Top 4 Italian Restaurants in Columbia, Tennessee

Columbia, Tennessee, was home to President James K. Polk and proudly celebrates Mule Day every April. As the self-proclaimed mule capital of the world, Columbia has a unique charm and quirky attitude that gives it personality above other places in Tennessee. This small Southern town with flair is host to many restaurants serving up delicious food daily. If you have a hankering for some Italian cuisine and crunchy, chewy garlic bread, we have the perfect spots for you. Read on to see our selection of the top four Italian restaurants in Columbia.

Barino Italian Southern Eatery

Image via Flickr by Rob React | CC BY 2.0

Barino Italian Southern Eatery is the perfect place for those with two loves: Italian cuisine and Southern cooking. It is Italian, it is Southern, and it is scrumptious. You’ll find the classic Italian dishes you crave, but with a cool Southern twist. Looking for the ultimate form of comfort food? At Barino Italian Southern Eatery you don’t have to decide whether you want brisket or spaghetti. Their brisket spaghetti pairs two unrelated flavors with ease to excite your taste buds. You get the smoky flavor of skillfully prepared brisket with the sweet tang of spaghetti sauce balanced perfectly with creamy noodles. If spaghetti isn’t your thing, other entrees include brisket Marsala, marscapone with pulled pork, or chicken Alfredo. Pair any of their menu items with something from their wine list to complete your meal and complement the flavors.

Barino Italian Southern Eatery is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. You can order online and conveniently pick up your food at the side window or call ahead and make a reservation to ensure you are seated quickly and comfortably. They even cater, so you can reserve the dining area for 15 to 50 people and have them help you host one of the best meals your guests will find in Columbia.

Mama Mila’s

Mama Mila’s makes real Italian food for the true eater. This authentic Italian cafe uses family recipes passed down from generation to generation to ensure that consistency and quality food is served up daily. They have anything from Borsellino, an Italian street-style sandwich, to traditional pastas served with focaccia bread made fresh daily. Loyal customers rave about the Fuhgettaboutit sandwich, a special sausage recipe made specifically for Mama Mila’s by TallGrass, with marinara sauce, onions, and peppers. Topped with authentic Romano cheese, this sandwich will satisfy your appetite for about $10.

Conclude your meal with their famous coffee. Their Calabrese Coffee is a custom blend by Muletown Coffee Roasters; it has a unique nutty flavor and is sure to please. Check out their menu for other options, and be sure to call ahead as their hours fluctuate based on current situations.

Gina’s Stonefired Italian and Pizzeria

A list of Italian restaurants isn’t complete without at least one or two pizzerias. Gina’s Stonefired Italian and Pizzeria has a family-style atmosphere that sets the tone and your comfort level for a meal you will remember. With made-to-order pizza, calzones, delectable sauce simmering on the stove, and the scent of fresh garlic sauteing in olive oil, it is an experience for your senses. Like other Italian restaurants on our list, their menu comprises recipes passed down from one generation to the next ensuring that the authentic flavors are combined perfectly.

Menu selections range from wings and salads to specialty and gluten-free pizzas to several chicken entrees. We suggest starting with a Caprese Salad of sliced tomato topped with fresh mozzarella and basil. It’s drizzled with a balsamic glaze and cleanses the palate perfectly for the meal to come. Follow with the Mediterranean pizza, perfect for veggie lovers. It’s topped with yellow squash, zucchini, and Portobello mushrooms. Or, to pair two Italian classics in one, try the Chicken Parm pizza, a lovely marriage of two Italian dishes that’ll keep you returning for more.

They operate Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and are closed Sundays and Mondays. You can order online through their website to enjoy stone-fired pizza in the comfort of your home while you binge-watch your favorite shows.

Frankie’s Pizza and Grill

Frankie’s Pizza and Grill seems like a throwback to the 80s classic pizza joints. Their diverse menu has a little something for everyone, from pizza to grilled fresh meat to burgers and sandwiches. When you and your family can’t decide where to eat, Frankie’s is your answer.

Frankie’s establishment uses locally grown produce and meats to support the local economy and ensure that small businesses thrive despite any conditions. With a promise to use fresh ingredients in all dishes, Frankie’s Pizza and Grill is the embodiment of the “farm to table” ideal so you can feel comfortable serving your family feel-good food that is good for them.

With an indoor dining area and an outdoor patio, Frankie’s creates a fun and easygoing environment perfect for those pleasant summers Tennessee nights. To experience the perfect design of flavors the menu has to offer, go for Frankie’s pizza: a soft, chewy, and crunchy white pizza crust topped with mozzarella, provolone, spinach, mushrooms, sausage, and garlic. If it’s in season, get the Crab Cake Sammie served with hand-cut fries. It is a meal you will enjoy.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic meal for two, you want to grab some drinks and appetizers with friends, or are treating the family tonight out, these restaurants are sure to fill your need for spicy Italian dishes and offer an experience you won’t soon forget. To help you digest and walk off some of that energy, come by Stan McNabb Chevrolet of Columbia. We offer quality service and are happy to sit with you and go over options if you want to buy a new or certified pre-owned vehicle or are just looking for some regular maintenance options for your current vehicle.

Contact us to check out our accessories and we’ll help you customize your ride to express your own unique personality. Did we miss your favorite Italian restaurant on our list? Let us know, and we’ll be happy to add it to our list.