Taste Tennessee's Top Bites: Famous Foods & Best Restaurants

Some of the best food in Tennessee are the culinary staples that have been in the state for many years. Here's just a sampling of some of the famous food in Tennessee you can experience: 

• Southern fried catfish
   
• Biscuits
   
• Nashville hot chicken 
   
• Memphis-style barbecue 
   
• Meat-and-threes
   
• Tennessee whiskey
   
• Mountain Dew, which originated in Tennessee
   
• Bush's Beans in Dandridge, Tennessee
   
• The original Long Island Iced Tea in Kingsport, Tennessee
   
• MoonPies in Chattanooga, Tennessee
   
• GooGoo Clusters in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville’s one MICHELIN Star restaurant, Bastion's chef momentarily steps away from their station to flip through a stack of vinyl, selecting the next record for the turntable. This ritual serves two key purposes. The soundtrack shapes the atmosphere for both the culinary team and the diners, and scientific studies suggest that sound can genuinely impact your perception of taste. Dubbed “sonic seasoning,” this phenomenon indicates that higher-pitched sounds might enhance the sweetness of a dish, while lower tones can often accentuate bitter or savory notes. 

• Signature Dish: Bastion provides a multi-course dinner featuring a wide variety of ingredients and flavors. The menu is ever-evolving, based on chef's inspirations and ingredient availability.
   
• Address: 434 Houston St., Nashville, TN 37203
   
• Hours: 5:30-9 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday
   
• Reservations: Reservations are prepaid and can be made here.

For soulful music and food in Lexington, Tennessee, Main & Monroe is the place to be on weekend nights. It's a blend of what Tennessee does best, music and food. The restaurant is located conveniently between Memphis and Nashville, two powerhouse music cities.

• Signature dishes: Fried green BLT, shrimp & grits, and smothered chicken
   
• Hours:
  7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Wednesday
  7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday
  7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
   
• Address: 40 South Main St., Lexington, Tennessee 38351
   
• Reservations: Reservations can be made here.

Jim Oliver’s Smoke House, a patio grill tucked amongst the gorgeous mountains in Monteagle, Tennessee, brings in talent from Nashville and surrounding areas on weekends to perform on its patio.

• Signature Dish/Drink: Slow simmered pulled pork, burgers, fried okra; signatue drinks include Jack Daniel's Punch
   
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday
  Live music: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday; 4:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday
   
• Address: 844 West Main St., Monteagle, TN 37356
   
• Reservations: Walk-ins only

Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis serves up pizzas from a woodfired oven and an eclectic lineup of musical acts on its large stage. 

• Signature dish/drink: Supreme pizza with Italian sausage,peppers and onions, LMR Old Fashioned featuring Memphis-based Blue Note Juke Joint Bourbon
   
• Hours: 
  5-10 p.m. - Thursday
  5 p.m. to midnight - Friday
  4 p.m. to midnight - Saturday
  11 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Sunday
   
• Address: 2119 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
   
• Reservations: Reserve your table here.

Drifters Tennessee BBQ Joint in East Nashville offers excellent smoked meats and live music almost every night.

• Signature dish: The Drifter is their signature sandwich which includes pulled pork and sliced brisket stacked on a garlic-butter toasted brioche bun with hot pickles.
   
• Hours:
  11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday
  11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
   
• Address: 1008-B Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206
   
• Reservations: Walk-ins only

Be surrounded by lush, mountain foothills of Madisonville, Tennessee at Tsali Notch Vineyard. Sip wines from muscadine grapes, indigenous to the Southeast United States, and enjoy sweeping mountain views.

• Signature drink: The Notch Wine is the driest wine while the Chatsworth is the dry red wine.
   
• Hours: 
  Noon to 6 p.m. - Wednesday-Thursday
  10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday
   
• Address: 162 Harrison Rd, Madisonville, TN 37354
   
• Tickets:
  Vineyard Tour - $5-$10
  
  Tasting Room Ticket - $16
  
  Fire pit rental - $25 for 2 hours

The Winery at Seven Springs Farm has rolling hills of vineyards for you to explore while sipping dry, semi-dry, sweet and sparkling wines like Pinot Grigio, Merlot and Riesling.

• Signature drink: Popular wines include Rooster Red from Chambourcin grapes, the dry white Farmhouse White and the sweet Southern Belle wine.
   
• Hours:
  11 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Wednesday-Saturday
  11 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Sunday
• Address: 1474 Highway 61 E, Maynardville, TN 37807
• Tickets:
  Wine flight - $8 for four 2oz samples
  
  Full tasting - $4 for eight 1/2oz samples
  
  Full tasting + logo wine glass - $5 for eight 1/2oz samples and a logo wine glass
  
  Single tasting - $0.50 - 1/2oz sample

Located close to Nashville, you can enjoy the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee and various wines ranging from semi sweet to muscadine and off-dry blush at Natchez Hills Vineyard & Winery in Hampshire, Tennessee.

• Signature drink: Naughty Tea - a unique tea wine made from sweet tea.
   
• Hours:
  Noon to 5 p.m. - Friday
  Noon to 7 p.m. - Saturday
  Noon to 5 p.m. - Sunday
   
• Address: 109 Overhead Bridge Rd., Hampshire, TN 38461
   
• Ticketing/Reservations: $6 guided wine tastings for 5 wines. 
  Reservations are taken Wednesdays-Sundays. If tastings are for a group of 8 or more, please email info@natchezhills.com or call 931-981-3893 at least 24 hours in advance.

The perfect hangout spot in Clarksville, Beachaven Vineyards & Winery offers live music, guided wine tastings and winery tours. With food trucks and shady spots to chill, it's the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine with friends.

• Signature drink: Bestsellers include Gov's Red (red blend), Blackberry, Heavenly Peach (white blend), and Golden Rose (100% Concord grape)
   
• Hours:
  11 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Monday-Thursday
  11 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Friday-Saturday
  11 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Sunday
   
• Address: 1100 Dunlop Lane, Clarksville, TN 37040
   
• Ticketing/Reservations:
  $12 - Wine flights
  $4 for four 1oz sampling - Wine tasting
  $10 - Winery tour

Enjoy a premium wine tasting, guided wine flights, live music on select evenings and the annual Harvest Festival which includes vineyard tours, wine tastings, festive activities and local food. Century Farm Winery in Jackson, Tennessee provides a winery experience you'll love to come back to again and again. 

• Signature drink: Dry, semi-sweet, sweet wines as well as ports and fruit wines
   
• Hours:
  Noon to 6 p.m. - Sunday-Thursday
  10 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Friday-Saturday
   
• Address: 1548 Lower Brownsville Rd, Jackson, TN 38301
   
• Ticketing/Reservations:
  $25 - Private wine and cheese flight tasting
  $45 - Private elevated wine and charcuterie tasting
  Book your private tasting here.

White Squirrel Winery in Kenton, Tennessee is family-owned and includes a tasting room, gift area, romantic upstairs loft and pavilion as well as a large event space. Sample the award-winning wines and take a stroll in the vineyard.

• Signature drink: Award-winning wines include the Chardonel (dry white wine), Opportunity (dry white wine) and Enchantment ( a hybrid vinifera white wine). The Chambourcin-Syrah is aged in Full Throttle Tennessee Whiskey barrels.
   
• Hours:
  3-6 p.m. - Friday
  1-6 p.m. - Saturday
  1-5 p.m. - Sunday
   
• Address: 4385 S. Hwy-45 W, Kenton TN, 38233

Hagy’s Catfish Hotel in Shiloh sits right along the Tennessee River. The floorboards creek as you walk to your table and river views greet you as you dine on the famous fried catfish and hushpuppies Hagy's has been serving since 1938.

• Signature dish: Whole fried fish with golden brown hushpuppies
   
• Hours:
  11 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Tuesday-Thursday
  11 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Friday-Saturday
  11 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Sunday
   
• Address: 1140 Hagy Lane, Shiloh, TN 38376
   
• Reservations: Walk-ins welcome. Inquire about group visits.

Pat’s Cafe in Selmer fires up the grill for its famous Slugburger, which was created during the Great Depression to make food go further. Grab a stool at the counter to try the burger, then enjoy shopping at the local boutiques in town.

• Signature dish: Slugburger, made from combining soymeal grits with beef.
   
• Hours: 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
   
• Address: 110 E Court Ave, Selmer, TN 38375
   
• Reservations: Walk-ins only

Robert’s Western World in Nashville, is one of the original honky-tonks on lower Broadway. You'll hear music pouring out of the door at all times of the day and well into the night. They serve bar food favorites from burgers to chicken tenders.

• Signature dish: “Recession Special” – a fried bologna sandwich, chips, a MoonPie and a beer for $6.
   
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily
   
• Age restrictions: All ages welcome until 6 p.m. 21+ after 6 p.m.
   
• Address: 416-B Broadway, Nashville, 37203
   
• Reservations: Walk-ins only

Since 1953, Dixie Freeze in South Pittsburg is a nostalgice American diner, complete with checkered flooring, leather booths and classic fare like burgers, hot dogs and soft serve at throwback prices.

• Signature dish: Dixie Dagwood, a double-patty burger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and a slice of toast tucked into the middle. Pair with a milkshake for one of the tastiest combinations on the menu.
   
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
   
• Address: 200 Elm Ave, South Pittsburg, TN 37380
   
• Reservations: Walk-ins welcome

For a change of pace, get off the interstate and take the back roads to experience these small-town foodie adventures. You (and your taste buds) won’t regret it. Bozo’s Hot Pit Bar-B-Que – Mason: Serving legendary barbecue (and homemade pies) for more than a century.

• Signature dish: "The Pig" is the most famous and popular. It's a barbecue sandwich piled high with pork and Cole slaw on a toasted bun. Try "The Jumbo" barbecue sandwich that is probably the biggest barbecue sandwich you've ever had. Rib plates, fried catfish, blackened spicy chicken, chicken salad and hamburger steak are some of the other specialties Bozo's is known for.
   
• Hours:
  10 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Tuesday-Thursday
  10 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Friday-Saturday
   
• Address: 342 US-70, Mason, TN 38049
   
• Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling 901-294-3400.

Judith is an American tavern located on the edge of the small college town Sewanee, Tennessee, home to The University of the South. The restaurant is named after Judith Ward Lineback who was the first woman to be admitted as a student at Sewanee University in 1969. The menu is designed around seasonal fare from James Beard-nominated chef Julia Sullivan.

• Signature dish: House sourdough bread, duck, rainbow trout, and half chicken Milanese are some of the dishes you may experience, though the menu is ever-rotating based on seasonality and ingredient availability.
   
• Hours: 4-9 p.m. Thursday-Monday
   
• Address: 36 Ball Park Rd, Sewanee, TN 37375
   
• Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling 931-203-2737.

Peaceful Side Social in Townsend is located in what's called the "peaceful side of the Smokies". Sit out on the patio to enjoy stunning mountain views, live music and the latest sports games being played on the TVs. It's a family-friendly restaurant, complete with a kids' playscape located outside. The menu offers craft beers, elevated pub grub and delicious ice cream.

• Signature dish: Country ham Hawaiian pizza featuring local Benton's ham, smoked trout sandwich, and the Appalachian Trail charcuterie board featuring local meets and regional cheeses.
   
• Hours:
  Kitchen
  11 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Sunday-Tuesday
  11 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Wednesday-Saturday
  
  Taco bar
  Noon to 8 p.m. - Thursday-Sunday
  
  Creamery
  Noon to 8 p.m. - Thursday-Sunday 
   
• Address: 7967 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882
   
• Reservations: Walk-ins welcome.

The Volunteer State brims with food festivals to enjoy year-round. The National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg features a Cornbread Alley where you can taste cornbread from a variety of vendors, cornbread fondu, performances, art and more. 

• Signature dish: Cornbread
   
• Hours: 
  8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. April 24, 2027
  8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25, 2027
   
• Address: 221 S Cedar Ave, South Pittsburg, TN 37380
   
• Tickets: $10 per person

The World's Biggest Fish Fry happens every spring in Paris, Tennessee. Catfish races, hush puppy toss, a grand parade, carnival and all-you-can-eat catfish dinners makes this southern celebration nationally known.

• Signature dish: Fried catfish dinners
   
• Dates: Last full week of April 2027
   
• Address: Fairgrounds Rd, Paris, TN 38242
   
• Tickets: Catfish dinners are $20 per plate for ages 13+ and $12 for ages 6-12

Tennessee's longest and largest running festival since 1934 is the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival that happens every year in Humboldt, Tennessee. Visitors come from around the U.S. to enjoy the live music, grand parade and strawberry treats.

• Signature dish: Strawberries, including strawberry shortcake
   
• Dates: May 2027
   
• Address: 1814 E Main St, Humboldt, TN 38343
   
• Tickets: Some events are ticketed. Carnival ride armbands range by day from $15-$30. 

A pancake breakfast, baking contest, crafts, a strawberry parade, carnival and live music are all on the schedule for the 2027 Strawberry Festival that happens in downtown Dayton, Tennessee each May. The sweet tradition has been celebrated since 1947.

• Signature dish: Strawberries from local farmers
   
• Dates: May 3-8, 2027
   
• Address: 107 Main St, Dayton, TN 37321
   
• Tickets: Free to attend, though carnival rides require tickets or a $30 armband.

For two days, the Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival takes place in the small town Portland, Tennessee. The celebration opens with fireworks and live music. The main festival day includes live music and entertainment, over 200 vendors that have strawberry themed items for sale, local strawberry farmers, and the grand parade. 

• Signature dish: Strawberries from local farmers
   
• Dates: May 7-8, 2027
   
• Address: Downtown Portland, Tennessee
   
• Tickets: The event is free with some events like the pancake breakfast and Kidtown USA requiring a nominal fee. 

The Grainger County Tomato Festival celebrates all of the agricultural produce of the county with special attention to the Grainger County Tomato. Local artists, musicians, crafters and farmers come together, making the Tomato Festival one of the largest free festivals in East Tennessee.

• Signature dish: Locally grown tomatoes
   
• Dates: July 2027
   
• Address: ​7480 Rutledge Pike Rutledge, TN 37861
   
• Tickets: The event is free and open to the public.

The Tomato Art Fest is a funky and unique festival in Nashville, Tennessee that is bursting with fresh tomatoes. Tomato-themed costumes, art, home decorating, a tomato toss and even a redhead contest brings fun and whimsy to the city each August.

• Signature dish: Bloody Mary Garden Party
   
• Dates: August 2027
   
• Neighborhood: Five Points, East Nashville 37206
   
• Tickets: The event is free. You can show extra support for the Tomato Art Fest by purchasing a commemorative pin at the gate.

The Lauderdale County Tomato Festival takes place in Ripley, Tennessee, about 53 miles near Memphis. The festival has fresh-picked tomatoes, various tomato contests like the biggest, oddest shape, best color and best tasting tomato. A pickleball tournament, Pro Wrestling Midsouth match, soapbox races and singing competitions add to the annual fun.

• Signature dish: Fresh tomatoes
   
• Dates: July 2027
   
• Address: 123 N Main St, Ripley, TN 38063
   
• Tickets: The festival is free to attend.

The National Banana Pudding Festival puts the Southern staple on full display during the annual celebration. Watch the live national cook-off where the best pudding chefs compete, The Puddin' Path lets you sample banana pudding recipes for $10, shop at 100 craft vendors, enjoy live entertainment and more.

• Signature dish: Banana pudding
   
• Dates: Oct. 2-3, 2027
   
• Address: Upper Shipps Bend Rd, Centerville, TN 37033
   
• Tickets: 
  $7 - Advanced tickets
  $10 - Gate

Sometimes, a restaurant’s history is as compelling as its menu. In Memphis, Catherine & Mary’s sits in the former WHBQ radio station, the first to broadcast Elvis Presley’s “That’s All Right.” 

• Signature dish: The menu frequently changes, but if you see these on the menu, you'll want to order them: C&M Caesar with little gem lettuce, benne seeds, pecorino and crouton as well as the Rigatoni featuring Maw Maw's gravy
   
• Hours: 4:30-10 p.m. Monday-Sunday
   
• Address: 272 S Main St Ste 105-a, Memphis, TN 38103
   
• Reservations: Make reservations online.

High Point Restaurant in Monteagle is rumored to have been an Al Capone hideout, strategically located on the Dixie Highway between the mobster’s homes in Miami and Chicago, with its jutting stonework designed for quick escapes. 

• Signature dish: The pasta dishes like the tortellini and the steak and gorgonzola alfredo as well as the High Point Oscar featuring grilled beef tenderloin topped with crab meat, asparagus and bearnaise sauce are popular.
   
• Hours:
  5-9 p.m. - Monday-Thursday
  5-10 p.m. - Friday
  4-10 p.m. - Saturday
  5-9 p.m. - Sunday
   
• Address: 224 E Main St., Monteagle , TN 37356
   
• Reservations: Reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 931-924-4600.

As social media foodie influencers say, “the camera eats first,” and Tennessee is full of photo-worthy eateries, from the food to the surrounding scenery. For stunning views, dine at Cliff Top Restaurant at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg.

• Signature dish: The Flame Thrower, a burger with fried jalapeno and fresno peppers, applewood bacon, onion straws, fried green tomato, sriracha aioli and a blend of pepper jack and gouda cheese won the Gatlinburg People's Choice Award.
   
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
   
• Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
   
• Reservations: Walk-ins only.

Top of the Rock Restaurant and Brewery in Jasper, Tennessee has stunning mountain views on the patio. Chill out around one of the fire pits and enjoy craft beers, pizza, burgers and more in the laidback atmosphere.

• Signature dish: Brewery nachos, build-your-own pizza, and the elk burger are popular.
   
• Hours: 
  11 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Monday-Thursday
  11 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Friday
  10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Saturday and Sunday brunch
  3-10 p.m. - Saturday dinner
  3-9 p.m. - Sunday dinner
   
• Address: 1584 Jasper Highlands Blvd, Jasper, TN 37347
   
• Reservations: Reservations can be made on the restaurant's website.

The milkshakes at The Grind Mac and Cheese Burger Bar in Martin are a true treat, decked out with fudge, cookie crumbs and icing.

• Signature dishes: The Chocolate Freak Shake is popular among diners for its chocolatey milkshake with Cocoa Pebbles, topped with a slice of chocolate cream-filled cake, a chocolate ice cream treat, chocolate whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, chocolate syrup and a cherry. The fried mac and cheese balls, Grind House nachos, and Liberty Fries (Philly cheesesteak fries stacked with cheese, peppers, chives and onions, are also fan favorites.
   
• Hours:
  11 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Sunday-Thursday
  11 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Friday-Saturday
   
• Address: 112 Lovelace Ave, Martin, TN 38237
   
• Reservations: Walk-ins only