Gondolier in Athens, Tennessee, is renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine, warm atmosphere, and exceptional service. Whether you’re craving classic pasta dishes, fresh seafood, or delectable desserts, Gondolier offers a diverse menu designed to satisfy all tastes.
This comprehensive guide will explore the menu in detail, highlighting popular dishes, pricing, and special offerings to help you plan your next visit.
Appetizers
Starting your meal at Gondolier with an appetizer is a great way to whet your appetite. The appetizers are crafted to pair perfectly with the main courses and provide a variety of textures and flavors.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bruschetta | Grilled Italian bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. | $7.95 |
| Calamari Fritti | Lightly breaded squid rings fried to golden perfection, served with marinara sauce. | $9.95 |
| Stuffed Mushrooms | Mushroom caps filled with Italian sausage, herbs, and cheese, baked until bubbly. | $8.95 |
| Garlic Bread with Cheese | Toasted bread brushed with garlic butter and topped with melted mozzarella. | $5.95 |
“The Calamari Fritti at Gondolier is a must-try — crispy, tender, and perfectly seasoned.” – Local Food Critic
Salads
Freshness is key when it comes to Gondolier’s salad selection. Each salad is made with high-quality ingredients and house-made dressings that complement the flavors beautifully.
| Salad | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| House Salad | Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and Italian dressing. | $6.95 |
| Caesar Salad | Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan cheese. | $7.95 |
| Caprese Salad | Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze drizzled on top. | $9.50 |
| Antipasto Salad | Mixed greens topped with salami, ham, provolone, olives, and pepperoncini. | $10.95 |
Classic Italian Entrees
Gondolier’s main course offerings reflect traditional Italian cooking, with recipes passed down through generations. The entrees are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
| Entree | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic spaghetti served with a rich meat sauce made from beef, pork, and tomatoes. | $14.95 |
| Fettuccine Alfredo | Creamy Alfredo sauce tossed with fettuccine pasta and freshly grated parmesan. | $13.95 |
| Chicken Parmesan | Breaded chicken breast topped with marinara and mozzarella, served over spaghetti. | $16.95 |
| Lasagna | Layers of pasta, ricotta, ground beef, marinara, and mozzarella baked to perfection. | $15.95 |
| Eggplant Parmesan | Breaded eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. | $14.50 |
Seafood Selections
For seafood lovers, Gondolier offers a variety of dishes featuring fresh fish and shellfish. These entrees balance classic Italian flavors with the natural taste of the sea.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Linguine with Clams | Linguine pasta served with fresh clams in a garlic white wine sauce. | $18.95 |
| Shrimp Scampi | Sautéed shrimp in garlic butter sauce served over linguine pasta. | $19.95 |
| Baked Tilapia | Seasoned tilapia filet baked and served with steamed vegetables and rice. | $17.95 |
| Seafood Risotto | Creamy risotto with a medley of shrimp, scallops, and clams. | $21.95 |
Specialty Pizzas
Gondolier’s hand-tossed pizzas are made with fresh dough and high-quality toppings. The pizzas are cooked to a golden crisp and offer a perfect combination of flavors.
| Pizza | Toppings | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Margherita | Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. | $12.95 (Small) / $17.95 (Large) |
| Pepperoni | Classic pepperoni with mozzarella and marinara sauce. | $13.50 (Small) / $18.50 (Large) |
| Veggie Delight | Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, black olives, and tomatoes. | $14.95 (Small) / $19.95 (Large) |
| Meat Lover’s | Pepperoni, sausage, ham, and bacon with mozzarella. | $16.95 (Small) / $22.95 (Large) |
| White Pizza | Ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and spinach, no marinara. | $15.95 (Small) / $20.95 (Large) |
Pasta Specialties
Beyond the classics, Gondolier offers a range of specialty pasta dishes that combine unique ingredients and rich sauces to create memorable meals.
| Pasta Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tortellini Alfredo | Cheese-filled tortellini tossed in creamy Alfredo sauce. | $15.95 |
| Penne Arrabbiata | Penne pasta in a spicy tomato sauce with garlic and chili flakes. | $14.50 |
| Ravioli di Spinaci | Spinach and ricotta stuffed ravioli served with marinara sauce. | $15.50 |
| Lasagna Bolognese | Traditional lasagna layered with meat sauce and béchamel. | $16.95 |
Sandwiches & Wraps
Perfect for a lighter meal or lunch, Gondolier’s sandwiches and wraps are packed with fresh ingredients and bold Italian flavors.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Italian Sub | Ham, salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onions, and Italian dressing on a hoagie roll. | $10.95 |
| Chicken Pesto Wrap | Grilled chicken, pesto sauce, mozzarella, lettuce, and tomato wrapped in a flour tortilla. | $11.95 |
| Meatball Sub | Homemade meatballs with marinara and melted mozzarella on a toasted sub roll. | $10.50 |
| Caprese Panini | Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze pressed on ciabatta bread. | $11.50 |
Side Dishes
Complement your meal with a variety of side dishes, from crisp vegetables to creamy risottos.
| Side | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic. | $4.95 |
| Steamed Vegetables | Seasonal fresh vegetables lightly seasoned. | $4.50 |
| Risotto | Classic Italian rice dish cooked with parmesan and herbs. | $5.95 |
| French Fries | Golden, crispy fries seasoned with sea salt. | $3.95 |
Desserts
End your meal on a sweet note with Gondolier’s delectable dessert options. Each dessert is crafted with care, offering classic Italian indulgence.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tiramisu | Layered espresso-soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone cream and cocoa. | $7.50 |
| Cannoli | Crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips. | $6.95 |
| Cheesecake | Rich and creamy cheesecake with a graham cracker crust. | $6.95 |
| Gelato | Italian style ice cream available in assorted flavors. | $5.95 |
Beverages
Complement your dining experience with a selection of beverages ranging from Italian wines to refreshing soft drinks.
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| House Red/White Wine | Glass of house-selected Italian red or white wine. | $6.50 |
| Italian Soda | Flavored sparkling soda available in raspberry, lemon, and peach. | $3.95 |
| Espresso | Strong, rich Italian coffee shot. | $2.95 |
| Cappuccino | Espresso with steamed milk and foam. | $3.95 |
| Soft Drinks | Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Iced Tea, Lemonade. | $2.50 |
Family and Group Specials
Gondolier Athens TN offers special packages for families and larger groups, perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings. These specials combine multiple dishes at a value price and can be customized to suit dietary preferences.
Family Feast: Includes two appetizers, four entrees of your choice, two large salads, and a dessert platter for $75.00. Ideal for feeding 4-6 people with a variety of tastes covered.
Group Platter: Designed for 10 or more guests, featuring assorted pizzas, pasta dishes, salads, and breadsticks. Pricing available upon request.
Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Options
Gondolier is attentive to dietary needs and offers a range of gluten-free and vegetarian dishes. Guests are encouraged to notify the staff of any allergies or dietary restrictions for the best dining experience.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Available upon request for most pasta dishes.
- Vegetarian Entrees: Eggplant Parmesan, Margherita Pizza, Caprese Salad, and several pasta specialties.
These options ensure that everyone can enjoy the rich flavors of Italian cuisine without compromise.
Ordering and Hours
Gondolier Athens TN welcomes dine-in, takeout, and catering orders. The restaurant is open seven days a week, providing flexibility for your dining schedule.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday – Saturday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. For large parties or special events, contacting the restaurant in advance is encouraged.
Customer Experience
Many patrons praise Gondolier for its cozy ambiance, friendly staff, and authentic flavors. The balance of traditional and contemporary dishes appeals to a broad clientele, making it a beloved local favorite.
“Dining at Gondolier feels like a trip to Italy without leaving Tennessee. The pasta is fresh, the service attentive, and the atmosphere welcoming.” – Jessica M., Athens Resident
Whether it’s a romantic dinner, family outing, or business lunch, Gondolier Athens TN aims to provide a memorable experience through its cuisine and hospitality.
Conclusion
The Gondolier Athens TN menu offers a comprehensive range of Italian dishes, from appetizers and salads to hearty entrees and delightful desserts. With accommodations for dietary preferences and group dining, it is an excellent choice for a variety of occasions.
Visitors can expect quality ingredients, authentic flavors, and a welcoming environment that captures the spirit of Italian dining. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time guest, Gondolier promises a satisfying culinary journey in the heart of Athens, Tennessee.
For more information or to place an order, visiting the restaurant’s official website or calling ahead is recommended.
