Emilia

Name: Emilia
Address: 16 Market Square, Knoxville, TN, United States, 37902
Telephone: (865) 313-2472
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

2357 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary Italian

Top Tags:

Emilia is a full service restaurant located on Market Square in Downtown Knoxville. Chef/Owner Matt Gallaher serves a seasonal, contemporary Italian menu with an emphasis on handmade pasta, homemade bread, and ingredients from local purveyors.

*The fine print: Friday and Saturday capacity is limited to parties of 8 and under. For weeknight parties over 8 please call the restaurant directly at 865 313 2472 to check availability. Any inquiries for parties of 12 or more are considered group service. Please email maggie@emiliaknox for group sales inquiries.

A 20% gratuity may be applied to parties greater than 5 guests. We offer an extensive, 100% Italian wine list, but we do allow outside bottles of wine for a $25 corkage fee, provided it's not a wine on our current list.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 5, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 21 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Contemporary Italian
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(865) 313-2472
Website
http://www.emiliaknox.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Matt Gallaher
Catering
Chef Matt Gallaher has an extensive background in catering. From small dinners and large fundraising events to weddings, Chef Matt delivers a delicious and professional experience. Email maggie@emiliaknox.com to customize your event menu and experience.
Private party facilities
We will provide exclusive use of Emilia for Private Events on Monday nights. Some other evenings may also be available. Email maggie@emiliaknox.com for more info!

Location
16 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Neighborhood
Knoxville
Cross street
Wall Ave
Parking details
Market Square Garage, Locust Street Garage, and State Street Garage.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

36 East Tennessee Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Warm Castelvetrano Olives^$3.00
with Calabrian Chile, Garlic and Thyme
Artichoke Fritti*$8.00
Baby Artichoke Fritters with Lemon and Caper Aioli
Young Arugula Salad^$11.00
with Shaved Fennel, Parmigiano-Reggiano and Truffle and Lemon Citronette
House Pulled Mozzarella$14.00
with Georgia Olive Oil, Flaky Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Brown Butter Sage Croutons and Hazelnut Gremolata
Grilled Romaine Heart*$9.00
with Parmigiano-Reggiano, Oil Cured Olive and Herbed Bread Crumbs and Traditional Caesar Dressing
Steamed PEI Mussels$16.00
with Fennel, Garlic, White Wine, Chiles and Grilled Rustic Paysan Bread
Grilled Spanish Octopus^$16.00
Housemade N'duja Sausage, Cannellini Bean Puree, Lemon and Dressed Arugula

Secondi

Pan Roasted Sustainable Salmon^$26.00
with Creamy Cauliflower Purée, Cauliflower Caponata with Capers and Citrus Confitura
Pollo 'Al Mattone'^$24.00
Half Springer Mountain Farms Chicken Cooked 'under a brick' with a Castelvetrano Olive and Oregano Pan Sauce, Crispy Fingerling Potatoes and Salsa Verde
Pork 'Milanese'*$18.00
Thinly Pounded and Fried Pork Loin with Silky Pomodoro Sauce, Young Arugula, Parmigiano-Reggiano and Horseradish- Parsley Gremolata
Mitchell Family Farm Market Steak
Grass Fed and Grain Finished Beef from Blaine, TN with Seasonal Sides and Rich Beef Jus
- MP

House-Made Pasta

Any pasta dish can be made Celiac Friendly with gluten free penne pasta

Campanelle con Funghi e Pinoli$18.00
'Little Bells' Pasta with Roasted Mushrooms and Broccolini in a Creamy Pine Nut, Almond and Mushroom Broth with Toasted Pine Nuts
Slow Cooked Duck and Aged Arborio Risotto$26.00
Traditional Arborio Risotto with Slow Cooked Duck Leg Meat, Local Winter Squash, Pears, Charred Radicchio, Pistachios and Sage Crema
Cavatelli Ai Frutti di Mare$32.00
Prince Edward Island Mussels, Jumbo Shrimp and Market Fish in a Genovese Style Brodo of San Marzano Tomatoes with 'Little Caves' Pasta and Herbed Bread Crumbs
Fusilli Carbonara$19.00
Corkscrew Pasta with Benton's Bacon, Pecorino Romano, a Poached Windy Acres Farm Egg* and Parmigiano-Reggiano
Polenta And Meatballs Pomodoro$19.00
Creamy Shelton Farm Polenta with Traditional Meatballs, San Marzano Tomato Sauce and Pecorino Romano
Orecchiette with Ragu alla Bolognese$20.00
'Little Ears' Pasta with a Traditional Bolognese Sauce of Mitchell Farm Beef, Heritage Farm Pork and Strauss Veal with San Marzano Tomatoes and Pecorino Romano
Gnocchi Amatriciana$19.00
Hand Rolled Potato Dumplings with Traditional Amatriciana Sauce of House Cured Pork Jowl, Garlic, Chiles, San Marzano Tomatoes and Pecorino Romano

Contorni

Warm Housemade Focaccia$5.00
with Housemade Cruze Farm Ricotta, Georgia Olive Oil, Flaky Sea Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper
Grilled Broccolini^$7.00
with Preserved Lemon, Garlic and Calabrian Chile
Roasted Beets with Pistachio Butter^$8.00
White Balsamic Vinaigrette and Toasted Pistachios
Roasted Brussels Sprouts^$8.00
with Benton's Bacon-Balsamic Vinaigrette and Toasted Hazelnuts

Drinks

House Wines (On Tap)

White
- Glass$7.00
- Carafe$35.00
Rosé
- Glass$7.00
- Carafe$35.00
Red
served slightly chilled
- Glass$7.00
- Carafe$35.00

Beer

Draft

Rotating Italian Beer$6.00
Highlands West Coast IPA (Asheville, NC)$6.00
Yee-Haw Dunkel (Johnson City, TN)$6.00

Bottle and Can

Dogfish Head 'Sea Quench' Session Sour (Milton, DE)$6.00
Miller Light (Milwaukee, WI)$3.50
Miller High Life (Milwaukee, WI)$2.50
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA (Milton, DE)$6.00
Menebrea Bionda (Piedmont, IT)$6.00

Cocktails

St. Agrestis Spritz$12.00
A Canned Spritz Cocktail from Brooklyn, Served over ice with an Orange wheel
Ode To Kimball House$12.00
Uncle Val's Botanical Gin, Cocchi Americano, Castelvetrano Olive Brine, Orange Bitters & Lemon
Air Mail$13.00
Prosecco, Campesino Aged Rum, Local Honey Spiced with Calabrian Chili, Lime
Black Manhattan$13.00
Four Roses Bourbon, Averna, Bitters and a Luxardo Cherry
La Rosita$13.00
Maestro Dobel Reposado Tequila, Campari, Sweet and Dry Vermouth, Bitters and Orange
Sambuca Sazerac$12.00
Belle Meade Bourbon, Peychaud's Bitters, Sambuca Rinse & Lemon Twist

Sparkling, White, Rosé & Orange Wine

Moscato d'Asti 2019, Luigi Vico (Piedmont, IT)
- Glass$13.00
- Bottle$52.00
Prosecco NV, Il Faggeto (Veneto, IT)
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$48.00
Gavi 2020, Villa Sparina (Piedmont, IT)
- Glass$11.00
- Bottle$44.00
Fiano 2019, La Capranera (Campania, IT)
- Glass$11.00
- Bottle$44.00
Pinot Grigio 2020, La Vis Dipinti (Trentino, IT)
- Glass$9.00
- Bottle$36.00
Chardonnay 2020, La Miraja (Piedmont, IT)
- Glass$13.00
- Bottle$52.00
Prosecco Superiore 'Col Fondo' 2019, Case Paolin (Veneto, IT)
- Bottle$74.00
Metodo Classico NV, Cesarini Sforza (Trentino, IT)
- Bottle$74.00
Franciacorta Brut 2016, Majolini (Lombardy, IT)
- Bottle$108.00
Franciacorta "Altèra" Brut Rosé NV, Majolini (Lombardy, IT)
- Bottle$120.00
Etna Rosato 2020, Murgo (Sicily, IT)
- Bottle$59.00
Soave Classico "Carbonare' 2018, Inama (Veneto, IT)
- Bottle$88.00
Secco Ca'Del Merlo 2015/2017, Quintarelli (Veneto, IT)
- Bottle$115.00
Pinot Grigio 2019, Terlano (Alto Adige, IT)
- Bottle$64.00
Terlaner 'Rarity' 2008, Terlano (Alto Adige, IT)
- Bottle$375.00
Pinot Bianco 'Vorberg Riserva' 2017, Terlano (Alto Adige, IT)
- Bottle$128.00
Sauvignon Blanc "Vette" 2020, San Leonardo (Alto Adige, IT)
- Bottle$68.00
Timorasso 'Derthona' 2018, Vigneti Massa (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$78.00
Gewürztraminer 'Kastelaz 2019, Elena Walch (Alto Adige, IT)
- Bottle$95.00
Friulano 2016, Roncus (Friuli, IT)
- Bottle$55.00
Ribolla Gialla 2017, Roncus (Friuli, IT)
- Bottle$95.00
Chardonnay 2018, Vie di Romans (Friuli, IT)
- Bottle$116.00
Bucce Bianco 'Orange Wine' 2019, Cardedu (Sardegna, IT)
- Bottle$60.00
Insolia & Grillo 'Orange Wine' 2020, COS (Sicily, IT)
- Bottle$95.00

Red Wine

Pinot Noir Prendo 2020, Wilhelm Waich (Alto Adige, IT)
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$48.00
Nebbiolo 2019, Parusso (Piedmont, IT)
- Glass$17.00
- Bottle$68.00
Chianti Riserva "Alteo" 2018, Donna Laura (Tuscany, IT)
- Glass$11.00
- Bottle$44.00
Aglianico 2020, La Capranera (Campania, IT)
- Glass$11.00
- Bottle$44.00
Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Campe alle Comete (Bolgheri, IT)
- Glass$17.00
- Bottle$68.00
Lambrusco 'Il Grasparossa' 2019, Pederzana (Emilia Romagna, IT)
- Bottle$60.00
Negroamaro 'Riserva' 2017, Leone de Castris (Apulia, IT)
- Bottle$58.00
Nerello Mascelese 'Munjebel 2016, Cornelissen (Sicily, IT)
- Bottle$165.00
Etna Rosso 2017, Terra Costantino (Sicily, IT)
- Bottle$72.00
Alicante Arundo' 2015, Meridio (Sicily, IT)
- Bottle$125.00
Pelaverga "Speziale" 2019, Alessandria (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$80.00
Valpolicella Ripasso 2018, Remo Farina (Veneto, IT)
- Bottle$48.00
Cabernet Franc 2018, Villa Varda (Fruili, IT)
- Bottle$53.00
Cannonau 'Riserva' 2017, Pala (Sardegna, IT)
- Bottle$84.00
Barbera d'Asti 'Ca' di Pian 2016, La Spinetta (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle (375ml)$47.00
Barbera d'Asti 'Tre Vigne' 2019, Vietti (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$65.00
Barbera d'Alba 2020, Massolino (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$84.00
Fumin 'Vigne Merletta' 2012, Gros Jean (Vallée D'Aoste, IT)
- Bottle$95.00
Dolcetto d'Alba "Barturot" 2016, Ca'Viola (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$69.00
Chianti Classico "Vallenuova" 2018, Tolaini (Tuscany, IT)
- Bottle$80.00
Rosso di Montalcino 2018, Donatella Cinelli Colombini (Tuscany, IT)
- Bottle$80.00
Pinot Noir 2019, Adriano (Alto Adige, IT)
- Bottle$72.00
Pinot Noir 'Ludwig' 2017, Elena Walch (Alto Adige, IT)
- Bottle$130.00
Cab Sauv & Merlot 'Terre' 2016, San Leonardo (Alto Adige, IT)
- Bottle (1.5 L)$128.00
Spanna 2017, Vallana (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$78.00
Ghemme 2015, Mazzoni (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$88.00
Nebbiolo Colline Novaresi "Valplazza' 2018, Rovellotti (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle (1.5 L)$145.00
Aglianico "Ognostro' 2018, Marco Tinessa (Campania, IT)
- Bottle$157.00
Barbaresco 'Tufoblu' 2014, Col dei Venti (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$119.00
Barbaresco 'Starderi' 2013, La Spinetta (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$225.00
Barbaresco 2016, Gaja (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$395.00
Barolo 2017, Vietti (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle (375ml)$85.00
Barolo 'Rocche di Castiglione' 2017, Oddero (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$264.00
Barolo 2016, Eraldo Viberti (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$169.00
Barolo 'Riserva' 2005, Eraldo Viberti (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$272.00
Barolo 'Sottocastello di Novello' 2015, Ca'Viola (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$172.00
Barolo 2011, Marchesi di Barolo (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$188.00
Barolo 2016, Luigi Vico (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$220.00
Barolo 'Garretti' 2015, La Spinetta (Piedmont, IT)
- Bottle$172.00
Brunello di Montalcino 2016, Fanti (Tuscany, IT)
- Bottle$120.00
Brunello di Montalcino 2015, Donatella Cinelli Colombini (Tuscany, IT)
- Bottle$169.00
Brunello di Montalcino 2016, Casanova di Neri (Tuscany, IT)
- Bottle$188.00
Brunello di Montalcino 'Pianrosso' 2016, Ciacci Piccolomini (Tucany, IT)
- Bottle$264.00
Brunello di Montalcino 2014, Gaja (Tuscany, IT)
- Bottle$266.00
Brunello di Montalcino 2009, Biondi-Santi (Tuscany, IT)
- Bottle$640.00
Palistorti di Valgiano 2018, Valgiano (Tuscany, IT)
- Bottle$116.00
Lagrein "Gries' 2017, Terlano (Alto Adige, IT)
- Bottle$97.00
Cabernet Sauvignon "Valdisanti" 2018, Tolaini (Tuscany, IT)
- Bottle$96.00
Rosso 'dott. Palazzolo' 2018, Ronco del Gnemiz (Friuli)
- Bottle$240.00
Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, LEGIT (Tuscany, IT)
- Bottle$130.00
Sassicaia 2018, Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta (Bolgheri Sassicaia, IT)
- Bottle$695.00
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 'Maladrino: 2019 Cataldi Madonna (Abruzzo, IT)
- Bottle$68.00
Valpolicella Superiore 2014, Quintarelli (Veneto, IT)
- Bottle$298.00
Valpolicella Superiore 2015, dal Forno (Veneta, IT)
- Bottle$288.00
Amarone della Valpolicella 2015, l'Arco (Veneto, IT)
- Bottle$272.00

What 2,357 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

East Tennessee
Great for fine wines
Knoxville
Best Overall
Knoxville
Best Food
Knoxville
Best Value
Knoxville
Great for fine wines
Knoxville
Most Booked

Sort by

OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, atmosphere and service! Will be back!
MC
MaryCatherineL
E. Tennessee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food, and the wait staff was excellent, attentive and not intrusive.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great! The service was wonderful and the food was amazing!!!
T
Tetiana
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was amazing! Thank you for great atmosphere
C
Cazza
Western NC
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We try to dine at Emilia any time we come through Knoxville - the food just keeps getting better and better, and the service is wonderful. Thank you for another lovely experience!
SN
SarahN
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious homemade pasta, reasonable portions and a great place to eat in Knoxville! Absolutely indulge and enjoy dinner here. Service was also excellent and attentive without being intrusive!
OT
OpenTable Diner
E. Tennessee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love Emelia-best value in town and always reliable.
OH
OttoH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Definitely my new favorite Restaurant. Beats are amazing. The Pork was great. Everything was delicious and perfect.
SS
SuzanneS
Milwaukee
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my favorite restaurants in Knoxville. Everything is amazing. They will make adjustments to certain dishes if you need. Wine & food are wonderful- and we love the atmosphere and location. This is our 3rd time there and we will make reservations next time we are in town.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Western NC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience5
Usually Emilia is a great place for dinner. We ate there last month & it was terrific. Last night however, the restaurant was downright terrible, and the staff kept making excuses for bad food. We didn’t want to hear excuses. The risotto didn’t even come close to being “risotto”. It was watery, bland and unpleasant. When we explained the dish was not to our liking and requested a different dish, we were met with condemnation…”the dish IS risotto”, with the attitude of you don’t know what real risotto is. Uh, yes we do! When the manager brought the replacement dish, he explained that the risotto just needed more salt. UGH! Who cares at this point? One of us was served a corked glass of wine & asked that it be replaced. Again with the attitude, “the wine is good, but I’ll get you another glass”. The ribeye served rare as requested, was tough, chewy and full of fat. It had not been trimmed properly and was definitely not a great cut of beef. The lightly fried portobello mushroom was overly breaded & was super fried, full of grease. We couldn’t eat it. The vegetarian pasta, which is one of our favorite dishes, was dry instead of the usual creamy pine nut sauce. I hope last night’s meal was just a bad night for the restaurant & that whomever is in charge takes notice & corrects the situation. Because we have had great experiences in the past, we will give it another shot. If this had been our first time at Emilia, we wouldn’t go back.
SS
SusanS
Alabama
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and service! My carbonara made with world famous Benton’s Bacon was over the top delicious! We are so lucky to have this restaurant in our city. Keith was wonderful and our server John is always terrific.
MP
MichaelP
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
A favorite place to eat. Food is consistently good, if a little too rich and expensive. Would like to see more gf and df options, and a little more variety on the menu. gf gnocchi would be a plus. Good wine menu, but very pricey.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Lively atmosphere with a great mixture of creative small plates, pasta dishes and main dishes to satisfy traditional as well as adventurous diners.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I come to Knoxville a couple times a year to visit my parents and Emilia is a staple of every trip. Each visit is always consistent - excellent service and incredible food. If you are in the area looking for a great dinner with an awesome ambiance, go to Emilia.
S
Samuel
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We go here all the time, for basically any special occasion. Incredible Italian food. Wonderful, quick and friendly service. Our server was so kind and sweet to my mother for Mother’s Day. I can’t say enough great things about Emilia. See you again very soon.
OT
OpenTable Diner
E. Tennessee
53 reviews
vip
5.0
53 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Our meal and service was second to none! One of favorite restaurants in Knoxville! Our waitress was outstanding
CD
ChrisD
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience3
Our server was excellent, very attentive. I had the steak it was chewy my wife had the Bolognese It was good but kind of bland Prakash it was dry. I had a very generous portion of mussels, which were good. My cocktail was delicious.
KH
KathyH
E. Tennessee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time eating here. It was delicious! Our waiter, John was outstanding with wonderful recommendations. Can’t wait to visit again and try something different!
AG
AndreaG
E. Tennessee
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are so fortunate to have a restaurant like Emilia in Knoxville, TN. The food is always scrumptious, from the Warm Castelvetrano Olives and Artichoke Fritti to the Grilled Romaine and amazing Bolognese..So good!! They have the best management and staff, so nice and very accommodating. Such a treat to dine there!
PD
PamD
San Francisco
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2023
overall2food1service2ambience4
Food was not good. My steak was blue - sent it back to only have it charred on the outside and still red in the center (I ordered medium well). Server took forever to bring drinks, food wasn’t hot when brought to the table. My husbands pork malinase was tough and the batter just pulled right off. Will not be returning.
SC
SuzanneC
E. Tennessee
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter John was great. The table full of women and children behind us singing at the top of their lungs was not great.
D
David
E. Tennessee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife and I love everything about Emilia. The food was amazing, great atmosphere, and overall experience was wonderful. Hardest thing is deciding what I want to eat. Can't wait to go back.
EP
EllenP
E. Tennessee
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best restaurants in Knoxville! Everything is fresh, made from scratch and always delicious. This is our new favorite place!
RD
RidgeDickert
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing traditional Italian food. Pasta was perfectly cooked. The artichokes were awesome. Only complaint was the one quanciole was a little over powering in the carbonara gave a slight burnt taste.
JP
JosephP
E. Tennessee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent and the wait staff was professional and attentive.
L
Liveloveat
San Francisco
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience4
Delicious dining experience! Mussels and broth were terrific. Husband really enjoyed the octopus. Campanelle pasta sauce had a smooth velvety texture, so so good. Salmon was seared beautifully. Tiramisu was an unexpected miss for dessert but the butterscotch budino more than made up for it. Service was less polished than expected but otherwise functional.
LK
LydiaK
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
Overall, it was great. However the seating was a little bit uncomfortable. The table was too small for 3-4 people and one of my chair legs was a little shorter than others so it made the seating uncomfortable.
MB
MargaretB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I love returning to Emilia year after year. Excellent quality for the price. You will not be disappointed!
E
Elizabeth
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Food and service was excellent! We had a party of four; we all enjoyed everything from soup to nuts, including cocktails and wine. Our ONLY complaint is the noise level: way too loud, and really, no need for the music - so many nice restaurants miss the mark when it comes to noise; that's a big part of the ambience....we prefer not to shout at each other when dining out. I would definitely recommend the food and service, but I would warn them about the noise. Emilia needs a little help with the ambience ; )
KG
KnoxvilleGuy
E. Tennessee
264 reviews
vip
4.0
264 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
We've dined here many times and the food is always good and it's a nice setting. We met some friends there this time and we enjoyed our dinner again. Service seemed a little rushed and slightly disorganized this time around (maybe short staffed?). But it all worked out in the end and we'll be back again.
AS
AmyS
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Celebrated my son’s birthday and we had amazing service! Brett was our server and the gentlemen that was managing on Sunday was wonderful! The bolognese was delicious and the butterscotch pudding dessert was out of this world! Thank you for a great night!
PP
PatrickP
Dublin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great. My daughter is Celiac. The waiter was great!
JR
JulianR
New England
9 reviews
vip
2.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2023
overall2food1service2ambience2
Food was way too salty, too salty to eat. Waiter was curt and didn’t care. Never asked why the plates were left untouched. Won’t return.
JB
JeffB
Coastal Georgia
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Valarie was just fantastic as our server. Great food, never disappoints!
SJ
ScottJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service was absolutely wonderful! I highly recommend this establishment for an evening out!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience2
The steak I was served, was incredibly bland, over cooked and had a minimal crust to it. When I sent it back they still tried to charge me for the steak and the manager was incredibly rude when I asked for it to be taken off. I thought it was pretty common courtesy to take of an item in this scenario. When I tried to talk to the owner about the situation he called me a child for not understanding “margins” even though he could not explain how them making me a second steak is any better for them than just not charging me for the first steak. It was a terrible experience and I guarantee they would have expected the same thing I did if they were in my shoes. They got their feelings hurt and lashed out at a customer. Very unprofessional.
A
Alain
New York Area
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on April 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Salmon was delicious. Great service. Quiet and located right on Market Square downtown.
m
marysuz
San Francisco
9 reviews
vip
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 19, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
The staff seemed tired and bored, not the way I remember this place from past experience. The food was good, not great. The prices were fair. Yes, I will return because I think it was an off night
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Food was outstanding! Very fresh and superb taste.
BM
BlueMoonMomma
Phoenix
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a fabulous time. Or waiter John was awesome!

FAQs

Emilia is rated 4.7 stars by 2357 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 5, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 21 times today

16 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Wall Ave
Neighborhood
Knoxville
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Market Square Garage, Locust Street Garage, and State Street Garage.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Matt Gallaher
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.emiliaknox.com/
Phone number
(865) 313-2472
Catering
Chef Matt Gallaher has an extensive background in catering. From small dinners and large fundraising events to weddings, Chef Matt delivers a delicious and professional experience. Email maggie@emiliaknox.com to customize your event menu and experience.
Private party facilities
We will provide exclusive use of Emilia for Private Events on Monday nights. Some other evenings may also be available. Email maggie@emiliaknox.com for more info!

Featured in

36 East Tennessee Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Emilia

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

36 East Tennessee Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Fusilli Carbonara

House Pulled Mozzarella

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Antipasti

Warm Castelvetrano Olives^$3.00

Artichoke Fritti*$8.00

Young Arugula Salad^$11.00

House Pulled Mozzarella$14.00

Grilled Romaine Heart*$9.00

Steamed PEI Mussels$16.00

Grilled Spanish Octopus^$16.00

Secondi

Pan Roasted Sustainable Salmon^$26.00

Pollo 'Al Mattone'^$24.00

Pork 'Milanese'*$18.00

Mitchell Family Farm Market Steak

House-Made Pasta

Campanelle con Funghi e Pinoli$18.00

Slow Cooked Duck and Aged Arborio Risotto$26.00

Cavatelli Ai Frutti di Mare$32.00

Fusilli Carbonara$19.00

Polenta And Meatballs Pomodoro$19.00

Orecchiette with Ragu alla Bolognese$20.00

Gnocchi Amatriciana$19.00

Contorni

Warm Housemade Focaccia$5.00

Grilled Broccolini^$7.00

Roasted Beets with Pistachio Butter^$8.00

Roasted Brussels Sprouts^$8.00

Drinks

House Wines (On Tap)

White

Rosé

Red

Beer

Draft

Rotating Italian Beer$6.00

Highlands West Coast IPA (Asheville, NC)$6.00

Yee-Haw Dunkel (Johnson City, TN)$6.00

Bottle and Can

Dogfish Head 'Sea Quench' Session Sour (Milton, DE)$6.00

Miller Light (Milwaukee, WI)$3.50

Miller High Life (Milwaukee, WI)$2.50

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA (Milton, DE)$6.00

Menebrea Bionda (Piedmont, IT)$6.00

Cocktails

St. Agrestis Spritz$12.00

Ode To Kimball House$12.00

Air Mail$13.00

Black Manhattan$13.00

La Rosita$13.00

Sambuca Sazerac$12.00

Sparkling, White, Rosé & Orange Wine

Moscato d'Asti 2019, Luigi Vico (Piedmont, IT)

Prosecco NV, Il Faggeto (Veneto, IT)

Gavi 2020, Villa Sparina (Piedmont, IT)

Fiano 2019, La Capranera (Campania, IT)

Pinot Grigio 2020, La Vis Dipinti (Trentino, IT)

Chardonnay 2020, La Miraja (Piedmont, IT)

Prosecco Superiore 'Col Fondo' 2019, Case Paolin (Veneto, IT)

Metodo Classico NV, Cesarini Sforza (Trentino, IT)

Franciacorta Brut 2016, Majolini (Lombardy, IT)

Franciacorta "Altèra" Brut Rosé NV, Majolini (Lombardy, IT)

Etna Rosato 2020, Murgo (Sicily, IT)

Soave Classico "Carbonare' 2018, Inama (Veneto, IT)

Secco Ca'Del Merlo 2015/2017, Quintarelli (Veneto, IT)

Pinot Grigio 2019, Terlano (Alto Adige, IT)

Terlaner 'Rarity' 2008, Terlano (Alto Adige, IT)

Pinot Bianco 'Vorberg Riserva' 2017, Terlano (Alto Adige, IT)

Sauvignon Blanc "Vette" 2020, San Leonardo (Alto Adige, IT)

Timorasso 'Derthona' 2018, Vigneti Massa (Piedmont, IT)

Gewürztraminer 'Kastelaz 2019, Elena Walch (Alto Adige, IT)

Friulano 2016, Roncus (Friuli, IT)

Ribolla Gialla 2017, Roncus (Friuli, IT)

Chardonnay 2018, Vie di Romans (Friuli, IT)