Italian Restaurants in Tennessee

When Guy Fieri rolled his red Camaro into Tennessee, he discovered that the Volunteer State serves up much more than just barbecue and hot chicken. From 2007 to 2022, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has featured five Italian gems across the state, and every single one is still slinging pasta and pizza to this day. With an impressive average rating of 4.4 stars, these trattorias and pizzerias have proven that authentic Italian flavors have found a serious home in the South.

Nashville leads the pack with three featured spots, including the beloved Caffe Nonna, which tops the ratings at 4.6 stars with its scratch-made dishes that would make any Italian grandmother proud. Head west to Memphis and you’ll find Marlowe’s Ribs earning 4.5 stars, while Knoxville’s Pizza Palace matches that rating in the eastern part of the state. Whether you’re craving wood-fired pies, hand-rolled gnocchi, or hearty red sauce classics, Tennessee’s Triple D-approved Italian restaurants deliver the kind of flavor-packed meals that earned Guy’s famous “Winner, winner, chicken parm dinner!”