Diners' Choice: Best Food restaurants in East Tennessee

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall cuisine in East Tennessee? 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 favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Primo

5.0

5 (185)

$30 and under

Italian

Chattanooga

About the restaurant

Primo, which opened in the spring of 2014, is restaurateur Nathan Lindley’s tribute to his own North Chattanooga neighborhood, presented as a classic American-Italian neighborhood restaurant. Taking its culinary direction from the traditional Italian restaurants of the Northeast, Primo celebrates the rich and comforting dishes that were inspired by Italian cooking and influenced by American prosperity.
As a casual neighborhood bar and restaurant, Primo does not accept reservations for a specific time. A limited number of guests may guarantee a waiting table at the 5:00 opening each night. Also, throughout the night guests may call ahead to the restaurant at 423.602.5555 to be added to the waiting list. The dedicated staff and lively communal environment make for a short and enjoyable wait. Come see us soon.

Top review

Blake

Dined 3 days ago

Best dirty vodka martini in town, and I love the bolognese over the spaghetti squash!

Gourmet and Company

4.9

4.9 (718)

$31 to $50

American

Johnson City

About the restaurant

A Johnson City tradition since 1989, Gourmet and Company offers a dining experience that is unique to the region. Dinner menu selections run the gamut from traditional fine dinning classics to exciting specials including exotic meats and exceedingly fresh seafood. Lunches are casual and perfect for socializing or business. We also have an indoor lounge and outdoor patio bar that are fully stocked with a wide selection of wines, fine spirits, and craft beers.

Top review

Vikki

Dined on Dec 17, 2024

As always, Gourmet and Company was outstanding! The food is always delicious, the wait staff very attentive and efficient. Portions are so generous that we always have leftovers! Great place to dine!!

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Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

4.9

4.9 (3597)

$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

Kealey

Dined 4 days ago

It was a wonderful Christmas brunch! We will return again soon

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Popular dish

Truffled Filet Mignon

Connors Steak & Seafood - Knoxville

4.9

4.9 (4049)

$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

Elizabeth

Dined 3 days ago

Food was excellent. Staff was friendly and attentive as always.

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4.9

4.9 (1056)

$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

Karen

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

Absolutely great restaurant!! Food and service the best. the salmon entree is wonderful!!

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Popular dish

Steak Tartare

Popular dish

Short Rib Stuffed Mushrooms

Popular dish

Beef Bourguignon

Watauga Brewing Company

4.9

4.9 (30)

$31 to $50

International

Johnson City

About the restaurant

Watauga Brewing Company has three stories: the Brewery (first floor), Courses Restaurant (second floor), and Basque Rooftop Bar (third floor). We've got the best views of downtown Johnson City, and our brewmaster makes all our craft beers in house. For excellent service and exceptional regional European cuisine, come try our latest seasonal menu at Courses Restaurant.

Top review

Nicole

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

Very good food and drinks, but a little pricey. I will not deny however the food was really really good. We had a pasta dish and 2 steaks cooked perfectly

Massey's Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (289)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Lookout Mountain

About the restaurant

Massey’s Kitchen is the community gathering place for friends and family to enjoy great food and drinks.

Our passion is authentic, made from scratch dishes reflected in our menu that provides housemade artisanal breads, pizzas, sandwiches and more all made with fresh ingredients.

We travelled to the Mediterranean regions in search of unique offerings and experiences. Massey’s Kitchen brings the flavors and culture of the Mediterranean to our local community through our open-air spaces, authentic menu and energetic atmosphere

Top review

Rebecca

Dined 7 days ago

Excellent food!!! Excellent service! We would go back in a heartbeat if we lived in the area or if we ever travel back through here.

Amada Tapas

4.8

4.8 (305)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Chattanooga

About the restaurant

Amada is a tapas and wine bar on the southside of downtown Chattanooga. "Amada" is a female name of Spanish origin meaning beloved/loveable woman. We serve traditional Spanish plates that honor the seasonal, local ingredients of the area while celebrating southern simplicity and hospitality.
Our Mission: Do right and exceed expectations.
At Amada, we lead by putting people first. We strive to provide the best possible dining experience for our patrons while showcasing Spanish dishes, wines, and techniques. Amada's beverage menu displays signature sangrias and cocktails, a Spanish forward wine list, and local beers on tap!

Amada hosts a perfect dining experience for celebrations, date night, or just a fun night out of the house! We look forward to serving you. Cheers!

Top review

Mara

Dined on Dec 15, 2024

Delicious! The flavors were amazing. Loved the crab special with the most amazing sauce. Order the golden beets for a fresh and light side. The strip with chimichurri was fantastic as well. Highly recommend!

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The Chop House - N. Knoxville

4.8

4.8 (452)

$30 and under

Steak

Knoxville

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Chop House® restaurants, where we strive to provide each guest with friendly service in an inviting environment. Our service and our food is guaranteed!

Established in 1992 by Mike Connor with the help of family and friends, The Chop House® has become one of the premier casual restaurant concepts in the Southeast, with 12 locations spread across 4 states.

Our number one goal is to provide a superior dining experience to every guest. We do this by providing guest-obsessed service and generous portions of delicious food using the freshest ingredients.

Top review

Robert

Dined 2 days ago

Fantastic service by Kayla, food prep was perfect with perfect timing

The Marlowe

4.8

4.8 (1494)

$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. Bistro by the Tracks 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

Leslie

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent crab cakes! Service and ambiance was top notch!

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