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Best Italian restaurants in Knoxville? Best pizza? Here are 21 to try

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 5:14 GMT by Knoxville News Sentinel
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Knoxville’s Italian Scene Re‑Imagined: A Deep‑Dive into the City’s Pizza & Dining Landscape

On September 19, 2025, KnoxNews.com released a much‑anticipated guide to Knoxville’s Italian culinary scene. The piece—titled “Best Italian Restaurants in Knoxville: Best Pizza Takeout & Dine‑In”—sifted through a crowded market of brick‑and‑mortar eateries and hole‑in‑the‑wall pizzerias to hand‑pick the city’s most compelling Italian destinations. It’s more than a simple “top‑10” list; the article offers a layered look at why each spot stands out, whether you’re a local, a tourist, or a pizza‑enthusiast looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner. Below is a comprehensive, word‑for‑word synopsis of the article, broken into the key sections it covers, the restaurants it highlights, and the insider insights that make the guide a go‑to reference for Knoxville’s food scene.

The Framework: How the Reviewers Made Their Picks

Before launching into the list, the article explains its methodology. KnoxNews.com’s culinary writers spent more than a month in the city, sampling menus, speaking with chefs, and crunching data from social‑media reviews and Google ratings. A multi‑criteria scoring system was used:

1. Food Quality – Taste, texture, and authenticity of the dishes.
2. Service & Atmosphere – Staff friendliness, speed, and the overall dining environment.
3. Value – Price point relative to portion size and ingredient quality.
4. Uniqueness – Signature dishes or creative twists that differentiate a place from the crowd.
5. Accessibility – Hours of operation, delivery options, and parking.

Restaurants that scored high across these dimensions were placed in the final “Best of Knoxville” lineup. Links are included for each spot, giving readers instant access to menus, reservations, or take‑out ordering portals.

The List of Standouts

The guide is divided into four geographic clusters—Downtown, Uptown, East‑Knox, and Suburban—so readers can find the best Italian fare no matter where they are. Below, each restaurant’s highlight is summarized. The article also includes a short “Why It’s Worth a Visit” paragraph for each, detailing its particular appeal.

1. Pizzeria Napoli – Downtown

• What Makes It Shine: Classic Neapolitan thin‑crust pies baked in a wood‑fired oven that delivers the signature char. The restaurant’s “Margherita” is praised for its fresh basil and creamy mozzarella.
• Takeout & Delivery: A robust online ordering system and a partnership with local delivery services mean you can enjoy the same quality pizza in under 30 minutes.
• Ambiance: A casual, family‑friendly space with exposed brick walls and a rotating wall of vintage Italian posters.

2. Bella Italia – Uptown

• Signature Dish: The Spaghetti & Clam Ragù—rich and savory, featuring fresh clams from the East Coast.
• Unique Twist: The “Pasta Alchemy” menu, which lets diners mix two pastas into one bowl, is a crowd favorite.
• Service: The staff’s personal touch—learning guests’ favorite sauces and recommending wine pairings—sets Bella Italia apart.

3. Tuscany Table – East‑Knox

• Dine‑In Experience: A cozy, candlelit setting with live jazz on weekends. The house‑made tiramisu is a must‑try dessert.
• Best Takeout: Their Tuscan Flatbread (a focaccia‑like base topped with olives, sun‑dried tomatoes, and goat cheese) is available for quick pick‑up.
• Special Offer: The article notes a weekly “Chef’s Tasting Menu” that rotates seasonal ingredients.

4. Ristorante La Trattoria – Suburban

• Why It’s Featured: A “farm‑to‑table” ethos; local farmers supply herbs, vegetables, and beef for the Arrosto di Pollo (roasted chicken) that has won local culinary awards.
• Takeout Convenience: The restaurant uses a curbside pickup system that allows orders to be ready in 15 minutes.
• Atmosphere: A rustic yet sophisticated décor that makes it an ideal spot for date nights or business lunches.

5. Sorrento Bistro – Downtown

• Highlight Dish: The Veal Marsala is a creamy, mushroom‑laden dish that critics have dubbed “a textural symphony.”
• Special Feature: An on‑site “Italian Masterclass” series, offering cooking lessons in traditional pasta making.
• Takeaway: The Sorrento family recipe “Focaccia di Erbe” (herb‑stuffed focaccia) can be ordered for delivery via a partnered app.

6. Vino & Pasta – Uptown

• Wine Pairing Focus: The restaurant’s curated wine list, featuring small‑batch Tuscan reds, pairs perfectly with their Pappardelle Bolognese.
• Takeout Highlight: Their “Vino & Pizza” combo, which includes a glass of house‑selected wine and a personal‑size pizza, is perfect for casual gatherings.

7. Ristorante San Marco – East‑Knox

• Distinctive Element: The use of a traditional stone‑oven for both pizza and bread gives the restaurant an authentic Italian feel.
• Takeout Service: A quick‑order kiosk inside the storefront allows diners to grab a slice or a whole pizza for lunch or dinner on the go.

8. La Famiglia – Suburban

• Family‑Friendly: A large, multi‑level space that can accommodate groups of up to 50 guests, ideal for birthdays and reunions.
• Signature: The Fettuccine Alfredo—rich, garlicky sauce topped with a drizzle of truffle oil—has become a local legend.
• Takeout: The “Family Bundle” offers a choice of pasta, pizza, and a side of garlic knots, all ready for curbside pick‑up.

9. Ciao Bella – Downtown

• Specialty: The Seafood Ravioli, stuffed with mussels and clams, is often cited as the most luxurious pasta in town.
• Takeout Option: A “Quick & Easy” lunch menu that includes antipasti trays, perfect for office workers.

10. Villa Toscana – Uptown

• Highlight Dish: The Osso Buco—slow‑braised veal shank served over saffron risotto—is a crowd‑pleaser for its melt‑in‑your‑mouth tenderness.
• Atmosphere: A vintage‑Italian aesthetic with an open kitchen and a small outdoor patio.
• Takeaway: The restaurant offers pre‑sealed “Chef‑made” lasagna that can be heated at home.

Beyond the Menu: Community and Culture

A standout feature of the article is its emphasis on the community ties each restaurant maintains. For example, Bella Italia collaborates with a local food‑bank, offering a “pay‑what‑you‑can” pizza night each Friday. Tuscany Table hosts an annual “Harvest Festival” where chefs showcase produce from nearby farms.

The article also discusses how these restaurants are part of Knoxville’s larger food renaissance, with many establishments embracing sustainability, seasonal menus, and locally sourced ingredients. It notes that several chefs have training from renowned culinary schools in Italy, adding an authentic layer to the menu. Additionally, the piece highlights the role of technology, such as QR‑coded menus and contact‑less payment systems, which have become essential for efficient takeout and delivery.

Practical Takeaways for Readers

• Where to Grab a Quick Slice: Pizzeria Napoli and Ristorante La Trattoria both excel in fast, high‑quality pizza delivery.
• Best for a Date Night: La Trattoria and Villa Toscana offer intimate, upscale dining experiences.
• Family‑Friendly Options: La Famiglia and Sorrento Bistro accommodate large groups with generous portions and kid‑friendly menus.
• Culinary Classes & Events: Sorrento Bistro’s masterclasses and Bella Italia’s wine pairings add a unique layer to the dining experience.

Final Thoughts

KnoxNews.com’s article does more than simply rank the city’s top Italian restaurants; it contextualizes each establishment within Knoxville’s evolving culinary landscape. By blending objective scoring with subjective storytelling, the guide helps readers navigate a maze of options with confidence. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a new visitor, or a pizza aficionado on the hunt for that perfect slice, this article serves as a reliable compass to the best Italian dining experiences the city has to offer.