sandwich (cobia) that was absolutely spectacular! It had a heavy spice rub on it that was simply killer and kept the fish moist during the cooking. It was drizzled with tarator, or a cucumber yogurt sauce that played perfectly against the sharp spices. it was served with cilantro roasted shoestring potatoes. My friend ordered the Epice salad, greens with goat cheese, toasted almonds and fig vinaigrette. It was delicious. The dessert we order was also delicious, in spite of - or more likely because of - its simplicity. Katayef is two thick buttery crepes, one filled with sweet cheese and the other with walnuts, with berries and a fig along side. As my friend said, "these are so stinkin' good!" Dinner on another night began with Labneh. or mountain cheese served with mint and garlic and pickled stuffed peppers. The first was a bit of a disappointment, as the soft cheese didn't have much flavor, even with the mint and garlic. The pickled peppers were fantastic, but the portion (2 small peppers) was a bit on the stingy side. Entrees were Tawook, or a marinated chicken skewer served with the cilantro roasted potatoes, and Batinjan, a sort of casserole of roasted eggplant served with a large square of vermicelli rice. The chicken was tender and flavorful from the marinade. I wasn't a huge fan of the eggplant dish and I love eggplant - I just felt that the flavors were kind of muddled in it. The design of the exterior and interior are very attractive, and almost post-modern. The inside is all either smooth concrete or painted to look like it, with a curved stone wall housing the grill. The only wall decor is a series of flat dishes with a pile of spice on each one high behind the bar. They are subtly lit to highlight them even more. The wine selection is small but each one we tried was very good and complimented what we were eating. The only two downsides to Epice that I see are parking and reservations. There are 3, parking spaces in the Green Pea Salon lot next door (until 6pm when the entire lot is available) and there are some spaces in White's Mercantile lot on the other side. Reservations: make 'em, especially for the weekend. We went once on a Friday afternoon at 4pm for a late lunch and early wine. There was one other table there, and they still asked if we had reservations and told us it would be best if we sat at the bar. ?? A few weeks prior, we went on a Saturday night around 8:40, and half the tables were open, but we were still asked if we had a reservation and when we said no, they said "let me see what I can do" and walked back onto the floor. FYI the tables never filled the rest of that night, and by the time we finished our 3 course lunch there were two or three tables max seated. For everyone who has mentioned signage, they do have it now.

    (4)

  • Lauren W.

    The decor of Epice is very clean and open. There's lots of off-white marble and honey colored wood. It's very chic without trying too hard. I love the open bar and prep area as well as the rock wall in the kitchen pass-through. The building is located across the street from Burger Up, but because it lacks a sign it can be easily missed. As soon as we were seated our waiter brought us some pita bread and oil for dipping. You can tell that the pita was freshly fried and spiced. The herb oil was very nice but I had a hard time putting it on my pita. I think I needed a small spoon or something, but since I didn't have one it lead to aggressive dipping. I have to say that our server was one of the funniest I've ever had. He was knowledgeable about the menu, polite, and at the same time had a wicked sense of humor that kept me giggling. Before we even got our appetizer Epice gave us another free snack. It was a very light salad that was tossed with the perfect amount of dressing. The lettuce was fresh and I especially enjoyed the cabbage and radish that were mixed in. For our appetizer we ordered the kibbeh which is ground beef in a wheat crust. They were charming little balls of meat with a very interesting texture- kind of chewy on first bite, but much like seasoned ground meat in the center. I absolutely loved the sauce that was served with it, which I believe was seasoned yogurt and cucumber. For my main dish I ordered the Batinjan which contained roasted eggplant and ground beef. I wasn't the biggest fan of this dish, mostly because I found the eggplant and meat combination just a tad too mushy for my liking. The stewed eggplant had the strangest consistency to me, but I know that this is a personal thing. I can say that it was seasoned perfectly and had very good overall flavor. My favorite part of the dish was the big slice of fried eggplant. It was like the best potato chip I ever had and I wanted many more of them! Also, the rice was fabulous and the yogurt sauce that I loved made another appearance in this dish. When I mixed the sauce with the eggplant and meat I liked it much better. Since it was girls night out we had to order to desserts. Fist up was the Roz be-haleeb which is rice pudding with orange blossom infusion served with cinnamon-sugar pita. This might be my favorite dish of the night, mostly because rice pudding is a nostalgic favorite of mine. It had a light floral flavor and the pudding was thick and rich. I would highly recommend ending your meal with this. Our second and final dessert was Katayef, or crepes. One was filled with a sweet mild cheese and the other was filled with sweetened walnuts. I loved the walnut crepe because of its crunchy nutty texture inside a soft pillow of pancake. An added bonus for me was the fig served with the crepes. Figs are my favorite! We really enjoyed our dinner at Epice. Although the prices are higher than any other middle eastern restaurant I've seen, I would say that the quality of the food and decor make the prices seem reasonable. We enjoyed our food and the service we received. Epice is another reason to brave the parking nightmare that is 12 South!

    (4)

  • Katie I.

    Epice is definitely an elevated Kalamata's- exactly what Nashville needs more of. The build out is gorgeous- modern and clean. Looks like a place that would be in LA or Tel Aviv. Showed up at 12:30 on a Tuesday and most all tables were full, but wasn't that busy. Our server was nice, but already in the weeds. Took awhile to get drinks and then they bring a glass of water for my 4 year old. Note: did not get the kid friendly vibe- so leave the rugrats at home. My friend and I shared the hummus and the fatayer- an assortment of "pies" each filled with cheese, spinach and a meat one. The meat one was the best. The cucumber sauce it came with was delicious! The hummus had a smokey taste and was delicious. Better than Kalamata's- more like a doctored up version. It only came with two pieces of soft pita and a crunchier flatbread- definitely not enough bread to mop up the chickpea goodness. We both had the shwarma. The meat was tender and juicy and thinly sliced. It had a pickle relish of onions inside, as well, really kicking the dish up a notch. Super tasty! The potatoes on the side were seriously off the chain. I don't even like or ever eat potatoes. They were amazing! The low point was the peasant salad that also came with the shawarma. I was very shocked and surprised on how awful it was. The dressing was super tangy, and not in a good way. The lettuce was a field mix that was not very fresh tasting. Now their sister restaurant Kalamata's has the best salad dressing. How in the world do they not duplicate that here, or elevate that even. Salad was an abomination and hopefully they will tweek it as they work out the growing pains. While service was slow, everyone was friendly. Parking is sparse. You can park next door at white mercantile (the old gas station) or the 3 spots they have to the left. I was told you can park at green pea salon at night. Like any 12 south establishment, parking is a sport. All in all, this is a great new addition to the neighborhood and a cuisine that Nashville is lacking in. Will return- without kids! *second pic is of fatayer- not hummus. I don't see an edit button :)

    (4)

  • Rhonda M.

    Beautiful and relaxing location with super fresh food. I had the epice salad with salmon which was amazing. Get a spot on the open air patio!

    (5)

  • Elizabeth R.

    Hayatee cocktail was refreshing and delicious. I had the sayadeya - the fish was nicely spiced, the vermicelli race had great flavor, and the roasted veggies had a delightful cinnamon flavor. My father-in-law had bustan and it was excellent. The epice salad was also good. We enjoyed the restaurant's ambiance as well - calm, open, modern, sunny. The staff was great too.

    (5)

  • Chris B.

    Great Mediterranean food, elegant but causal and the service is outstanding. Worth eating here easily. Great for lunch or dinner. Nice twist on very traditional dishes that make them even better. If you want light fair or full meal they have something for you.

    (4)

  • Claudia A.

    Yummy! Thanks to yelp "nearby" option we found this quaint restaurant. It's tiny and hard to find if you are driving at 15 mile per hour speed (it's really tiny) but omg it's delicious. The hummus is great, the lentil soup is MAGNIficent and the chicken kabobs are good too (according to my fiancée). So if you want some good Mediterranean food, this is the place to go!

    (5)

  • Kim U.

    Overall: tasty but overpriced. Still giving it 4 stars because it was tasty. Pros: *Unique selection of dishes *Nicely prepared food *Solid but small wine selection *Great desserts *Good vegetarian selections *Parking available at neighboring businesses after certain hours (a huge plus for 12 South) Cons: *Avoid doing takeout from here - the food does not travel well *Building materials and design makes it incredibly loud when it gets crowded *Staff aren't very friendly or welcoming (waitstaff were great, staff at front & manager types were not) *If you don't like the main flavors/spices they use, they're in everything - for this type of cuisine, I was surprised at how one note the spices were Good for vegetarians? Yes, but only if they vary their menu periodically. Good for kids? I would not take my 4yo here. Can you get in on a Friday night without reservations? Probably not. We scored a table by showing up early. General comments: We made the mistake of trying Epice first as take out. What a disaster - I would have rated it one star based on that experience. We decided to give it another try in-person this time and the experience was completely different. On this visit, we split two appetizers, each had a salad, and split a vegetarian entree. Very tasty, and left enough room for tasty desserts.

    (4)

  • Rose L.

    All I can say Maher Fawaz is "Well done sir, well done!" The girls and I (7 of us) had such an amazing dinner tonight at the new Lebanese Bistro on 12 South appropriately named Epice (French for "Spice"). Maher (the owner) stopped at our table a couple times to see how everything was. I am a serious and sometimes picky foodie. I can honestly say in my 20 years in Nashville and out of the 1000's of restaurants I have tried here and around the world - this is my favorite, by far. We tried several apps and three of the desserts - all perfect. I don't know why, but I got really excited when I discovered the pomegranate seeds on top of my Al-Raheb (roasted eggplant purée) appetizer. My entree Sayadeya (spiced barramundi with caramelized onions) - this was absolutely AMAZING. My first experience with barramundi was lack-luster and I was hesitant. I am now a huge fan. At most upscale restaurants, I usually leave disappointed because I almost never feel like I get what I paid for - most don't live up to my expectations. But Epice is worth every penny I spent and then some. Not one single regret - except I wish I could have eaten/tried more. I can't wait for my return trip... We were blown away by the food and the service was phenomenal. Katie was our main server, but others stopped by to fill drinks, clear plates - team work at its best.

    (5)

  • Jason G.

    Great place. Started with hummus, tabouli, and another appetizer based off on recommendation. Great. The owner came by and we talked about what we were considering. He gave us some suggestions, which we tried. Awesome. Basically, a great night. Sayadeya. Get it. Amazing.

    (5)

  • Hicham K.

    Portions are hamster small. The chicken was dry and the Hummus was just horrid. I am a Middle Easterner so I know what a good hummus tastes like. The staff was VERY RUDE. I honestly wouldn't recommend it.

    (1)

  • tyler l.

    I'm in town on business and figured, what better thing to do in Nashville than go for Lebanese food. I know, it sounds off, but think about it... The locals eat southern food all the time and its great, but I'm sure they like to switch it up. Immediately the atmosphere (inside and out, whether you can tell the difference on a warm night as it is an open concept) transplants you to a foreign place, perhaps Lebanon? I don't know, I've never been there... But from photos I've seen I'd say "sure". Kudos to the designer. I sat at the bar which is a large slab of Carrara Marble that made me feel at home in homage to DC. I tend to have more fun at bars rather than the tables, and this bar directly opens you up to the interaction with the whole team. From the hour I was there I got to witness what looked to be a charismatic, passionate, and knowledgable group of workers. The workers clearly care about the food, the facility, and each other. I had to refer to what I ordered as a sand castle, and it took me a little while to start to deconstruct the work of art because well, like most decent people I don't like to kick peoples sand castles over. Lamb shanks leaning on thick asparagus stems towering over a mound of a meaty tabbouleh, with little buttery cripsy garlicy potatoes slivers (I cannot call them fries or frittes because they're in a class of their own). I've had a lot of rack of lamb, but this is at the top of the list. The lamb is Cooked medium, juicy, tender, and topped a crunchy pecan crust. I finished my meal of with a chocolate mousse accompanied by what I could only describe as a rich persons version of a cookie crisp cookie (yes like the children's cereal but if Napoleon had a personal chef design one), garnished with fresh raspberries and a few mint leaves to clean your palette. The dessert was prepared by the gentleman who looked to be running the place. I'm done typing and I'd like to go to sleep now :D

    (5)

  • Jon C.

    EPICE is the closest thing to authentic Mediterranean in Nashville. Owned by the same family as Kalamatas (another Nashville favorite) this place won't disappoint. The food is incredibly fresh, staff friendly, and the atmosphere takes you out of the city and transports you to New York or San Fran!

    (5)

  • Patrick P.

    Loved the pickled eggplant, humus and the mountain cheese appetizers. Lentil pilaf for main course was great. The sliced vegetables were very flavorful. Mousse for dessert, yummy and just right. Will come back.

    (5)

  • Jihye S.

    I visited Nashville for about 6 days. Among the restaurants recommended by my local friends, this one was my favorite. I walked in after their busy lunch hour (2:25) for a take out, and the server was one of the friendliest (yet not over the top) and most professional ones ever. I ordered hummus and a fish special (Sayadeya), and it was impeccably prepared. Really fresh and simple, perfectly cooked and seasoned food, which I find hard to get at some of the high end restaurants. And hummus was the best I have ever had-I know everybody has different standard and preference, but I like mine very smooth, nutty, and not too sour. The only disappointment was the pita bread that came with the hummus..it was a bit tough and dry. (The other flatbread was good, though) I wish I had more days to spend here so I could have tried their dinner. Oh, and the interior is clean, simple and modern without being stuffy or pretentious.

    (4)

  • David G.

    I called about 2 hours ahead on a Friday for reservations, but they were booked. However, patio seating is FCFS - we got there a quarter to 7, and got an outside table. We were greeted by the owner and he visited us several more times during our meal. Lively fellow! I ordered the Sayadeya - a grilled fish entree, and my wife ordered Tawook, a marinated chicken brochette. We loved them both. I recommend you substitute the Epice salad for the peasant salad - if you order an entree. The fig vinaigrette dressing and goat cheese are lovely together. Both entrees were well seasoned and beautifully presented. Our server made good recommendations - especially on the wine. We ordered a reasonably priced red and finished it there with desert - the chocolate mousse - made by the owners wife (we were told). Delicious. Lovely ambiance. Good value for the price. We'll be back, soon, to try the roasted lamb shank. It sounds fantastic!

    (5)

  • Michael C.

    Was taken here for the first time on my birthday for lunch; it was fantastic! The decor is amazing; more reminiscent of New York or San Francisco than any other place I'd been to in Nashville. I had quite a hard time choosing between the selections on the menu; so many sounded amazing. Our server was so helpful, going into great detail about the 3 items I was having such a dilemma about. I finally chose the spiced fish (with caramelized onions and rice)... what a great choice! This was absolutely the best fish dish I've had in Nashville. My friend had the Shawarma (sirloin with pickles and onion relish) and raved about it. We ended up splitting a desert: the yellow cake with orange blossom syrup. I can't rave about this place enough; it was amazing. I look forward to returning and trying more of the dishes. (Side note: we didn't have reservations, and got there fairly early, but it filled up quick - I would suppose reservations are recommended at nights, especially so on a weekend).

    (4)

  • Konrad U.

    Great place and delicious food. Worth checking out if you're into lebanese food

    (5)

  • Stacy T.

    So delicious! Went here for lunch and had a very flavorful meal. The Tawook was delicious and served with a salad and potatoes. Tons of food for a $10 lunch. I'd highly recommend checking this place out if you're looking for something a little different for lunch.

    (5)

  • Rachel R.

    This place just gets me. It's what a restaurant should be!! The dining room is small, there's a nice outdoor area, and a fabulous bar. The interior is very.. whatever the word is we're using for this kind of decor: a lot of wood, concrete, marble, and glass - very clean and very fabulous! Our server was fun and knowledgeable about the menu. and O! the menu! Perf example of quality over quantity, people. There was quite a bit of range in the menu considering the number of options, so people with all different tastes can find something. Then the food itself was seasoned just so! Everyone at my table ordered something different and it all looked and SMELLED fantastic. Usually I can only smell my food at restaurants in if I get fajitas or something. I could smell the freshness coming from my friend's salad. Maybe I'm just a country rube, but I'm not used to food being that perfect. Such flavors! Such atmosphere! If you're looking for a good meal and a good time, stop in Epice!

    (5)

  • Ruffin L.

    Everything on the menu is good. Epice is nice but not pretentious with reasonable prices and a cozy feel. It's perfect for a date night and the patio is the best for enjoying an app and glass of wine on a nice day/night. Some places that we love in town are so loud I can't hear the person across the table. Epice is a nice change from those places.

    (5)

  • Ed K.

    The great reviews of Epice are correct. Everything is as they say.

    (4)

  • John J.

    Amazing food. Great staff. Finally a restaurant on 12th actually worth going to for the food.

    (5)

  • Eileen U.

    We loved Epice, a perfect ending to our last night in Nashville! We were first welcomed to delicious pita chips with olive oil and spices. Then my husband enjoyed kafta, ground sirloin served with tiered roasted potatoes and squash. I immensely enjoyed hummus, this time topped with ground sirloin, served with pita chips and fresh pita bread. This is my new favorite way to enjoy hummus! Our dinner was accompanied by a great bottle of red wine from Slovenia. The waiting staff was attentive and gracious. And the ambience was beautifully simple. During our next trip, we will be sure to visit Epice!

    (5)

  • Angela E.

    Great night out. Tasty food. Wine-by-the-bottle prices I'll absolutely be back for. Intimate and cozy atmosphere. And a splendid array of flavors from appetizer to dessert. And the nicest man, that I think owns the place, was very welcoming.

    (5)

  • Kevin H.

    Attentive service, good wines, food was well spiced and kafta was especially delicious. Would highly recommend as a great addition to 12south.

    (5)

  • Marci R.

    Delicious food, beautiful, modern space, amazing menu, great atmosphere. I got the tenderloin kebab-it was delicious and comes with a side of potatoes that are more like fries-to die for. The house salad was light and had yummy dressing. Everything I tasted was seasoned to perfection. I have never had food like this. Mahar really knows what he is doing and is such a gracious host. You must try this new restaurant!

    (5)

  • E. D.

    Great addition to the 12 South neighborhood! Beautiful building, excellent food and a relaxing environment...

    (4)

  • Jennifer M.

    So good! I visited Epice last night with a group of seven. I could not have been more pleased with the experience! First, I was super pleased that I had no problem finding parking. Next, I was impressed with the minimalist decor. The service was fantastic! Even though there were seven in our party, everything came out quickly and the server remained patient and friendly. We tried nearly everything on the menu, and it was all really good. I can't wait to return!

    (5)

  • Uyen P.

    Food is delicious--just enough spice to enhance the flavor. Why 2 stars? We arrived a few minutes late to our 5pm reservation to a complete empty restaurant, and the owner/host was extremely rude. He looked at his watch and told us that we needed to be here on time so he can get us out on time. We had a party of four and our friends were running late, he refused to sit us down at first. Normally, I would let it roll except the restaurant was empty. There was no reason for his rudeness and snottiness. That's why we are not ever coming back!

    (2)

  • Matt P.

    Excellent. When you go out for a fine meal this is what you expect. Everything was delicious and the service was excellent. What a fine addition to Nashville dining.

    (5)

  • Tart L.

    Lebanese traditional dishes like Sayadeya spiced fish are fine at Maher Fawaz's new bistro. The vegetarian Mujadara lentils and rice pilaf dish with caramelized onions is tasty too. A great appetizer is a small plate of Fatayer, three assorted stuffed pies. A tangy Epice Salad of greens and goat cheese sprinkled with fig vinaigrette is another epicey treat. Fawaz choose a simple ambience for his cozy 12 South restaurant. You can sit at the marble bar, or at the marble tables along a dry-stacked flagstone wall. The decor is low-key, the prices moderate and the food sublime.

    (5)

  • Taylor C.

    Friends and I were VERY pleased with our first visit to Epice tonight! Not only is the build-out very modern, yet inviting, but one of the best meals in my recent memory. I can honestly say that our entrees offered astonishing flavors and presentation for how little they cost. Another note worth mentioning is that we were NEVER rushed or pressured to order during our visit. There was emphasis on the experiencing the evening at our pace (a very European sentiment!), which I would love to see more of in Nashville. This food-lover says MUST GO!

    (5)

  • Martine S.

    Great Experience! I was with a small group so we had the opportunity to try five appetizers and several entrees. The menu is different from most other Mediterranean restaurants in town. The flavors are familiar but with a twist. The food was wonderful and the owner and staff are helpful and fun. We were there on a Tuesday and the space was packed -- make reservations. I will go back soon!

    (5)

  • Christina V.

    So good! Dined here for lunch for the first time today and was extremely impressed. Great location, simple, clean decor and very attentive staff. The owner was very involved, friendly and helpful. Food was so freakin' good! My friend and I both are big on going meatless and there were so many options to pick from (there are plenty of meat options too, which also sounded extremely good). We shared the Muhamara, which was so tasty. Well seasoned, perfect amount of heat and the yogurt on top was delish. My friend got the Peasant Salad and requested roasted veggies on top. Again, everything seasoned beautifully and so clean and fresh. She completely cleaned her plate. I ordered the Bustan, which was so good I couldn't help but wolf it down. Delicious pita with grilled veggies and their "Epice spread". I am already craving another just a few hours later. Came with a simple salad and, although cilantro roasted potatoes are noted on the menu, mine came out with a lentil rice, which was really good. We've already agreed we can't wait to come back again. Definitely a fan!

    (4)

  • Dan B.

    Authentic Lebanese food in a contemporary, yet cozy bistro setting. The service, the food (appetizer, entree, dessert) and the ambience were all outstanding. We will definitely be back to explore the rest of the menu. Reservations recommended for weekend dinners.

    (5)

  • Sarah D.

    Fantastic food. The lemon soup is very good. Visited 4times. Great terrace. Keep some space for desert; you will be surprised.

    (5)

  • Brian B.

    Amazing Lebanese cuisine, traditionally rooted, prepared with much gusto. I have had Lebanese food all over the world and this is excellent. We had the Hummus appetizer (creamy and fluffy, splash of oil, paprika, served with fresh toasted spiced pita), wrapped Tawook (grilled chicken) and Shwarma (marinated sirloin) sandwiches served with amazing spiced potatoes, endive salad and spreads that go bang. Wife had the Bustan, a grilled vegetarian wrap and loved it. I jumped online to write this review to help make sure this place thrives because I plan on going back frequently. Now in retrospect, this place in this awesome neighborhood... More worried we will quickly be competing for a table.

    (5)

  • Mina K.

    With so many new restaurants in Nashville it would take a lot for one to stand out. This one certainly does. My husband and I have been sampling all the new restaurants and have been disappointed by most. This one exceeding our expectations from the moment we walked thru the door and the amazing aroma met us. The service was impeccable and the suggestions were spot on. My husband had the fish special and I had chicken kabob. Both cooked to perfection and seasoned just right. I wanted to save half my meal for lunch the following day but it was so good I cleaned my plate. I wish I had more than two thumbs up to give it and more than 5 stars. Definitely a stand out among Nashville's new restaurants.

    (5)

  • Pate M.

    Great, healthy, well prepared food. Great place for vegans, too. Good service. Lovely urban chic atmosphere. Highly recommend it for a tasty, healthy dinner.

    (5)

  • Krissi W.

    I had lunch here recently and got right in. The food was really flavorful and well prepared. I had the makanik sandwich. The service was great, and the restaurant design and decor was simple and tasteful.

    (5)

  • Jan S.

    Very trendy, clean and upscale in 12 South. Service is wonderful. We had the lamb shank and an eggplant/meat/tomato dish that were wonderful. The deserts are unique and very good. I had a walnut/cheese donut-like puff drizzled with sweet sauce (I know, sounds gross....but just fabulous!). Good dinner portions. Desserts a little on the skimpy side. I would recommend.

    (4)

  • Justin D.

    This place is fantastic! I had never tried Lebanese food before and decided to give it a go. Very glad I did! The service, from the front door all the way to our server, was top notch. Our server was very helpful at suggesting items for my friend and I, since we had no clue what to order. The food was amazing! I can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Ms T J.

    Beautiful restaurant very modern,love the decor. The owner was so nice an they worked really hard to find us a table. The wait was no more than 10 min on this past Friday night. For a appetizer we tried the Fatayer (3 different pies stuffed with spinach,sirloin,cheese) an a awesome cucumber sauce. SOOO good the pies were so light, very unexpected. For the entree we both had the Mishwe a tenderloin brochette. Basically a kabob with 3 big pieces of meat an veggies. Absolutely delicious the meat was SO tender an this orange sauce on top was good. A mountain of well seasoned scalloped potatoes came with it. We had small salads that came with the meal, pretty good also. They also had a small side of garlic paste that was good with the meat too. Basically, I have found my new favorite Lebanese spot. Loved it!

    (5)

  • Jeremy E.

    I had a top ten meal in Nashville here. Run to this place if you like Lebanese food. If you haven't tried Lebanese food but like Mediterranean/North African flavors, you will love it. They serve tapas and entrees. The hummus is a must try as is the kibbeh. For entrees, their spicy fish is outstanding, as are their two lamb dishes. The lamb rack is pistachio encrusted and is cooked to perfection. The other lamb dish is pressure cooked and the meat is falling off of the bone. Interior is modern and clean and the service has been outstanding for all 3 visits.

    (5)

  • Stacie F.

    A new favorite! Very vegetarian and vegan friendly, but lots of different meats for the carnivores. Chic atmosphere and decent prices.

    (5)

  • Meg S.

    Maybe I just ordered the wrong dish because my meal was unremarkable and disappointing. I ordered the Hummos Beyrouti. I left a good portion of it, claiming fullness. When I make or order hummos, I expect it will be bright with lemon, a little acidic from good olive oil, a little garlicky, and have that distinctive sesame taste from tahini, but what I got was bland and flavorless. I tasted no garlic, no lemon, no tahini, no olive oil. I've had better grocery store hummos. The sirloin was greasy, (maybe olive oil used to top the hummos? I don't know. It didn't taste like olive oil.) bland, and flavorless. I wonder if they use any seasoning and herbs/spices at all when preparing the food. The pine nuts were not adequately toasted, if they were toasted at all, which meant that they had an acrid flavor rather than that rich, nutty, unique pine nut flavor we all know and love. The only thing I appreciated about the hummos was the texture. It was very smooth. They clearly took the time to husk the chickpeas. A good thing. The regular pita that came with the meal was fine. There was some pita that appeared to be fried and was a little greasy, with a daub of za'atar, which again, I expect to be more flavorful, but it was not. I don't know how one manages makes a bland za'atar, which should, at a minimum, be redolent of oregano, thyme, savory, basil thyme (yes, that is a thing) and toasted sesame seeds. Two of my best friends operate a spice business and they make their own za'atar. Maybe, based on that, I'm expecting too much, but I don't think so. The only thing about my meal that I truly enjoyed were the pickles, radish and cucumber, that garnished the plate. They were excellent. Why? because they had FLAVOR! I grew up in suburban Detroit, land of excellent Middle Eastern food, so perhaps I am spoiled, because what I ate today at Epice did not impress me as being any better than the food at Kalamatas, with which I have the same flavor issues and is why I will not patronize that place. Other than the bland and uninspired dish that I had, I have no other complaint. The space is beautiful. It is spare, but in a warm and comfortable way which may seem contradictory, but it isn't. It's quite lovely, almost Wrightian (as in Frank Lloyd) in its design, making use of natural materials and horizontal lines in a pleasing way. The owner was manning the door and he was a gracious and welcoming host. Our server, and the service he provided, was excellent. So, given all the raves, it's quite possible that I just ordered the wrong thing. I am willing to give the food another chance to see if that was the case.

    (2)

  • Carolyn M.

    We came without a reservation, which was a bold move at a new, popular spot in a trendy stretch of town. Some might even call it stupid. The host was unbelievably accommodating in shifting things around to fit us in. Once seating, our server was equally eager to please. The tabouli is awesome - heavy on the parsley, light on the bulgar. Roasted eggplant is also tasty. I had chicken skewers - perfectly cooked meat and peppers with great flavor. Not a huge fan of the side of potatoes. The spicy fish is fantastic. One star down for the atmosphere - it's very pretty, but all that stone makes it L-O-U-D.

    (4)

  • Megan C.

    Fabulous restaurants keep popping up in our neighborhood! We'd seen Epice on several walks and finally made it in to try their offerings. If we hadn't seen it that way, I don't think it'd be very easy to find. Minimal signage and if you're driving by it'd be incredibly easy to miss. They serve upscale Lebanese food-which I'd never really sampled before as a concept. We ordered a bottle of wine, a trio of hand pies, kafta and sayadeya (spiced fish fillet). The entrees came with the peasant salad, which was beautiful and delicious, and were served with AMAZINGLY SPICED VEGETABLES. Not in the 'hot' spicy way, but in the 'many spices were used that made them incredibly delicious' sort of way. The interior has a cool-industrial vibe, we were seated next to a concrete exterior wall. Our waitress was very attentive and friendly. It's pretty small-we breezed in without a reservation on a Thursday night and nearly didn't get a seat. Excited to try their cute patio when it finally stops snowing.

    (4)

  • Marta B.

    Epice is a breath of fresh air amidst all the farm to table restaurants offering fancy southern dishes served by hip waiters in aprons. The food is here unique, fresh, and super delicious. The decor is modern and minimal. The word that comes to mind when describing Epice is "classy" - but without being stuffy. Highlights for me are the Samak (salmon) and the Epice salad - both delicious. Their cilantro potatoes are also amazing. If they don't come with your meal, consider a side order. My only negative comment is in regard to their entrance. There isn't much breathing room between the front door and the host stand making it slightly awkward as you enter. But, of course, that's not a good reason to stay away. This place is way too delicious for that!

    (5)

  • Liz V.

    My husband and I stopped by on a fairly busy evening without reservations. The hostess said she would see what she could. A gentleman, possible the owner, overheard and told her where to seat us. As we walked towards the table I heard him say something like, "Everyone gets a table reservations or not." Made me smile, wonderful service. The food was delicious. We both had fish dishes and it could not have been more enjoyable.

    (4)

  • Abby M.

    LOVE this place. If you think you might not like Lebanese food...you're wrong. I look for 3 things when dining out: Food, Service, Ambiance (and in that order). Food: 5 Stars! Everything we have had is delicious. For lunch, everything is wrapped in pita or some other kind of wrap. The Shawarma, Tawook and Lahmajin are all amazing. Everything comes with these yummy potatoes and herb salad. The sirloin and chicken kabobs at dinner are also really tasty. The meat on everything is cooked perfectly. Not dry and not over cooked. Their hummus is good, just wish the portion was bigger! For dessert we got their assorted cookies. Best decision we ever made. It's a big selection of little baklavas. Service: 5 stars! Everyone has always been super helpful and knowledgeable of the menu. Very attentive. Ambiance: 5 stars! I wish my kitchen could look like this restaurant...that's all I need to say.

    (5)

  • Tyler G.

    This place is delicious with great quality and quantity. The pricing is fair as well. $7-16 depending on what you want to eat. Phenomenal flavors. My taste buds were asleep today, but wide awake after my first bite here. Highly recommend this joint and will definitely be back next time I'm in town.

    (5)

  • Meghan M.

    This place was amazing. The food was delicious and the service was outstanding! This is a must visit in Nashville and next time I am in town I will definitely be going back. The Al-Raheb (eggplant dish) was fantastic - I would highly recommend this dish to anyone who goes to Epice. We also had the hummos, which was delicious and we split the Tawook (chicken), which was spiced and cooked perfectly. The potatoes that the chicken comes with were amazing (and I don't even really like potatoes). I wish the appetizer dishes were a bit larger and came with more pita / chips to eat them with, but that would be my only complaint. Definitely a highlight in Nashville!

    (4)

  • Barbara B.

    Amazing dishes I'd certainly never heard of....... And yet, that's the point, right? This fairly new place (and small) is so popular its hard to get in....probably need a reservation for dinner. We followed our waitresses recommendations and had an a delicious meal. Our entrée was large enough to share and wow! It came with a very green fresh salad. Had a yogurt-based Middle Eastern appetizer spread (Labneh?) that I could've eaten all day. Had rice pudding for dessert which was tasty but I probably wouldn't order it again....

    (4)

  • erin s.

    I loved Epice. To set myself up for a good experience, I went at 11:30 am- just before the lunch rush so that getting a table was easy. The sandwich was open faced- really no way to eat it as a sandwich but it was delicious nonetheless. Wine selection wasn't great. My friend enjoyed her salad and the hummus was also excellent. I look forward to going back for a special occasion. It's a little pricey for every day.

    (4)

  • John B.

    Go here for lunch when you get a chance. Surely to impress any visitor from out of town with their fantastic food. Already making plans for my next visit!

    (5)

  • Lauren S.

    Absolutely one of my favorite restaurants in Nashville! The cuisine is Lebanese Mediterranean. Full of flavor, excellent salads, hummus, sandwiches. We love this place! Such a great addition to the 12 south neighborhood!

    (5)

  • Abby H.

    Great food and great atmosphere! Got the spicy fish dish and the veggie pita sandwich, both were suggested by the waitress and excellent! Got the crepes for dessert and also delicious! Highly recommended!

    (5)

  • Brien W.

    Slipped in here with some friends for an early dinner without reservations and had another great meal. Everything was great, most got fish dishes which are exceptional. Nice touch is all meals come with a salad before the entree and they are amazing. I love the spice blend without having to add ridiculous heat, all meals were well balanced and had great sides accompanying the mains.

    (5)

  • Sharon K.

    I visited Epice later on a Saturday evening, me and my date arrived just before 9pm and were seated right away at a table for 2 without a reservation, if we had wanted to drop in earlier we would have been out of luck, but at this time in the dinner hour the main rush had subsided and we were able to get right in and sit down for our meal. The atmosphere was lively with lots of buzz and happy chatter across the dining room full of small tables for 2 or 4 diners.The bar area is in the main dining room which gives Epice a bistro feel, with a casual upscale ambiance.The lighting was warm and cozy and made for a relaxed and romantic meal. The music in the restaurant was low key instrumental jazz music, so it added to the relaxed vibe and did not distract from conversation. The menu was well focused and featured a handful of entrees off the grill "brochette" (on skewers), and another selection of "traditional fare" which included fish entrees, lamb shank, and beef entrees. We ordered the Lahmeh, the pistachio encrusted rack of lamb, and the Sayadeya, the spiced fish fillet. Both were excellent. The rack of lamb was a generous portion of succulent lamb cooked to a juicy medium rare, with the flavorful crust of pistachios and light mint sauce setting off the savory flavors of the meat. This was served with asparagus which was cooked nicely, not overdone, so it had a refreshing crunch against the bolder flavor of the lamb. It also came with spiced lentils topped with cucumber and couscous. The Sayadeya fish entree was also very good. The white fish was cooked just right, not overdone or dry, it was light and flaky, as white fish should be. The fillet was spiced generously with a savory aromatic rub and topped with a creamy mint sauce. It was served with grilled vegetables and vermicelli rice. The portions were generous and me and my date were able to share and sample each other's dishes. We had red wine by the glass, Chateau Musar Jeune, which was about $13 a glass. The prices for the entrees were fair, considering the quality and preparation of the food, especially the lamb, (entree $29). Our server was very helpful in describing the menu, and also was attentive to our needs, we were not ready for a long leisurely meal because we were on our way to a movie, so we let her know and she was able to plan and pace our meal so that the entrees came out in a timely manner and we had a delicious meal and still made it to a movie at the Belcourt Theater an hour later.

    (5)

  • Dani E.

    Everything we had was really flavorful and portions were great. Also tried a nice Lebanese wine which seems to be somewhat rare. Looking forward to going back.

    (5)

  • Vanessa L.

    Well, I'm a fan. Service: GOOD. Needs a little fine tuning as many establishments in Nashville don't yet understand that great service involves a balance of attention and "leave them alone to eat in peace." This service was slightly leaning toward the latter. But overall, GOOD. The food: GREAT. Rich, complex, well-balanced flavor in a chic, intimate little space. What more is needed? (Oh, and the Lebanese red wine is OUTSTANDING.)

    (5)

  • Brian N.

    I've been going to Kalamatas for years, although I don't go as often as I'd like to, mostly because, frankly, I try to never set foot in Green Hills. When I heard that the owner had opened a new restaurant in 12th South area, I went for dinner the very next night. It was INCREDIBLE! The restaurant itself is great-looking, and the food is amazing. I'm Syrian and grew up eating mostly this kind of food, and it was as good as, if not better, than my mom's cooking. (Sorry, mom.) I had an eggplant appetizer, which, although very good, could have used a touch more seasoning, and then had the mjaddarah, which was the best I've ever had. The rice pudding desert was also fantastic. Angela, my server, was sweet and conscientious. If you like healthy, good food, check this place out. I wish it well.

    (5)

  • Bellevue R.

    Absolutely incredible. The best Lebanese food in Nashville. Friendly staff and a great atmosphere. I had their special and it blew me away. Going back soon.

    (5)

  • Vishal S.

    My colleague and I came here for dinner after making a very quick reservation. This is located in a very nice neighborhood and the restaurant is very trendy and chic but does not try too hard. The menu is very straightforward and well laid. I am a fan of place with a one page menu. For appetizers we had the Fatayer and it tasted really good. The Lebanese crisp bread served with Olive Oil is definitely a welcome change from places that otherwise serve regular pita. For the main course we had the Tawook and Lahmeh, both well sized for hungry adults. The Tawook (Chicken - Grilled) is well seasoned and I can taste the flavor in the meat. For carbs on the plate, we had potato fries and I am not a big fan of potatoes. If it were substituted with rice pilaf, that would have made me very happy. Again, this is just my point of view. We ended the nice meal with the Rice Pudding and the real highlight is the Orange flavor which made it smell, taste and feel fresh. I will come back to try their Shawarma for lunch and this is definitely a nice addition to the restaurant scene in Nashville.

    (4)

  • Cory G.

    This place is killer. The food is excellent. The service is great. The wine list is pretty solid as well. They serve traditional Lebanese and knock it out of the park. I was even impressed with the way the food was presented on the plate. If you love trying new things this is a must for any Nashvillian.

    (5)

  • Bridgette C.

    I am going to start of by saying if you want to come in here on the weekends get a reservation. Best advice I can give. This beautiful little restaurant is just that: little. And constantly busy. And with good reason. The food is incredible. Real, traditional Greek dishes full of flavor. Their labneh is fantastic! Their hummus is fantastic! They have delicious fish perfectly spiced! Such a great eating experience!! It's a little loud in here but that's because everyone wants in on the goodness. Reasonable pricing, delicious food, trendy 12 South location...this place has it all. So make that reservation if you want in...they were having to turn people away when they walked in.

    (5)

  • Jennifer N.

    It bode well for a great night out that we were lucky enough to score a last minute table on a Saturday night at a new eatery in the popular 12 south neighborhood. Epice is a new Lebanese taverna at the west end of 12 south in a converted, catering business building that has been very well re-purposed and redecorated. The vibe is modern with simple, with clean lines, and natural materials. Inside, it's warm and noisy as most new and anticipated places are on a cold Saturday night. Friendly and welcoming staff guided our groups food and wine choices, and guided us well. Lebanese cuisine is very reminiscent in flavor profile to my favorite Mediterranean cuisines (Greek and Turkish), so I have to admit I was right at home with all of the options. We tried the trio of pies (spiced beef, cheese and spinach) as a starter. Especially memorable was the yogurt/mint/dill sauce that accompanies the pies. I wanted it on everything! Our group loved the spiced beef pie with pine nuts and tomatoes. We all chose the Epice salad, on recommendation from the host- a sweet salad of greens, goat cheese, apricots and fig dressing. The salads were a nice change of pace in flavor and textures. Our entree selections covered the menu- kebab options include lamb, beef, chicken with vegetables and are accompanied by rice. My friend chose chicken and it was beautifully presented and delicious. We also had a vegetarian dish- the lentils and rice with carmelized onions was very nice, accompanied by grilled vegetables and roasted potatoes that were addictive. A very ample and filling meal to be sure. The grilled daily fish (salmon) and the spiced fish dishes were fresh and had a pleasingly unique spice mixture that complemented the delicate fish very well. Both were served with grilled vegetables and vermicelli rice- not original, but well seasoned and in keeping with the simple and traditional palate here. Wine selections are limited, but in keeping with the Mediterranean theme and we really enjoyed both of our choices. We did not partake of dessert- instead choosing to face the cold and trek down 12 south to a popular ice cream joint, but perhaps next time when we can linger on their amazing looking patio. Service was top-notch. Prices are very reasonable - remarkably so! I think Epice will do very well- and it should. I can imagine warmer weather days will have their front patio packed with the beautiful people sipping wine and enjoying delicious Mezzas and kebabs.

    (5)

  • Sarah V.

    I came for dinner with several girlfriends, several weeks after they opened. Although most restaurants seem to be working out the links a few weeks in, everything at Epice was flawless, from the service to the food. Our waiter was extremely attentive and friendly, and paid close attention to us throughout dinner, which was wonderful from start to finish. Everything was fresh, perfectly seasoned, and absolutely delicious. The restaurant has a cozy, minimalist, and chic vibe, which serves to highlight the window into the kitchen. The owner (or perhaps the manager) stopped by our table to ensure that we were having a good experience. With how delicious my meal was, combined with the exceptional service we received, I will be back to Epice soon to introduce even more friends to this great spot!

    (5)

  • Joe F.

    Excellent Mediterranean meal. The appetizer, Sfeeha was outstanding! Loved the entree Sayadeya. Probably the Best ePice dish.

    (5)

  • Moira B.

    Since I'd read the other reviews before coming into this restaurant, I had very high expectations... and they were exceeded. The man who greeted us at the hostess table - most likely the owner - was friendly and got us a table quickly, although we didn't have a reservation. Love the decor. Was very chic, simple, and modern. As one reviewer mentioned, it was classy without being stuffy. Loved how open it was, especially for not a very large space. The waitress recommended the makdous for an appetizer. It had a mix of different flavors without being overwhelming. As an entree, I had the fassoulya - the lamb shank -which was, quite possibly, the best lamb shank I'd ever had. The meat was so moist and tender, it was practically falling off the bone. The seasoning was perfect. The white bean cassoulet, which I was told was made from very simple ingredients, complemented the lamb well (especially since pieces of meat would constantly fall into the sauce). There were so many different flavors, but they all came together very well. For dessert, we had the katayef (another recommendation from the waitress). It was just the right amount of sweetness. I especially liked the lemon curd-like sauce that came on the side. Again - different flavors that came together perfectly, with no flavor dominating the others. All in all, it was a great experience. The staff was friendly, the service was prompt, the recommendations hit the spot, and each dish tasted fresh and flavorful. Will definitely be returning.

    (5)

  • Nashville T.

    I didn't feel the love. Kind of snooty host turned his nose up on a Tuesday night. No color on walls or flowers. Wine only. You have to like Lebanese spices to eat here. Overpriced so just go to sister kalamatas in green hills for better chef.

    (2)

  • Boston B.

    Unusual and tasty food. I had lamb shank it was great i had lamb from other restaurants but this was totally different such a good flavor. Good job Chef and staff is good .

    (4)

  • Levi W.

    My wife's been wanting to go here for months. Sunday, we walked down and had our minds blown. The service, the atmosphere, and the food were all 5-star quality. Seriously. We'll definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Robby S.

    Holy crap. Seriously... this one wins BIG TIME in my book! It might be my favorite restaurant in Nashville. From the decor that takes you out of the typical Nashville feel and into the sleek, serene atmosphere of a west coast, beach side villa to the beautiful and absolutely delicious food, this restaurant just wins for me. We sat at a cozy table on the patio and enjoyed one of the best meals I can remember. Every single item we got was an experience. PLEASE put this on your "must-do" list.

    (5)

  • Frank P.

    Highly recommend this place. Great wine selection, right ambience & fantastic food, what else could you ask for? This restaurant is in a trendy neighborhood that looks like it having a renaissance. My fiancée had the lentils soup and salad. She loved it and I had the chicken kabob it was also very tasty with a red sauce on top.

    (5)

  • Allison E.

    I love the intimate atmosphere and the food is wonderful! Ruch with flavor and great service

    (5)

  • Leslie M.

    Love this cute new spot on 12 south. Nestled towards the end of the street this quaint little restaurant serves up some tasty Lebanese food. I had the flat bread-cured beef and cheese as well as the sayadeya (spiced fish fillet) which were both packed with flavor. I will definitely be back to try some of their other dishes.

    (5)

  • Arlene S.

    Went here on a weekday and sat at the bar. Had a great time trying out the menu here. Enjoyed the hummus, olives, tabbouleh, lentil soup, salad and the chicken kabob. Everything tasted authentic! The owner is a nice guy and even treated us to dessert. I would def go back!

    (5)

  • Darlene V.

    We went on a Sunday night and it wasn't very busy. I made a reservation anyway just in case and the lady I spoke to on the phone was very nice. The waiter was also very friendly. We love Lebanese cuisine and were eager to try this place for a long time. I was pleased to find the hummus and beef, which is usually my go-to dish. It was alright. I'm not a fan of pine nuts and there was a sea of them. My husband got the lamb shank with white beans and it was phenomenal! I was jealous and continually picked at his plate. Overall we had a good experience. We'll definitely go back and I'll be getting that lamb for sure!

    (4)

  • Alex L.

    Phenomenal food. We go to church up the road and have eaten here on a few sunday afternoons. The food and overall vibe of this restaurant are second to none. I'm particularly fond of the epice salad!

    (5)

  • Luke K.

    We got to sit outside and enjoy the patio, which I really like being able to do. The food was solid but not spectacular. The hummus was the best part and I would recommend ordering it. We went with sandwiches and perhaps that's not the right approach here. I went with the ground sirloin sausage with pomegranate molasses. It was tasty but not something I would go out of my way to get. My wife got the chicken and while the flavor was solid, the chicken was a bit dry. Not bad and if we're in the mood for lebanese we might return but relative to other options in the area probably not our first choice.

    (3)

  • Jon L.

    The food here is hit or miss. Most of the appetizers are a safe bet, but the entrees I've had are all disappointing: underwhelming sea bass, dry chicken brochette, and funky ground sirloin. The desserts are pretty good, though a baklava option would be nice. It comes down to inauthenticity: instead of just being gourmet versions of classic Mediterranean fare, too many of the dishes here stray too far from their roots in a way that favors concept over execution.

    (3)

  • Daniel S.

    I really liked Epice. The service was good, the ambiance is nice and the food was tasty. The prices are reasonable as well. They don't have much space, so I definitely recommend a reservation. We had some great appetizers and a dessert that was very good. Our entrees were very good but not great. Looking forward to trying some more things next time.

    (4)

  • Steve Q.

    Absolutely fantastic. The sayadeya is excellent and the lamb is incredible. One of the best restaurants in Nashville

    (4)

  • Anne P.

    The food is good but I have never been treated so RUDELY at a restaurant. Our party had a reservation and was there a little over an hour when the waitress started rushing us. Then a few minutes later the manager came over and asked us to leave as another party had booked this table. None of us were finished. We will not be going back!! Ann

    (1)

  • Chris S.

    This place is about as authentic as one can get. We had the flat bread and hummus to start and it was great. There were 4 of us and we all got different things. None of us had a complaint. Food was AMAZING. Prices are fair and I would definitely come back.

    (5)

  • David G.

    The s.o. and I visited Epice (like Sheena said... pronounced "A Piece") during the second week that the place was open. I'll cover the only two cons first: 1. From an outside perspective it is really hard to tell that they are open. As the weather improves and people are sitting outside on their quaint little patio - fantasticalness should hit them. I am kind of sad that they do not have a more apparent outside sign and are relying a lot on word of mouth initially. This does not lose a star for the restaurant FYI, it is just an observation. I really want them to do well. 2. I took my server's recommendation for my entree instead of taking the owners recommendation for my entree. I regret that poor choice on my part, because I did not enjoy the Chicken Tawook at all. The chicken on the skewers was dry and the very tasty sauce did not stand a chance at covering up that fact. This is where the star was lost. The pros and there are a plethora: - Location: I love 12 South (I live there) and I love the neighborhood feel of Epice. - Parking: White's Mechantile and Epice share a parking lot and they have agreed to let one another's customers park there. In a neighborhood where parking can be a challenge, I think this is an excellent example of mutuality between the two businesses and foresight to help their customers. - Decor: The inside and the outside patio are both very warm and inviting (like a cozy neighborhood feel) - even though they are quite small - so make sure you make reservations... especially once word gets out about the awesomeness. - Service: While our server made a poor suggestion in meal for me, she was quite good at her job... attentive (but not overly), and helpful with some dietary restrictions among the members of our party. - Owner: The proprietor is awesome. He stopped by during dinner and again right before dessert. He was super friendly and very helpful with (again) member's of our parties dietary restrictions. - Food: Yeah, the chicken tawook was not good. But, the lamb chops and the lamb shanks were beyond out of this world. They were the hizzy... Loved 'em. And they were gluten free. - Dessert: Also awesome. Sure, Jeni's is the street which would usually be my go-to but the desserts offered at Epice are equally amazing - so if you are not feeling like ice cream then I recommend eating here.

    (4)

  • Mike S.

    This was a place that I walked past a hundred times and never stopped in. The food was excellent. The wine selection was wonderful, and the wait staff was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. I will definitely return to this restaurant.

    (5)

  • Jason K.

    Great date night place. Food was awesome. I had the lamb shank and highly recommend your next night out to visit if you find yourself on 12 ave south.

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Tue

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Trendy
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Epice

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