Ritvik N.
Google
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Altruda’s – Knoxville, TN
Driving down from Northern Virginia to Nashville (over a 10-hour trip!), we stopped in Knoxville for the night and decided to try Altruda’s. This was on October 24, the day before my Nashville Half Marathon, so I wanted a solid pre-race carb meal — and Altruda’s absolutely delivered.
We started with the Tortellini Tricolore — delicious, creamy, and rich. I had to stop myself after five or six pieces to save room. For mains, I ordered the Spaghetti Marinara (keeping it vegetarian before race day), and my friend had the Rigatoni Anthony with ham. Both entrées came with Altruda’s famous house salad — they brought us a large shared bowl with garlic bread on the side, and even offered free refills. The salad was fresh and full of flavor — crisp romaine, earthy beets, mushrooms, and a light, tangy dressing.
The spaghetti itself was fairly simple — not mind-blowing, but exactly what I needed before a race: light, tomato-based, and not greasy or heavy. The Rigatoni Anthony was richer and creamier — a bit much for me that night, but it tasted great.
The ambiance is warm and rustic, with that classic old-school Italian vibe. Service was friendly and efficient even late at night. Overall, it was exactly the kind of comforting, hearty meal I wanted before race day.
I ended up finishing first in my age group at the half marathon the next day — maybe a little Altruda’s magic helped. I’d gladly stop by again the next time I’m in Knoxville or passing through Tennessee.