Published onTennessee November 25, 2022DoorMegan Kraft
As the New Year rolls around, you'll find people making resolutions for all kinds of things. Whether they're focused on personal health or relationships with loved ones, or a bucket list of fun experiences to enjoy in the year ahead, it's always nice to hear how your loved ones plan to use their time. If you're on our side of the world, we've rounded up for you the best restaurants in Tennessee you just can't miss. Whether you're a local or a tourist, these incredible restaurants are must-try while you're in the Volunteer State.
Henrietta RoodOne of Nashville's premier eateries; an airy, beautifully designed seafood restaurant that utilizes natural light and blond wood accents to create a beautiful space. Be sure to order the oysters! They are the best in town.
1200 Fourth Avenue N, Nashville, TN 37208
Bell Buckle Cafe, 16 Railroad Sq E, TN-269, Bell Buckle, TN 37020, VS.
small town dinnerLocated in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, it specializes in Southern-inspired cuisine. Breakfast is most everyone's favorite, and French toast will keep you happy and full. Reasonably priced, very friendly waiters for a great local experience. (Editor's note: Small Town Diner unfortunately permanently closed)
719 S Main St, Mount Pleasant, TN 38474, VS
If seeing those bagels doesn't make you hungry, we don't know what will! Look forward to homemade cream cheese, soups, bagels and sandwiches made fresh dailyBristol Bagels and Bakery, a local restaurant has managed to capture the hearts of locals who love breakfast. Unless you're coming after hours, get in line!
634 State St, Bristol, TN 37620, VS
AleaHoused in an old brick building, the interiors are artistically decorated to highlight the Italian rustic feel. Look forward to Italian pizza and, of course, homemade pasta on the menu, and you can trust the 1,100+ reviews on Google calling this restaurant one of the best in Tennessee. The menu is seasonal, so know there will be minor changes throughout the year, but fresh and delicious food is on offer every day.
25 E Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408, United States
Another incredible Italian place,EmiliaHeadquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. The restaurant focuses on simple, seasonal dishes prepared by hand daily. Homemade pasta is perfectly paired with fine wine, and the restaurant is located in the heart of the market square.
16 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
Perhaps one of the strangest experiences on our list,janitor's tableis a recently opened restaurant in the historic Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. You can combine a tour of the historic prison with a "Killer Baked Potato," or a sandwich made with pulled pork. Sure, it might seem tacky to eat here, but we thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
9182 TN-116, Petros, TN 37845, VS
Witt Vogelin Chattanooga is a trendy spot known for its locally sourced brunch, just steps from the historic Walnut Street pedestrian bridge. Trendy and stunning, we recommend pairing the Appalachian-inspired dishes with a cocktail (or two!).
102 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403, VS
WellingtonIt might not look like it from the outside, but it's known for serving some of the best cookies in the area. Located in Johnson City, Tennessee, this is a great place to stop for breakfast if you're in the eastern part of the state.
1216 W State of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604, VS
all-day small mealFocus on homemade delicious American cuisine in a quaint dining setting. Locally owned and operated, the restaurant opens early on weekdays and closes on weekends. Lunch dishes are served with chips or onion rings and breakfast is served all day. Start the day with a ham and cheese omelet, or two eggs mixed with hash browns. Classics like biscuits and gravy and buttermilk pancakes are also available.
490 1st St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311, VS
smash a tableis a deli cafe in Columbia, Tennessee. The restaurant's seasonal menu offers small plates and specials, and you can also look forward to everything from classic cheese and meat platters to bread and butter platters. Looking for more pampering? The chocolate and cheese board is a real dream!
109 E 6th St, Columbia, TN 38401, VS
Franklin BusinessLocated off Main Street in downtown Franklin, Tennessee, this family-owned eatery has a country chic design and breakfast! We recommend trying the sweet potato pancakes and a steaming cup of coffee before ending your morning with a stroll through Franklin's beloved downtown.
100 4th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064, VS
What a solid list! Do you have a favorite restaurant? We're always looking for more information about small Tennessee towns and your favorite places to eat, so be sure to leave your thoughts and recommendations for Tennessee restaurants in the comments below!
keep the fun going, visitThe most popular hole in the wall has arguably the best burger in Tennessee.
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Best Food in Tennessee
November 30, 2022
William Suphan
What is Tennessee's most iconic food?
Here are Tennessee's most iconic foods:
- Sweet Potato Pancakes. These delicacies can be found at Nashville's Pancake Pantry.
- hot chicken. Nashville hot chicken is a Tennessee staple, and some of the best can be found at Hattie B's in Nashville
- Fried pickles. Southern states love their fries, and fried pickles have become a local favorite, especially at Gus's in Memphis.
- Cuckoo cluster. This chocolate-covered peanut, caramel and marshmallow nougat is a local favorite and can be found in downtown Nashville.
Read more about these and moreTennessee's Most Iconic Dishes.
What are the most unique restaurants in Tennessee?
The most unique restaurants in Tennessee include:
- Elliston Square Soda Shop. This 1950s diner is an old-fashioned soda and burger joint that still makes milkshakes by hand.
- Catbird Chair. You have to book in advance and you don't know what you're going to get as the menu for the evening is put together by the chef.
- Hugh baby. The place quickly gained popularity for its gourmet burgers, making the Depression-era slug burger.
- From Monet. The restaurant features family-style seating around a large table where everyone can pass dishes to each other.
discover moreTennessee's Most Unique Restaurants.
What are the best lakeside restaurants in Tennessee?
Some of the best lakeside restaurants in Tennessee include:
- rudder. Located in Hendersonville's Anchor High Marina, this fun tiki-inspired restaurant and bar offers whimsical food and an extensive cocktail list.
- Steve's Landing Beachside Grill. A local favorite for fresh catfish, this Soddy Daisy restaurant welcomes your drive or boat.
- Tanasi Bar and Grill. Overlooking Lake Tellico in Loudoun, this restaurant serves quality food at affordable prices and the view is as good as the food.
- Papa Turney's BBQ. Located on the banks of the J Percy Priest Reservoir, this casual grill serves hickory-smoked cuisine.
more to knowBest Tennessee Lakeside Restaurants.
FAQs
12 Bucket List Restaurants to Try in Tennessee, One for Every Month of the Year? ›
You can't visit Tennessee without a big ole plate of Memphis barbecue, distinctive for its flavorful dry rub rather than the usual messy sauce.
What is Tennessee most famous food? ›You can't visit Tennessee without a big ole plate of Memphis barbecue, distinctive for its flavorful dry rub rather than the usual messy sauce.
What food should you not miss in Nashville? ›Nashville boasts six notable dishes that are worth trying: hot chicken, meat and three, biscuits, barbecue, fried fish, and desserts. Additionally, locally brewed beers, Tennessee Whiskey, and coffee are recommended for drinks. For extra credit, local burgers, pizza, and fried pickles are also worth exploring.
What food or drink is Tennessee known for? ›Hot chicken, fluffy biscuits, dry-rubbed ribs and potent moonshine are a few of the great-tastes in Tennessee.
What is the best food city in Tennessee? ›- Ooty- Varkey. ...
- Erode- Kongunadu. ...
- Chennai- Vada Curry. ...
- Coimbatore- Coconut buns. ...
- Manaparrai- Murukku. ...
- Dindigul- Thalapakatti Biriyani. ...
- Thoothukudi- Macroons. ...
- Sattur- Kara Sev.
Tennessee is known for its music scene, high-quality whiskey, and home to the Great Smokies. Country music artists and singers such as Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton hail from Tennessee, and the state has been home to many other popular musicians over the years.
What is Tennessee's official food? ›The Tomato, scientifically known as the Lycopersicon lycopersicum, was designated as Tennessee's official state fruit in 2003.
What is the most popular snack in Tennessee? ›Given that Moon Pies are actually made in Tennessee, it should come as no surprise that the sandwich cookie is the state's best snack. There's even an RC Cola-Moon Pie Festival dedicated to the sweet treats (and its beloved combo with the soda) held each year in Bell Buckle, Tennessee.
What is the most popular dessert in Tennessee? ›As already mentioned above, the iconic Moon Pie is considered the most popular dessert in Tennessee. However, with that being said, there are several restaurants located throughout "The Volunteer State" that serve delicious homemade banana pudding.
Where do celebrities eat Nashville? ›You will most likely see Nashville celebrities at Whole Foods in Green Hills, The Mall at Green Hills, Pancake Pantry in Hillsboro, Santa's Pub at Bransford Ave, Pinewood Social, Fido's Coffee Shop in Hillsboro, and the area of Franklin and Brentwood in general.
What is Nashville's most famous food? ›
Nashville's most famous food is Hot Chicken which was invented in the city. Other local favorites include biscuits and donuts. Is tipping necessary in Nashville?
What food can you only get in Tennessee? ›- Catfish.
- Nashville Hot Chicken.
- Memphis Barbecue.
- MoonPies.
- Stack Cake.
- Cornbread.
- Tennessee Whiskey.
- Biscuits and Gravy.
Tennessee: Jack Daniel's
If there's one thing Tennessee does well, it's whiskey. Lynchburg, Tenn. is home to the world-famous Jack Daniel distillery. Whether you're crafting a cocktail, mixing it with classic Coke, or sipping it on the rocks, you're right at home if you're drinking Jack in Tennessee.
If you're a Tennessean, it won't surprise you that whiskey is our favorite drink — Tennessee Whiskey is world-famous, after all.
What is the most popular grocery store in Tennessee? ›| State | Most Popular Grocery Store by State |
|---|---|
| South Dakota | Hy-Vee |
| Tennessee | Kroger |
| Texas | H-E-B |
| Utah | Albertsons |
- fresh rainbow trout.
- stone ground cornmeal and grits.
- local wildflower and sourwood honey.
- homemade candies like taffy and fudge.
- homemade maple syrup.
- locally grown preserves and jellies.
- homemade biscuits and sawmill gravy.
- apple butter and apple dumplins.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. It's also one of the largest national parks because it encompasses over half a million acres. For nature lovers, this is one of the best places to visit in Tennessee.
What is the most visited city in Tennessee? ›First on the list of the top places to visit in Tennessee is Nashville. It is certainly a good place to live-in and a great place to visit. Having earned its name as the birthplace of Country Music, it is known to showcase an excellent variety of musical and arty cultural attractions.
What pie is Tennessee known for? ›One of our favorite Tennessee desserts is the chess pie, a true Southern classic. Made with just eggs, butter, and sugar, with the addition of cornmeal and vinegar, this pie was the sweet born out of necessity and scarcity.
What desserts is Tennessee known for? ›Tennessee loves banana pudding so much that the state holds an annual festival for the dessert. If you can't make it to Tennessee for the event, try whipping up this easy Banana Cream Pie Pudding Cup recipe — it's one of those desserts that requires fewer than five ingredients.
What food was invented in Tennessee? ›
You know it as cotton candy, but in the 1890s, a Nashville dentist — yes, a dentist — and a candymaker partnered to invent a fluffy, sugary treat they called "fairy floss."
What is Tennessee's state snack? ›Tennessee: MoonPies
These little cakes have been made since 1917 and are one of the snack foods you won't believe are over 100 years old.
The title, of course, refers to two of Tennessee's most famous treats: the Goo Goo Cluster made in Nashville, and the MoonPie made in Chattanooga. Though some might try to say otherwise, there is no battle between these two treats. They are very different, but equally delicious.
What candy is popular in Tennessee? ›Tennessee isn't the only state that crave Tootsie Pops for Halloween more than any other candy.
What is the most popular candy in Tennessee? ›Tennessee: Banana Pudding
With that fact alone, we feel that this dessert has rightly earned the title of the official state dessert of Tennessee.
The Number 1 Most Popular Desserts in America are Chocolate Chip Cookies! What is this? And finally, that brings us to the number one spot on the list of most popular desserts in America, chocolate chip cookies.
What is Tennessee's state food? ›| State | Food type | Food name |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | State bread | Frybread |
| Tennessee | State fruit | Tomato |
| Texas | State dish | Chili |
| State fruit | Texas red grapefruit |
Tamil Nadu cuisine is a combination of different flavours from a mild tangy Sambar to a dose of hot and spicy Rasam. The cuisine is majorly dominated by the use of rice, lentils, spices such as tamarind, coriander, chili pepper, cinnamon, curry leaves, cardamom, coconut and much more.