A love letter, a thank you, and a heartbroken goodbye to one of Nashville's most important restaurants. For those unfamiliar: Margot Cafe & Bar opened on June 5, 2001, and will close its doors exactly 25 years later on June 5, 2026. Chef Margot McCormack gave Nashville a full year's notice, so this isn't a sudden gut-punch closing; it's a chef going out on her own terms, after a quarter century of running a beloved restaurant. Bittersweet, but graceful. (Still not over the closing of sister restaurant & cozy brunch spot Marché, which shuttered in June 2020, an early local dining casualty during the pandemic.) If you haven't read Steve Cavendish's excellent essay "Dish Network" (featured in Greetings from New Nashville, a collection of essays edited by another local, Steve Haruch), do yourself a favor and pick it up. It lays out exactly what Margot meant to this city: how her opening was the lightning rod that shifted Nashville's dining scene from a sea of chain restaurants to the chef- and ingredient-driven landscape that ultimately earned three local spots Michelin recognition in the inaugural South ceremony this fall. I came in one last time for dinner and one last time for brunch this past week. Brunch has always been my favorite here, and sitting at the bar earlier this week was unlike any other meal I've had in Nashville. The seats around me were filled with locals, many wearing nostalgic Margot merch, who had come as solo diners for one last meal. Strangers were reminiscing with each other and with the staff about what this place has meant to them. It was the kind of communal, slightly teary, genuinely warm experience you can't manufacture; it only happens at a restaurant that has truly been part of a city's fabric for decades, and we're collectively grieving that loss. A conversation topic that kept coming up across both of my visits is something I'm honestly still wrestling with: so many wonderful restaurants have opened in Nashville since Margot first paved the way, but very few are doing it the way Margot does. The menu truly changes every day. It's hyperlocal, ingredient-driven, based on whatever came in that morning. When I came in for brunch, the bartender told me to nix the strawberries listed on the printed menu in favor of farm-fresh blueberries because that was literally what had been brought in that morning. For dinner, I had a pappardelle (sourced from another excellent local spot: Mr. Aaron's Goods) with gigante beans in a garlicky, comforting sauce that I am genuinely still dreaming about almost a week later. Paired it with a dry pinot gris, on a rainy night, it was pure cozy magic. I can't tell you exactly what to order if you're lucky enough to snag one of the final reservations, because by the time you get there the menu will be different. But that's the whole point. That's the Margot ethos. Margot has always been comfort food, friendship, and celebrating local to me. I'm heartbroken to see it end, but so, so grateful for the inimitable legacy Margot leaves behind for the Nashville restaurant scene to follow. Thank you, Chef Margot, for everything you've given this city. read more

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We said probably our last goodbye to this wonderful French- inspired restaurant. We made a reservation for 2 on a Saturday at 8:15 & were sat right about then. Self-parking is always hard, but we always manage to find free street parking a couple blocks away. Service was kind & attentive & we ordered the focaccia & olive oil, Italian sausage, steak, duck, & Eton mess. The quality was outstanding & everything was cooked & seasoned perfectly. Ambience was intimate & casual but crowd & volume level picked up surprisingly as the night got later. Overall, highly recommend if you can manage to snag a reservation before they close in early June! read more

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I had high hopes for Margot Café. I love French cuisine, and the idea of a menu that changes daily sounded fun and creative. The meal started with herb-infused olive oil with balsamic vinegar, Parmesan, and house-made focaccia. It was good but ultimately unremarkable. What made it a little disappointing was that the other starter options were fairly limited--marinated olives, house-made potato chips, or cheese. For our hors d'oeuvre course, I ordered the potato leek soup with black and blue potato chips while my guest tried the brandade with caperberries and focaccia crostini. The potato soup was comforting but didn't have any particularly distinctive qualities compared to other versions of the dish. The brandade, which my guest had been told was somewhat similar to a fish stick, turned out to be more of a fish purée spread. It was interesting, but not quite what we expected. For the main course, I ordered the pappardelle with pesto, herb ricotta, and lemon breadcrumbs. My guest had the airline chicken with couscous, frosted carrots, feta, and pomegranate molasses. The pappardelle ended up feeling more like a dressed-up macaroni and cheese than a standout pasta dish. The airline chicken was the highlight of the meal--the flavors were distinct but worked well together, though the chicken itself was slightly dry. Service was pleasant overall, though not particularly memorable, and the décor felt like it could use a bit of refreshing. While Margot Café offers an interesting concept with its daily-changing menu, the execution felt more like American-inspired French cooking than the classic flavors I was hoping for. read more

Margot Cafe & Bar - Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

SIGH. Bittersweet because this place was so delicious and lovely, the staff was friendly and helpful, the location is convenient, the vibe perfect. And they are closing in June of this year. I had been wanting to come here for several years and life kept getting in the way. I saw they were planning to close and was determined to go. I'm very happy we got to experience Margot. Literally everyone I mention the place to have said it's one of their favorite places. I can see why. We started with the focaccia and herb oil, shared the beets and the fried artichoke hearts, both of which were recommended to us by our server. He said he'd been there over 20 years. He clearly loved his job. We shared the filet, green beans and smashed potato. The server said this was the very first time they served filet on their menu so we felt it was extra special. They split our portions for us on plates and it was extremely generous amount of food. It looked like we had each ordered a plate instead of sharing it! And oh my....mouthwatering. Every bite. Just perfect. We finished with dessert - the strawberry pavlova with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream. A perfect end to a perfect meal. I'm so sad they are closing but happy she's closing on her own terms. I can only hope something that is worthy can take up the space left by this beautiful restaurant. read more

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Margot Cafe is the best, my favorite meal in Nashville was had here. The menu changes every night, the service is always great and the ambiance is warm and cozy. The food is always so delicious and embodies a home cooked meal. read more

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My best friends introduce me to this place, so I love joining them here for dinner. The menu changes pretty much daily, which keeps it fresh & creative. Love: malfadine (pasta) - garlic cream sauce was so good; salad with the salty/sweet combo of white balsamic, parmesean, golden raisin; chocolate strawberry cake - moist chocolate layers with strawberry icing - divine!; cozy space with distinct character; very kind, knowledgeable & thoughtful staff. Parking can be a challenge, but paid parking ($15/2 hours) can be found next to the restaurant read more

Margot Cafe & Bar - Malfadine pasta with green snap peas, garlic cream sauce, and bread crumbs - Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Food was great, service was great!!! Waitress was very sweet and attentive. Will definitely go back!

Margot Cafe is fantastic! They always have delicious food with chef-inspired creations. The menu changes every day. Our dinner this evening was wonderful and our server provided excellent service. If it's on the menu, try the homemade potato chips as a starter. Sooo good! We have included pictures of the chips and our entrees. Be aware that Margot's will close in June of this year (2026). Nashville will truly miss this wonderful restaurant and staff. read more

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Beautiful, two story, French bistro style restaurant, with a tiny, full bar, near greatness. Hadley Long has does a great job with the Coboa, the Asparagus Potato purée is excellent, though it should be grilled to order. The Magaldine is fairly wide and quite long; it overwhelms the sausage. The Chocolate Buttermilk cake is not sweet; the piece is large. The Espresso Martini is short on volume, but large on flavor. Service at the bar was excellent. The wine list is well curated and Continental. read more

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WOW, a true hidden gem!! This place is very cute, has great service, and the food is phenomenal 1000/10! The menu changes everyday so you know the food is good and fresh. The staff was very kind and gave us some good recommendations. We got the mussels with white wine and this was one of the best mussels dishes I've had. I was essentially drinking the sauce after dipping the bread in the sauce because it was that good. The mussels were fresh and I highly recommend this dish. We also tried the whipped feta dip with crackers and the whipped feta was delicious. The chocolate cake for dessert was rich and flavor and every bite was amazing. I know the menu changes all the time but I really hope they keep the mussels or have some variation of it. The only minor downside is parking because there isn't parking, but that is just tough in the Five points area in general and there's plenty of street parking around, you might just have to walk a little. read more

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If you're looking for the perfect blend of elevated cuisine and effortlessly cool vibes, Margot Café in East Nashville is the spot. This place has that ineffable je ne sais quoi--rustic charm meets refined execution, with a menu that's as thoughtful as it is delicious. The ambiance strikes a beautiful balance between quaint and welcoming, the kind of place where you can sip something delightful and feel like you've momentarily stepped into a European bistro. The service? Cordial, intuitive, and just the right amount of engaging. You get the sense that everyone here genuinely loves what they do. Now, let's talk about the food. I went with a vegetarian couscous dish that was an absolute flavor bomb--layers of spice, texture, and umami that made every bite feel like a little revelation. It was hearty yet delicate, comforting but complex. And for those participating in Dry January (or just skipping booze for the night), their sparkling "wine" was a shockingly good stand-in--effervescent, crisp, and full of depth. Margot is one of those rare spots that feels both special and totally unpretentious, a place where food lovers and casual diners alike can revel in something truly excellent. This spot had good availability on a Thursday night, and is a must for anyone who appreciates a good meal made with care--and a vibe that just hits right. read more

Margot Cafe should be the standard for 5-star dining! This charming restaurant in east Nashville has several dining areas including a bar and what I'd consider a garden room off to the side of the bar. Reservations are a must! Service was outstanding. One of my dining companions has severe food allergies and the server was extremely accommodating. The chef even stopped by to share more about the dishes and learn more about the allergies. The menu changes daily, providing a fun level of anticipation. It's a welcome change if you're someone like me who studies menus like it's their living. We shared: focaccia and olive oil (the dip also had balsamic and shredded parm - the balsamic infused into the parm and now I dream about this combination), peach salad, salmon fritters, roasted chicken, and malfadine with pork ragout. I can't pick a favorite, I loved every fresh, thoughtful dish! read more

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This restaurant really gives you the full European dining experience! Service isn't rushed, interior space is quaint and homey, and rotating menu with fresh ingredients is amazing! We were impressed by the flavors in every course. Definitely reserve ahead of time as the space is small and very busy. read more

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amazing experience sitting at the Margot bar. everyone was friendly, drinks were awesome, space is super cute it's just a wonderful place. all of the food looked amazing, will have to try on our next visit read more

Everything is so fresh and absolutely delicious. You can tell this food is prepared with a lot of thought, detail, and love. Seasonal and local ingredients are used as much as possible so the menu is ever changing and fabulous. A great European cafe vibe with excellent ambience and service. A beloved Nashville gem that will be truly missed. A must visit in town! read more

Truly the best restaurant in Nashville. I love the fact that their menu changes daily. Everytime I have went I have enjoyed the food immensely. You really can't go wrong. I always choose their fish or pasta options depending on what is in the pasta. Even something as simple as the apple cider vinaigrette they use on salads is amazing. It's one of those places you have to get dessert too because it's always unique and delicious. I always recommend to anyone looking for actual good food in Nashville. read more

I can't believe this is my first time here! I loved it!! The restaurant itself feels inviting, and all of the plates are vintage! Our server was very knowledgeable on the menu, even though it changes daily! The food was amazing. The chicken dish made me eat mushrooms for the first time of my life. I loved them!! The cookies were delicious too! read more

Margot Cafe & Bar - Chips and Orange Wine - Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Great food and great service. A must try. We went for my husband's birthday. This restaurant has a family feeling but they are super busy. Great cocktails by Jenna, who is magical. read more

Margot Cafe & Bar - Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Yummy food but read the ingredients carefully as some things can be overpowering if you don't like them. Also they have a smaller menu than expected which is cool since you know things will be fresh but it might be helpful to look up their menu for that day before going. read more

Really good food and the service was fantastic. I sat at the bar as a party of one and I have no complaints at all. Reasonable and reliable.

it was my second time coming to Margot's for dinner and each time the food has been excellent. this time around, we had the focaccia with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, polenta with beef, branzino, and the roasted chicken with carrots. each were so fresh and flavorful and such a joy to eat. I was little more disappointed by the service by contrast though. the server was nice, but somehow the conversations we had with him felt disingenuous and made us feel almost like we were a nuisance to him for being there. it was strange. we also were seated by the window and there was a draft coming through it that made us rather cold/uncomfortable. we mentioned it to the waiter who informed us this was a very old building and drafts happened, and made no point to help us with the issue, like offering a different table or something of the like. we toughed it out since it seemed we had no other options, but it was a bit disappointing. still, though, we enjoyed the food! read more

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This was our first time here. We made 5:30 reservations this past Wednesday and we arrived slightly early and our table was waiting on us. We sat at a table in the area when you first walk in. I could see the bar area but never walked around to see the rest of the restaurant. This place is clean and super cute. Our server, Taylor was great! She told us how the menu changes daily and the executive chef gets the deliveries from the farms then creates the offerings. Nice to know that nothing was pre-made or frozen. They don't even have a freezer! There was nothing to complain about. Everything was very delicious. Our server was on top of her game. She was training someone too, so we never ran out of drinks. And she helped my husband out(who's doing the KETO diet) by recommending the dishes he ate. I know this sounds crazy, but the homemade potato chips served w/aioli was my favorite. I highly recommend this place. They also have a cute outdoor dining area. If you don't want to leave your dog at home, you could sit outside with them and eat. It's a little pricey, but worth it. I can't wait to come back. read more

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Came here for dinner for our TEN year wedding anniversary, left a note in our reservation, and not even a mention of it from the server, hostess, or anyone. Highly disappointed. Wish we had spent this big milestone somewhere else. read more

Outstanding food. Chef obviously cares about each dish. A little shabby chic with intentionally mismatched plates and older decor, but easily the best I've had in the Nashville area this year. Already booked the rerun. read more

We love this place! Food was fusion and tasty. We tried all the main plates and liked them. Duck confi was excellent. Our waiter was nice and very helpful. Wine list was reasonable. A bottle of baujolais was about $50 and good. Ambiance was good too. Will be back next time in NASH. read more

Love love love this place!! Always the absolutely best service, menu keep changing with the seasons and what fresh ingredients they have. It does not matter what you try if your a foodies you will be served a dish that someone poured their soul into and that flavor is always a good choice. I'm sad they don't have lunch at the moment, hoping that will change! But seriously if you get a chance come here for the always surprisingly delicious dishes, the well chosen wine and or the crafty cocktails you will not be disappointed. read more

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Had a lovely dinner last night after a long travel day. This restaurant is in a cute part of town and the restaurant is cozy and quiet - no live music. The menu changes often and we were there an ordered a baked eggplant dish. It was full of flavors and lots of layers of goodness and spices. Delicious. read more

So blessed to spend time with my friends and enjoy a beautiful delicious memorable dinner. The environment at Margot is cozy and classy, the food endless with flavors, and Rachel made our experience memorable. Thank you for an amazing night. We'll make sure to come back when we visit Nashville again. read more

Delicious French style food and super authentic! Great for date night or girls night! Try it alllll!! I believe the menu changes!

TLDR: Would I come back here? No. We got the beet salad, pizzette, and the pork shank. Beet salad was good, pizzette was bitter and needed honey or a jam to balance it, and the lamb was slightly dry and the salad that came with it was way too salty. Our service was also just ok. The waiter wasn't as knowledgeable as you'd expect for a restaurant charging these prices. We frequent places like this on our travels but was disappointed by Margot. read more

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I really wanted to love this place and I really did like the atmosphere (we got this nice table for 2 on the second floor where we could look over to the first floor). The food didn't quite get to 5 stars for me though. Started with the olive oil and bread which was really good. There were two kinds of bread, both pretty good. Our server even gave us a refill of the bread, which was a nice surprise. We also got some prosciutto/cheese (which you really can't go wrong with) and a roasted pepper soup. The soup was kind of plain and a little too sour for my taste. Not my favorite. The duck breast was quite good. Well cooked and tender meat. The Cornish hen however was not great. It would've been to nice to have more of a warning that the skin is VERY charred - basically burnt. So although the meat was tender and the sauce was good, the burnt taste just kind of overpowered everything. To be fair, our server did give us some free cookies at the end since the hen didn't turn out quite how we'd expected. All in all, a good dinner but not anything more spectacular than lot of other good restaurants in nashville. read more

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So for this visit I chose duck confit with brie crepes with an orange marmalade glaze. This certainly is not the usual Nashville fare. My taste buds were transported to somewhere in France. For desert I had a good rich hot chocolate, which is on the beverage, not dessert,menu. It was enriched with what tasted like a house made marshmallow. The servers are informative and accommodating. Love the farmhouse feel in the urban core. We stayed and talked awhile with the only interruptions being to bring more drinks. So fun! read more

I enjoyed this cozy East Nashville restaurant. Great service, cocktails and food. I especially liked the skate fish special. It was cooked perfectly and melted in my mouth like butter. Recommend! read more

Margot Cafe & Bar - A Skate gosh special - Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Lovely food. Changes daily. Expensive. Quaint atmosphere - various rooms give opportunity for different experiences of dining. Staff was knowledgeable of the food. Very attentive. read more

Great ambiance and service. Tables are very close together which is fine but good to know! Our food was good, not great for the price. We absolutely adored the cookie plate at the end of the night and enjoyed our experience overall. I will be back for suree read more

Margot Cafe & Bar - Cookie Plate - Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

We had the loveliest dinner at Margot Cafe. Marinated Olives with Orange Greener Roots Lettuces Spaghetti Squash Beet Salad Fish: Grouper Every dish was perfectly prepared with the freshest ingredients. My daughter, who is not a beet eater didn't realize she was fighting me for the very last beet! Each plate was well seasoned and had such good balance. The mocktails were fun, too. read more

Today, all I can say is do better. Mother's Day brunch was a disappointment. Our Server was 5 stars, the kitchen not so much. Steak and eggs were below average. Serving mains to some and others waited for 30 minutes. I love this place, today was not up to par. read more

This place was AMAZING on all ways I don't know where to start! Our server was very kind to us and even took a photo for us. Their menu is rotational every day which is a very cool and unique concept. The food was some of the best that I have ever had (the sausage was so good). The place was also cool its used to be a gas station turned into restaurant but it still feels quality. If you're in the area this is a must go to! read more

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Y'all I don't just shell out 5 star reviews left and right but Margot Cafe & Bar is truly deserving of this rating. I came here with my friend for her birthday and it is a great place for a special occasion dinner. It hit all my main points that I look for in a restaurant--great ambiance, delicious food, hospitality, and a menu that interests me and makes me want to come back and try other dishes. We had reservations and were seated on time at this small table near the kitchen. The ambiance in this place reminds me of a European cottage so I can't believe it's smack dab in the middle of Five Points. It is almost hiding in plain sight. It is certainly romantic but not so romantic that there were only couples as there were a group of businessmen next to us as well. The server was great and took our drink and food orders as we were ready with each. We started off with the potato chips and aioli. Don't think just do it. This is an unassuming but great starter. We also each got the soup of the day which was cauliflower with polenta croutons. The soup was creamy and the croutons were so different yet a nice crunchy surprise. My friend got the steak for her entree and loved it while I got the cod gratin with Brussels sprouts and a side salad. The breadcrumbs and creamy mixture in the baked cod was perfection. I absolutely devoured this then got a box to take home literally 3 bites because I didn't want to waste any of it. We got a chocolate torte for dessert which neither of us had room for but we just couldn't stop ourselves. The meal from start to finish was just incredible. I am so happy that this restaurant made for a memorable and fun evening for my friends birthday. I write this review as I am getting ready to return so I hope the second time is just as great as the first! read more

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I have had a cute and cozy experience at Margot but my recent visit was pretty disappointing. I was HIGHLY disappointed with the cocktails, They were too sweet and dull. The food was good but not exceptional (as I was expecting) Ambience and service was great. As always. read more