Must-Visit Food Stops in Tennessee

Travelers and locals alike take advantage of some fantastic hotel restaurants across the state. If you are looking for the absolute best food in Tennessee, start with these refined establishments:

• Chez Philippe at The Peabody Memphis has been an elegant dining institution for decades, offering modern American cuisine with French presentation in multi-course tasting menus. This hotel restaurant is wheelchair accessible.
• For more casual fare, stop by Penny's Nitty Gritty at The Westin Memphis Beale Street, which offers salads, shrimp & grits, ribeye, pastas and lobster tail. Penny's is also wheelchair accessible.
• Indulge in a sophisticated take on classic American cuisine at The Continental  in the Grand Hyatt, one of the top hotel restaurants in Nashville.
• Experience fine Italian dining from a Michelin-starred chef at Yolan in The Joseph in Nashville.
• Located in the Thompson Nashville, Marsh House focuses on seafood-centric Tennessee cuisine with a distinct Southern soul.
• Visit Henley at the Kimpton Aertson Hotel in Nashville for seasonal dishes and creative cocktails that define the modern Tennessee food scene.
• Stop at Oliver Royale, tucked inside the The Oliver Hotel in Knoxville, for locally-sourced, farm-to-table food from Tennessee in a historic, upscale setting.
• Located at The Tennessean Hotel in Knoxville, The Drawing Room offers refined small plated and expertly crafted cocktails for a perfect Tennessee drink after a day of exploring.
• Situated in the historic Read House Hotel in Chattanooga, Bridgeman's Chophouse is a cornerstone of the Chattanooga food scene, serving premium steaks and fresh seafood. 

Discover other places to stay across Tennessee here. 

Tennessee’s craft beer scene has exploded, and searching for the best breweries in Nashville, Memphis, and beyond is now a top priority for visitors. Every city offers a unique Tennessee drink experience, showcasing the incredible variety of Tennessee foods and beverages available across the state.

• Yazoo Brewing Company (Nashville): As a pioneer of the local scene, Yazoo is widely considered one of the best breweries in Nashville for fans of classic and innovative ales.
• Jackalope Brewing Company (Nashville): This female-founded favorite offers adventurous and approachable brews that have become a staple in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Black Abbey Brewing Company (Nashville): Step into the "Fellowship" taproom to enjoy unique, Belgian-style beers,
• Tennessee Brew Works (Nashville): This brewery focuses on "finely tuned" craft beer and high-quality food.
• Bearded Iris Brewing (Nashville): Known for their world-class hazy IPAs, this Germantown gem is a must-visit for anyone exploring Tennessee food and drink landscape.
• TailGate Brewery (Nashville): With multiple locations and creative flavors like Peanut Butter Milk Stout, this is a top contender among the best breweries in Nashville.
• Wiseacre Brewing Co. (Memphis): This stunning facility is a leader among the best breweries in Memphis, famous for its flagship Tiny Bomb pilsner.
• Ghost River Brewing Co. (Memphis): Experience a taste of local history at this downtown staple.
• Memphis Made Brewing Co. (Memphis): Located in the heart of Cooper-Young, this spot offers a rotating selection of brews that define the where to drink and eat in Memphis experience.
• High Cotton Brewing Co. (Memphis): Visit this Edge District brewery for traditional styles that perfectly complement the soulful food in Memphis.
• Hutton & Smith Brewing Co. (Chattanooga): This rock-climbing-themed taproom is celebrated as one of the best breweries in Chattanooga for its award-winning ales.
• OddStory Brewing Co. (Chattanooga): Offering a mix of experimental and approachable beers, this brewery is a vibrant part of the Chattanooga drink scene.
• Next Level Brewing Company (Knoxville): This small-batch brewery focuses on high-quality, diverse styles that pair well with famous food in Tennessee culture.
• Crafty Bastard Brewery (Knoxville): Known for unconventional ingredients and bold flavors, this spot is a favorite for those seeking unique Tennessee drinks.
• Johnson City Brewing Company (Johnson City): This community-focused brewery offers small-batch beers that reflect the local spirit.
• Yee-Haw Brewing Company (Johnson City): Housed in an iconic log barn, this brewery serves easy-drinking lagers that are a classic Tennessee drink.
• Tennessee Hills Brewstillery (Jonesborough): Enjoy the best of both worlds at this "brewstillery" where you can sample craft beer and local spirits side-by-side.
• Cedar Glade Brews (Murfreesboro): Discover local flavor in Murfreesboro at this brewery known for its welcoming atmosphere and fresh Tennessee cuisine.

From the Great Smoky Mountains to the banks of the Tennessee River, the state offers incredible dining options with mountain views Tennessee visitors will never forget.

• Beyond some of the best food in Gatlinburg, the sweeping mountain vistas from the deck at Cliff Top high above Gatlinburg at Anakeesta are awe-inspiring. Anakeesta strives to be accessible, offering paved pathways, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout the park, including at Cliff Top.
• If a river view is more your thing, The Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar offers views of the Tennessee River rolling through Chattanooga. The Boathouse provides accessible parking, ramps where needed, and accessible seating to ensure all guests can enjoy their meal with a view.
• Follow that river upstream to Knoxville, and you’ll discover the delightful Lakeside Tavern and a popular surf ’n’ turf menu. Lakeside Tavern offers accessible parking, ramp access, and accessible seating arrangements, making it convenient for all diners.
• If you're looking for where to eat in Memphis, take a seat at one of the outdoor tables at Cafe Olé in the hip Cooper-Young district of Memphis or bring the family to Belly Acres’ two Bluff City locations for a grass-fed burger or free-range chicken alongside a yummy milkshake. Both Cafe Olé and Belly Acres locations are committed to accessibility, featuring accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms to accommodate all patrons.
• Rooftop patios are all the rage in Nashville, and dining poolside at White Limozeen is a vacation must-do and one of the most iconic rooftop restaurants Nashville has to offer. Located at The Graduate Nashville, the restaurant offers elevator access to its rooftop, along with accessible pathways and seating options to ensure an inclusive glamorous experience.

For even more beautiful and unique places to eat, check out These Tennessee Patios and Rooftops or Cozy Places to Eat in Tennessee. 

It’s often difficult to agree with a group on choosing a dining destination, so food halls have been a great development, offering a variety of restaurants under one roof. Enjoy a wide array of options featuring some of the most famous food in Tennessee and discover some hidden cuisine gems that can only be found here. 

• In Nashville, Assembly Food Hall houses more than 30 dining options, including outposts of favorite local restaurants which showcase the incredible variety of food Tennessee is known for. Assembly Food Hall is designed with comprehensive accessibility in mind, featuring wide, level pathways, accessible restrooms, and ample space between vendors to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests.
• Hunters Station is a fun East Nashville choice; the food hall is a community hub where you can find everything from tacos to what foods Nashville is known for.
• Constructed out of the stalls of a former car wash, The Wash in Nashville is a uniqee micro-bay food hall which features a rotating selection of local chefs.
• Sample diverse flavors from local vendors at Marble City Market in Knoxville, a stylish hall that highlights the very best of regional Tennessee cuisine.
• Market South in Chattanooga is a highlight of the Chattanooga food scene, featuring a brewery, test kitchen, and artisanal vendors.

Beyond the food Tennessee is known for, sipping your way along the Whiskey Trail is a quintessential Volunteer State experience. Exploring these legendary sites offers some of the best distillery tours in Tennessee, where you can learn the history of the world's most famous Tennessee drink along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.

• Jack Daniel Distillery (Lynchburg): Journey to the home of the world’s best-selling whiskey for a tour and taste of one of Tennessee's most famous brands.
• Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. (Tullahoma): Visit the historic home of George Dickel for an authentic look at the craftsmanship behind this classic Tennessee staple.
• Company Distilling (Thompson’s Station): Explore this inventive craft distillery that blends heritage with modern techniques to create a premium Tennessee drink.
• Old Dominick Distillery (Memphis): Experience the rebirth of a 150-year-old tradition in downtown Memphis, a highlight for anyone deciding where to eat in Memphis and drink like a local.
• Short Mountain Distillery (Woodbury): Get out into the countryside for a farm-to-bottle experience that highlights the rural roots of Tennessee.
• Prichard's Distillery (Kelso): Discover artisanal spirits handcrafted in small batches at this historic family-owned distillery in the Tennessee hills.
• Sugarlands Distilling Company (Gatlinburg): Sample award-winning moonshine and spirits that represent some of the best in Gatlinburg.
• Ole Smoky Moonshine (Gatlinburg): Step into "The Holler" to taste the world-famous moonshine that has become an iconic part of Tennessee culture.
• Old Forge Distillery (Pigeon Forge): Taste spirits inspired by the local heritage of the Old Mill, perfectly capturing the flavors of popular food in Tennessee.
• Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery (Chattanooga): Visit the birthplace of "Tennessee High Malt" to see how this innovative team is changing the Chattanooga drink scene.

An important part of hospitality is respecting the special wants and needs of your guests, and many Tennessee restaurants are happy to accommodate food allergies and gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan meal requests while staying true to authentic Tennessee flavors. 

• Mangia Nashville (Nashville): This local favorite is renowned for its gluten-free pizzas and pastas, ensuring everyone can enjoy food in Nashville Tennessee.
• Benefit Your Life Bakery (Knoxville): Every item at this bakery is celiac-friendly, making it a safe and delicious stop for popular foods in Tennessee.
• The Southern V (Nashville): This family-owned eatery serves vegan versions of what kind of food is tennessee known for, like incredible hot "chicken."
• City Silo (Memphis & Germantown): For health-conscious travelers wondering where to eat in Memphis, this cafe offers fresh, nutrient-dense bowls and juices.
• Imagine Vegan Cafe (Memphis): This beloved spot proves that popular food in Tennessee can be entirely plant-based without losing its soul.

To discover even more vegan options across the state, check out this Guide to Vegan Restaurants in Tennessee.

When it comes to “farm-to-table,” you can’t beat restaurants that actually grow their own produce.

• Blackberry Farm (Walland): A global leader in sustainable agriculture, this estate serves farm-grown ingredients that define the best food in Tennessee.
• Southall Farm & Inn (Franklin): This massive farm-to-table destination focuses on seasonal ingredients that showcase the purity of food from Tennessee.
• Drusie & Darr (Nashville): Located in the Hermitage Hotel, this restaurant uses ingredients from a historic local farm to create modern Tennessee cuisine.

Click here to discover more ways you can travel sustainably in Tennessee. 

Tennessee’s wineries may focus on sweeter bottles than some other states, but that doesn’t make them any less delicious.

• Smoky Mountain Winery (Gatlinburg): Visit the oldest winery in the Smokies for a tasting that ranks among the best in Gatlinburg area food and drink experiences.
• Tennessee Homemade Wines (Gatlinburg): Sample sweet, local wines that perfectly capture the spirit and tradition of Tennessee.
• Chestnut Hill Winery (Crossville): Located on the Cumberland Plateau, this stop offers a massive selection of wines.
• Stonehaus Winery (Crossville): Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere and a wide array of varietals at this staple of the Tennessee wine scene.
• DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards (Baxter): Experience elegant tastings and beautiful grounds at this destination known for high-quality Tennessee cuisine.
• The Winery at Seven Springs Farm (Maynardville): Discover farm-fresh wines in a historic setting.
• Arrington Vineyards (Arrington): Enjoy live music and scenic hill views at this premier winery close to Nashville.
• Grinder's Switch Winery (Columbia): Stop by this cozy winery along the Natchez Trace for award-winning bottles.
• Natchez Hills Vineyard (Hampshire): Indulge in a boutique wine experience that pairs perfectly with the local Tennessee cuisine.
• Amber Falls Winery & Cellars (Hampshire): Relax in a picturesque setting while sampling bold reds and crisp whites.
• Century Farm Winery (Jackson): Stop by this family-owned West Tennessee gem to taste award-winning wines that highlight regional Tennessee foods.
• White Squirrel Winery (Kenton): Discover unique local flavors at this vineyard, a true hidden gem winery in Tennessee.

Check out our full curated lists of wineries and wine trails in Tennessee: Sips & Sights at These Tennessee Wineries, Four Tennessee Wine Trails You Don't Want to Miss

“We eat first with our eyes” has long been a popular expression among chefs, and the ambiance of a restaurant has been scientifically proven to affect the perception of flavors.

• At Gray & Dudley in the Bankers Alley Hotel in downtown Nashville, dramatic sculptures stare down at diners from the upper corners of the dining room, adding a little tension to keep your taste buds on edge for the bold culinary salvos coming out of the kitchen. Gray & Dudley offers a top choice for artistic food in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Chef Kelly English rotates artwork from local artists on the walls of his charming Restaurant Iris in Memphis to augment the romantic ambiance of his Louisiana-inspired cuisine, a quintessential spot for where to eat in Memphis.
• Nashville’s Fairlane Hotel revamps its top-floor bar every season as does Dream Nashville and Noelle's speakeasy, Hidden Bar which is accessible through storage closet doors. 
• Daniel Lindley is both a renowned chef and a talented artist and showcases his work and that of others to heighten the drama at his restaurants Alleia in Chattanooga and Nashville’s 5th & Taylor. Both restaurants give visitors the chance to dine in stunningly designed spaces which showcase the creative side of the Nashville and Chattanooga food scenes.
• Sean Brock’s shrine to the food and culture of Appalachia at Audrey also serves as a gallery space for scores of the chef’s personal pieces of historical folk art. Audrey provides an accessible dining and artistic experience, offering accessible entrances, wide aisles, and accessible restrooms to ensure all guests can explore its unique concept.

When you're hungry, Tennessee has a restaurant to satisfy your cravings. Plan your trip and discover why Tennessee food is some of the best you'll ever taste.