Tutti Da Gio: Nashville's Hidden Gem for Authentic Sicilian Pizza and Pasta
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 05 Dec 2025 10:38
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TL;DR: Tutti Da Gio Dinner and Drinks is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Nashville
Tutti Da Gio is a unique and charming Sicilian restaurant located at 5851 Old Hickory Blvd J in Nashville, Tennessee. Despite its modest size—a mere 700 square feet tucked away in a Hermitage strip mall corner—this eatery shines as a top-rated culinary destination, boasting a 4.7-star rating based on 827 reviews. What makes Tutti Da Gio an exceptional meetup spot is its authentic Sicilian cuisine that transports diners straight to Italy with each bite. The restaurant primarily offers wood-oven pizzas and housemade pasta dishes, including signature items like Sicilian lasagna and arancini (Sicilian rice balls). Their meatballs are so popular that they serve around 2,000 per week, and the dessert selection features about 100 freshly made sweets daily. The cozy outdoor seating area under tents fosters a warm, communal atmosphere ideal for gatherings with friends who appreciate quality food and genuine hospitality. Founders Giovanna Orsino, a Sicilian immigrant chef, and her husband Jared Cluff, have infused the place with love and passion, making visitors feel welcomed and cherished. This intimate, family-staffed restaurant has attracted local and national attention, ranking No. 31 on Yelp nationally and earning high praise for its vibrant, flavorful offerings. Tutti Da Gio blends a casual setting with authentic, lovingly prepared dishes, making it a perfect spot for meaningful social gatherings centered around food.
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What people think of Tutti Da Gio, based on reviews
As of recent, Tutti Da Gio holds a 4.7-star rating based on 827 reviews.
User reviews overwhelmingly recognize Tutti Da Gio for its authentic Sicilian flavors and high-quality ingredients. Many reviewers celebrate the restaurant’s standout wood-oven pizzas and housemade pasta, often noting that dishes like the Sicilian lasagna and arancini deliver a genuine taste of Italy rarely found in Nashville. Positive feedback commonly highlights the friendly, family-oriented staff and the restaurant's cozy outdoor seating that adds to the inviting ambiance. Regular customers appreciate the passion behind the cooking, mentioning that the food feels made with love—which enhances the dining experience. Some reviews also praise the expansive dessert selection, emphasizing the freshness and quality of the treats offered. However, a few negative remarks touch on the restaurant’s limited indoor space, which makes seating somewhat scarce and heavily reliant on outdoor tents. Some visitors mention that because of the limited size and popularity, wait times can be longer, and the atmosphere feels rustic rather than polished. Nonetheless, these criticisms are generally minor compared to the strong acclaim for the food and service. Overall, the reviews paint a picture of a small but highly beloved establishment that delivers exceptional Sicilian cuisine with warmth and authenticity, earning a glowing reputation despite humble surroundings.
How to reach Tutti Da Gio
5851 Old Hickory Blvd J, Nashville, TN 37076, USA
FAQ about Tutti Da Gio, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Nashville, Tennessee
Tutti Da Gio offers an irresistible blend of authentic Sicilian flavors and warm, heartfelt hospitality that creates the perfect atmosphere for friends and family to gather and enjoy quality time together. This cozy yet highly acclaimed restaurant boasts a remarkable 4.7-star rating from over 800 reviews, reflecting the consistent excellence that draws food lovers from all over Middle Tennessee. The culinary magic here goes beyond just a meal; it’s about sharing an experience steeped in the passion of Sicilian immigrant chef/co-owner Giovanna Orsino, whose dedication to her craft shines through every dish. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly blistered wood-fired pizza, richly sauced meatballs, or light yet indulgent desserts like their famed cannoli, Tutti Da Gio offers a menu built for sharing and savoring. Located conveniently in Nashville at 5851 Old Hickory Blvd J, its intimate space encourages close-knit conversations, while the friendly staff and familial vibe make every visitor feel like part of a community. For anyone wanting to create memories over great food with friends, Tutti Da Gio stands out as an ideal rallying spot.
While Tutti Da Gio is primarily a food destination, the experience it offers extends beyond dining to crafting moments of joy and connection for groups. The restaurant centers around a wood-fired oven that churns out diverse 12-inch Sicilian pizzas, each with a distinct character—from crispy pepperoni to four-cheese blends—offering options that appeal to different palates in your group. Sharing these pizzas, alongside generous plates like their handmade pasta with meat ragù or the four-cheese gnocchi with creamy pesto, inspires a communal dining experience. Groups can bond over sampling multiple dishes, taking advantage of the generous portion sizes and robust flavors that invite conversation and delight. The intimate size with outdoor seating under tents enables a cozy yet casual setting where friends can linger without rush. Moreover, the friendly and efficient staff are known for their warm hospitality, ensuring that large groups feel welcomed and well cared for even at a busy time. Bringing friends here isn’t just about the food — it’s about enjoying an authentic Italian meal together that transforms a simple outing into a memorable event.
Tutti Da Gio’s menu is designed to cater to diverse tastes while maintaining authenticity and high quality, which makes it an excellent choice for group meals. The star attraction includes their Sicilian-style pizzas, crafted with dough fermented over 24 hours for a chewy, flavorful crust and topped with fresh, premium ingredients baked in the wood-fired oven to perfection. For pasta lovers, dishes such as spaghetti with robust meatballs that melt in your mouth and a luscious four-cheese gnocchi with a creamy pesto sauce leave diners eager to share and sample. These dishes boast rich textures and bold flavors that pair well with the convivial atmosphere, encouraging groups to order several plates family-style. Even dessert is a communal delight; their cannoli, filled with light ricotta cream that strikes just the right balance between sweet and airy, offers a refreshing finish that friends can enjoy together. This broad variety ensures that whether your group craves classic Italian comfort food or wants to try something adventurous, Tutti Da Gio meets those expectations with dishes crafted from passion and tradition.
Despite being a relatively small establishment located in a corner of a strip mall, Tutti Da Gio surprises visitors with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere tailor-made for intimate gatherings. The dining area primarily consists of outdoor seating arranged under tents, creating a relaxed and casual environment perfect for friends to gather without the formality of traditional sit-down restaurants. This setup fosters easy conversation and an informal vibe where everyone can feel comfortable. The small size of the venue makes it intimate, ensuring groups won’t feel lost in a large crowd, while the hustle and bustle of an in-demand eatery add to the charm and authenticity. The passion and friendliness of the staff elevate the experience further, as their familial approach to service invites guests to savor both the food and the company. For groups looking to spend quality time in a space infused with enthusiasm and genuine warmth, Tutti Da Gio’s ambiance enhances the joy of gathering together.
Tutti Da Gio has earned high praise not only for its superb food but also for the welcoming spirit that makes group gatherings special. Reviewers frequently note the authenticity of the Sicilian cuisine, the generous portions perfect for sharing, and the attentive, friendly service that makes every meal feel like a celebration. Locals rave about the consistently fresh ingredients and lovingly prepared dishes, with some saying that the meatballs and housemade pasta alone justify the visit. Visitors from outside the area sometimes plan trips specifically to dine here, highlighting its reputation as a must-try hidden gem in Nashville. Although seating is limited, the emphasis on to-go orders with a few tables upstairs and outdoor settings doesn’t detract from the sense of community; groups often bring their own spirit to the setting and create memorable experiences. The best-reviewed aspects consistently include the welcoming hospitality and the communal nature of the food, which brings people together and leaves a lasting impression. Choosing Tutti Da Gio is selecting a venue that celebrates friendship through food and shared joy.
Tutti Da Gio’s location at 5851 Old Hickory Blvd J in Nashville’s Hermitage area makes it accessible for locals and visitors alike. Nestled near Nashville Shores and surrounded by a mix of commercial spots, it’s easy to reach by car, and ample parking is available nearby. While the restaurant’s size is modest and primarily features outdoor seating with a handful of tables, this doesn't limit its group-friendly appeal. Many patrons prefer ordering to-go, which is an option well supported by the restaurant to accommodate larger groups who may want to picnic or gather elsewhere nearby. This flexibility allows friends or family to enjoy Tutti Da Gio’s meals in multiple settings, whether it’s a casual backyard gathering or a relaxed day at a local park. The staff’s helpfulness in managing orders and quick turnaround time enhance the convenience for groups balancing social time and palate satisfaction. For an authentic Italian experience with various options for communal enjoyment, Tutti Da Gio offers both charm and practical accessibility for hosting meetups.
Chef/co-owner Giovanna Orsino brings her Sicilian heritage to life through every dish at Tutti Da Gio, which is evident in the meticulous preparation and dedication to authenticity. The kitchen utilizes a wood-fired oven, a crucial element for creating pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts and a subtle smokiness characteristic of traditional Italian baking. Additionally, the fermentation process for their dough lasts over 24 hours, enhancing texture and flavor complexity in their pies. Beyond pizza, housemade pastas and sauces, particularly the meat ragu and the signature meatballs crafted fresh weekly, are highlights that showcase skill and passion. This meticulous approach results in dishes that surpass typical expectations of Italian-American cuisine, offering genuine taste experiences reminiscent of Sicily. The culinary skill shown here elevates Tutti Da Gio from a casual dining spot to a destination where quality and artisanal dedication foster memorable group dining centered on extraordinary food.
While the heart of Tutti Da Gio is undoubtedly its cuisine, the social experience it nurtures is equally important. The intimate setting encourages interaction and connection, ideal for groups seeking to deepen friendships or celebrate close relationships over a shared meal. The restaurant’s reputation and the warmth of the staff contribute to a welcoming vibe that encourages guests to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Because the kitchen is focused on handcrafted, shareable dishes, there is a natural rhythm of passing plates and sampling multiple flavors that enliven conversations and bonding. Also, the familiarity many reviewers mention—feeling like “family” or part of something special—adds emotional resonance to any meetup held here. This combination of culinary excellence and social warmth makes Tutti Da Gio an exceptional choice for hosting meaningful gatherings with friends or loved ones.
The combination of culinary artistry and social intimacy transforms every visit into a celebration of friendship and exceptional food.