31 Best Italian Restaurants in Knoxville

“Thank you for taking care of so many lunches and dinners for our daughter while she lived across the street!“

“We're visiting Knoxville and were looking for a nice Italian meal. This place didn't disappoint. We were greeted by friendly staff and got a few suggestions. We started with cheesy bread, perfection! The dough was good with a nice chewiness, lots of cheese and garlic. I had a ham calozone and it was cooked perfectly, that great dough, real ricotta cheese and seasoning, a nice robust marina on the side. My husband had the tortellini with meat sauce and garlic bread. The pasta was the perfect. We both had the recommended tiramasu, this is the star of the show. I have never tasted such wonderful food. We each had a fountain drink and all together was only $50. Service was phenomenal. I'm sad to go home because I know I have nothing close to the quality of this place. Absolutely phenomenal from start to finish. We'll be heading there again tomorrow for lunch so we can have it one more time before leaving Knoxville.“

“I highly recommend Osteria Stella for anybody seeking an authentic Italian meal experience plus a romantic, dark atmosphere. The environment, service, food and drinks are all amazing. I cannot brag on the food quality and staff enough, it was truly a fantastic experience. We loved everything we were served and our server Matt was a rockstar. I loved getting to try their imported meats for an appetizer, and the house made gnocchi with pesto as my entree. Thank you guys so much for the memories. Check out Osteria Stella when you can!“

“Great atmosphere and menu! First time visiting - excellent salad and building our own pizzas. Will return!“

“We traveled from Cookeville 7/2/2025 to try Altruda's. I did not catch our waiter's name but he had glasses and reddish hair. He was absolutely amazing. The atmosphere is cozy but also gives speak easy/old world style vibes. We requested strawberry daiquiris but they said they were out of strawberries. The salad was the absolute best. The rolls were very good, but they were drowning in butter. Now the entrees were just ok. We were kinda disappointed. The cannelloni had too much cheese. It was kinda like a cheese soup with some pasta. The manicotti was ok, it was also drowning in sauce. We also ordered cannoli and tiramisu. They were both really good. The price for 3 entrees, a sweet tea, a sprite, 2 desserts, plus a tip was under $100. The prices are reasonable. Overall we had a good experience and we had food left over for lunch today. The experience was nice and we will give Altruda's another try when we have the chance.“

“We just served our Holston Middle school staff Fazoli’s for their staff lunch and they did an amazing job! Food and service was excellent, this is definitely a go-to in the future for other lunches. Thank you!!“

“Had a great experience at Carrabba’s. Alex was a fantastic server. Responsive, congenial, and genuinely polite. He checked in at just the right times and made the meal even better. I ordered the ribeye rare, and it came out exactly right with a nice sear and true rare center. The meal was fantastic from start to finish. Will definitely be back.“

“staff was friendly and helpful made some great suggestions for someone who has never been there. absolute banger, fresh ingredients, modern take on authentic Italian Pizza, margaritas are class with plenty of modern takes on the menu“

“I recently stopped in at the local OG and had a heck of a time. I sat up at the bar and was served by the best bartender west of 275, Jill. I chose the delectable never ending soup, salad, and breadsticks, where I ate a bowl of every soup on the menu (A term I coined “The Gauntlet”). Needless to say this was a 10:10 experience and I can’t wait to run it back when the never ending pasta returns!“

“We had great service. The food was fresh and the breadsticks were so good. Linda was our server and she was top notch. We didn't have to ask for anything. She was on top of it our entire visit.“

“The food at this restaurant is delicious and the staff is great!“

“Excellent food, every time. Service has always been great. This is one of our favorites in Knoxville.“

“My family and I always love coming here! The food is yummy and the service is always great!“

“Amazing local restaurant, a must try, you’ll love it! The ground steak parmigiana is AMAZING! So is the spaghetti and any pasta, but the lunch sandwiches are a real gem as well.“

“While visiting the area we stumbled across this wonderful restaurant. The service was great, the food was sublime and the atmosphere, relaxed. For an Englishman in America it was gratifying to find an Italian restaurant that actually knew what it is to be an Italian restaurant. No fakery at this place. Truly authentic with fresh made pasta, delicious herbs, and the PEI mussels were the best I have had stateside. 100% recommend to all who meander their way to this city!“

“Excellent experience and food was on point!“

“Great little Italian restaurant. The food was amazing. The ambiance is set for an intimate dinner with your favorite person or your entire family. I highly recommend.“

“the food is always great and the service too.“

“The only reason I dropped the food to 4 stars is that it took forever to come out. I was almost full before my entree even arrived. This seemed to be an issue for many this night. One lady was even still waiting for hers when the rest of her table had theirs! That is pretty horrible actually 🤔.“

“Best food and wonderful friendly service. Thank you Oscars for being simply awesome.“

“My wife and I had lunch here this afternoon with our 7 month old daughter. I did not happen to catch the name of the waitress who served us but her service was over the top exceptional. We truly were blown away by how attentive that she was. She was more than prompt on getting us everything - bread, drinks, our food, as well as to go desert and drinks. My wife had to take our daughter out to the car because she started getting fussy due to it being her nap time and the server helped me bag everything up. The food was hot and fresh. We have zero complaints! This was a very good dining experience and we will most definitely be back! Thank you!“

“Rosati’s in Knoxville is the only pizza in this area that reminds me of the type of Pizza we could get back home in Rockford,Il. We often get them for family gatherings. Friendly staff and excellent pizza! Thank you!“

“Amazing service, food, and prices! We love this place. We’ll be back!“

“My friend and I went there today.A gentleman on his break eas very kind answering my 2 questions. We ended up getting the cheeseburgers deluxe with added fried onions. They were really good. My son and his wife takes me there sometimes to get pizza and ounion rings. They are the best. You will not be disappointed at this place ever.“

“Fantastic place! Absolutely the best bartenders and drinks in Knoxville! The small food menu is absolutely stellar! Can’t wait till my next trip!“

“Had a good house salad there today. Everytime i have been there, its been very good!“

“Stopped in while in the area for an early dinner. The gentleman that met us was friendly and personable. The calzone was delicious and huge! (Note: the calzone does not have ricotta in it, which is the way I like it, so I was happy!) the manicotti was delicious and a very large portion. All in all, delicious food and a friendly greeting plus the portions are large enough to make two more meals at home. We will be back!“

“I cannot recommend this place enough! The best marina I've ever had. Probably the best crust too. It's even better if you can eat fresh out of the oven it's even better! They are open till 3am or 4am.“

“This is by far my favorite chain pizza place.

I usually pick up my order because it’s so close, and the staff is unfailingly polite.

The deep dish pizza is our go to, and regardless the topping combo, it’s always good.“

“Great Pizza and Great Staff. Ate again on 5/8/2024. pizza cooked and made perfect. ❤️🍕😋 Thanks!“

“With chain pizza restaurants I believe either you like their 'style' of pizza or you don't. In the past I've learned I don't like Marco's style as much as other chains but I do want to give them kudos today.

We were going to a friend's and they wanted to cater in Marco's from this location so we offered to pick it up on the way.

They were quick, they were friendly, it was super hot 🔥 and for as many item as we picked up reasonably priced.

If you live near this location and like it Marco's style I would recommend you order.“