First look: Salento Italia enters growing restaurant scene in Nashville's Donelson neighborhood

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Salento Italia.

Working class Donelson is now home to yet another nicer restaurant, launched by restaurateur brothers who know the neighborhood well.

Sam and Bill Darsinos opened Italian restaurant Salento Italia on Monday night (Jan. 29), next to SweetMilk breakfast/lunch spot, which Bill Darsinos launched in October with Nashville barbecue giant Pat Martin.

Sam Darsinos is the force behind Donelson staple Darfon's.

Salento Italia features Italian food staples such as calamari, bruschetta, Caesar salads, pizza, lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs and tiramisu. Most pasta dishes are offered in two sizes — small plate or main plate.

The brothers' Greek roots (Bill Darsinos owns GReKo Greek Street Food) show on the menu, where diners will find an Arnaki pizza with ground lamb and feta and Greek favorite bucatini lamb ragout.

Starting Thursday (Feb. 1), reservations can be made online through Resy. Hours are 3 to 9 p.m. daily until mid-February, when lunch will be added on weekdays.

Prices for appetizers range from $10 to $22 and pizza, pastas and entrees range from $12 to $37.

For more information, visit www.salentonashville.com.

Reach Brad Schmitt at brad@tennessean.com or 615-259-8384.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville restaurant Salento Italia adds to growing Donelson scene