Diners' Choice: Best Food restaurants in Knoxville

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall cuisine in Knoxville? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Ghost & Grits

5.0

5 (36)

$31 to $50

American

Jefferson City

About the restaurant

Nestled in the foothills of the Smokies, Mossback Distilling Co. offers a warm and inviting experience in the heart of Jefferson City, Tennessee. Founded by Jeremy Reed and Daniel Taylor, this craft distillery has become a vibrant community hub in the Historic Mossy Creek District. Guests are invited to explore their passion for expertly crafted spirits at The Battery Tasting House and Cocktail Lounge, where every drink is made with intention and purpose. Beyond exceptional cocktails, the lounge provides a relaxing atmosphere, also serving premium locally roasted coffee. Mossback Distilling Co. is deeply committed to its community, fostering connections and contributing to the revitalization of downtown Jefferson City, making it a cherished local destination.

Top review

Ann

Dined on Oct 28, 2026

Great food- crisp cocktails…Will be going back for sure!!! Amy was wonderful and enjoyed the Whiskey and Bourbon tasting- we purchased several bottles!!! ENJOYED OUR EXPERIENCE!!!

Wilder at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve

4.9

4.9 (212)

$50 and over

American

Loudon

About the restaurant

MICHELIN Guide 2026

Set within the rolling hills of East Tennessee, Wilder at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve celebrates the flavors, traditions, and changing seasons of Appalachia.

Our name pays tribute to the Wilder Coal Camp, a small community along the Clinch River in the mountains of Virginia, once home to our founder, “Big George.” It honors the generations of families whose resilience and diverse cultural traditions helped shape the culinary heritage of Appalachia.

Led by Executive Chef Ben Warwick, our kitchen carries that spirit forward. Guided by the harvest from our garden, the rhythm of the seasons, and relationships with local farmers and producers, each menu celebrates familiar Appalachian ingredients in thoughtful and unexpected ways.

While Wilder offers a taste of Windy Hill, an overnight stay invites you to experience the farm in full, with seasonal dining and thoughtfully curated experiences included throughout your visit.

Top review

JaneGold

Dined on Oct 29, 2026

We have dined at Wilder 4 or 5 times, all excellent. But honestly, this visit was a cut above. The pace of food delivery was perfect. Staff were highly knowledgeable and if they weren’t the expert, they got the expert to come talk to us. We ate outside, which was stunning. The food was creative and delicious. We had the beef fillet and the venison and every part of each composed dish was a delightful interplay of great flavors. A real 10 out of 10. Exceptional night all around.

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Experience

Appalachian Nature Tasting Experience - Watershed

Experience

Valentine's Day at Wilder

Experience

New Year's Eve at Wilder

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9

4.9 (4599)

$50 and over

American

Knoxville

About the restaurant

At Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, we know that great food begins with fresh, quality sourced local ingredients. On our Modern Appalachian menu, Chef Jeff Carter and culinary team present seasonal and delicious dishes that are familiar and steeped in tradition yet enhanced with bold new dashes of flavor and component combinations that may surprise and delight you.

Dancing Bear provides a premium lodging experience. We bring the same commitment to excellence to our award-winning restaurant and full bar. Whether enjoying a romantic dinner for two or bringing the extended family together for a celebratory meal, we want your night out in Townsend to be a special experience. We offer a refined assortment of modern Appalachian cuisine — all served among elegant surroundings and calming wooded vistas.

Top review

Julie

Dined 3 days ago

The setting is lovely, the ambiance wonderful, the service just right and the food delicious!

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Shrimp and Lemon Grits

Popular dish

Appalachian Charcuterie Board

Connors Steak & Seafood - Knoxville

4.9

4.9 (4938)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Knoxville

About the restaurant

We specialize in fresh seafood and premium aged steaks, as well as gourmet salads, pastas and more! Enjoy a memorable evening with friends and family in our well-appointed dining rooms, or stop by for the lunch you and your associates deserve. Our friendly service and flavorful fare will keep you coming back for more.

Connors Steak & Seafood first opened their doors to the diners at the new Turkey Creek shopping center in Knoxville, TN. Combining a high quality menu with a comfortable atmosphere, Connors quickly became a favorite with fellow Knoxvillians. The rich, wood interiors, warm fireplaces, and "guest-obsessed" service continues to this day, and in 2011 Connors was recognized in the "Best Steak" category of the 2011 Metro Pulse Best of Knoxville publication. Connors Steak & Seafood is Knoxville, TN is AAA 3 Diamond Rated.

Top review

PhilipGold

Dined 3 days ago

Very nice restaurant, service, and food. I will return for the experience.

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Fleming's Steakhouse - Knoxville

4.8

4.8 (1130)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Knoxville

About the restaurant

Your Knoxville Fleming's is located on Parkside Drive, in the Colonial Pinnacle Turkey Creek Shopping Plaza. Fleming's in Knoxville is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner or simply wanting to enjoy a night out - we will create a safe and memorable evening in our Dining Room or Outdoor Patio. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.

Top review

JeffGold

Dined 4 days ago

We had the chicken picstta and bone in filet. Both were very well prepared. Nicole did a fantastic job as our server. Top notch restaurant for sure.

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4.8

4.8 (1328)

$31 to $50

French

Knoxville

About the restaurant

Northshore Brasserie is a family owned, full-service restaurant and bar serving French Belgian cuisine in a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. Over the last decade, we have become a Knoxville favorite known for hearty delicious food, and outstanding service. For dinner, we specialize in Brasserie classics, such as: steak frites, mussels, roast chicken, fresh seafood, and handmade pastas. We also take advantage of local produce and meats to create in season specials. Our bar has a vibrant, unpretentious atmosphere where locals and out-of-towners gather to enjoy craft cocktails, Belgian beers, and a selection of wines from around the world.

Top review

Patricia

Dined 3 days ago

We had a delicious meal. The short rib over polenta was amazing.

The Restaurant at RT Lodge

4.8

4.8 (1379)

$31 to $50

Southern

Maryville

About the restaurant

Expect something you won’t see many other places—even at the most sophisticated hospitality destinations in the world. Your meals at The Restaurant at RT Lodge are uniquely your own. Every aspect of your meal is important to us. We shape our menus on the changing bounty of each season, with the freshest ingredients sourced from local farms and the best providers. Experience favorites such as our Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Housemade Charcuterie. After dinner, enjoy coffee and complimentary s'mores around the fire pit while being surrounded by gorgeous landscape and all the quiet sounds of Maryville College Woods.

Top review

Matthew

Dined 6 days ago

All salads are wonderful and big. Chicken dish was so tender and sweet potatoes and vegetables done perfectly. The Trout was done perfectly and the apple bundt and walnut coffee cake were delicious! Can't go wrong at RT Lodge with their service, atmosphere, and food.

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Popular dish

Roasted Beet Salad V GF

Popular dish

Lodge Onion Soup

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Knoxville

4.8

4.8 (2668)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Knoxville

About the restaurant

Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Knoxville, TN serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

Top review

Dave

Dined 7 days ago

Chris (our server) was absolutely amazing. Food was great.

The Marlowe

4.9

4.9 (1709)

$31 to $50

Continental

Knoxville

About the restaurant

You don’t have to go far for an exceptional culinary experience.

Reviewers say “consistently spectacular” with friendly “non-stuffy” service. The Marlowe simply is Knoxville’s answer to great metropolitan dining.

We proudly offer an extensive and diverse wine list featuring carefully selected whites and reds from the finest wineries around the world. Bistro by the Tracks is a recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, 2010.

Join us for an evening of dining that is at once casual and elegant. Reservations most appreciated.

Top review

Jim

Dined on Oct 27, 2026

Excellent as usual. The Speakeasy, from their temperance cocktail list, was a fine start to an excellent meal. The soup was delicious, as were the entrees. Crab cakes for Suzanne, chicken for me, and a creme brûlée to split for dessert. We both love the place and will definitely be back. We've got an anniversary coming up soon.

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Chesapeake's West Knoxville

4.8

4.8 (2007)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Knoxville

About the restaurant

Chesapeake’s West derives much of its authentic Eastern Shore qualities from décor that features genuine nautical antiques and artifacts. Pairing this cozy, seaside ambiance with welcoming service and fresh ingredients has made it the perfect spot for creating memorable moments.

As part of the Copper Cellar Family of Restaurants, we offer fresh seafood that’s sourced daily, local, handcrafted microbrews, an extensive wine list and prime-graded beef. We are known for live Maine lobster, Maryland Crab cakes, a variety of fresh fish, and assorted oyster selection.

Chesapeake’s features a raw bar, Sunday brunch, and happy hour in the bar/lounge. Full menus — including gluten free options are available and can be enjoyed on our patio. Free onsite parking and a courtesy shuttle is available for local hotels.

Whether you come for the food, the drinks, or the atmosphere, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.

Buffet only on Easter, Mother's & Father's Days, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Top review

Ron

Dined on Oct 27, 2026

Great as always and service was outstanding. The broiled seafood platter is always fantastic. The clam chowder was phenomenal.

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American