You Won’t Believe This Underwater Dining Experience Exists in Tennessee
Imagine eating dinner while sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish swim right past your table. That’s exactly what happens at Aquarium Restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee, where a massive 100,000-gallon tank wraps around the dining room.
This isn’t just a meal—it’s like stepping into an underwater world without getting wet, and it’s one of the coolest dining spots you’ll find anywhere in the South.
A One-of-a-Kind Dining Experience in the Heart of Nashville
Walking into Aquarium Restaurant feels like entering a different world. You start by passing through a tunnel surrounded by water and fish swimming overhead. It’s the kind of entrance that makes kids stop in their tracks and adults pull out their phones immediately.
Located inside Opry Mills mall, this spot combines two experiences most people love—great food and cool sea creatures. The restaurant wraps around a gigantic aquarium that holds more marine life than most public aquariums. Guests can watch everything from colorful tropical fish to intimidating sharks glide by while they enjoy their meals.
It’s perfect for celebrating birthdays, impressing out-of-town visitors, or just doing something different on a weekend.
What Makes Aquarium Restaurant So Unique
Most restaurants have paintings or photos on the walls. Here, the walls are alive. The centerpiece aquarium stretches from floor to ceiling and spans the entire dining area, creating a 360-degree view of underwater life.
No matter where you sit, you’ve got a front-row seat to the show.
The tank is home to an impressive variety of species. Stingrays are a guest favorite—they glide gracefully along the glass, sometimes appearing to pose for photos. There are also sharks, sawfish, and dozens of brightly colored tropical fish darting between rock formations and coral.
The combination of visual spectacle and good food makes this one of Nashville’s most talked-about attractions, especially among families and tourists looking for something beyond the usual honky-tonks and hot chicken joints.
Dining Surrounded by 100,000 Gallons of Marine Life
The sheer size of the aquarium is hard to grasp until you’re sitting next to it. With 100,000 gallons of saltwater, it’s one of the largest tanks in any restaurant in the United States. The water is crystal clear, and the lighting shifts throughout your meal, creating an ever-changing underwater vibe.
Families especially love this feature because it keeps younger kids entertained throughout the meal. Instead of getting restless, children are glued to the glass, pointing out different species and asking questions. Parents get to enjoy their food in relative peace, which is a rare luxury when dining out with little ones.
What’s on the Menu at Aquarium Restaurant
Don’t let the spectacle fool you—the food here is more than just a sideshow. The menu focuses heavily on seafood, which makes sense given the theme. Guests rave about the Louisiana Cajun Pasta, a rich and spicy dish loaded with shrimp and bold Creole flavors.
The Coconut Shrimp is another standout, crispy and sweet with a tangy dipping sauce.
For the adventurous, there are gator tacos on the menu. Yes, alligator. They’re surprisingly popular and taste a bit like chicken with a firmer texture. If you’re sticking to classics, the Herb Crusted Salmon and Captain’s Seafood Platter both get high marks from regulars.
Steaks and chicken options are also available for anyone not in the mood for seafood. Portions are generous, and the presentation is solid. Prices reflect the experience—it’s not cheap, but most guests feel the combination of atmosphere and quality makes it worth the splurge, especially for special occasions.
Why This Spot Is a Must-Visit for Families
If you’re traveling with kids, this place is a lifesaver. It’s one of those rare restaurants where children are genuinely excited to be there. The aquarium provides built-in entertainment, and there’s even a small gift shop where kids can pick out a souvenir plush fish or shark toy on the way out.
The restaurant enforces a 15-minute grace period, so arriving early is smart.
Out-of-town visitors often add this to their Nashville itinerary alongside the Grand Ole Opry and other Opry Mills attractions. It’s a nice break from the downtown hustle and offers something totally different from the city’s music-focused scene.
Where to Find Aquarium Restaurant in Nashville
Aquarium Restaurant is located at 516 Opry Mills Drive, inside the sprawling Opry Mills shopping and entertainment complex. This makes it super convenient if you’re already planning a day of shopping or catching a show at the Grand Ole Opry next door. Parking is plentiful and free, which is a bonus in a city where downtown parking can be a headache.
The restaurant is open Monday through Sunday, with hours typically running from 11 a.m. to midnight on weekdays. It’s closed late Sunday through early Monday morning, so double-check hours before heading over. You can call ahead or visit their website to make a reservation, which is highly recommended.
Getting there is straightforward whether you’re driving from downtown Nashville or coming from out of state. The Opry Mills area is well-marked and easy to navigate. Once inside the mall, follow signs for the aquarium—you’ll hear the buzz of excited diners before you even see the entrance tunnel.
What Guests Are Saying About the Experience
Guest reviews paint a clear picture: people come for the aquarium and leave pleasantly surprised by the whole package. Dishes like the Bayou City Étouffée, Cajun Pasta, and Parmesan Chicken Shrimp Pasta earn consistent praise.
A few reviewers note that the place can get loud and crowded, especially with lots of families and kids around. It’s not ideal for a quiet romantic dinner, but it’s perfect for group outings and celebrations. Overall, guests say it’s a fun, memorable stop that offers something truly different from your typical Nashville dining scene.
