14 Tiny Tennessee Italian Restaurants Where Locals Swear The Pasta Tastes Like Nonna’s
Tennessee might be famous for barbecue, but tucked into its small towns and quiet neighborhoods are Italian restaurants that tell a very different story.
I crisscrossed the Volunteer State chasing red sauce, fresh pasta, and recipes that feel like they were passed down through generations.
These tiny spots do not rely on flashy signs or trendy menus. Instead, they win people over with simmering pots, hand rolled noodles, and flavors that taste like they came straight from Nonna’s kitchen.
Locals speak about these places with pride, often in hushed tones, as if sharing a family secret.
From cozy dining rooms to no frills counters, each stop offered comfort, warmth, and the kind of pasta that makes you slow down and savor every bite.
1. Savelli’s Italian Restaurant — Knoxville, TN
Locals have been flocking to this Knoxville gem since it opened, drawn by aromas that drift from the kitchen like an Italian siren song.
The restaurant sits at 8803 Kingston Pike, tucked into a charming brick building that feels more like stepping into someone’s home than a commercial space.
Handmade ravioli stuffed with ricotta is the dish that keeps regulars coming back week after week.
The portions are generous without being overwhelming, and every plate arrives at the table steaming hot.
Fun fact: the owner learned to cook from her actual nonna in Naples before bringing those recipes across the ocean.
The dining room features exposed brick walls and soft lighting that creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for date nights.
Service feels personal because the same faces work the floor year after year, remembering your preferences and greeting you like old friends.
2. Altruda’s Italian Restaurant — Knoxville, TN
Walking through the doors at 125 N Peters Rd feels like time travel to a 1950s Italian supper club.
Red leather booths line the walls, and vintage photographs of Sicily hang in ornate gold frames.
The lasagna here has achieved legendary status among Knoxville residents who debate whether it’s even better than their own grandmother’s version.
Layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese meld together in perfect harmony. Each bite delivers that satisfying stretch of melted mozzarella everyone craves.
Interestingly, the restaurant has been family-owned for decades, with recipes passed down through three generations.
The building itself boasts classic mid-century architecture with large windows that flood the space with natural light during lunch service.
Regulars know to order the tiramisu, which sells out most evenings before the dinner rush even ends.
3. Marina’s On The Square — Murfreesboro, TN
Right on the historic square at 125 North Maple Street, this restaurant occupies a beautifully restored building that dates back over a century.
Large windows overlook the bustling square, giving diners a front-row seat to small-town life.
Marina herself can often be spotted in the dining room, checking on tables and sharing stories about growing up in Rome.
Her fettuccine Alfredo has converted countless skeptics who thought cream sauce couldn’t be done right outside of Italy.
The sauce clings to every ribbon of pasta without being heavy or greasy.
The interior mixes old-world elegance with Southern hospitality through warm wood tones and fresh flowers on every table.
Local musicians sometimes perform on weekend evenings, adding live entertainment to an already memorable meal.
Reservations are strongly recommended because this tiny spot fills up fast, especially during Murfreesboro’s popular First Friday events.
4. Casa D’Italia Ristorante — Clarksville, TN
Nestled at 1345 Fort Campbell Blvd, this family-run establishment has been serving Clarksville since the early 2000s
The building features a charming stucco exterior painted in warm terracotta tones that transport you straight to Tuscany.
Chicken parmigiana reigns supreme here, with breaded cutlets so tender they practically melt under your fork.
The marinara sauce tastes like it simmered all day, because it actually did.
Fresh basil from the owner’s garden gets torn by hand and scattered over finished dishes.
Here’s something special: the restaurant imports certain ingredients directly from Italy, including specific olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars.
Rustic wooden beams cross the ceiling, and Italian pottery decorates shelves along the walls.
The staff treats Fort Campbell military families with extra warmth, often adding complimentary appetizers to thank them for their service.
5. Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria — Chattanooga, TN
Located at 212 High Street in downtown Chattanooga, this dual-purpose spot functions as both a restaurant and a fresh pasta market.
Shelves stocked with imported Italian goods line one wall, tempting diners to take home ingredients for their own cooking adventures.
Spaghetti carbonara made with house-made pasta is the signature dish that locals order religiously.
The pasta gets rolled fresh each morning, giving it a texture that dried noodles simply cannot match.
Pancetta adds smoky depth while egg yolks create that signature silky coating.
Tony himself emigrated from Bologna and brought recipes his family had perfected over generations.
The space is compact with maybe fifteen tables total, and exposed brick walls give it an authentic trattoria vibe.
During warmer months, a small patio opens up, offering views of the bustling downtown scene below.
6. Il Primo — Chattanooga, TN
Sophistication meets comfort at 1100 Hixson Pike, Ste 100, where this restaurant has elevated Chattanooga’s Italian dining scene.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views of the Tennessee River, especially magical during sunset dinner service.
Osso buco braised until the meat falls off the bone has become the dish that food critics and regular folks alike rave about online.
Saffron risotto accompanies the veal shank, soaking up every drop of the rich pan sauce.
The presentation looks restaurant-fancy, but the flavors taste like Sunday dinner at nonna’s house.
Surprisingly, the chef trained in Milan before returning to Tennessee to open this passion project.
Modern lighting fixtures contrast beautifully with traditional Italian artwork, creating a space that feels both contemporary and timeless.
The wine list features selections from small Italian vineyards you won’t find at big-box stores.
7. Portofino’s Greek and Italian — East Ridge, TN
Combining two Mediterranean traditions under one roof at 6511 Ringgold Rd creates twice the delicious possibilities.
The blue and white color scheme pays homage to Greek islands while Italian flags add pops of green and red.
Baked ziti loaded with Italian sausage and three types of cheese is the Italian menu’s crown jewel.
Bubbling hot from the oven, the top layer gets perfectly crispy while the inside stays creamy.
Garlic bread served alongside is brushed with herb butter that soaks into every crevice.
Family photos covering one wall tell the story of two cultures merging through marriage and shared love of food.
The casual atmosphere welcomes kids, with crayons and coloring sheets available at every table.
Lunch specials offer incredible value, making this a popular spot for East Ridge locals who want quality without breaking the bank.
8. Mauricio’s Italian Restaurant — Cookeville, TN
Cookeville residents consider the location at 1298 South Walnut Avenue their best-kept secret, though word has been spreading.
The modest exterior doesn’t prepare you for the explosion of flavors waiting inside.
Shrimp scampi over angel hair pasta showcases perfectly cooked seafood in a buttery garlic sauce that begs to be sopped up with bread.
Garlic is used generously but never overwhelmingly.
The shrimp arrive plump and tender, never rubbery like at chain restaurants.
Mauricio learned his craft working in Italian restaurants across the Northeast before settling in Tennessee to raise his family.
Simple wooden tables and chairs keep the focus squarely on the food rather than fancy decor.
The restaurant supports Tennessee Tech students with special discounts, earning loyalty from generations of college kids who return years later with their own families.
9. Forte’s On The Square — Crossville, TN
Perched at 27 E 4th St right on Crossville’s picturesque courthouse square, this restaurant occupies a lovingly restored historic building.
Original hardwood floors creak slightly underfoot, adding character and history to every step.
Eggplant parmigiana stacked high with layers of breaded eggplant, marinara, and melted cheese is the vegetarian option that even meat lovers order repeatedly.
The eggplant gets sliced thin and fried until golden before assembly.
Each portion could easily feed two people, but most diners clean their plates anyway.
The Forte family has deep roots in Crossville, making this restaurant a true community gathering place.
Exposed brick walls and vintage light fixtures create ambiance that feels both elegant and welcoming.
During Cumberland County’s annual festivals, the restaurant offers special menus featuring seasonal ingredients from local farms.
10. Giuseppe’s — Kingsport, TN
Standing proud at 2539 E Stone Dr, this Kingsport institution has been feeding families for over twenty years.
The aroma of simmering tomato sauce greets you in the parking lot before you even open the door.
Spaghetti and meatballs might sound simple, but Giuseppe’s version elevates this classic to art.
Meatballs the size of tennis balls are made from a secret blend of beef, pork, and veal.
The sauce tastes bright and fresh, never bitter or overly sweet like jarred varieties.
Giuseppe immigrated from Sicily as a young man and worked in restaurants for decades before opening his own place.
Dark wood paneling and red leather banquettes give the space a classic Italian American steakhouse vibe.
The restaurant stays open later than most Kingsport eateries, making it the go-to spot for post-theater dinners.
11. Raffaele’s — Kingsport, TN
Elegance defines the experience at 4309 Fort Henry Dr, where white tablecloths and candlelight set the stage for special occasions.
Soft Italian music plays at just the right volume to enhance conversation without overpowering it.
Veal marsala prepared tableside creates a bit of theatrical flair that diners absolutely love.
Tender veal cutlets swim in a rich mushroom and marsala wine sauce that tastes like liquid gold.
The chef finishes the dish with a pat of butter that makes everything glossy and luxurious.
Raffaele trained at culinary school in Florence before bringing his skills to Tennessee’s Tri-Cities region. Crystal chandeliers and ornate mirrors make the dining room feel more upscale than you’d expect in this part of Tennessee.
The restaurant offers cooking classes on select weekends, teaching locals how to recreate Italian favorites at home.
12. Best Italian (Elks Plaza) — Gatlinburg, TN
Tucked into Elks Plaza at 968 Parkway, Ste 9 in the heart of tourist-packed Gatlinburg sits this refreshingly authentic spot.
While most Parkway restaurants serve up generic tourist fare, this place delivers genuine Italian flavors.
Chicken piccata with capers and lemon sauce over linguine is the dish that surprises first-time visitors who weren’t expecting such quality.
The sauce achieves perfect balance between tangy and savory.
Pounded thin and cooked quickly, the chicken stays juicy and tender.
Despite the simple name, there’s nothing basic about the food or the commitment to quality ingredients.
The dining room features mountain lodge touches mixed with Italian accents, creating a unique Smoky Mountain-meets-Sicily aesthetic.
After a long day hiking in the national park, this restaurant provides the perfect place to refuel with a hearty meal that hits the spot.
13. Culaccino — Franklin, TN
Bringing contemporary Italian style to 900 Commerce Street, this downtown Nashville favorite balances tradition with innovation.
The name refers to the mark a cold glass leaves on a table, a charming detail that hints at the thoughtfulness throughout.
Bucatini all’amatriciana features hollow pasta tubes coated in a spicy tomato sauce with guanciale and pecorino cheese.
The guanciale adds incredible depth of flavor that regular bacon simply cannot match.
Each bite delivers a slight kick of red pepper flakes that warms without overwhelming.
The chef sources heritage breed pork from Tennessee farms, connecting Italian tradition with local agriculture.
Industrial-chic design elements like exposed ductwork and Edison bulb lighting create a hip atmosphere that appeals to Franklin’s young professional crowd.
The restaurant participates in downtown community food events, offering special tastings paired with small bites.
14. Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen — Nashville, TN
Nashville’s restaurant scene is packed with hot spots, but locals in the know head to 2905 Gallatin Pike, Ste A for real Italian comfort food.
The open kitchen lets diners watch as cooks toss pasta and slide pizzas into the wood-fired oven.
Rigatoni bolognese slow-cooked for hours develops layers of flavor that taste like pure comfort.
The meat sauce clings to the ridged pasta tubes, ensuring every forkful delivers maximum flavor.
A sprinkle of fresh parmesan and torn basil finishes each bowl.
Nicoletto grew up in his family’s restaurant in Napoli before moving to Music City to pursue both culinary and musical dreams.
Subway tiles and marble countertops give the space a clean, modern feel while maintaining warmth through wooden accents.
The restaurant stays busy with neighborhood regulars who appreciate consistent quality and genuine hospitality night after night.