Business Details
Authentic Italian Dining & Catering in Knoxville, TN
Savelli's Italian Restaurant has been a cherished Knoxville staple for over 26 years, offering an intimate, neighborhood dining experience that combines authentic Italian cuisine with personalized service. Our family-owned establishment, located at 3055 Sutherland Avenue, is led by Owner/Chef Elizabeth Savelli and her daughter Kat, who oversee kitchen operations and front-of-house hospitality respectively. We specialize in traditional Italian fare, including gas brick oven New York-style pizza, coastal seafood specialties like Maryland-style crab cakes, and a diverse selection of vegetarian entrees. As one of Knoxville's few BYOW restaurants, we provide wine glasses and openers while charging a modest $3 cork fee per person. Our candlelit dining room creates a warm atmosphere for celebrations with loved ones, and we've hosted notable figures such as Peyton Manning and Tommy Lasorda.With a loyal following and new patrons discovering our charm daily, we pride ourselves on making every dining experience memorable. Our full-service catering division handles events of all sizes, from intimate home gatherings to large corporate functions, with both on-site and off-site options available. Reservations are highly recommended, particularly during peak hours and holidays, and our team works diligently to accommodate special requests including food allergies and rental coordination. The restaurant remains closed on major holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, ensuring our staff can celebrate with their families while maintaining the quality our customers expect.
Services
Catering Services
Italian Cuisine
BYOW Restaurant
Reservations
Special Events
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1997 with proven culinary expertise
- Specialize in traditional Italian recipes perfected over decades
- Offer unique BYOW convenience with professional wine service
- Provide comprehensive catering for events of all sizes
- Maintain intimate atmosphere with personalized attention
Services
Catering Services
Savelli's full-service catering division handles events of all sizes with both on-site and off-site options. Our experienced team coordinates menu customization, rental arrangements, and staffing to ensure memorable occasions. Available for corporate events, weddings, and private celebrations.
Italian Cuisine
Authentic Italian fare featuring traditional recipes perfected over decades. Menu highlights include wood-fired pizzas, coastal seafood specialties, and diverse vegetarian options. Prepared using time-honored techniques in a family-owned setting since 1997.
BYOW Restaurant
One of Knoxville's few Bring Your Own Wine establishments offering professional wine service. We provide glassware and openers while charging a modest $3 cork fee per person, allowing customers to enjoy personal wine selections with meals.
Reservations
Advance reservations recommended for optimal seating, especially during peak hours and holidays. Our reservation system accommodates special requests including food allergies and accessibility needs through direct phone coordination.
Special Events
Intimate candlelit dining room available for private celebrations with personalized service. Host memorable occasions featuring curated menus, wine pairings, and event coordination support for birthdays, anniversaries, and special milestones.
People
Elizabeth Savelli
Owner/Chef
Elizabeth Savelli founded Savelli's Italian Restaurant 26 years ago, combining her culinary expertise with family traditions. She oversees kitchen operations and menu development while maintaining the restaurant's authentic Italian character.
Kat Savelli
Front Of The House Manager
Kat Savelli manages front-of-house operations at Savelli's, ensuring exceptional customer service. She coordinates reservations, guest relations, and event planning while upholding the family-owned establishment's welcoming atmosphere.
Questions
What catering services do you offer?
We provide full-service catering for events of all sizes including weddings, corporate functions, and private parties with both on-site and off-site options available.
Is BYOW allowed at the restaurant?
Yes, we are one of Knoxville's few BYOW restaurants. We provide wine glasses and openers with a $3 cork fee per person for this service.
How far in advance should I make reservations?
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays. Please call us at least 48 hours in advance for best availability.
What menu options are available?
Our menu features traditional Italian cuisine including wood-fired pizzas, coastal seafood specialties, vegetarian entrees, and daily specials using authentic recipes from our family heritage.
What are your operating hours?
We're open Monday-Thursday 11am-2pm & 4pm-9pm, Friday 11am-2pm & 4pm-10pm, Saturday 4pm-9pm, and closed Sundays and major holidays.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes, we offer vegetarian options and can accommodate many dietary requirements when notified in advance through our reservation system.