Caesar’s Bistro

I hesitate to review this restaurant, because it now says the place is closed. Just in case they open back up, I want to put a warning out there to all the possible patrons of this place. Spare yourself!
As I browsed over the good reviews I was shocked, as our experience was nothing like what I read. My sister-​in-​law and brother were moving out of Nashville, and she had a Groupon for this place that needed to be used. It was a Wednesday night, and my boyfriend and I wanted to dine with them. Having been to Anatolia’s (which is awesome, by the way), we knew just where to go. Getting there was simple, but that’s where the good part ends.
We arrived, and the restaurant had only two other tables being served. We waited at the host’s station for at least five minutes, having the only waitress walk by us then noticing that there was a lady within plain view doing something with the cash register in the bar area. My boyfriend went to ask about seats, and we were told to sit wherever we wanted. She brought us menus a few minutes later, and about ten minutes after that the waitress asked for our drink orders. By then we knew our food order too, so we ordered all at once. About five minutes later we received our drinks (three waters and one tea). We were supposed to get salads before our meal, but after about twenty minutes of no one checking on us or bringing us salads I started get annoyed. Ten minutes after that I was pissed, but my brother and boyfriend talked me into having a sense of humor about the place. So, from then on out I laughed when things went wrong; I ended up laughing a lot.
So, we never got our dinner salads, even though a table of girls who came in 20 minutes after us did. We also never got an appetizer we ordered. We did, however, get greasy garlic bread with our meal. It seemed to be the only thing that was fresh. Our meal came after an entire hour of waiting, and our waitress spouted the most nonsensical babble I’ve ever heard from an adult. She laughed and made inappropriate jokes to other tables too, calling one room a «make-​out room» for a middle-​aged couple who looked completely embarrassed.
The food was less than average, in my opinion. I had pasta with a vegetable red sauce. To be honest, the horrible experience had totally made my taste buds biased at this point; it would have been the most heavenly food in the world to impress me.
When she asked us if we wanted dessert, I literally laughed and asked for our checks in the nicest way I could. She was obviously oblivious, and after another twenty minutes of waiting on checks we simply handed her our cards as soon as we glanced at the checks. I paid for dinner, as I had been the one to suggest my boyfriend accompany me to this place. There was no way I was going to let him pay for the little less than two hours we spent in this place.
So, heed my warning — do not go to this restaurant if they reopen! Find another Italian place with consistent reviews; no matter what you’re guaranteed a better experience than this place.

I am laughing at some of the recent reviews; our experience there last Saturday was so bizarre, I’d assumed it was uniquely our own. But, apparently, it was the norm. Here is our story: we went in around 6 just to grab something quick to eat because we had a late lunch. We each ordered calamari marinara, and we just ordered ice cream for our little guy. We waited 40 minutes before we finally got the hostess over to find out what was wrong. She rambled on unintelligibly, and then went back to her job. We finally got the nice waitress over, who astoundingly told us that they had «a new chef» and he didn’t know how to make our orders. She was shocked and embarrassed that no one had told us, or come over to give us a chance to order something else. Long story short: after sitting there for an hour (having eaten salads and bread and iced teas), we walked out without dinner. We were so astounded that we laughed rather than get angry.
I tend to agree with the comment from a previous poster about the seating arrangements. When we arrived, the main part of the restaurant was empty, but they sat us in the small, very flourescently-​lit annex with the handful of other diners. We had a bad feeling immediately upon entering.
I’d eaten there 10 years ago when I last lived in Nashville and very fondly remember a fantastic lasagna. That was what brought me back; but I’ll never go back again.

acceptable food, bad order accuracy, they seem to try but have failed the last few times I’ve been there.
Last visit — waiter was flustered by a large group, I got my food and my wife didn’t get anything. It’d already been a long time so she was eating mine. They apologized and offered to make the food for her, but it’d been nearly 40 minutes at this point and my order was large enough. Food was just ok.
Previous visit (5 months prior I think) — Ordered one thing, got another.
Previous visit (year or so ago) — ok, nothing special, they couldn’t take my credit card, do not remember why.
I’m definitely missing the great experiences I’ve heard of. I remember a long long time ago having a great meal there, but that was a decade or more ago. I remember some blah experiences and not coming back.
It’s not a bad place, well at least not in my experience, it’s just not a place I really want to go. It’s more aggravation and waiting than it’s been worth. The past few visits have all been with groups or birthdays that had that as a meeting location, I do not go there otherwise.

My wife & I decided to go after reading some reviews on Unilocal!
Now I am big on service having worked for years in the food industry. My grandfather used to say a «T.I.P.» meant «To Insure Promptness». That always stuck with me and it was evident from the moment we arrived Caesar’s doesn’t put much emphasis on service. It wasn’t busy being a Tuesday and there were a few customers seated but we waited a few minutes to be seated to the point where I suggested that we just leave. If only we had. Finally, someone acknowledged us and said someone would be with us shortly. I think He was the owner and if he doesn’t care how long you stand in his doorway don’t expect his staff to exceed his standard.
We ordered. I had a small meat pizza and my wife ordered lasagna. While waiting you can take in the décor and you soon notice the owner is obsessed «The Rat Pack», with pictures of Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Dean Martin, etc. everywhere but I digress.
Our orders arrived and our waitress asked if we wanted anything else. We did and ordered drinks & Cathy mentioned she didn’t receive her garlic bread. I almost got my beer at one point as I watched her put it back down on the bar to have a conversation with another employee. I couldn’t seem to get her attention. So my beer finally arrived when I was on my last slice of pizza. I can never finish a 12″ pie back home in Mass. but I finished this easily. So the waitress remarked that my beer was just in time for dessert. I replied that it was now dessert. Cathy never got her drink which is weird since we both ordered drinks and the garlic bread never came. I found it somewhat amusing that our waitress seemed to take interest in talking to us with small talk about what brings us to Nashville when we asked for the check.
So Cathy wasn’t at all impressed with the lasagna, the pizza was lacking. If I’m paying $ 11 for a small pie put some cheese on it for starters. I mean can you spare it.
I have never written a bad review before but I would never suggest Caesar’s Bistro to anyone I want to stay friends with.

I typically have great experiences dining out around Nashville especially when a place is suggested, however, I cannot say I enjoyed my visit to Caesar’s Bistro on White Bridge Rd.
Caesar’s is located next to Sally Beauty Supply in a strip mall down the way from Stein Mart and Office Max. The location is the least of their problems. Outside stood the stereotypical Italian stallion adorned with gold chains and a slick button down shirt, smoking a cigarette. I’m from Chicago and I’m Italian so I was alright with it. We entered the little waiting area and stood at the host station for about 5 – 7 minutes while the people dining and Uncle Vinny outside stared at us. Finally, I walked in and asked if we could be seated. Apparently the lunch buffet had just ended but we were allowed to select any table while someone would bring us menus. My first impression was this place is very unorganized.
Our server called for our drink orders from across the room a few minutes later just so she didn’t have to walk. No, I’m not kidding and I don’t think she was playing a part to enhance our «authentic Italian» dining experience. I ordered the appetizer portion of fried cheese ravioli ($ 7) with a side house salad ($ 3). A caprese salad was also ordered ($ 9). Another server brought us a plate of 4, what they call bread sticks. To me, they were left over pizza dough in an amorphous biscuit-​type shape drowning in olive oil slightly seasoned with maybe garlic and herbs? Biting into one isn’t the greatest idea when you don’t have extra plates, silverware, or a napkin (which we didn’t receive until our orders arrived). Also, upon ordering salad I was instructed to just go make my own out of the left overs from the lunch buffet because ‘it would be much better than if the waitress made it herself.’ I could have easily made a salad with lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, and shredded mozzarella cheese with an oil based vinaigrette at home.
I was pleased with the quality of the ravioli. It wasn’t over fried and the sauce was decent. After the meal, I thought that dessert might be the redeeming quality of Caesar’s but I was sorely disappointed. I love tiramisu and order it whenever I get the opportunity but never before did it have the special quality of a gelatin-​type chunky substance mixed in with the custard. The presentation was nice in a frozen martini glass, but I had two bites and called it quits.
In summary, my heart goes out to mom and pop restaurants but I would expect better service and food from a place like Caesar’s. Granted the meal was only $ 26 for lunch but I would have happily taken my money and my appetite elsewhere.

Been here a few times over the last several months.
The ambiance is dark (like they are trying to save money on electricity) and average in décor. Nothing gross or fancy about this place.
I get my orders to go. They never throw in Parmesan or red pepper flakes with the za. I have purchased the double layered pizza. Not quite Chicago thick crust style, but still not bad overall. The pasta dishes are average as the sauce is also the same. I have had the eggplant and was not disappointed.
You can usually find a half off coupon if you search the web. They also host Italian Language classes here.
As far as traditional, it is. However, as in most restaurant these days, the cooks do not share the nationality of the food they cook. This is not a bad thing, however, I like my Italian food cooked by the family that owns the restaurant. Just my two cents.
I’ll go back again for takeout with my 50% off coupon. However, a Caesar’s craving is highly unlikely.

Great pizza. Great veal. Good lasagna.
It’s in a strip mall and service was a little bit low, but this place exceeded my food expectations.
The food was rich and wonderful. Obviously made with much care.
There are many good choices for Italian in this city.

Ate there for the first time last night and had a pizza. Pizza was decent but nothing to write home about. Beer and wine list was very small as well. Staff was friendly and attentive too.
I would go back but would not miss it if I didn’t

5 star for lunch!
For $ 6-​$ 8 you get all you can eat homemade pizza and this killer garlic bread that is soaked in garlic and evoo. wow. Salad, regular pasta and some deserts too are good, but no different than any place else. I usually stick with the pizza, stuff my face and don’t eat for 3 more days. You will need a nap after this lunch buffet. They usually have a guy playing music there that’s sorta cheesy but very nashville. Tip him. He plays music during a lunch buffett. Wear Sweat Pants. Don’t go during peak-​times like Noon. 11am or 1pm is better.

Like Italian on the cheap? Well your in for a treat with Caesar’s. We go to lunch there often and get the buffet. For under $ 10 (w/​soft drink) you can eat until your sick. The atmosphere feels a bit like they tried very hard to make you feel like your in Italy however it feels more like a old pizza shop to me. Pushing that aside its a wonderful place to take some friends and enjoy some extremely unhealthy food any day of the week.

Wow! We were in Nashville, looking for late night delivery, but cringing at the idea of (chain) pizza.
Then we found Caesar’s!!! Delivery until 3am! And a full Italian menu. The reviews were good, but…
It was wonderful! We have eaten at Italian restaurants from 4-​star to obscure haunts, this place is as good as it gets!
If you are in Nashville, do yourself a favor, Caesar’s!
We had pizza, Alfredo and lasagna (not very original, I know) but all delicious.
The delivery was fast (even tho the Renaissance was incredibly crowded with a conference) and the deliveryman was a super guy. Thanks for a great late night dinner, all in the comfort of our room.

I had a late lunch here on a Saturday and it was ok. I will have to update this review later because I only had the buffet and did not try the menu. The buffet/​salad bar was pretty good. Some items on the buffet were: stuffed shells, spaghetti, 2 – 3 different sauces, Alfredo, a window full of pizza and the salad bar was small (3 dressings) but good. Food was fresh and tasted good. The staff was super nice and said if we wanted a special pizza just ask and they would bake it. Some downsides were: fried catfish nuggets and corn nuggets on the buffet (I would have rather had a nice baked lasagna). I felt that kinda cheapened the place, and it was kinda uncomfortable because the AC seemed to be on conserve. I would go back, probably 2 – 3 times a year.

I’ve been coming here since I first moved to Nashville. I’ve never actually gone there for anything other than their lunch buffet. I can’t remember how much it is off hand, but I’m pretty sure it’s under or right around $ 10 a person, without a drink. They have a decent sized salad bar, followed by a pasta bar of the usual suspects and then a rotating door of varies pizzas as well as garlic bread. There pizza isn’t my absolute favorite but it is good. My real weakness is their garlic bread, its greasy and buttery and delicious! I definitely recommend it to any and everybody!

Well, I went back in yesterday, but this time it was slightly disappointing. The bread was too hard… still got great taste, but just a bit too hard.
I still like this place. I recommend the dish Chicken Scarpariello. It’s spicy & flavorful in the very right way. It will takes your taste bud into a new level.

I’ve heard a lot of people give Caesar’s a hard time, but I’ve always loved it, even back when it was next to the old Lionshead Cinema. It’s hard to find good Italian in this town, when we’re dominated by Olive Gardens and Bucca di Peppos, but Caesars, I agree is good unpretentious Italian cooking.
They have all the favorites, including clams with white or red sauce. Actually, they do a pick your pasta, pick your sauce thing. The carbonara is great and comes with asparagus.
I’m also going to rave about the delivery. I just found out about it. Yay! Somewhere decent that delivers late. I will be taking advantage of that very soon.
The buffet is great too. Go if you haven’t eaten for two days previously and you’ll probably be able to try everything. There’s pizza and at least five pasta dishes, plus salad, all for $ 5.99. Great deal. I will be going back for that.
Caesar’s has been there a long time, and there’s a reason why. It’s just good Italian food made by Italians.

Well, if «the old country» is, say, Chicago’s Taylor & Racine neighborhood, the food is authentic. It’s not Italian food; it’s Italian-​American food (I’ll spare everyone my rant on the subject, and just say that calling it «Italian-​American» is NOT an insult). And very good, too. I confess I snickered a little when I saw the appetizer called «pane alla parmigiana», assuming it was a pretentious name for «pizza bread». But oh no. They take some rather ordinary bread and put it to good use, soaking it in oregano-​spiked olive oil, then topping it with ham, salami, & melted cheese. YUM. My veal florentine (and they get extra points just for having veal at all) was totally satisfying, served over pasta which served as a «sop» for the sauce. Hubby’s Taste of Italy was all right; gnocchi & ravioli okay, didn’t care for the tortellini, sauce kinda ordinary but not bad. Oh, and the house salad is nice; again, a basic oil-​and-​vinegar dressing, which is what a place like this ought to have! Service wasn’t fabulous — I ordered soup instead of salad, he brought salad which looked good so I kept it & asked that he cancel the soup, and a little while later he brought the soup too — but the guy was nice enough. And the cornball décor speaks to my inner dago (I’m 3^rd generation I-​A). And they play a LOT of Sinatra & Martin. If you’re looking for a Fine Italian Dining Experience, keep looking; this place is sort of the Italian equivalent of a «meat and three». And it does that pretty well.