12 Italian Restaurants In Tennessee Where Tables Are Gone In An Instant
Tennessee might be famous for hot chicken and barbecue, but hidden throughout the state are Italian restaurants so incredible that securing a reservation feels like winning the lottery.
From Nashville to Memphis, Chattanooga to Knoxville, these culinary gems serve up Italian-inspired pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and dishes that draw from regional Italian traditions while reflecting local creativity.
Getting a table at these beloved spots requires planning ahead because locals know exactly where to find the best Italian food in the Volunteer State, and they’re not keeping it a secret anymore!
1. Rolf and Daughters – Nashville
Pasta lovers rejoice because this Nashville hotspot has turned handmade noodles into an art form that keeps diners coming back week after week.
Located at 700 Taylor St, Nashville, TN 37208, Rolf and Daughters has become the gold standard for Italian-inspired cuisine in Music City.
The restaurant’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients combined with European techniques and Southern sensibilities creates dishes that are both familiar and refreshingly innovative.
Founded by chef Philip Krajeck, the restaurant continues to reflect his philosophy of simplicity and bold flavor, even as the kitchen operates under a collaborative leadership model.
Every plate tells a story, from the perfectly al dente pasta to the seasonal vegetables that change with Tennessee’s harvest.
The industrial-chic atmosphere adds to the dining experience, with exposed brick walls and an open kitchen that lets you watch the magic happen.
Reservations disappear faster than fresh-baked focaccia at a family dinner, so plan ahead if you want to experience what everyone’s talking about.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving exceptional Italian fare, this restaurant delivers unforgettable meals every single time.
2. Il Forno – Nashville
Nothing beats the aroma of wood-fired pizza baking to perfection, and this neighborhood gem has mastered the craft in ways that keep pizza enthusiasts lining up around the block.
Nestled at 1414 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210, Il Forno brings Italian pizza traditions to Tennessee with spectacular results.
The wood-fired oven creates that signature charred crust with a pillowy soft center that defines true Neapolitan-style pizza.
Beyond the incredible pizzas, the menu features homemade pastas and classic Italian appetizers that showcase the kitchen’s dedication to authentic preparation methods.
Each dish bursts with flavors that transport your taste buds straight to southern Italy.
The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel like family, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a devoted regular.
Tables fill up quickly during dinner service, especially on weekends when families and friends gather to share meals together.
Don’t sleep on their seasonal specials either, which highlight the best ingredients available and demonstrate the chef’s creative approach to traditional recipes.
3. City House – Nashville
When a chef combines Southern hospitality with Italian culinary traditions, magic happens on every plate served at this award-winning establishment.
City House sits at 1222 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, where chef Tandy Wilson has created a dining destination that celebrates Italian inspiration through a distinctly Southern lens.
The restaurant’s innovative approach has earned national recognition and a fiercely loyal local following.
Signature dishes like the belly ham pizza with red eye mayo demonstrate the restaurant’s playful fusion of cultures without sacrificing authenticity.
The handmade pastas showcase traditional Italian craftsmanship while incorporating flavors that resonate with Southern palates.
The communal dining atmosphere encourages conversation and connection, making every meal feel like a celebration with friends.
Industrial-modern decor with warm touches creates an inviting space that’s both sophisticated and comfortable.
Reservations are absolutely essential here because word has spread far beyond Nashville about the extraordinary food and dining experience.
Come hungry and ready to taste why this restaurant consistently ranks among Tennessee’s best Italian spots.
4. Caffé Nonna – Nashville
Grandmother’s cooking holds a special place in Italian culture, and this beloved restaurant captures that warmth and authenticity in every dish they serve.
Found at 4427 Murphy Rd, Nashville, TN 37209, Caffé Nonna brings old-world Italian comfort food to the Sylvan Park neighborhood with recipes that feel rooted in tradition and home-style cooking.
The cozy atmosphere immediately makes you feel welcome, like you’re visiting family for Sunday dinner.
Classic dishes like lasagna, chicken parmesan, and spaghetti carbonara are prepared with care and attention to detail that honors traditional methods.
Nothing fancy or pretentious here, just honest Italian cooking that satisfies the soul as much as the stomach.
The portions are generous, reflecting the Italian philosophy that feeding people well is an expression of love. Locals know this spot as their go-to for reliable, delicious Italian meals that never disappoint.
Tables fill quickly during lunch and dinner rushes, especially when neighbors gather for their regular fix of comfort food.
The friendly service adds to the homey feel that keeps customers returning again and again.
5. Giovanni’s Ristorante – Nashville
Some restaurants have been feeding families for so long that they become woven into the community’s fabric, creating memories one meal at a time.
Giovanni’s Ristorante has been serving authentic Italian cuisine at 2931 Sidco Dr, Nashville, TN 37204 for years, building a reputation for consistency and quality that stands the test of time.
Walking through the doors feels like stepping into a classic Italian trattoria where tradition matters.
The extensive menu offers everything from seafood specialties to hearty meat dishes, all prepared with recipes that stay true to Italian roots.
Fresh ingredients and careful preparation ensure that each dish meets the high standards that loyal customers have come to expect.
Long established and locally operated, the restaurant maintains a personal touch that makes guests feel valued and appreciated.
The attentive service reflects genuine care for the dining experience rather than just going through the motions.
Regular patrons have their favorite dishes and preferred tables, creating a sense of belonging that’s increasingly rare in today’s restaurant scene.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend dinners when the dining room fills with celebrating families and couples.
6. Yolan – Nashville
Fine dining reaches new heights when Italian culinary excellence meets Nashville sophistication in a restaurant that redefines what’s possible with pasta and regional Italian cuisine.
Yolan graces the Joseph Hotel at 403 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, bringing pan-Italian elegance inspired by multiple regions of Italy to downtown Nashville under the guidance of chef Tony Mantuano.
The restaurant’s name honors the chef’s grandmother, whose influence permeates the thoughtfully crafted menu.
Every detail receives meticulous attention, from the hand-rolled pasta to the carefully curated selection of regional Italian specialties.
The kitchen sources premium ingredients and treats them with the respect they deserve, creating refined dishes that celebrate Italian culinary traditions.
The sophisticated dining room features stunning design elements that create an atmosphere of understated luxury without feeling stuffy or pretentious.
Large windows overlook downtown Nashville, adding to the special-occasion ambiance that makes dining here memorable.
Securing a reservation requires planning ahead because food enthusiasts and special occasion diners know that Yolan delivers an exceptional experience worth every moment of anticipation.
7. Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen – Memphis
Memphis food lovers discovered heaven when two talented chefs opened an Italian restaurant that brings innovative techniques to classic dishes with stunning results.
Located at 712 W Brookhaven Cir, Memphis, TN 38117, Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen showcases the culinary talents of chefs Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman.
Their creative approach to Italian cuisine has earned them regional acclaim and a devoted following that keeps the small dining room perpetually packed.
The menu changes regularly to highlight seasonal ingredients and the chefs’ latest inspirations, ensuring that repeat visits always offer something new to discover.
House-made pastas form the foundation of many dishes, prepared with techniques inspired by traditional Italian cooking and refined through professional training.
The intimate space creates a cozy atmosphere where diners can watch the kitchen team work their magic.
Limited seating means reservations are absolutely necessary, often requiring weeks of advance planning for prime dining times.
Each dish demonstrates the chefs’ commitment to quality ingredients and proper technique, resulting in flavors that honor Italian traditions while showcasing their own creative vision and Memphis influence.
8. Catherine & Mary’s – Memphis
Downtown Memphis got a delicious upgrade when the same talented duo behind Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen expanded their Italian empire with a second location that’s equally impressive.
Catherine & Mary’s resides at 272 S Main St Ste 105-A, Memphis, TN 38103, bringing another dimension to chefs Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman’s Italian culinary vision.
Named after their grandmothers, the restaurant pays tribute to family traditions while embracing contemporary dining trends.
The downtown location attracts both business lunchers and evening diners looking for exceptional Italian fare in a more approachable trattoria-style setting.
The menu features Italian classics executed with the same attention to detail that made their first restaurant famous.
Fresh pasta made daily forms the backbone of many dishes, while seasonal vegetables and quality proteins round out a menu that changes with ingredient availability.
The open kitchen design lets diners appreciate the skill and coordination required to produce consistently excellent food.
Tables disappear quickly here too, proving that Memphis has an insatiable appetite for quality Italian cuisine prepared by chefs who genuinely understand and respect the traditions they’re honoring.
9. Alleia – Chattanooga
Chattanooga’s dining scene reached new levels of sophistication when this Italian restaurant opened downtown, bringing refined cuisine to Tennessee’s Scenic City with impressive style.
Alleia stands at 25 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408, where chef Daniel Lindley creates modern Italian dishes that respect tradition while embracing innovation.
The restaurant’s commitment to handmade pasta and house-cured meats demonstrates serious dedication to authentic Italian preparation methods.
The seasonal menu ensures that dishes showcase the best ingredients available, with preparations that let quality products shine without unnecessary complications.
From delicate crudo to hearty braised meats, every offering reflects careful thought and skilled execution.
The contemporary dining room strikes a balance between elegant and comfortable, making it suitable for romantic dinners or celebrations with friends.
Exposed brick and modern design elements create visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Reservations are essential for weekend dining, when locals and visitors alike flock to experience what many consider Chattanooga’s finest Italian restaurant.
The knowledgeable staff enhances the experience with genuine hospitality and helpful menu guidance.
10. Il Primo Northshore – Chattanooga
Authentic Italian flavors found a home in Chattanooga long before it became trendy, and this family-owned restaurant continues to deliver the real deal to grateful diners.
Il Primo has been serving Chattanooga from 1100 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga, TN 37405, maintaining standards that keep families returning year after year.
The restaurant’s longevity speaks volumes about the consistent quality and genuine hospitality that defines every visit.
Traditional Italian dishes dominate the menu, prepared with recipes that honor authentic regional Italian cooking styles.
Whether you order pasta, seafood, or chicken, you can taste the care and experience that goes into every preparation.
The warm, inviting atmosphere makes everyone feel like valued guests rather than just another table to turn.
Servers who’ve worked here for years provide recommendations based on genuine knowledge of the menu and what customers tend to love most.
Popular dishes often sell out during busy periods, so arriving early or making reservations helps ensure you get your first choice.
The loyal customer base knows that Il Primo delivers reliable Italian comfort food that never goes out of style.
11. Emilia – Knoxville
Knoxville’s Market Square became even more attractive when this upscale Italian restaurant opened its doors, bringing refined dining to the heart of downtown with spectacular results.
Emilia occupies a prime spot at 16 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, where chef Matt Gallaher crafts Italian-inspired dishes rooted in the flavors of Emilia-Romagna.
The restaurant takes its name from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, famous for producing some of the country’s most celebrated foods.
The menu reflects influences from that renowned region while incorporating local Tennessee ingredients and seasonal availability.
House-made pastas receive particular attention, with shapes and sauces that change based on what’s fresh and inspiring.
The stylish dining room creates an atmosphere that’s perfect for date nights and special celebrations without feeling overly formal or stuffy.
Large windows overlooking Market Square provide people-watching opportunities while you enjoy exceptional food.
Getting a table during peak hours requires advance planning because word has spread throughout Knoxville about the outstanding quality and consistency.
The attentive service team adds polish to an already impressive dining experience.
12. Osteria Stella – Knoxville
Authentic Italian osteria culture arrived in Knoxville when this charming restaurant opened in the historic Jackson Avenue neighborhood, bringing old-world charm and exceptional food to East Tennessee.
Osteria Stella resides at 108 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902, where the focus remains firmly on traditional Italian preparations and quality ingredients.
The restaurant embraces the osteria concept of casual Italian dining where the food takes center stage without pretense.
Wood-fired pizzas emerge from the oven with perfectly blistered crusts and creative toppings that balance innovation with tradition.
Alongside pizza, pasta and classic osteria-style dishes play an equally central role on the menu.
The rustic-chic decor creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages lingering over meals and enjoying good conversation with dining companions.
Vintage touches and Italian-inspired design elements add character without feeling kitschy or overdone.
Reservations fill up quickly, especially on weekends when Knoxville residents flock to enjoy what many consider the city’s most authentic Italian dining experience.
The neighborhood location adds to the charm, making it feel like a true local discovery.