We Ranked The 9 Best Italian Spots In Tennessee That Serve Incredible Chicken Parm, And Here’s Who Made The Cut
A good chicken parm should make a mess in the best possible way. Crisp breading, bright tomato sauce, melted cheese, and a pile of pasta can turn a simple dinner into something you keep thinking about the next day.
Tennessee serves plenty of Italian food, but chicken parm is where some restaurants really show off. A few keep it classic and comforting.
Others add better cheese, richer sauce, or a sharper crust that gives the dish more character. That difference matters.
We looked at Italian spots across Tennessee serving versions that stand out for more than size alone. The goal was simple.
Find the places where chicken parm feels like the reason to order, not just another familiar name on the menu.
If crispy edges, bubbling mozzarella, and forkfuls of sauce covered pasta sound like dinner, this list should be easy to enjoy.
1. Giardino
Few restaurants get to brag about a sunset view and a plate of chicken parm in the same breath. Giardino manages both.
Perched along Missionary Ridge in Chattanooga at 2503 Westside Dr, it looks out toward the river.
Warm wooden accents give the dining room a soft, glowing feel. The patio is the seat everyone wants, especially as the sky turns orange. Inside, the mood leans cozy and romantic without feeling stiff.
The chicken parm here draws steady praise, and for good reason. Crisp coating, melted cheese, and sauce that tastes like someone actually simmered it. Nothing rushed about it.
The rest of the menu keeps pace. Homemade Pappardelle Bolognese is rich and satisfying, while Rigatoni al Gorgonzola brings a bold, creamy punch.
Burrata Risotto has its own loyal following.
Bigger appetites can aim for the 14-ounce ribeye. There is also Faroe Island salmon with rosemary cream, which sounds fancy but eats like comfort food.
Save space for the Tiramisu Cheesecake, a clever mash-up of two desserts that probably should have met sooner.
Chattanooga has plenty of places to eat, yet this one feels a little more special because of the setting. Ridge views, quiet lighting, and honest Italian cooking make a strong combination.
Arrive before sunset if the patio is the goal. That timing turns a good dinner into a memorable one.
2. Altruda’s Italian Restaurant
Exposed beams, a slate rock wall, and a pergola that looks borrowed from a vineyard. That is the scene at Altruda’s Italian Restaurant, sitting at 125 N Peters Rd on the southwestern side of Knoxville.
The lighting stays low and golden. Some corners feel like an old European library, which is an unusual thing to say about a brick strip mall.
Somehow it works beautifully.
The chicken parm goes by Pollo Parmigiana here. Breaded boneless chicken breast arrives under meat sauce and mozzarella, simple and done right.
Order the homemade garlic rolls alongside it and thank yourself later.
Beyond the headliner, the kitchen turns out serious classics. Lasagna, Rigatoni Alla Carbonara, and a Sausage and Eggplant Entree all hold their own.
Veal and seafood get attention too, with Vitello Marsala and Scallops Florentine on the list.
A fresh salad starts most meals nicely. Tiramisu closes things out in traditional fashion, light and coffee-kissed.
Being slightly removed from downtown Knoxville is part of the charm. Parking is easier and the room feels calmer than a busy city block.
Families settle in comfortably here, but the space also suits a quiet dinner for two. That flexibility is rarer than it sounds.
Tennessee has no shortage of Italian kitchens, though few match this particular blend of warmth and detail.
3. Ronnie Grisanti’s
A family recipe box that traces back to 1505 is not something you see every day. The Grisanti culinary tradition began in Valdottavo, Italy, and those recipes arrived in Memphis in 1909.
Ronnie Grisanti’s carries that history at 6150 Poplar Ave #122, inside the Regalia shopping center in East Memphis. The building mixes historical charm with contemporary touches.
Burgundy and gold set the tone in the dining room. Cozy booths line the space while the bar area keeps things lively. Upscale, yes, but nobody makes you feel underdressed.
Chicken Parmigiana shows up in two forms. There is a Lunch Chicken Parm entree, plus a Chicken Parm Panini baked in mozzarella and served in pomodoro sauce on ciabatta.
The panini version is a smart move for anyone who loves sauce-soaked bread.
Northern Italian cooking anchors the rest of the menu. House-made pappardelle and Osso Buco stand out among the signatures. Fresh pasta and seafood both get real attention.
A raw bar adds an unexpected layer for a place known for red sauce. Stuffed raviolis, lasagna, and manicotti keep traditionalists happy.
East Memphis diners treat this spot as a special-occasion favorite. It also works for a relaxed midday meal. Over a century in Tennessee has clearly taught this kitchen a few things worth tasting.
4. Pelato – Nashville
Brooklyn energy landed in Germantown and decided to stay. Pelato sits at 1300 3rd Ave N in Nashville, serving Italian American comfort food in a room that hums.
The space is large and split into several sections. A back wall covered in black-and-white family photos gives the place its heart. It feels like someone’s very stylish relatives are watching you eat.
High energy is the default setting. Dining here leans communal and interactive, so conversation flows easily between courses.
Chicken Parmigiana is the must-try. Tomato, basil, Parmigiano Reggiano, and mozzarella come together the way the classic is supposed to.
No reinvention, just execution.
Pasta lovers have options worth arguing over. Sides pull their weight too. Burnt Broccolini adds a smoky, slightly charred edge, and Potato Croquettes disappear fast at any table.
Outdoor dining runs year-round thanks to a heated, covered, and enclosed patio. Nashville weather can be moody, so that detail matters.
Germantown itself is a pleasant neighborhood for a stroll before or after dinner. Brick streets and small shops make the whole outing feel complete.
Come hungry and expect noise. Quiet is not the point here, and that is exactly the appeal.
5. Savelli’s Italian Restaurant
Candlelight, Italian music, and a dining room small enough that conversations blur together. Savelli’s Italian Restaurant keeps things intimate at 3055 Sutherland Avenue in Knoxville.
The storefront is modest and easy to drive past. Inside, the mood shifts quickly into something cozy and a bit romantic.
Chicken Parmesan lands among the comforting standards here. There is also a Chicken Parmesan Salad, which solves the eternal problem of wanting fried chicken and greens at the same time.
Pizza is a genuine strength. Hand-tossed New York-style pies come out of a gas brick oven with the right chew and char. Sub sandwiches round out the casual side of the menu.
Seafood makes a surprising appearance for an inland Tennessee city. Maryland-style crab cakes and Grouper Piccata both sit among the signature plates.
Sutherland Avenue puts you in the middle of Knoxville’s restaurant scene. Parking is manageable and the area stays busy without feeling chaotic.
Small dining rooms have a rhythm of their own. Plates arrive quickly, servers remember faces, and the whole meal feels personal.
Trendy and traditional usually pull in opposite directions. Somehow this kitchen balances both without losing its footing.
Bring someone you actually want to talk to. The tables are close enough that the conversation becomes part of the atmosphere, for better or funnier.
6. Salento Italia – Nashville
High ceilings, natural light, and a white oak staircase wrapped in wrought iron. Salento Italia makes a strong first impression inside Emery Commons Plaza at 329 Donelson Pike #303 in Nashville.
Leather-wrapped banquettes invite long dinners. The split-level layout keeps the room interesting without feeling maze-like.
A heated and covered patio stays open through every season. That makes it a reliable choice when Middle Tennessee can’t decide what month it is.
Chicken Parmesan arrives with spaghetti, marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Straightforward, generous, and exactly what the craving calls for.
The broader menu leans comforting but elevated. Subtle Greek influences slip into a few dishes, which adds a quiet twist to familiar Italian cooking.
Antipasti deserve an order or two. Arancini, bruschetta, and meatballs all make excellent openers for a table that likes to share.
Wood-fired pizzas come out blistered and fragrant. Pasta options run deep, and Lasagna Bolognese is a safe bet for anyone in the mood for layers.
Pistachio-crusted salmon offers a lighter path through the meal. The crunch is the best part.
Donelson has grown into a genuinely fun dining neighborhood. Being near the airport makes this a handy stop before or after a flight.
Neighborhood warmth plus a polished room is a winning combination. Plenty of regulars treat it as their default gathering spot.
7. Coco’s Italian Market, Restaurant & Catering
Groceries and dinner under one roof is a wonderful idea. Coco’s Italian Market, Restaurant & Catering pairs a full restaurant with an attached market stocked with imported Italian goods.
You will find it at 411 51st Ave N in Nashville’s The Nations neighborhood. The area has changed a lot in recent years, though this spot holds onto its nostalgic, old-school character.
The vibe is casual and built for families. Kids fit in easily, and nobody minds a little noise.
Chicken Parmesan is one of the most popular orders. Breaded chicken breast comes with marinara and melted mozzarella, often served with spaghetti. A panini version exists for anyone who prefers handheld comfort.
Mushroom ravioli earns its place among the signatures. Lasagna and bruschetta are equally reliable choices.
Pizzas bake in a brick oven, which gives the crust that blistered edge pizza fans chase. Homemade ravioli and meatballs round out the classics.
Shopping the market afterward is half the fun. Olive oils, pastas, and pantry items make it easy to extend the meal at home.
The Nations has plenty of new development, yet this corner still feels like a neighborhood staple. That balance is part of its charm.
Go hungry, leave with a bag of groceries. Few Tennessee restaurants send you home quite so well supplied.
8. Giovanni’s Italiano Cucina
Sometimes the best Italian meal comes from a place that feels like a neighborhood diner. Giovanni’s Italiano Cucina sits comfortably along TN-394 in Blountville, serving the wider Tri-Cities area.
Nothing here tries too hard. The room is casual, welcoming, and built for families who show up hungry.
Chicken Parmigiana means fried all-white meat chicken under marinara, baked with mozzarella. A side of spaghetti marinara comes along for the ride.
Fans of variety can find it in The Gio Trio, which includes a Crispy Chicken Parmigiana. There is also a Chicken Parmigiana Sub for lunch-sized cravings.
Appetizers keep things fun. Fried Mushrooms and Mozzarella Sticks are the kind of starters that vanish before the entrees land.
Spice lovers have options too. Spicy Chicken Pasta and Spicy Tortellini and Shrimp both bring some heat to the table.
The kitchen also handles pizza, homemade pasta, seafood, and steaks. That range makes group dinners far less complicated.
Northeast Tennessee does not always get the spotlight in food conversations. This corner of the state quietly holds its own.
Relaxed service and warm portions keep regulars coming back week after week. It is the kind of place where you recognize other cars in the lot. Show up casual, order generously, and let the red sauce do the rest.
9. Gondolier Italian Restaurant & Pizza
Pizza fame and a great chicken parm rarely live in the same building. Gondolier Italian Restaurant & Pizza pulls it off at 1063 N Cedar Bluff Rd in Knoxville.
The crust gets most of the attention, and deservedly so. It balances crispiness and chewiness in a way that keeps people ordering pies year after year.
Margherita and meat lover’s rank among the favorites. Toppings stay fresh and generous, which is really all anyone asks.
Chicken Parmesan holds its own on the menu. Breaded chicken breast comes topped with rich marinara and melted cheese. A Chicken Parmesan Sub version is there for quicker meals.
Classic pastas fill out the rest of the lineup. Baked Lasagna and Fettuccine Alfredo show up often at nearby tables. Baked Veal Parmesan gives the chicken some friendly competition.
The dining room stays cozy and family-friendly. Lighting is warm, booths are comfortable, and the staff keeps the experience easygoing.
Cedar Bluff is a busy stretch of Knoxville with plenty of shopping nearby. That makes this a convenient stop after errands.
Casual charm is the whole personality here. No dress code, no fuss, just solid Italian cooking.
Ending a Tennessee chicken parm tour at a beloved local pizzeria feels right. Bring friends, order too much, and take the leftovers home happily.