Pan-seared mountain stream rainbow trout, the Appalachian foothills' freshwater catch served whole or as fillets with butter, lemon and Smoky Mountain herbs.

Rainbow and brook trout from the Great Smoky Mountains streams have anchored East Tennessee menus since the 1930s when the national park was established. Joseph Lenn at J.C. Holdway brought the dish into modern fine dining with foothills smoking techniques. The Plaid Apron and Blackberry Farm both run trout off the spring and summer menus.

3 editor picks for Smoky Mountain Trout in Knoxville, ranked by editorial score. All Knoxville signature dishes · Smoky Mountain Trout across every city.

J.C. Holdway ★ 4.8

$$$Modern Appalachian, Farm-to-tableMarket Square

J.C. Holdway on Union Avenue, Joseph Lenn's wood-fired Appalachian room since 2016 after his Blackberry Farm run, anchors Knoxville's chef-driven downtown.

OrderWhichever Appalachian-sourced wood-fired protein the kitchen is leading the night's menu.

TipReservations open about a month out on Resy and the Tuesday to Thursday dinners run quieter than weekend Saturdays.

DirectionsView

The Plaid Apron ★ 4.6

$$Southern, All-dayBearden

The Plaid Apron on Kenesaw Avenue in Sequoyah Hills, the long-running Southern brunch and dinner room in West Knoxville, works with East Tennessee farmers.

OrderA morning cinnamon roll with grits, or the smash burger at dinner.

TipWednesday to Saturday for brunch and dinner; Sunday is brunch only and the kitchen closes Mondays and Tuesdays.

DirectionsView

Bistro at the Bijou ★ 4.4

$$New American BistroGay Street

Bistro at the Bijou on South Gay Street, attached to the historic Bijou Theatre, runs a pre-theater menu in one of downtown's oldest buildings.

OrderThe pre-theater bistro menu, plus a wine pour off the shortlisted list before the curtain.

TipTime the reservation 90 minutes before showtime at the Bijou Theatre next door; Sundays run quieter than weekends.

DirectionsView

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