Criallos Restaurant & Bar (Reported Closed)

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Upscale Cool Springs bistro proves to be a swanky retreat and a true dining destination.. In Short
Neatly hidden in a strip mall near Cool Springs Galleria, this narrow bistro betrays a sophisticated vibe. Moody track lighting, dark rust-colored walls, sealed concrete floors, low-volume live jazz and a smartly dressed, upwardly mobile clientele contribute to the stylish atmosphere. From the appetizers to the desserts, each generously sized dish is noticeably rich. The house offers several filet options, while seafood specialties include two ahi creations and a spicy breaded tilapia.

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risingstorm

Joined 7 years ago

Always A Pleasure. I have been a long time Criallo's customer. The location is great for meeting friends after work for Happy Hour, tapas and the live music.

Most recently I met clients for dinner there and was very impress with the new dinner menu new dinner. I had the the Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Rosemary Honey Glaze and it was wonderful. Everyone was pleased with their meal. All I can say is, "It's not just for Happy Hour anymore!"

Doesn't Recommend

bealfox

Joined 7 years ago

Very Dissappointing. I was expecting so much more based on a prior visit and the seeming popularity. I ordered the Filet ($29) and asked it to be prepared Medium. It arrived well-done. The waiter was very unattentive...so much so that I never had an opportunity to voice my displeasure and send the dish back. The accompaniment of vegetables and other flavors were o.k. You would expect much more from a $29 filet. Have had better at chain steakhouses. The bartender doesn't have a knack for making tasty martinis either(This also happened on another occassion when stopping in for a dessert (chocolate) martini...the bartender was also in a foul mood that night based on her service and demeanor). Unfortunately, this one is off the list. For a $100 dinner for two, there is much better in Franklin and Nashville. Maybe that is why, on this Friday night, there wasn't a wait.

Doesn't Recommend

fooddoc

Joined 10 years ago

Disappointment. There was pedestrian food with obnoxious service. The prices reflect a true gourmet experience but the food fell far short.

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jefmol

Joined 8 years ago

Yummy but.... We have been going to Criallos for a couple of years (before it "caught on"). We love the food, and tolerated the bar, which has never been great . None of the bartenders makes a good mixed drink (martinis etc). The last 3 times we have run into unpleasant bar staff who seem incapable of managing a crowd without getting huffy. I think success may be their down fall. I know lots of "regulars" who have stopped going since it has become popular. The last time I ordered a cosmo, which was horrible. After paying $9.00 for it, I took one sip, my hubby took one sip of a warm beer, and we left. This used to be our "go to" spot. I don't know what has happened. The food is interesting and delicious, the management just seems a little overwhelmed at how to deal with their success.

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spth005a

Joined 11 years ago

Not impressed. My boyfriend and I tried this Friday night because of the Citysearch recommendations. I started with a salad which was good but so is Chili's. Then I had Trieste which was a medley of Shrimp, Scallops, and Lobster. Both the lobster and shrimp were over cooked. The angel hair pasta was simple with loads of butter and garlic. The fresh vegetables were not fresh they tasted like they came out of a bag. My boyfriend had Ahi Tuna which gave him a stomach ache. We have eaten at a lot of great restaurants in town but this isn't one of them.

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cal9266

Joined 8 years ago

A secret, not for long.. When my friends and I walked in we noticed the fans, which are hand made and belt driven old timey style. The fans were the first of many delightful suprises. The atmosphere is soothing, especially, with the live music, but more importantly every food presentation was a masterpeice design in culinary expression. Adam had the Angus Filet, Heather had the Atlantic Halibut and I had the wild Salmon, all were spectacular. When Chef Red Munson visited the table he explained the EuroAsian cuisine, patented after Roy Yamaguchi, and his journey through New York City, Nashville, Seattle, Hawaii, back to Nashville. Unfortunately, Criallo's will not remain a secret for long, especially since its in the chain saturated Cool Spring's area. Hopefully, they will find room to expand soon.

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jameswoodard10

Joined 8 years ago

great place to find out about. crab cakes, calamara, and the fish dish I had were outstanding. One of the best places I have been in a long while. A good 10+ for me.

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whfish

Joined 8 years ago

Food Presentation, Ambiance, Value, Wow. Gee, tucked away from the main stream chains, find this jewel and you will return.

Grand Piano nightly, jazz, intimate, classy, romantic, .... and the FOOD, WOW......

I will return and return again, as I unwind in this cozy, atmosphere.

An expereinced, well traveled chef is behind these creations.. Go............

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dddinc

Joined 8 years ago

Great date spot!. I don't know what's better here - the food, the ambiance, the service or the live music (grand piano). I've eaten at Criallo's several times now ... the food is beautifully presented and consistent each time.

I highly, highly recommend Criallo's as a date spot because it is private and not anything like the rest of the chain restaurants in Cool Springs. You can actually hear the other persson talk and enjoy a good bottle of wine.

Ten plus rating from me!!