Emilia

  • architecture
  • equipment specifications

Emilia is nestled in the heart of downtown Knoxville, prominently situated on Market Square, an area known for its vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant embodies the essence of Italian cuisine through its dedicated focus on homemade pasta and seasonal dishes that celebrate fresh ingredients. This charming establishment emerged from the transformation of a former restaurant and night club.

project info

location
Knoxville, Tennessee
Square footage
3,743 SF
Completion date
2015

The previous space required significant renovations to meet safety and functionality codes, leading to a thoughtful redesign aimed at enhancing both the dining experience and the venue’s overall aesthetic. A staircase leading to the basement was removed to open up the space and create more seating. The existing exposed brick was painted white, and the black acoustic tile ceiling was replaced with white oversized acoustical ceiling tiles and stained timber beams to lighten up the formerly dark space while still providing a good atmosphere for conversation.

The understated décor is continued across the dining area with a bar that is flanked with black granite counter tops and a herringbone wood plank front. Windows were also added at the kitchen to allow customers to watch the food preparation. Emilia’s earthy interior reflects the chef’s passion for farm fresh, made from scratch food.