The Top Best Restaurants in Tennessee You'll Want to Visit

Corky’s BBQ, Memphis, TN

Corky’s BBQ was established in 1984 and steadily grew in popularity due to the delivery of the most delicious barbecue in the region. Their barbecue pit uses hickory wood and charcoal and options include ribs and pork, while still offering beef and chicken. The results speak for themselves, as Corky’s has amassed 22 designations as the top barbecue joint in the city and led to numerous franchise locations across Tennessee.

Huey’s, Memphis, TN

Their slogan goes: The home of blues, brews, and burgers, established in 1970. The name comes from the founder Alan Gray, whose nickname was Huey in childhood. The Huey burger is considered by many to be the best burger in Memphis. The original location is on Madison Avenue in Midtown Memphis and you can expect to see a lot of colorful wall art, tooth picks stuck in the ceiling, and those red-white checkboard tablecloths.

Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, Nashville, TN

There are newcomers to Nashville’s famed hot chicken scene—Hattie B’s is one that’s exploding off the map—but Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack wins points for its rich history. It was once called “the best restaurant in Tennessee” by then-mayor of Nashville Bill Purcell, according to The Ringer. The process involves frying the chicken, coating it with a paste, and then layering on a series of hot spices such as cayenne pepper. The result has made hot chicken a national trend and eateries like Prince’s on the national map.

The Tomato Head, Knoxville, TN

The Tomato Head is located in Market Square in downtown Knoxville, a few minutes away from the campus of the University of Tennessee. It started as The Flying Tomato as a lunch spot, with food being served on paper plates, eaten with plastic forks. Today, there is a range of good eats at The Tomato Head, from Mediterranean flavor like hummus to combination pizzas that blend flavors through toppings. It’s easy to eat healthy there, with many salads or vegetarian-friendly options.

The Loveless Café, Nashville, TN

There are the daily specials—fried chicken n’ gravy on Mondays and chicken n’ dumplings on Wednesdays—but the general consensus seems to be that Loveless Café is the embodiment of southern cuisine. The beginnings of the café started in 1951 when Lon and Annie Loveless began serving fried chicken and biscuits to travelers. Fried chicken and biscuits still have a home at Loveless Café today, long from its very modest roots to the accolades it receives today. It retains its hominess and simplicity and still serves its biscuits made from scratch to those who want a quieter dining experience.

Paulette’s Restaurant, Memphis, TN

Paulette’s is located on Harbor Town Square along the Mississippi River. Paulette’s has been around for decades—in this case, 40 years. Paulette’s is known for delicious chef-inspired recipes, but also for its ambiance and decadence. It’s a place for gatherings of family, romantic dinners, or banquets, and set in a beautiful location.

Etch, Nashville, TN

Etch is located in Encore Tower, with The Country Music Hall of Fame and SoBro nearby. Chef Deb Paquette, the first woman in Tennessee to become a certified executive chef, created the restaurant, which features a very sleek, modern design. Menu items are creative, such as the lamb frites, which have lemon goat cheese, charred eggplant, and golden beet sauce. The unique flavors, prime location, and modern ambiance make this restaurant a must-visit in Nashville.

Maple Street Biscuit Company, Chattanooga, TN

Opening in 2012, the Maple Street Biscuit Company quickly became a popular spot in Chattanooga, even earning acclaim with a spotlight on The Food Network. It prides itself on southern favorites—the name of the restaurant may give that away—but those southern favorites feature additions not normally seen. There are 17 sandwich options, all of which utilize a flaky biscuit and additions like fried chicken, pulled pork, and bacon, along with dressings like the house made apple butter. Their locations have a friendly atmosphere.

Monell’s, Nashville, TN

Monell’s has been open in 1995 and serves traditional southern dishes such as BBQ ribs and fried catfish, while offering a breakfast that includes smoked sausage, corned pudding, and coffee. The meals are served “communal” style, which means it’s first come, first served. It’s also family-style seating, which makes it unique. You’re sat at a large dining table and the basic rules—no cell phones and “pass to the left”—make this a hospitable, southern atmosphere, adding to the delicious food.

The Stock & Barrel, Knoxville, TN

The Stock & Barrel is billed as a burger and bourbon restaurant and although it is a fairly new restaurant, the Metro Pulse, a Knoxville weekly newspaper, has already bestowed on it a few awards, including best hamburger and best French fries. The bourbon options are simply plentiful and there are 20 different burgers to try, all specialized and containing unique blends of ingredients. It’s become a popular spot in downtown Knoxville with inside and outside seating, and rave reviews for the burgers and drink selection.

The French Market Creperie, Knoxville, TN

The French Market Creperie offers a different fare than most restaurants in Tennessee in that their selection of foods does not exactly scream southern heritage. Crepes, baguettes, croissants feature significantly less in the state than the chicken and barbecue but The French Market Creperie has become a successful restaurant in Knoxville and appealing for many who want the Paris experience. For that experience, there are small café tables outside, inside décor, and the appeal of the intimacy of downtown Knoxville.

Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar, Memphis, TN

There is the valet, the strong collection of wine and a menu that is both sophisticated and delicious, but Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar adds another element to the equation: the concept of flight. The idea is that you have the option of trying smaller portions of three different types of wines or entrees or appetizers, etc. That may mean three different kinds of white wine or a chef flight split between the catch of the day, ribs, and steak. It has rave reviews and is currently listed as the No. 1 restaurant in Memphis.

Public House Restaurant, Chattanooga, TN

Public House Restaurant strives to blend the balance between fine-dining and a more relaxed restaurant. The idea was to procure high quality food, such as seasonal fish, and ease the prices so that a meal wouldn’t break the bank. The result has become one of the most popular spots in Chattanooga, where there are small plates and large plates, sandwiches and cocktails, all of which are varied to suit numerous budgets. The service has been cited as excellent, with waiters and waitresses being knowledgeable, and the atmosphere relaxed while feeling upscale.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Corky's BBQ: Established in 1984, it is famous for its hickory wood and charcoal-smoked barbecue, particularly ribs and pork. It has multiple franchise locations across Tennessee.
• Huey's: Known since 1970 for its blues, brews, and burgers, especially the Huey burger, recognized as one of the best burgers in Memphis.
• Prince's Hot Chicken Shack: This historic Nashville eatery is celebrated for creating the hot chicken trend with its cayenne-coated fried chicken. It is a must-visit for spicy food lovers.
• The Tomato Head: Located in Market Square, this restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including Mediterranean flavors and combination pizzas, as well as many healthy and vegetarian options.
• The Loveless Café: A Nashville staple since 1951, known for Southern classics like fried chicken and biscuits, offering a true taste of Southern cuisine.
• Paulette's Restaurant: An elegant restaurant known for its chef-inspired recipes and romantic ambiance, perfect for family gatherings or intimate dinners along the Mississippi River.
• Etch: A modern restaurant by Chef Deb Paquette that offers innovative dishes such as lamb frites with unique sauces, known for its sleek design and prime location near The Country Music Hall of Fame.
• Maple Street Biscuit Company: Specializes in Southern comfort food with a twist. It features biscuit sandwiches with unique fillings like fried chicken and apple butter and is celebrated for its friendly atmosphere.
• Monell's: Since 1995, Monell's has offered a communal dining experience with traditional Southern dishes served family-style, emphasizing a hospitable and communal atmosphere.
• The Stock & Barrel: A burger and bourbon restaurant that has quickly gained acclaim for its extensive burger and French fries menu and a wide selection of bourbon.
• The French Market Creperie: Provides a Parisian dining experience with a menu focused on crepes, baguettes, and croissants, offering a unique alternative to traditional Southern fare.
• Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar: Offers a dining concept based on "flights," or small portions of various dishes or wines, allowing guests to sample a variety of flavors in one sitting.
• Public House Restaurant: This restaurant balances fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere, offering high-quality, seasonal dishes at accessible prices. It is known for its varied menu and excellent service.