Craving authentic Chicago-style pizza but stuck in Tennessee? You’re in luck. Campione’s Taste of Chicago in Gallatin brings five generations of Windy City flavor straight to Sumner County, and locals can’t stop raving about it.
From towering deep dish pies to classic Italian beef sandwiches, this family-run spot has earned its reputation as the real deal, winning Best Restaurant in the county two years running.
Welcome to Campione’s: A Slice of Chicago in Tennessee
Tucked away at 179 Hancock Street in Gallatin, Campione’s Taste of Chicago stands out as more than just another pizza joint. Walk through the doors and you’ll immediately feel transported to a classic Chicago doggy diner, complete with vibrant counter service and an atmosphere that screams authentic Windy City vibes.
Even Chicago natives who’ve relocated to Tennessee give it their stamp of approval, comparing it favorably to beloved spots back home.
Open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM, Campione’s makes it easy to satisfy those Chicago cravings any day of the week except Sunday. The family behind the counter genuinely cares about every order that leaves their kitchen, and it shows in both the food quality and the personal touch they bring to customer service.
Five Generations of Chicago Recipes
What makes Campione’s truly special isn’t just the food—it’s the history baked into every bite. This isn’t some chain restaurant trying to replicate Chicago flavors from a corporate manual. These recipes have been lovingly passed down through five generations of family members who’ve perfected their craft over decades.
When you order a pizza or sandwich here, you’re tasting the same flavors that great-great-grandparents served on Chicago streets generations ago. The family takes immense pride in maintaining these traditional methods and recipes without cutting corners or modernizing for convenience.
That dedication to authenticity explains why transplanted Chicagoans get emotional when they bite into Campione’s food. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s genuine quality that honors the city’s rich culinary heritage. The giardiniera is crunchy and flavorful just like it should be, and every detail reflects generations of knowledge about what makes Chicago food unforgettable.
Deep Dish That Lives Up to the Hype
Chicago deep dish pizza isn’t just thick crust—it’s an architectural marvel of cheese, toppings, and sauce that Campione’s executes flawlessly. Their 12-inch deep dish comes loaded with gooey, stretchy cheese that one customer described as “cheezing,” which might be the highest compliment a pizza can receive.
The crust achieves that perfect balance of buttery richness and structural integrity needed to hold all those generous layers. Unlike wannabe deep dish spots that create soggy messes, Campione’s delivers a pie that stays together while still being delightfully indulgent.
Fair warning: deep dish here isn’t cheap, but customers consistently say it’s worth every penny. The pizza comes out piping hot, and if you order Italian beef on top, you’re getting an authentic Chicago combination that few places outside Illinois can pull off.
Thin Crust, Italian Beef, and Chicago Dogs Done Right
Think Campione’s is only about deep dish? Think again. Their thin crust pizza rivals anything you’d find at legendary Chicago spots, with customers comparing it favorably to Little Joe’s Italian Villa in Palos Heights—high praise from someone who knows authentic Chicago pizza.
The Italian beef sandwich is a showstopper that’ll have your hands gloriously messy, especially if you order it “wet” with hot peppers. That tender, seasoned beef piled high on a roll and topped with crunchy, flavorful giardiniera is exactly what Chicago sandwich dreams are made of.
Chicago-style hot dogs and Polish sausages round out the menu with all the proper fixings you’d expect. Prices match what you’d pay at famous chains like Portillo’s, but the quality and authenticity make it feel like you’re eating at a neighborhood joint on the South Side.
Everything comes out hot and fresh, proving this kitchen respects every item on its menu equally.
That Famous Pizza Pocket Everyone’s Talking About
While Campione’s offers plenty of menu standouts, locals have crowned one item as the unofficial must-try: their famous pizza pocket. This handheld masterpiece combines all the flavors of their incredible pizza in a portable package that’s become a cult favorite among regulars.
The genius of the pizza pocket lies in its convenience without sacrificing quality. You get that same rich sauce, generous cheese pull, and perfectly seasoned crust that makes their pizzas legendary, but in a format you can eat on the go or enjoy as a quick lunch.
Customers keep coming back specifically for this item, often ordering multiples to take home. It’s become such a signature that many first-timers hear about the pizza pocket before they even know about the restaurant’s award-winning status. Smart diners order one to eat immediately and another to reheat later, because once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why people can’t stop talking about this Campione’s creation.
Voted Best Restaurant in Sumner County—Twice
Winning “Best Restaurant in Sumner County” once is impressive. Winning it two years in a row—2023 and 2024—proves you’re doing something extraordinarily right. Campione’s has earned this distinction by consistently delivering quality that other restaurants simply can’t match.
What sets them apart from competitors goes beyond just good food. The owner personally checks on customers who’ve waited a bit, ensuring everyone feels valued and their experience meets expectations. That attention to detail and genuine care create loyal customers who become enthusiastic ambassadors for the restaurant.
In a county with plenty of dining options, voters chose Campione’s because it offers something unique: authentic Chicago cuisine made with generational recipes and served with heart.
Why This Tennessee Spot Belongs on Your Must-Try List
Whether you’re a homesick Chicagoan or a curious Tennessee local, Campione’s deserves a spot on your dining bucket list. This isn’t hype—it’s a restaurant that delivers genuine quality backed by over 1,300 positive reviews and recognition as the county’s best.
The experience goes beyond just eating good food. You’re supporting a family business that’s brought authentic generational recipes to Tennessee and maintained them without compromise. From the moment you walk in and feel that nostalgic diner atmosphere to your last satisfying bite, everything feels intentional and authentic.
Yes, you might drive from Knoxville or Nashville to try it, and yes, deep dish pizza requires patience since it’s only available at certain hours. But customers consistently say it’s worth the effort and planning.
Campione’s isn’t trying to be everything to everyone—they’re focused on doing Chicago-style food right, and that singular dedication makes them genuinely special in Tennessee’s diverse restaurant landscape.