Lasagna in a house built around 1910, with three fireplaces nearby. Toasted ravioli in Memphis. A pizza piled with barbecue meat.
Tennessee's Italian scene has a few surprises up its sleeve.
The best part? Many of these kitchens stick to the old playbook. Think chicken parm, baked spaghetti, meatballs, and cannoli.
Nobody is trying to reinvent the noodle here.
You can eat under ivy vines in Knoxville or near the river in the Smoky Mountains foothills. You can grab small plates of pasta in Nashville or sit by big windows on a historic square. Some spots feel like a family kitchen.
Others feel like date night with extra garlic bread.
So how far would you drive for a plate of red sauce done right? Across town, sure. Across the state?
After this list, that question might start sounding a lot less silly. Your fork may already have an opinion.
1. Coletta's Italian Restaurant
Barbecue on a pizza sounds like a Memphis dare. At this old-school spot, it is the dish people come back for.
The BBQ Pizza arrives with meat piled sky high. It is a fun mashup of two things the city loves most.
The room leans classic. You will spot red-checked tablecloths and candlelight on the tables.
The family behind it has run the business for generations. That kind of history shows up in the steady, no-fuss cooking.
Pizza fans have other choices too. The menu lists a sausage, pepperoni, and mushroom pie, plus the Round the World Pizza.
Do you like Italian staples alongside your slice? The kitchen covers those as well, with pasta and homemade salad dressings like ranch and thousand island.
Families will feel right at home. There is a kids' menu, high chairs, and a private dining room for bigger gatherings.
Timing helps here. Thursday through Saturday evenings get busy, while weekday mornings and Sunday afternoons stay calmer.
Parking is usually easy, which is always a nice bonus. The prices stay friendly, so bring the whole crew.
Address: 1063 S Pkwy E, Memphis, TN 38106
2. Ronnie Grisanti's
The Grisanti name has been tied to Memphis Italian cooking for generations. One meal here explains why the family kept going.
This is the dressier choice on the list. The room is quiet and dimly lit, and the plates look carefully made.
Classics take center stage. You can order lasagna, manicotti, and meatballs that have earned plenty of loyal fans.
Craving something crispy first? Calamari Fritti and Toasted Ravioli make strong openers.
Fish lovers have options too. The Tuna Puttanesca brings a bright, briny twist to the table.
Veal parm and chicken parm are big favorites here. Both feel like the kind of dish you crave on a rainy evening.
Burrata and Italian Spinach round out the lighter side. Vegetarians will find a full menu to explore.
Plan ahead for dinner, since reservations are recommended. Note that the restaurant closes on Sundays.
Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome outside. Free parking is usually easy to find.
Address: 6150 Poplar Ave #122, Memphis, TN 38119
3. Pelato - Nashville
Why pick one pasta when you can order three? Pelato builds its menu around small plates made for sharing.
Think of it like Italian tapas. Your table can pass around bowls and try a little of several dishes.
The Radiatori in a silky pink sauce gets plenty of attention. Those ruffled noodles grab sauce in every curve.
Bucatini Cacio E Pepe keeps things simple and classic. Campanelle Shrimp Limone adds a bright, lemony note.
Of course, Chicken Parmigiana shows up too. Some traditions are simply too good to skip.
Do not ignore the vegetables. The Burnt Broccolini is a fan favorite, and the Potato Croquettes disappear fast.
Vegan and vegetarian diners have full menus to choose from. That makes group dinners much easier to plan.
Weekend brunch runs on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Dinner is served every night of the week.
Expect a wait during busy evenings. Reservations are recommended, so book before you go.
Address: 1300 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
4. PennePazze Nashville
Crazy penne is the rough translation of the name. Lucky for you, the cooking is anything but wild.
The room has an industrial, easygoing look. It works well for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.
Pasta is the star. The Carbonara Pazza and the Amatriciana both show off simple Roman-style roots.
Lasagna holds its own on the menu. Gnocchi Crema Di Gorgonzola is rich and creamy for cheese lovers.
Have you tried pinsa? It is an oval Roman-style flatbread, and the kitchen offers several kinds.
The Pinsa Pepperoni Piccantina brings a spicy kick. The Pinsa Maleducata has a name that means rude, which is part of the fun.
Pesto here gets plenty of praise. It is worth adding to your order if you see it.
Kids get their own menu, and vegan diners have choices too. Outdoor seating is available on nice days.
The restaurant closes Mondays. Weekday afternoons are often the calmest time to visit.
Address: 3826 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
5. Louis' Restaurant & Drive-In
Some kids grow up, move away, and still crave the same plate of spaghetti. Louis' is that kind of place for many in Knoxville.
This family spot has been feeding the city for decades. It mixes Italian classics with American comfort food like burgers.
Baked spaghetti with meatballs is a must for first-timers. Lasagna and chicken or veal parm are just as easy to love.
The spaghetti with meat sauce is a long-running favorite. Pair it with garlic bread and you are set.
Do not skip the Italian dressing on your salad. It is one of those small details people remember.
The setting is simple and casual. Nobody expects you to dress up, and that is part of the charm.
Service moves quickly, which helps on a lunch break. Kids have their own menu and high chairs are on hand.
Need room for a party? A private dining room makes family gatherings simple.
Louis' is closed Mondays. Takeout is available, but delivery is not offered.
Address: 4661 Old Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37918
6. Altruda's Italian Restaurant
Ivy vines and a wooden hut facade greet you before the garlic does. Inside, Sinatra-style tunes set a soft, classic mood.
The dining room is dark, quiet, and calm. A fireplace adds charm on chilly Knoxville nights.
Start with the bread and salad. The house salad dressing has quite the following here.
Lasagna is a top pick. Cannelloni with pink sauce is another favorite, especially with a side of meatballs.
Want something heartier? The Sausage and Eggplant Entree and Rigatoni Alla Carbonara both fill you up nicely.
Calamari works well for the table to share. It disappears fast once everyone grabs a fork.
Save room for dessert. Tiramisu and spumoni offer two sweet ways to finish.
Families fit right in, with a kids' menu and high chairs. Couples will like the romantic, low-light feel too.
Altruda's serves dinner only and closes Mondays. Saturday and Sunday evenings get busy, so plan accordingly.
Address: 125 N Peters Rd, Knoxville, TN 37923
7. Tony's Pasta Shop & Trattoria
Pasta with a river view is a hard combo to beat. This trattoria sits in Chattanooga's Bluff View Art District, near the Tennessee River.
An upstairs patio and rooftop seating let you eat with the scenery. Downtown Chattanooga shows up in the background too.
The kitchen leans on Italian and Sicilian roots. Pasta is made in house, and ingredients come partly from the garden.
Picky eaters will love the Make Your Own Pasta option. You choose the noodle and sauce, and the kitchen handles the rest.
Traditional Lasagna is a safe and satisfying bet. Chicken Tetrazzini brings creamy, old-fashioned comfort.
Seafood fans can try Seafood Ravioli or Grilled Salmon Pasta. Low Country Linguine adds a Southern wink to the menu.
Tiramisu is a sweet way to end the meal. It pairs nicely with a slow stroll through the art district afterward.
Weekends get busy, so expect a wait. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter.
Dogs are allowed outside. Kids have their own menu as well.
Address: 212 High St, Chattanooga, TN 37403
8. Giardino
Giardino means garden in Italian. The food, though, is pure homestyle comfort with tender pasta at its heart.
This neighborhood favorite sits on Westside Drive in Chattanooga. It keeps the menu classic and focused.
Pappardelle Bolognese is a great place to start. Those wide ribbons hold a hearty meat sauce well.
Lasagna Con Bechamel uses a creamy white sauce, the way many Italian cooks prefer. It feels a little fancier than the usual version.
Chicken Piccata brings a bright, lemony bite. Shrimp and Polenta is another dish worth a look.
Calamari gets plenty of praise here. Bruschetta is an easy, fresh pick for the table.
Vegetarians can try Penne Al Funghi or Rigatoni Al Gorgonzola. Both lean rich and earthy.
A fireplace adds charm to the room. Dogs are welcome, and outdoor seating is available.
Giardino serves dinner only and closes Sundays. Reservations are recommended for weekend evenings.
Address: 2503 Westside Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37404
9. Ristorante DellaSantina
Smoky Mountain trips usually mean pancakes and fudge. This riverside spot in Sevierville adds lobster ravioli to the plan.
The setting is calm and unpretentious. It feels like a breather after a busy day around Pigeon Forge.
Lobster Ravioli is a headliner. Chicken parmesan and eggplant parmesan are popular too.
Love seafood? Shrimp Valentino and Frutti Di Mare bring plenty of it to the table.
Scaloppine Con Capellini pairs tender meat with thin angel hair pasta. Lasagna holds down the traditional side of the menu.
Start with bread and bruschetta. Then save space for cannoli, because dessert is a strong point here.
Vegan and vegetarian guests have full menus. Organic dishes and lighter options are available too.
Dogs are allowed on the outdoor seating area. Kids have their own menu and high chairs.
Hours are limited, so check before you go. It opens in the afternoon Tuesday through Saturday and closes Sundays and Mondays.
Address: 2004 Red Bank Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876
10. Bella Vita | Italian
Scratch cooking is the name of the game in Johnson City. Bella Vita keeps that old-school spirit going strong.
The vibe is casual and relaxed. You can show up in jeans and still feel right at home.
Lasagna earns plenty of love here. It comes hearty and layered with classic Italian flavor.
Stuffed Shells Florentine are a great meatless pick. They come filled and baked, a true comfort classic.
Craving seafood? Zuppa Di Pesce is a fish stew, and Gamberi Marinati features marinated shrimp.
Chicken piccata, veal marsala, and shrimp alfredo also show up on many tables. The menu is long, so take your time.
Starters include Garlic and Herb Soup and fried mushrooms. Garlic bread is always a smart side.
Lunch runs Tuesday through Friday. Sunday hours stretch from late morning into the evening.
Kids have their own menu, and a private dining room fits groups. Parking is usually plentiful.
Address: 2927 N Roan St, Johnson City, TN 37601
11. Marina's on the Square
Big windows, old bricks, and a plate of chicken parm. Marina's sits in a historic building right on Murfreesboro's square.
The location makes it easy to pair dinner with a stroll. The square itself is full of small-town charm.
Chicken Parmesan is a top seller. Eggplant Parmesan gives vegetarians the same cheesy joy.
Chicken Marsala brings a rich, savory sauce. Lasagna is another dependable classic on the menu.
Want a little spice? The Cajun Chicken Pasta adds a Southern kick to the Italian lineup.
Starters include Stuffed Mushrooms and garlic bread. A Caesar salad keeps things fresh before the main event.
Desserts deserve attention too. Tiramisu and cannoli are both easy ways to end the meal.
College students and families both fill the tables. Kids have their own menu and high chairs.
Parking can be tricky near the square, so give yourself extra time. The restaurant closes Sundays and Mondays.
Address: 125 N Maple St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
12. CASA D’ITALIA
Matching a family recipe is a tall order. Casa D'Italia in Clarksville comes surprisingly close for many diners.
The kitchen makes pasta by hand. Traditional Italian music plays in the background and adds to the homey feel.
Start with a half dozen rolls. Fried Cheese Ravioli is another fun opener for the table.
Lobster Ravioli is a standout. Manicotti offers a cheesy, baked classic for meatless eaters.
Chicken Marsala and Chicken Piccata cover the poultry side. One brings savory depth, the other a lemony zip.
Meatballs and eggplant parmesan also get high marks. Lasagna with meat sauce rounds out the comfort lineup.
Finish with tiramisu or cannoli. Both make a sweet ending after a big plate of pasta.
Vegan and vegetarian menus are available. That helps when your group has mixed tastes.
The restaurant is open seven days a week. Lunch and dinner are both on offer, and parking is easy.
Address: 1345 Fort Campbell Blvd, Clarksville, TN 37042
13. Mauricio's Italian Restaurant
Dinner in a house built around 1910 feels like a special event. Mauricio's fills that Victorian home in Cookeville with three fireplaces and great food.
The rooms are intimate and quiet. It is a lovely pick for anniversaries or a fancy family night.
Lobster Ravioli is a signature dish. The Meatball Supreme is a hearty nod to tradition.
Seafood Mauricio brings the ocean to Middle Tennessee. Blackened Salmon is another popular main.
Classic fans can find chicken parmesan and calamari. Fried ravioli makes a fun starter for the table.
Steak lovers have options too. Filet and lamb chops show the kitchen's more upscale side.
Dessert is a highlight here. Tiramisu and crème brûlée both make a sweet finish.
Reservations are required, so plan ahead. Takeout is not offered, which means you will want to dine in.
Lunch runs Tuesday through Friday, with dinner through Saturday. The restaurant closes Sundays and Mondays.
Address: 232 N Peachtree Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501
