
For over 25 years, Naples Italian Restaurant has been one of Knoxville's favorite romantic dinner spots, racking up scads of "Most Romantic" awards from the media. And no wonder: it's hard not to feel at least a bit romantic there, with the soft lighting from table lamps and the high-backed booths that create an intimately private space for couples.
While the name and focus are both Italian, the menu has several influences, and you can't help but notice some distinctly non-Italian dishes: Greek spanakopita, Maryland-style crab cakes, and --proof that you're still in Tennessee-- key lime chess pie. The eclectic items are there for one important reason: they're solidly good menu items.
Don't let the off-topic food offerings fool you. Naples sticks to tradition when it comes to its Italian dishes, like their standout Frutti di Mari, with fresh scallops, crabmeat, shrimp and mussels in a hot, savory sherry tomato broth. The portion is enough for two, especially if you order salads and an appetizer.
All of the Italian standards are present: baked lasagna, manicotti, chicken Parmesan, and inventive specials that change daily. Is it possible to eat at Knoxville's Naples and still stick to a healthy diet? While it can be tricky --which is the case at any Italian restaurant-- it can be done.
Choose menu items from the recommended list below, and watch the extras. Don't be afraid to ask about lightening up any menu item with less sauce. Bread, appetizers and dessert add calories, so why not have an espresso or a glass of wine to end your meal? Of course, there's always the option to share your indulgences with someone else, and a place like Naples is decidedly worth a splurge.
Examiner menu picks for healthier eating:
Traditional Minestrone
Chicken Pepperonata Salad
Fresh Salmon alla Nero
Roasted Duck with Mandarin Orange Glaze
Chicken Marsala
Address:
5500 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone number:
(865) 584-5033
Hours of operation:
Sun-Mon 5pm-9:30pm
Tue-Thu 11am-2pm, 5pm-9:30pm
Fri 11am-2pm, 5pm-10:30pm
Sat 5pm-10:30pm
Naple's Italian Restaurant Menu
Naple's Italian Restaurant Website
Looking for places to eat in Knoxville, Tennessee? Try one of the four best vegetarian restaurants in town.
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