13 Tennessee Italian Spots That Are Packed To The Brim Every Friday
Friday nights in Tennessee bring a mouthwatering tradition: the irresistible allure of Italian cuisine and bustling dining rooms. From the vibrant streets of Nashville to the charming corners of Chattanooga, locals know the best spots to satisfy their cravings for fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, and rich, bubbling marinara.
We’re talking about culinary destinations where families, couples, and friends come together to savor Italy’s finest flavors, all while basking in the lively, welcoming atmosphere of the Volunteer State. As the aroma of garlic and tomato fills the air, it’s clear that in Tennessee, the weekend begins with a taste of Italy.
1. V Modern Italian (Nashville)
Walking into this sleek, contemporary space feels like stepping into a chic Milan bistro. The menu here is all about fresh, seasonal ingredients transformed into modern Italian masterpieces that respect tradition while pushing creative boundaries.
You’ll find classics reimagined with surprising twists that make every bite an adventure.
Located at 108 Rosa L Parks Blvd in Nashville, this spot has become a Friday night ritual for locals who appreciate culinary artistry. The handmade pasta alone is worth the inevitable wait, with silky textures and bold sauces that cling perfectly to every strand.
Their wine list is thoughtfully curated, offering Italian varietals that complement the menu beautifully.
What really sets this place apart is the energy—it’s buzzing without being chaotic, sophisticated without feeling stuffy. Reservations are practically mandatory on Fridays, so plan ahead or prepare to wait at the bar with an expertly mixed Negroni in hand.
2. Luogo (Nashville)
Rustic charm meets neighborhood warmth at this beloved Italian gem that’s been stealing hearts since it opened. The wood-fired oven takes center stage, churning out blistered, perfectly charred pizzas that have become legendary among Nashville foodies.
But don’t sleep on the antipasti—the burrata alone could convert anyone into an Italian food devotee.
Nestled at 3001 Charlotte Ave, Luogo has that rare quality of feeling both special and comfortable at the same time. The space is intimate, with exposed brick and warm lighting that makes every table feel like the best seat in the house.
Friday crowds pack in early, drawn by aromas of roasted garlic, fresh basil, and bubbling cheese.
Their commitment to authentic Italian techniques shows in every dish, from house-made pasta to carefully sourced ingredients. The staff treats regulars like family and newcomers like future regulars, creating an atmosphere that keeps people coming back week after week.
3. Pelato (Nashville)
Bright, airy, and impossibly inviting, this Italian eatery captures the essence of coastal Italy right in the heart of Nashville. The vibe here is relaxed yet refined, with an open kitchen where you can watch chefs work their magic on dishes that taste like sunshine on a plate.
Their focus on simplicity lets premium ingredients shine without unnecessary fuss.
You’ll find them at 1300 Clinton St, where Friday evenings transform the space into a lively celebration of good food and better company. The pasta selections change with the seasons, ensuring that every visit offers something new to discover.
Their crudo is particularly stunning—delicate, fresh, and beautifully presented.
What I love most is how they balance casual accessibility with serious culinary skill. You can show up in jeans and feel perfectly at home while enjoying food that rivals any fine dining establishment.
The natural wine selection is adventurous and fun, with knowledgeable servers happy to guide you through unfamiliar territories.
4. PennePazze Nashville (Nashville)
Bold flavors and generous portions define this lively Italian spot where every dish comes loaded with personality. The name itself—which playfully translates to “crazy penne”—hints at the fun, unpretentious approach to Italian cooking you’ll find here.
Their red sauce is the kind that makes you want to lick the plate when no one’s looking.
Situated at 2400 West End Ave, this place fills up fast every Friday with crowds craving comfort food done right. The menu reads like a greatest hits album of Italian-American favorites, executed with care and served with genuine enthusiasm.
Their chicken parmesan is massive, crispy, and absolutely worth loosening your belt for.
The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between family-friendly and date-night appropriate, with enough energy to feel festive without being overwhelming. Service is attentive and warm, with servers who genuinely seem to enjoy their work.
Don’t skip the garlic knots—they’re addictive little pillows of carb heaven.
5. Maggiano’s Little Italy (Nashville)
Classic Italian-American dining reaches its peak at this beloved chain location that somehow never feels like a chain. The portions here are famously enormous, designed for sharing or taking home enough leftovers to fuel your entire weekend.
Their family-style serving option turns any Friday dinner into a proper feast.
Located at 3106 West End Ave in Nashville, this spot has mastered the art of making every guest feel like they’re dining at a big Italian family gathering. The menu is extensive, covering everything from tender veal piccata to rich, meaty lasagna that could feed a small army.
Their signature rigatoni D is a creamy, indulgent dream.
What keeps this place packed every Friday is consistency—you know exactly what you’re getting, and it’s always delicious. The atmosphere is warm and celebratory, with dim lighting and comfortable booths perfect for lingering over dessert.
Their tiramisu is worth saving room for, even when you think you couldn’t possibly eat another bite.
6. Giardino (Chattanooga)
Chattanooga’s Italian darling brings sophisticated European flair to Tennessee with a menu that changes seasonally and always impresses. The chef’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients combined with Italian techniques creates dishes that feel both familiar and excitingly new.
Each plate arrives as a work of art, almost too beautiful to disturb.
You’ll discover this culinary gem at 1110 Market St in Chattanooga, where Friday reservations book up weeks in advance. The intimate dining room creates an atmosphere of quiet elegance, perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary.
Their housemade pasta is ethereally light, with sauces that demonstrate serious technical skill.
The wine program here deserves special mention, featuring Italian bottles you won’t find anywhere else in the region. Staff knowledge runs deep, and they’re genuinely excited to share their favorites.
Prices reflect the quality and care put into every detail, making this more of a destination experience than a casual dinner spot.
7. Little Hats Market (Nashville)
Charming and quirky, this Italian market and eatery offers a completely different take on the Italian dining experience. Half specialty grocery store and half casual restaurant, it’s the kind of place where you can grab a quick lunch or stock up on imported olive oil and dried pasta.
The prepared foods section is dangerous—everything looks so good you’ll want one of each.
Find this hidden gem at 1209 Villa Pl in Nashville, tucked into a neighborhood spot that feels like a well-kept secret. Friday afternoons see a steady stream of locals picking up fresh-made sandwiches, house lasagna, and other ready-to-heat Italian specialties.
Their porchetta sandwich is legendary, with crispy skin and tender, herb-infused pork that makes your taste buds sing.
The casual, market-style atmosphere means you can pop in quickly or linger over coffee and pastries at one of the small tables. It’s perfect for those Fridays when you want quality Italian food without the full restaurant commitment.
8. Tutti Da Gio (Nashville)
Authentic Roman cuisine comes alive at this passionate chef-driven restaurant where tradition reigns supreme. The owner’s Italian heritage shines through in every carefully prepared dish, from carbonara that follows strict Roman guidelines to cacio e pepe that’s silky perfection.
There’s no cutting corners here—only time-honored methods and imported ingredients.
Located at 5353 Harding Pike in Nashville, this spot attracts serious Italian food enthusiasts who appreciate the real deal. Friday nights bring a devoted crowd that knows to order the specials, which often feature regional Italian dishes you won’t find elsewhere in Tennessee.
The intimate space fills quickly, creating a convivial energy that feels genuinely European.
Portions are appropriately sized—not the oversized American style, but proper Italian courses that allow you to enjoy multiple dishes. The wine list focuses on Italian regions, with selections chosen to complement the menu perfectly.
Service is knowledgeable and passionate, with staff who love sharing the stories behind each dish.
9. Salento Italia (Nashville)
Southern Italian flavors take center stage at this welcoming restaurant that specializes in the cuisine of Italy’s Puglia region. The menu explores lesser-known Italian dishes that deserve far more attention, with fresh seafood, handmade orecchiette, and vibrant vegetable preparations that taste like summer.
It’s a refreshing departure from the usual red-sauce standards.
You’ll find this culinary treasure at 1915 Broadway in Nashville, where Friday crowds gather for food that feels both exotic and comforting. The chef’s dedication to regional authenticity means ingredients and techniques stay true to Pugliese traditions.
Their burrata is flown in weekly, arriving impossibly fresh and creamy.
The atmosphere is casual and friendly, with an open kitchen that adds theater to your meal. Prices are reasonable for the quality, making this an accessible way to expand your Italian food horizons.
Don’t miss their selection of Pugliese wines—they’re perfectly paired with the menu and often surprisingly affordable.
10. IL Forno (Nashville)
Pizza perfection happens in the blazing hot wood-fired oven that gives this restaurant its name. The Neapolitan-style pies emerge with leopard-spotted crusts, slightly charred edges, and toppings that showcase quality over quantity.
Each pizza is a study in balance, with the dough providing the perfect foundation for simple, flavorful combinations.
Located at 600 Frazier Dr in Nashville, this spot has cultivated a devoted following of pizza purists who appreciate authentic technique. Friday nights see a steady stream of diners willing to wait for a table, knowing that what emerges from that oven is worth every minute.
The margherita is a masterclass in simplicity—just tomato, mozzarella, basil, and excellent dough.
Beyond pizza, their appetizers and salads demonstrate the same commitment to quality ingredients and proper execution. The casual atmosphere encourages lingering, with local beer and Italian wine flowing freely.
Service is efficient and friendly, keeping the energy upbeat even during the Friday rush.
11. Angelos Italian Restaurant (Lebanon)
Family recipes and old-world hospitality define this Lebanon institution that’s been serving the community for years. The kind of place where regulars have their usual orders and the staff remembers your name, it offers comfort and consistency in a world that often feels too fast-paced.
Their marinara sauce simmers for hours, developing deep, complex flavors that taste like someone’s Italian grandmother made it.
Situated at 1004 W Main St in Lebanon, this restaurant draws Friday crowds from throughout the region who crave honest, well-executed Italian-American classics. The menu is extensive without being overwhelming, covering all the favorites from chicken marsala to baked ziti.
Portions are generous, ensuring nobody leaves hungry.
The atmosphere is decidedly old-school, with checkered tablecloths and Italian scenes on the walls creating a nostalgic vibe. Prices remain refreshingly reasonable, making this a great value for families or anyone watching their budget.
Friday nights here feel like tradition, with multiple generations often dining together at large tables.
12. Sorelles Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria (Eagleville)
Small-town charm meets serious Italian cooking at this Eagleville favorite that punches well above its weight. Despite its modest location, the kitchen turns out food that rivals much bigger city establishments, with housemade pasta and hand-tossed pizzas that keep locals coming back week after week.
The secret is simple: fresh ingredients, traditional methods, and genuine care.
Located at 103 N Main St in Eagleville, this family-owned spot becomes the social hub every Friday evening. The dining room buzzes with conversation and laughter as neighbors catch up over plates of perfectly al dente pasta and crispy-crusted pizza.
Their lasagna is legendary in these parts, with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese.
What makes this place special is the personal touch—the owners are often on-site, greeting guests and ensuring everything meets their high standards. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, perfect for casual family dinners or low-key date nights.
Prices are extremely fair, offering exceptional value.
13. Two Brothers Pizzeria & Restaurant (Smyrna)
Brotherhood and pizza-making excellence combine at this Smyrna establishment where the owners’ family heritage shines through in every dish. The pizza dough recipe has been passed down through generations, resulting in crusts that achieve that elusive combination of crispy exterior and chewy interior.
Toppings are piled high without overwhelming the foundation, creating pizzas that satisfy on every level.
You’ll find them at 315 S Lowry St in Smyrna, where Friday nights transform the restaurant into a bustling celebration of Italian-American cuisine. Beyond the excellent pizza, their pasta dishes demonstrate real skill, with sauces that cling properly and flavors that develop beautifully.
The meatballs are house-made and wonderfully tender, swimming in that perfect red sauce.
The casual, friendly atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout. Families appreciate the accommodating service and kid-friendly options, while couples enjoy the relaxed vibe.
Friday crowds can get intense, so calling ahead for takeout or arriving early for a table is smart planning.