Emilia, located in the heart of Knoxville, is quickly becoming a standout in the Italian dining scene. With a warm ambiance highlighted by exposed brick walls and intimate lighting, it’s equally perfect for romantic date nights and casual gatherings with friends. Diners rave about the Artichoke Fritti and Sea Scallops with Risotto, crafted to perfection, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Customer Angela Landsberg hailed the Butterscotch Budino as "utterly delicious," capturing the essence of Emilia's dessert offerings. It's clear that Emilia pays attention to every aspect of the meal, from appetizer to dessert. Those with dietary restrictions have found this restaurant accommodating, with options like gluten-free risotto that receive high praise.
Service is another highlight, with several patrons noting attentive and professional staff members who enhance the dining experience. Overall, Emilia is a delightful culinary journey, blending tradition with a modern touch. No wonder diners find themselves planning their next visit before they even leave!
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Difficult to find a space
Photos
Reviews For Emilia
Angela Landsberg
Jun 18,2025
Emilia’s, Thank you! Dinner was sublime! We were immediately & professionally greeted with kindness and sat by the hostess. The Artichoke Fritti, Arugula Salad & Sea Scallops w/ Risotto were cooked to perfection. Exquisite. Our dessert was 100% on point. We had the Butterscotch Budino, which we washed down with a beautiful, freshly made Latte. The Butterscotch was the star of this dessert (which is a rarity to find) and it rendered me absolutely speechless. Right now, a small smile comes across my face just thinking about this wondrous dessert. Utterly delicious. I know I’ll probably be thinking about this remarkable Butterscotch dessert throughout this upcoming week and probably until I visit Emilia’s again soon. Yes, must be very, very soon. Krista was our server and the service she provided from beginning to end was nothing short of perfection, as well. She timely, quitely & subtly (without any interruption) serviced our every need. After ordering our appetizers, entrees and a bottle of Moscato wine, we didn’t need for anything. Fantastically done, Krista. It was a very pleasant and wonderful evening! Cheers to Emilia’s!
Meagan Dennison
Jun 13,2025
A group of friends and I just happened to come in late one Friday evening and we were so pleased with our experience! The atmosphere was perfect for a relaxed and intimate evening with the exposed brick walls and dim lights. We all ordered house wine, and were quite please with it, and a large plate of mussels to start! My partner and I shared the gnocchi, mushroom pasta, and eggplant. It was filling but was the perfect amount of food for the two of us. The desserts looked great but we decided to skip them. We had a great time as a group, but this would be a fantastic place for a fancier date night!
Jason H.
May 28,2025
My wife and I eat here every year for our anniversary. The food and service is always amazing. The menu options rotate so we’re never bored with the choices but there’s always staples to choose from too. Very accommodating for dietary restrictions as well!
Braquel Whetsell
May 3,2025
I absolutely love Emilia’s! The vibe is always perfect, and the food is so fresh and delicious! Seriously some of the best chicken I’ve EVER had. Also, the lemon drop martini was perfection! Davy was our server and I have to say, she’s been the best we’ve ever had here. Go ask for her!
Caitlin Todd
May 2,2025
The meal we had was one of the best I've ever had! They have a gluten-free risotto that's amazing, and my husband loved his carbonara. I wish we had this restaurant in Nashville, I'd love to come back!
Harvey Long
Apr 22,2025
Another great restaurant in downtown Knoxville love getting dressed up for dinner and having a wonderful time with my wife out had a wonderful dinner food was delicious with a great bottle of wine atmosphere was friendly and casual would definitely recommend
Paul Gramer
Apr 18,2025
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Emilia at the Market Square in Knoxville, TN, and it was an exceptional experience. The service was attentive and professional, ensuring a delightful evening. I began with a Black Manhattan, which was expertly crafted and set the tone for the meal. The Steamed PEI Mussels appetizer was outstanding; the mussels were tender and flavorful, complemented by a savory broth and served with grilled rustic Paysan bread. For the main course, the Roasted Beets with pistachio butter offered a delightful combination of earthy and nutty flavors, while the Mitchell Family Farm Market steak was cooked to perfection, showcasing the quality of local, grass-fed beef. Emilia's commitment to simple, seasonal Italian cuisine is evident in every dish. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in Knoxville
Mike Chynoweth
Mar 17,2025
The focaccia and caprese salad were excellent; we could have made a meal of those alone. The gnocchi was also delicious. The old fashioned was one of the best old fashioned's I've had. The butterscotch pudding and strawberry with elderflower desserts were unbelievable! The service was great, and we definitely look forward to our next visit!
Reviews For Emilia