13 Must-Visit Italian Restaurants In Tennessee That Are Always Fully Booked
Tennessee may be known for its hot chicken and barbecue, but hidden between the neon lights of honky-tonks and the misty Smoky Mountains lie some of the most unforgettable Italian eateries you’ll ever discover. Picture this: pasta made fresh every morning, sauces slow-cooked to perfection, and reservations that vanish quicker than garlic bread on a Sunday night.
These spots are more than just places to eat; they’re sought-after destinations where locals and visitors alike scramble for a seat weeks in advance. Step inside, and you’ll quickly see why they’re worth the wait.
1. Pelato
Rustic charm meets modern Italian flair at this Nashville gem that’s become impossible to get into without planning ahead. Every dish feels like a love letter to traditional Italian cooking, but with creative twists that keep things exciting and unexpected.
Located at 1200 Villa Place, Nashville, this spot specializes in wood-fired pizzas with blistered crusts and toppings that change with the seasons. The aroma of burning oak hits you before you even walk through the door.
Their homemade pasta dishes rival anything you’d find in Rome, and the wine list is carefully curated to complement every bite.
What really sets this place apart is the attention to detail in every element, from the hand-selected ingredients to the warm lighting that makes every meal feel special. Reservations fill up weeks ahead, especially for weekend dinners.
The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between cozy and sophisticated, making it ideal for both date nights and family celebrations.
2. Luogo
Walking into this restaurant feels like stepping into someone’s elegant Italian home where you’re the most important guest. The intimate space creates an atmosphere that’s both refined and welcoming, perfect for those special occasions when only the best will do.
You’ll find this culinary treasure at 1400 51st Avenue North, Nashville, where Chef Tony Mantuano brings his award-winning expertise to every plate. The menu changes regularly to showcase seasonal ingredients at their peak freshness.
His handmade agnolotti practically melts on your tongue, and the osso buco is so tender it falls off the bone with just a fork.
The wine pairings here are nothing short of spectacular, with a sommelier who genuinely loves helping you discover new favorites. Service moves at a leisurely European pace, encouraging you to savor each course.
Book at least a month ahead if you want any hope of snagging a table during prime dining hours.
3. City House
Belly up to the communal tables and prepare for an Italian feast with Southern soul that’ll make your taste buds sing. This isn’t your grandmother’s red-sauce Italian joint—it’s a bold, innovative take that respects tradition while fearlessly pushing boundaries.
Situated at 1222 4th Avenue North, Nashville, City House has been packing them in since day one with their famous belly pizza topped with crispy pork, lemon, and chili oil. The combination sounds wild, but one bite and you’ll understand why people plan their entire Nashville trips around getting a table here.
Their house-made charcuterie board is another showstopper, featuring cured meats that would make any Italian nonna proud.
The industrial-chic space buzzes with energy, especially on weekend nights when the wait can stretch for hours even with reservations. Their pasta dishes rotate seasonally, but the quality never wavers.
Portions are generous enough to share, which is good because you’ll want to try everything on the menu.
4. Yolan
Luxury takes on a whole new meaning when you experience the impeccable Italian cuisine served in this stunning space inside The Joseph hotel. From the moment you’re seated, everything about your evening feels carefully orchestrated to create an unforgettable dining experience.
At 403 4th Avenue South, Nashville, Chef Tony Mantuano’s second Nashville venture takes Italian fine dining to stratospheric heights. The pasta tasting menu is a journey through Italy’s greatest hits, with each region represented by perfectly executed dishes.
Their cacio e pepe achieves that creamy, silky texture that seems impossible to replicate at home.
The dining room’s sleek design provides the perfect backdrop for cuisine this sophisticated, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the Nashville skyline. Service is polished yet personable, with staff who know the menu inside and out.
Reservations are extremely competitive, so plan ahead if you want to experience what many consider Tennessee’s finest Italian restaurant.
5. Iggys
Neighborhood charm meets serious culinary chops at this East Nashville favorite that’s become a local obsession. The vibe is laid-back and friendly, but don’t let the casual atmosphere fool you—the food here is anything but casual.
Located at 2831 Gallatin Avenue, Nashville, this spot serves up Italian comfort food that hits all the right notes. Their meatballs are legendary, simmered in a rich tomato sauce that tastes like it’s been cooking all day.
The lasagna comes to your table bubbling hot with layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce that’ll transport you straight to Naples.
What I love most is how they’ve mastered the art of making you feel like a regular even on your first visit. The space fills up quickly, especially during dinner service, so calling ahead is essential.
Their pizza comes with a perfectly chewy crust and fresh toppings that never disappoint. Prices are reasonable considering the quality and portion sizes you’re getting.
6. Villa Castrioti
Authentic Albanian-Italian fusion cuisine awaits at this unique restaurant that brings flavors you won’t find anywhere else in Tennessee. The family behind this operation pours their heritage into every dish, creating food that tells a story with each bite.
At 2821 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, you’ll discover a menu that bridges two rich culinary traditions in the most delicious ways possible. Their seafood pasta dishes showcase the Mediterranean influence beautifully, with fresh ingredients and bright, vibrant flavors.
The byrek, a traditional Albanian pastry, pairs surprisingly well with Italian antipasti for a starter you’ll be thinking about for days.
The intimate dining room creates a warm, welcoming environment where the owners often greet guests personally. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends when both the local crowd and curious food adventurers pack the place.
The wine selection features interesting bottles from both Italy and the Balkans, offering pairing options you won’t encounter at typical Italian spots.
7. PennePazze
Prepare for a carb-loaded adventure at this pasta-focused spot where every noodle shape gets the respect it deserves. The name translates to “crazy penne,” but there’s nothing crazy about the methodical care that goes into each perfectly cooked dish.
You’ll find this pasta paradise at 2400 Elliston Place, Nashville, right in the heart of Midtown where hungry college students and discerning diners alike line up for a taste. Their specialty is—you guessed it—penne prepared in more ways than you knew possible.
From creamy vodka sauce to spicy arrabbiata, each preparation highlights different aspects of this versatile pasta shape.
The casual counter-service setup keeps things moving quickly, but the quality never suffers for speed. Fresh ingredients shine through in every bite, and the portions are substantial enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
Peak lunch and dinner hours can get hectic, so timing your visit during off-peak times might save you some waiting. The garlic knots are addictive, so order extra.
8. Giardino
Garden-fresh ingredients and Old World techniques come together beautifully at this Chattanooga treasure that’s redefining Italian dining in East Tennessee. The name means “garden” in Italian, and that philosophy shows in every vegetable-forward dish that graces the menu.
Located at 1802 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, this restaurant captures the essence of Italian countryside cooking while embracing local Tennessee produce. Their seasonal menu changes based on what’s available from nearby farms, ensuring peak freshness in every dish.
The handmade ravioli stuffed with locally-sourced ricotta is pure heaven, especially when paired with their sage brown butter sauce.
The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between elegant and approachable, with a dining room that feels both sophisticated and comfortable. Reservations disappear fast, particularly for their popular Sunday suppers.
The cocktail program is equally impressive, featuring Italian spirits mixed with Southern flair. Service is attentive without being intrusive, letting you enjoy your meal at your own pace.
9. Alleia
Sophisticated Italian cuisine meets Chattanooga hospitality at this downtown hotspot that’s become the go-to for special celebrations. The name comes from the Italian word for “alley,” but there’s nothing narrow about the bold flavors coming out of this kitchen.
At 25 East Main Street, Chattanooga, you’ll experience Italian dining that feels both timeless and contemporary. Their wood-fired dishes showcase the primal beauty of cooking over open flames, with charred vegetables and perfectly seared meats that pack incredible depth of flavor.
The pasta tasting menu offers a tour through Italy’s diverse regions, each course more impressive than the last.
The industrial-chic space features exposed brick and dramatic lighting that creates an atmosphere perfect for everything from romantic dinners to business meetings. Their bar program is outstanding, with craft cocktails that incorporate Italian ingredients in creative ways.
Getting a table here requires advance planning, especially during Chattanooga’s busy tourist season. The dessert menu deserves special mention—their tiramisu is absolutely worth saving room for.
10. Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria
Family recipes passed down through generations come alive at this authentic trattoria where every meal feels like Sunday dinner at an Italian relative’s house. The warmth and hospitality here rival the delicious food, creating an experience that feeds both body and soul.
You’ll discover this gem at 212 High Street, Chattanooga, where Tony himself often works the dining room, greeting guests and ensuring everyone feels welcome. The menu features traditional Italian-American classics executed with skill and heart.
Their spaghetti carbonara achieves that perfect creamy consistency without using cream, just eggs, cheese, and pasta water in the authentic Roman style.
The homey atmosphere encourages lingering over multiple courses, with generous portions that reflect old-school Italian hospitality. Fresh pasta is made daily, and you can taste the difference in every bite.
Reservations are essential for dinner service, as locals pack this place knowing they’ll get consistently excellent food at fair prices. The garlic bread alone is worth the visit.
11. Emilia
Named after the Emilia-Romagna region famous for its incredible food, this Knoxville restaurant lives up to its prestigious namesake with dishes that showcase Northern Italian excellence. The focus here is on simple preparations that let quality ingredients shine without unnecessary complications.
At 8 Market Square, Knoxville, you’ll find a menu that celebrates the culinary traditions of Bologna, Parma, and Modena. Their fresh tortellini served in rich brodo is comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly Tennessee evenings.
The tagliatelle al ragù follows the authentic Bolognese recipe with meat sauce that’s been simmered for hours until it reaches perfect richness.
The Market Square location puts you right in the heart of Knoxville’s dining scene, with a bustling atmosphere that never feels too loud or chaotic. Their wine list focuses heavily on Italian varietals, with knowledgeable staff happy to guide your selection.
Booking ahead is crucial, especially for weekend dinners when the dining room fills with both tourists and loyal regulars who return again and again.
12. Mauricio’s Italian Restaurant
Small-town charm meets big-city flavors at this Cookeville favorite that’s been winning hearts and filling bellies for years. What started as one person’s dream has grown into a community institution where everyone from college students to retirees gathers for consistently delicious Italian food.
Located at 20 East Broad Street, Cookeville, this restaurant proves you don’t need to be in a major city to enjoy outstanding Italian cuisine. Their chicken parmigiana is massive, breaded perfectly and topped with house-made marinara and melted mozzarella that stretches for days.
The fettuccine Alfredo achieves that silky, rich texture that’s become their signature, with just the right balance of butter, cream, and Parmesan.
The friendly staff treats everyone like family, remembering regular customers’ favorite dishes and preferences. Despite being in a smaller town, reservations are still recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when the place fills up quickly.
Prices remain remarkably reasonable, making it easy to bring the whole family without breaking the bank.
13. Sapori di Napoli
Authentic Neapolitan pizza and pasta arrive in the scenic mountain town of Monterey at this surprising culinary destination. The owners brought their family recipes straight from Naples, creating flavors that transport you to the cobblestone streets of Southern Italy with every bite.
At 104 North Chestnut Street, Monterey, you’ll experience pizza made the traditional way with imported Italian flour and San Marzano tomatoes. The wood-fired oven reaches temperatures that create those characteristic leopard-spotted crusts with soft, chewy centers.
Their Margherita pizza is simple perfection—just tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil proving that sometimes less really is more.
The intimate dining room fills quickly with both locals and visitors passing through this beautiful part of Tennessee. Despite being off the beaten path, word has spread about the exceptional quality here, making reservations increasingly necessary.
The pasta dishes showcase the same commitment to authenticity, with recipes that have been perfected over generations. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the hospitality is genuine and warm.