J.C. Holdway
Order The chef's wood-fired Appalachian protein of the week with a tasting-menu glass pairing.
J.C. Holdway on Union Avenue is Joseph Lenn's wood-fired Appalachian dining room since 2016, the top of Knoxville's chef-driven dinner tier.
Tasting menus, Michelin stars, and the kitchens redefining what fine dining means in Knoxville.
Top tables
8 places
Emilia
Order Whichever pasta the kitchen is rolling that night, plus a hand-pulled mozzarella plate to share.
Emilia on Market Square, chef Matt Gallaher's Emilia-Romagna-inspired Italian dining room since 2016, runs handmade pasta and hand-pulled mozzarella.
Lilou Brasserie
- ★ 4.6
- Brasserie
- $$$
- Gay Street
Order Steak frites at dinner or a Saturday jazz-brunch plate with the daily happy-hour pour.
Lilou Brasserie on South Gay Street, the Aaron Thompson and Jessica King French brasserie in the old Sapphire space, runs full-day French service.
Book food experiences in Knoxville
Osteria Stella
Order Whatever the kitchen is rolling for pasta that night with a glass off the Italian-leaning wine list.
Osteria Stella on West Jackson, the Aaron Thompson and Jessica King Italian room above Brother Wolf, runs Italian dinner service in the Old City.
Bistro at the Bijou
Order The pre-theater bistro menu with a glass off the built wine list.
Bistro at the Bijou on South Gay Street, the dining room attached to the historic Bijou Theatre, runs a pre-theater menu and live jazz Tuesdays in one.
Chesapeake's Seafood House
Order Maryland-style crab cakes plus the daily fresh-fish preparation.
Chesapeake's Seafood House on Locust Street, the Copper Cellar group's downtown seafood room, runs Maryland crab cakes and fresh fish in a historic setting.
The Plaid Apron
Order The smash burger at dinner with a cocktail off the seasonal list.
The Plaid Apron on Kenesaw Avenue in Sequoyah Hills, the long-running Southern brunch and dinner room, runs Wednesday-to-Saturday dinners sourcing from East.
Holly's Eventful Dining
- ★ 4.3
- Eclectic New American
- $$
- Bearden
Order Whatever Holly's kitchen is leading the daily-changing menu with that night.
Holly's Eventful Dining on Kingston Pike, chef Holly Hambright's Bearden room running a daily-changing menu, anchors Knoxville's local-source eclectic.
Nothing matches.
Where to stay in Knoxville
A sample of Knoxville hotels from our booking partner, who list 119 here. Live prices and availability open on their site.
Super 8 by Wyndham Knoxville Downtown Area
When you stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Knoxville Downtown Area in Knoxville, you'll be near the airport, withi...
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The Hillside Hotel
Located in Knoxville, The Hillside Hotel is a 3-minute drive from Maryland Heights and 6 minutes from Harpe...
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Travelodge by Wyndham Knoxville East
With a stay at Travelodge by Wyndham Knoxville East, you'll be centrally located in Knoxville, within a 10-...
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Super 8 by Wyndham Knoxville
With a stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Knoxville in Knoxville, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of National Spr...
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Compare for next weekend: Holidu in Knoxville from USD 119/night · Expedia in Knoxville
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Fine Dining in Knoxville, FAQ
Where should I eat fine dining in Knoxville?
Editor picks in Knoxville include J.C. Holdway, Emilia, Lilou Brasserie, plus the full fine dining chapter on TableJourney.