- Attraction: Marina’s on the Square
- Location: 125 N Maple St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
- Industry: Italian Restaurant
- Website: https://www.marinasonthesquare.net
A red sauce tradition has been simmering on Murfreesboro’s historic downtown square since 1992, filling the air with garlic and basil while locals line up for what many consider the most satisfying Italian meal in Rutherford County.
Marina’s on the Square occupies a charming spot where Frank Sinatra croons softly in the background and the aroma of fresh-baked focaccia greets you at the door.
This family-owned Italian restaurant and pizzeria started when John and Cindy Polverino opened the doors and named it after their eldest daughter.
Six years later, Doug and Suzanne Duross purchased the establishment and transformed it into what insiders now call one of Murfreesboro’s best-kept culinary secrets. The commitment to making pizza dough fresh every single day sets the foundation for everything that comes out of the kitchen.
Menu Standouts Worth the Trip
The Legendary Lasagna: If there’s one dish that sparks passionate debates among regulars, it’s the lasagna. Layered generously with ricotta, mozzarella, and romano cheeses alongside Italian sausage and ground beef, this house specialty arrives piping hot with cheese bubbling at the edges.
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Keep Exploring →The portions are so substantial that you’ll likely have tomorrow’s lunch sorted before you’ve finished tonight’s dinner.
Calzones That Deliver: The calzones here pack serious heft.
Whether you go for the all-meat version loaded with Italian sausage, pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, onions, black olives, and bell peppers, or opt for the veggie-packed option with artichoke hearts, black olives, tomatoes, and spinach, expect a golden-crusted pocket that’s properly seasoned on the outside and generously stuffed within.
The crust achieves that ideal balance between crispy exterior and tender interior without any sogginess.
Focaccia Bread Trio: Start your meal with the signature appetizer that features a large serving of homemade focaccia accompanied by three dipping options: Marina’s marinara sauce, spinach artichoke dip, and bruschetta.
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Discover MoreThe focaccia itself is fragrant with Italian herbs and parmesan, offering a warm, pillowy introduction to the meal ahead.
Chicken Marsala: This traditional dish showcases a breaded chicken breast bathed in a wine-based sauce with sautéed mushrooms. Served alongside garlic mashed potatoes or pasta, it represents the kind of hearty comfort food that keeps folks coming back season after season.
Tuscan Shrimp Pasta: For seafood enthusiasts, the Tuscan shrimp combines plump shrimp with tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms in a lightly seasoned cream sauce tossed with fettuccini. The dish balances richness with bright vegetable notes.
Baked Ziti: Simple yet satisfying, the baked ziti mixes penne pasta with Italian spices, ricotta, mozzarella, romano, and parmesan before getting topped with marinara and baked until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
Pizza Perfection: The pizzas benefit from that daily-made dough, resulting in a crust that’s more bread-like than traditional thin crust—buttery and substantial. While the sauce application tends toward the lighter side, the cheese quality shines through.
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Keep Exploring →Popular specialty pies include the Greek-inspired version with an olive oil and garlic base topped with feta, spinach, onions, and tomatoes.
Creative Pasta Options: Beyond the classics, you’ll find intriguing options like Dante’s Inferno, which brings a spicy kick with Mexican chorizo sausage, jalapeños, onions, and penne in a fiery cream sauce.
The Cajun chicken pasta offers another bold choice with fettuccini, mushrooms, and onions in a mildly spicy Cajun cream sauce.
Soups and Starters
Italian Sausage and Potato Soup: This homemade specialty earns particular praise as a comforting bowl that balances hearty sausage with tender potatoes in a flavorful broth. The soup changes daily, so you might also encounter their creamy tomato bisque.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These appetizers come packed with Italian sausage and ground beef, crowned with provolone, and served atop a pool of creamy alfredo sauce that adds an extra layer of indulgence.
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Discover MoreSpinach Artichoke Dip: A creamy blend of cheeses, artichoke hearts, and spinach arrives with focaccia bread for scooping. It’s a solid choice for sharing while you peruse the menu.
Desserts and Drinks
Cheesecake Glory: The restaurant boldly claims to serve the best cheesecake in the ‘Boro, and plenty of diners seem to agree. Served with your choice of strawberry or blueberry topping, it arrives fresh-tasting with a rich, creamy texture that provides the perfect sweet ending.
Traditional Italian Sweets: Tiramisu makes an appearance with ladyfingers soaked in espresso and layered with sweetened mascarpone and a touch of cinnamon.
For something crunchy, try the cannoli—a crispy pastry shell filled with sweetened ricotta, chocolate chips, and cinnamon, topped with whipped cream.
Beverage Selection: While Marina’s doesn’t have a full liquor license, they offer a solid selection of wines and beers that pair nicely with Italian cuisine. The house wine receives favorable mentions for exceeding expectations at its price point.
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Keep Exploring →Atmosphere and Setting
Downtown Charm: Situated right on Murfreesboro’s historic square, the restaurant occupies a space that feels quintessentially small-town America. The location puts you in the heart of downtown’s walkable district, surrounded by the courthouse and other historic buildings.
Interior Vibe: Step inside to find a cozy space with booths perfect for couples or small groups. The décor keeps things simple and unpretentious—think old-school Italian-American restaurant with white lights strung overhead and that constant Sinatra soundtrack creating a nostalgic ambiance.
The atmosphere leans toward bright and airy while maintaining an intimate feel that works equally well for date nights, business lunches, or family gatherings.
Noise Level: Expect moderate noise, especially during peak hours. The space can get lively when full, but conversation remains comfortably possible without shouting.
Seating Arrangements: The restaurant accommodates groups of up to six comfortably, making it suitable for small celebrations or family dinners. During busy periods, wait times typically stay reasonable—often around ten to fifteen minutes even on Friday or Saturday evenings.
Practical Considerations
Value Proposition: The pricing hits a sweet spot that locals appreciate. Most lunch entrées fall in the ten to twenty dollar range, with dinner prices staying similarly reasonable. Express lunch specials run from eleven to four daily and include soup or salad, making them particularly wallet-friendly.
You’ll walk away satisfied without feeling like you’ve overspent, especially given the generous portions that often stretch into a second meal.
Downtown Parking Reality: Being right on the square means parking can present challenges depending on the time of day.
Street parking fills up quickly during lunch rush and weekend evenings. Plan to circle the block a time or two, or consider parking a block away and enjoying a short walk through historic downtown.
Hours and Reservations: The restaurant operates Tuesday through Thursday from eleven in the morning until eight at night, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday until nine.
They’re closed Sundays and Mondays. Reservations are accepted and recommended for larger groups or weekend dinners. Calling ahead can definitely lessen your wait time.
Family Friendliness: Kids are welcome, with a dedicated kids’ menu that includes six-inch subs or personal pizzas paired with soup or salad. The casual atmosphere means you won’t stress about bringing the little ones.
Dietary Options: Vegetarians will find multiple options including manicotti, spinach-stuffed shells, eggplant parmesan, and various veggie pizzas and calzones. The restaurant also accommodates vegan preferences and offers gluten-free options upon request.
Takeout and Delivery: Can’t dine in? Marina’s offers takeout service, and delivery is available through various third-party platforms. The food travels well, making it a solid option for a cozy night at home.
Lunch Express Menu: During weekday lunch hours, the express menu provides quick, affordable options that include your choice of soup or salad plus bread, perfect for those on a tight schedule.
Special Events: The restaurant welcomes special occasions including anniversaries, birthdays, and wedding celebrations. The combination of good food, reasonable prices, and accommodating service makes it a popular choice for marking milestones.
Marina’s on the Square
📍 125 N Maple St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
