Gavino’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
5211 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37919
Gavino’s Restaurant & Pizzeria Menu
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Address :
5211 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN, 37919 - Phone (865) 200-5571
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
- Mon : 11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
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Joey D.
This is 100% the best pizza in Knoxville, and it's a contender for many other places as well. And this is coming from a guy that's eaten pizza in basically every city I've ever visited. I've eaten pizza in Castiglion, Italy (great but not excellent). Sydney --- that's my next pizza spot. Back to, the artist that owns this place is from the NE and his pizza speaks of the area. It's great New York style pizza. Really great. Toppings are always freshly perfect, and the white pie is nothing short of perfection. If you prefer Chicago style, you should definitely skip this place and just eat a load of bread. NY style is absolutely perfected and I hope this guy goes nowhere soon. White pie with meatball, onion, and ricotta........ I just salivated myself. Also, if by some glitch in the universe that you don't appreciate Gavinos amazing pies, try the fried chicken. It's quite odd to me, but the fried chicken is on point. On point!!
(5)Rich L.
Preface: most food I've had here has been great. ----- Daddy daughter date. Sadly had a dissapointing experience. The whole pizza I had to order for my 4 yr old since they wouldn't do a slice came out quite a later than my calzone, which sat getting cold while waiting on pizza. The calzone itself was nearly empty despite having ordered with three toppings. What was there was 90% mozzarella and ricotta cheese. Mentioned this to server... who took it to kitchen only to return it later saying that was the normal Calzone. Chef came out and told me to empty the Calzone so I could see what was in it, and said i was crazy. Full price on everything. First bad experience but a shame since we have come here a lot, over two locations. Oh well.
(3)Scott L.
Best Italian in town! Haven't had anything I didn't like there yet. The meatball and sausage subs are so good. The pizza is one of the best in Knoxville.
(5)Angelika S.
Love, Love this Restaurant ;) am going back tomorrow ....I am a food whore ...wonderful...
(5)John V.
Best Italian food in Knoxville! I have never had anything I didn't love.
(5)Mary T.
Hands down, best pizza in town! If your in the mood for a New York Style, go with the Neopolitan. If your not in the mood for New York style, then check out the Grandma's Pizza Pie. You will not be disappointed. I advise at least eating a slice while its hot because most likely you will not eat all of the pizza. So box it up and enjoy it later too! They do a large amount of take-out too. So if your not in the mood to be out and about then call it in and go pick it up. The pasta is also very good. One of my favorites is an appetizer called the Eggplant Rollatina. It is extremely rich so it is perfect in the appetizer portion size. When I crave pizza this is my go-to place. The Long-Island native who owns this place used to have a place downtown but sold it off and it's not the same. If you want a true NYC style experience, then check this place out. I am a HUGE FAN!! Check out my pictures of this place :) Cheers & Enjoy my friends!
(5)Colin G.
It's the best traditional Italian food in Knoxville, hands down. Can you find fancier?? More kitschy?? Sure. Better tasting. No way. Everything was AMAZING. the red sauce is perfect: it's robust, not watery but not so thick it gets in the way of the sublimely cooked pasta. and it's full of fresh flavor. Owner Gavin is using his mama and grandmama's recipes and those ladies could clearly Cook. It's real NYC style Italian. Hearty, big portions and worth every penny. Say hi to Gavin and you'll get some of that NYC personality, his accent is pure New Yawwk. Great guy and a solid owner. Want something that's not on the menu? Ask. I bet they can whip it up for you, and better than you imagined. Suck it Naples.
(5)Doug F.
I attempted to eat here. Once they sat me, no ever came to my table. There are plenty of other pizza joints nearby.
(1)R.W. H.
Wonderful Authentic Italian food, very fresh ingrediants, with great service! I have had Lunch, Take-out, and Supper and all have been great. I especially love the Cannelloni and Pizza.
(5)Walter C.
First time here. I had a short lunch break and just wanted a couple of slices so I had two. The crust was overdone. They don't have anything by the slice that isn't just cheese or a grandma's (cheese with a nice tomato sauce). I started with two stars but the staff is fast efficient and friendly so I bummed up for this. Maybe dinner is better. I'll give them another try. There are much better NY style pizza places in Knoxville.
(3)Stacy N.
Best pizza I've had in Knoxville. Grandma's style is the way to go. Only downside is a little expensive.
(4)Jared B.
I hate to start my Yelp review out with a negative review because I know people would rather complain than compliment. I ordered a plain pepperoni pizza on the Neapolitan Crust since this was my first visit and I was testing the waters. The pizza came out in a reasonable time but the first bite gave me a weird texture. I slid the cheese off and the pizza crust was half raw/uncooked. This completely ruined the pizza in itself but even after enduring through that the pizza started to turn cold and it became almost inedible with the grease settling back in. Maybe I just received a bad pizza, but I don't think so. The one good thing about the pizza was the rustic cut pepperonis.
(1)Amanda R.
Amazing pizza!!! We usually get the Sicilian pizza. Cheese with extra sauce. My fiancé is Sicilian so you know if he likes it is good! Best pizza in Knoxville hands down!!!!!
(5)Ben S.
Tasty pie with New York style. Don't try to sneak in onions or beer! Good service and atmosphere. Hip Knoxvillians everywhere. Fresh and tasty!
(4)Maria C.
Always amazing !!!! The garlic knots are DIVINE!!! Real New York pizza not like these chains that are mediocre. Fresh ingredients and made with talent
(4)Michelle C.
I will not be going back! And I'd advise you to find somewhere else to eat. I have been here one time before and the place was amazing. The food was great and the server was nice. Because of this, I went back today with my girlfriend and a friend. I regretted it. The server was simply rude. He completely ignored us. We had to get his attention every time we needed something. Needless to say, we did not leave a tip. And the food was horrible. We got an order of mozzarella sticks, a half-and-half pizza (half pepperoni and ham, half mushroom), and a blueberry cheesecake. The mozzarella ticks were ok, nothing amazing though. The pizza was burnt and greasy. Very unappetizing. The cheesecake tasted nothing like cheesecake and the blueberries tasted like they were frozen at some point. We asked the server if we could speak to the manager (I refused to pay for that disgusting attempt at a cheesecake). When the server came back, he said the manager told him to simply take the cheesecake off the bill. He refused to allow us to talk to the manager!
(1)Gabby A.
We were visiting from out of state and decided to try Gavino's and it was amazing! We were told it recently got new owners and they seem to be doing a fantastic job. Our group ordered a calzone, a grandma pizza, the Shrimp and Scallops pasta and the chocolate and blueberry cheesecakes. The "huge" calzone was delicious and extremely large. We were very happy with everything from the food to the service (Nick was wonderful and attentive). We will definitely be back next time we are in Tennessee!
(5)Naomi C.
Dude. I was thinking..if my food is as hot as my bartender, and it was. Definitely my new favorite. $4 LIT's and the best Calzone I have eaten in Knoxville. 4 LIT'S, a calzone, shrimp & scallop linguine, a slice of meatball pizza and a canolli for $56.
(5)Tabitha P.
We've eaten here several times in the past few months and love their pizza and pastas. It's nice that they have pizza by the slice too. The service is great and the servers are knowledgable. I can't stop thinking about the Vodka sauce with penne pasta. Yum. I can't wait to go back and get my "fix". ;)
(5)Zara P.
This place was good! Friend and I stopped in for lunch on a whim and got a Neapolitan pizza, which is their NY style. They also have thick crust options but we didn't try those this trip. Pizza was great and no complaints about service. Good stuff.
(5)Richard A.
Best "NY" pizza in Knoxville area (and east TN) for that matter. I grew up on Long Island and I am a pizza fanatic. They have specialty pizzas that you find up north too (Sicilian, grandmas, etc).
(5)Mike Elaine F.
Gavinos is amazing. If you love fresh ingredients and great Italian food. This is the best in knoxville and surrounding counties! New York style pizza and no other can compete. Affordable and great service.
(5)Tim M.
It's a real pizza place. Like for real. Disclaimer: You definitely can't compare it head-to-head with Hard Knox. The styles are just too different. But if you're from north of the Mason-Dixon and you've got a favorite Italian sub shop back home (like Rino's in Exton, PA), this one just might do it for you. I tried the sausage and peppers entree (you get to take home enough for tomorrow's lunch and maybe dinner) as well as one slice of plain cheese pizza. It's not that I'm a purist, but if you can get a plain slice right, it's got nowhere to go but up once you add toppings. Screw up a plain slice and the meat lover's special is just putting lipstick on a pig. Great crust, sauce without massive chunks of tomatoes, just the right amount of cheese, and hot as hell right out of the oven. No Yuengling on tap (yet?), but it went great with a Sam Adams Oktoberfest. Final note: They use Amoroso rolls for the hoagies and the garlic bread. If you know what I'm talking about, then that should seal the deal for you. My one quibble - if anyone could offer a real cheesesteak it would be these guys. They've got the rolls, which is the hardest part of the equation. Pick up some sliced ribeye, a few slices of American (or a can of Whiz, if you're down with that), and you're in business. Maybe they can add it to the menu right below the sausage sandwich. Seriously, just go.
(5)Michael M.
I miss NYC pizza. So badly. I'd driven past Gavino's a dozen times. Coming back from Knoxville Vapor one evening, I finally stopped in for dinner. It was Friday evening and incredibly busy. When ordering I kept it simple, "Large Pepperoni". While Glancing at the other tables, the pizza seemed to have a shot at being authentic east coast pizza. The waiter seemed pretty stressed, we see didn't him much. That didn't matter though, I was there for the pizza. It took a pretty long time, nearly an hour before we had our food. Aesthetically, it looked great. I remember thinking "this may end up being my new favorite Knoxville Pizza". Sadly, that wasn't the case. What ruined it for me was the crust. It was irregularly thick and tough. The sauce was too thin, and was a bit bland. Their cheese was good, nothing to brag about and nothing to complain about either. * Crust: 1/5 * Sauce: 2.5/5 * Cheese: 4/5 * Overall Taste: 2.5/5 * Crispy/Cooked Properly: 4.5/5 * Overall Value: 3.75/5 ~OVERALL RATING: 3/5 Between the subpar service, the long wait, and a bad pie... I just can't justify giving a higher rating. That said, I think they deserve a second chance eventually. For me: West Knoxville's "I Love NY Pizza" remains the champ.
(3)Charles B.
I have been back to Gavinos twice since my negative review in 2014..Apparently Gavin suffered from Restaurant burn-out..and has since sold out. The new owner is originally from England..but has been stateside for some years. I and my Family enjoyed the Pizza and Jones Beach Fries we ordered on our revisit. The quality was still there and they are very accommodating . My wife had Mussels and Pasta and they were excellent. We will return and also let friends know about the change.
(5)Canny F.
I was never a fan of lasagna.. There's something about the powdery textured cheese between each layer of carbs that became a huge turn off for a cheese lover like myself. I gave it many chances and after being vegan, I fell in love with vegan lasagna. Just recently, I converted and I decided to give this place a chance. Surpassingly, I enjoyed it a lot. I loved the melted, baked top layer of cheese blending with the softer cheese snuggled warmly with carbs. It was very well assembled and passed my oil test. I'm not a fan of my food swimming in oil. So what does that mean? I officially like lasagna. Thanks Gavino's restaurant. I also had some thin bread, which I was very excited for but I shouldn't have been. It was a disappointment.
(4)Joe S.
2nd trip to Gavino's since the owner moved from gay street. Some things never change I guess? When we arrived iat 12:10 (sat) it appeared the waitress barely beat us. No sliver wear, cheese, sweetener, etc on table, but I did manage to find a little Green pepper from last night. Tea took 20 mins...as she hadn't made it? When my wife and the guy next to us asked for refills because they had no more drops left, she acted annoyed they wanted more drink? Two slices with pepperoni, two drinks, a chicken parm sandwich with $3.95 cold fries (yes, she let them sit too long) came to just under $30 for two. Atmosphere is nonexistent. Food is actually good...but too many negatives to ever eat in. To go or nothing here. He can never find decent help (sadly).
(2)Richard O.
If you want the real deal... New York pizza, this is the place. The real difference is they use very high quality ingredients The sauce and the dough is excellent and you have a choice of thin crust or deep dish. Other Italian dishes are really good too! I've had New York's best pies and Chicago's. Gavinos is right up there with it! Locals are catching on to this place so it can get busy sometimes.
(5)Ken K.
best NY pizza knoxville, wonderfully developed gluten
(5)Chelsea G.
It took a long time for my group (appx. 10 people) to get food (well over an hour). However, the food was AMAZING! Definitely worth the wait.
(4)Penny N.
Best pizza in Knoxville. It takes awhile to cook but it's worth the wait and the pizza was huge slot of food for the price. Staff was very friendly.
(5)Barbara M.
Ate lunch here last week and was thrilled that a real New York Italian restaurant was in Knoxville. The food was so good that we came back the next week for lunch. Got there at opening time and the help was sitting outside waiting to be let in by the owner. Apparently an investor (not the chef owner) showed up to open the door but of course the place was dark and no one was cooking. The waiter (same one we had last week who was very good) told my husband that this is normal. After talking with the owner last week we now know why his business has not taken off like he had hoped. All that Italian temperment and independence just doesn't wash when you are trying to be a professional business owner no matter how good the food is.
(2)Jake T.
Ordered the sicilian pizza here --and perhaps that was my mistake, it's a very basic pizza, but the ingredients were extremely bland (dough, sauce). But hey, maybe I just ordered the wrong thing.
(2)Jake T.
No pizza in town is comparable. Extremely fresh and high quality ingredients. If you're looking for lackluster food and over-the-top southern help who know more about fishing for a tip than the food the restaurant serves, go elsewhere. If you want high quality, highly flavorful and authentic dishes, this is the place. Pizza is fantastic and the chef knows a thing or two about seafood as well.
(5)James R.
True Authentic New York Style Pizza in Knoxville. I must apologize for never dining in because its very nice by appearance. Pizza is great with a variety of toppings to keep it fresh but I would like to inspire you to explore the menu outside of pizza. I was hesitant in ordering the Shrimp MamaMia from a pizza place but it was awesome. The dish had jumbo shrimp from the Shrimp Dock sundried tomatoes spinach mushrooms and an amazing sauce, served with garlic bread. the garlic bread had fresh herbs and fresh garlic and was so good a forgot to open my shrimp for about 5min.
(5)A. L.
The grandma pizza here is SO GOOD. And I mean SO GOOD. Just like in NY. It was just the way I like it too - well done and crispy with the perfect amounts of cheese and sauce. I hate when there is too much of either one. We can't wait to go back. Wish it was a bit further west, but maybe that's a good thing so we don't eat there everyday. Maybe Gavino's could open an location over here too!
(5)Dean S.
Amazing pizza! Reminiscent of my childhood going to BJ's in Orange County, CA. They have a real nice crispy edge to their crust and I satisfying crunch in the rest of the dough that is cooked deep dish style. They don't skimp on the toppings either. Those loving pepperoni will be pleased!
(5)Chris G.
Awesome pizza! Grandma's is a square pie loaded with chunky tomatoes and garlic. A must try! Can wait to go back and try the sandwiches.
(5)Bryan M.
The food was ok, and the service was lackluster at best. I would have given the place 3 stars, but the waitress smelled heavily of cigarette smoke. You shouldn't have to smell that while being waited on. My bill came to $32 for 2 people. Not sure the food or experience was enough for me to want to go back.
(2)Kimberly W.
Sassy service and a long wait usually means one thing - GREAT FOOD! I come from the Philadelphia area where distracted waitresses are the hallmark of some good home style cooking going on back in the kitchen. It was a joy to sit here, meet Mr. Gavino and enjoy the best meatball sub I have had away from my hometown. We had a table for 20 at the last minute, and the waitresses did a bang up job keeping us full of great food and standard beer/wines. The only complaint I had was the six tv's blasting awful shows and sports...BUT I know that is a big favorite around here. GO! Enjoy the wait, and cool your jets - this is not a place where your going to get sunshine blown up your ass. Your going to get homemade meatballs, sultry sassy tomato sauce, delicious soft and chewy breads and pizza pie crusts, you are going to wait for it and LOVE it.
(5)Jordan B.
I've been here a couple of times now and while the food is pretty good, the service is pretty terrible. My parents, husband and I went here for dinner tonight and our experience was fairly poor. They seemed very disorganized and were incredibly slow. We got there at about 7 and it was 8:30 before we got any of our food. When we did get our food we only got half of our table's order (the other half came another 15 minutes later). I also noticed that the orders didn't seem to be grouped together by table or by how long people had been waiting (ie people that ordered 40 minutes after us got their food long before us, etc). When my husband finally got his grilled chicken hero the chicken was half cold and the mozzarella looked plastic and tasted badly. I even saw a waitress take a pizza back because it was the wrong table and then she and the cook yell back and forth at each other in the dining room! We were also not offered refills on our drinks during our time there (which ended up being about 2.5 hours because of the wait for our food) and our waiter didn't check on us at all or apologize for the wait. Though the food was good, I don't know if we will return after tonight because our service was so terrible. With better organization and management this place would be great. Until then, you're probably better off going elsewhere
(2)Jay R.
The only thing so far we have gotten from here was their pizza to go on multiple occasions, and it was great. One of the best (if not the best) pizza in knoxville. Truly new york style crust with fresh topping makes this an awesome pie. Can not say anything for service or other meals, because I have not tried it
(5)Ashley T.
We went on valentine's day and despite the packed restaurant and lack of wait staff, our server was really pleasant and refilled our waters in a timely manner. We each tried a slice of the grandma's pizza and to me, it was just alright. For our entrees, I got the manicotti and my husband got the eggplant parmesan. Both were covered in entirely too much cheese. I love cheese but there is such thing as too much cheese. (I can't believe I just said that) Anyway, I'm rating Gavino's 2 stars only because the garlic knots that came with our entrees were seriously delicious.
(2)Eric C.
Waited about 8 min up front to be seated. Waiter walked by twice without acknowledging us. We were 1 of 2 tables present at the time. After finally getting sat, I ordered the calzone and the other party the manicotti. Calzone Dough not fully cooked inside and overwhelmed with ricotta cheese. They had forgotten to make the manicotti so it was delayed and was not very hot on the inside. It obviously rushed out. Will not be returning or will recommend to anyone.
(2)