Watermark Restaurant, Nashville

At Watermark, nothing is what you'd expect. A quick glance at the menu shows some of the region's most classic dishes, but a closer examination turns up some truly unexpected preparations. Hot chicken and waffles—served here as an appetizer—get their spice from a jalapeño-strawberry gastrique. The dish is further elevated by a drizzle of pomegranate molasses. Pan-roasted atlantic salmon, meanwhile, feels distinctly southern thanks to braised crawfish tails, and USDA Prime kansas city strips pair perfectly with truffle-whipped Tennessee goat cheese potatoes.

Meals unfold in an elegantly sparse main dining room where ivory walls meet dark hardwood floors. Three private dining rooms alternatively feature a wood-paneled bar, access to the garden terrace, and views of the skyline. The rooftop patio is ideal for private events, where guests can mingle as they sample pours from the award-winning wine list. Valet services are complimentary, which means you can leave some of your gold doubloons at home.