I included this Market Square eatery in my first five great column back in March, which focused on downtown restaurants. I would be remiss in omitting Matt Gallaher’s latest venture from this list as well. The selections are comparatively narrower than what you’ll find in similar Italian kitchens, but the antipasti, secondi and contorni sections of the menu showcase seasonal cuisine inspired by Italy’s Emilia-Romanga region.

Inspired by the Italian region of Emilia-Romanga, Emilia is the brainchild of Knoxville chef Matt Gallaher. With an emphasis on simple, fresh ingredients and pastas made by hand in house daily, the elegant Market Square restaurant’s fare ranges from duck confit risotto and orecchiette Bolognese to artichoke fritters, steamed mussels, and fusilli carbonara. emiliaknox.com; 16 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902; 865-313-2472

That philosophy shines even brighter in his Italian restaurant, Emilia, in Market Square. Carbonara ditches guanciale for the perfumed, meatier smoke of Benton's bacon, a cult favorite among the area's chefs. Focaccia comes with a side of house-made ricotta made with Cruze Farm; "Cruze Farm") milk—the local dairy you'll hear proudly name-dropped in almost every nearby restaurant.

16 Market Square, Knoxville |@emilia_knoxville | Chef Matt Gallaher’s Emilia is a neighborhood favorite that is, as the name suggests, inspired by the Emilia-Romanga region of Italy. Emilia specializes in daily handmade pasta and simple, seasonal Italian cuisine that are best enjoyed under their darling umbrellas with a glass of sparkling orange wine in hand.

Every aspect of this establishment from the staff to the calming setting offers date night fantasy. The Italian gem in Knoxville's Market Square provides flavorful, fresh dishes that are simple and seasonal. The Pollo ‘a Mattone’ is a fan favorite and consists of chicken that marinates overnight so that, when it’s served to you, it’s bursting with flavor.

It’s like an old-school Brooklyn Italian eatery meets a Knoxville avant-garde restaurant at Emilia. One of Knoxville’s newest and most well-received establishments, Emilia serves seasonal Italian cuisine inspired by the Emilia-Romanga region of Italy. Renowned restaurateur/chef Matt Gallaher appears to have a hit on his hands in historic Market Square.

Emilia is a cozy Italian restaurant that's perfect for a romantic night out or a special occasion. You'll find a menu that's packed with handmade pasta dishes and Neapolitan-style pizzas, and there's a great selection of Italian wines to go along with your meal. The atmosphere is charming and intimate, and you'll love the warm, friendly vibe.

Chef Matt Gallaher opened Emilia, an Italian restaurant on Market Square serving up homemade pasta in an intimate setting. Sourcing local food for their dishes, Emilia delivers delicious house pulled buratta, gnocchi as soft as pillowy clouds, focaccia that melts in your mouth, and butterscotch budino smooth as silk!

Emilia is your cozy corner of Italian goodness in Market Square. Chef Matt Gallaher, known for his time cooking for politicians and rock stars (not hyperbole), serves up handmade pasta that makes you wonder why you’ve ever settled for boxed noodles. Try the pappardelle and let your carb dreams take flight.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (249 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian- Price: $$$$- Address: 16 Market Sq, Knoxville, TN 37902-1404- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: Highest paying jobs in Knoxville for high school graduates

Another great option for farm-to-table dining in Knoxville is Emilia, which features Italian-inspired cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. The restaurant's chef, Matt Bolus, sources ingredients from local farms and creates dishes that are both delicious and visually stunning.

With its flawlessly cooked noodles and divinely inventive sauces, this place has elevated pasta to an art form. Every bite bursts with flavor and the homemade touch adds an extra layer of love. Trust me, you won't want to leave without ordering seconds!

If you want an exciting European food experience, check out Emilia. Located in the historic Market Square, this restaurant offers the most refined foods inspired by the Emilia-Romagna part of Italy. The restaurant defines fine Italian dining.

Located on the historic Market Square in Knoxville, Tennessee, Emilia serves simple, seasonal Italian cuisine inspired by the Emilia-Romanga region of Italy. All their pastas are made in-house daily. 16 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902

What's more romantic than enjoying a taste of Italy at Emilia Italian restaurant followed by a visit to Sapphire for a handcrafted cocktail. Keep the romance alive with a historic overnight stay at The Oliver Hotel.

A post shared by Emily Denise (@epicureanemily) on Nov 11, 2016 at 1:35pm PST. The bright ambiance of Emilia’s is perfect for a family dinner out. They serve all sorts of wines and cocktails.

Their delectable menu boasts traditional dishes and unique creations like Squid Ink Linguine that will transport you straight to Italy. You’ll be saying “mamma mia” in no time!

A holla out to Myrtle’s Chicken + Beer for comfort food and craft beer selection and to Emilia’s for authentic Italian food in a casual atmosphere.

Who knew we would find the most amazing Italian meal right here in Knoxville – and that it’d be vegan?!

On Market Square Tomato Head is recommended for pizza and Emilia for Italian and pasta at 16 Market Sq.