Best Italian Restaurant in Tennessee
Ariola's: Authentic Italian, Unforgettable Flavors.
We brought the heart of Chicago's Italian tradition to the back roads of Gainesboro, TN, crafting every dish with homemade authenticity — from our never-frozen always fresh food to our perfectly baked Turano bread — because great Italian food deserves to be found anywhere.
About the Chef
Our head chef, Micconi “Mitch” Ariola, was raised in the kitchen. With a father who was also a chef, cooking became second nature — a language of family, tradition, and love. Mitch refined his craft in Chicago, serving as a chef at the famous original Rosebud on Taylor Street and Viaggio in the West Loop, where he developed a culinary style rooted in authentic Italian technique and bold Chicago flavor. Today, he brings those same signature recipes and standards from Viaggio right here to the historic small town of Gainesboro, ensuring every dish is crafted with intention, passion, and pride. Opening his own restaurant has always been his dream, and now he’s serving unforgettable specials and genuine Italian hospitality — the kind of dining experience you’d only expect to find in Chicago or Italy, now right here at home.