Sinema Restaurant + Bar takes a contemporary approach to classic American cuisine. The historic Melrose Theater opened in 1942, has a storied history of delighting movie-goers and creating long lasting memories. Today, housed in the same space, Sinema aims to keep that tradition alive. The guest experience is inspired by the history of the theater: the architectural design, the patrons, and the stars who graced it’s big screen.
The culinary team, led Executive Chef Kyle Patterson, looks to take familiar dishes and make you fall in love with them all over again through his innovative and inspired approach to cooking. Chef Kyle’s team takes a fresh look at what classic American cuisine should be, and the result is a diverse and timeless menu.
Sinema’s cocktail program celebrates over 150 years of craft libations and includes a rare whiskey program with over 100 selections, thoughtfully selected wines and craft beers.
Whether you’re looking to have a mid-week dinner, celebrate a special occasion, or host a red carpet private dining experience, Sinema takes guests back in time with an opulent and nostalgia inducing atmosphere, timeless dishes, and unrivaled service.
Our space features two levels of dining space, including a bar and private dining areas. The décor, developed by Anderson Design Studio, is a combination of preserved elements of the original building and modern, custom design. The grand lobby, including the curved staircase, have been restored and complemented by exposed brick walls, cozy velvet tufted booths, and legendary music photography by Robert Knight and Mary Ann Bilham.
Since opening in June 2014, Sinema has achieved many accolades, including national coverage and acknowledgements from Eater, Bon Appetit, Tasting Table, Zagat, Thrillist, Southern Living, and Food Network, and glowing local reviews from Nashville Scene, Tennessean, Nashville Lifestyles and StyleBlueprint. Opening executive chef Dale Levitski won the 2015 Iron Fork, Nashville Scene’s annual culinary competition, won both best presentation and dish at “Beards for Beard” culinary competition, and claimed first prize in Nashville Lifestyles Magazine’s 2014 Savor Nashville Challenge to the Chefs brunch cook off. Additional accolades include: Nashville Scene-Best New Restaurant, 2014, Best Restaurant & Best Dessert, 2015 and Best Cocktails & Best Date Night, 2016; Thrillist–Best New Restaurant, Best Restaurants in Nashville, Best Whiskey Bars, Best Cocktail Bar & Best Happy Hour. Southern Living voted Sinema One of the South’s Best Brunches in 2016 and Zagat rated Sinema one of the 10 Hottest Restaurants in Nashville in 2016.
Place Categories: American Restaurants, Bar Dining, Cheese Plates, Contemporary American, Cuisine, Features, Gluten Free, Happy Hour, Personal Wines Welcome, Private Dining, Restaurants with Chef's Table and Weekend Brunch