Knoxville, Tennessee is on the eastern side of the state, about 40 miles north of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
In the late 1800’s, Knoxville became an become an outpost onto the Tennessee River and a gateway to the west. During the Civil War, Knoxville was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces. During Reconstruction, Knoxville recovered rapidly and became the business center of East Tennessee Valley.
There are two main institutions that have helped to shape Knoxville. The University of Tennessee plays vital role in the cultural life of the city, with museums, sports complexes and professional buildings. The Tennessee Valley Association (TVA) is the federal headquarters for the regional network of dams.
While visiting Knoxville, there are many attractions to see, including: Confederate Memorial Hall, Crescent Bend-W.P. Toms Memorial Gardens. East Tennessee Discovery center – Akima Planetarium, Frank H. McClung Museum, Governor William Blunt Mansion, Knoxville Museum of Art, Knox Zoological Gardens, Marble Springs, Ramsey House Plantation, Tennessee Riverboat Company and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Knoxville is less than hour away drive from the attractions of Pigeon Forge, with Dollywood, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Following are the top rated restaurants in Knoxville:
Baker Peters-Jazz Club and Restaurant
9000 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN
865-690-8111
The restaurant is located int eh Baker-Peters historic mansion. They service nouveau American cuisine with a good helping of southern charm. Guests can relax in the living room and enjoy listening to live jazz. Contemporary menu includes:Black Strap BBQ Chicken, Grouper & Scallops, Cold Water Lobster Tail, Herb Encrusted Pork Loin Chop, Blackened Halibut Caponata Stuffed Portobello and Port Wine Duck Confit.. Wines are served by the glass or by the bottle. There is also a martini list and a cigar list. AAA Three Diamond.
The Orangery Restaurant
5412 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN
865-588-2964
Elegant European atmosphere offered at one of the most acclaimed restaurant in the city. The diverse menu ranges from classic French to inspired international cuisine. The wine list has owned the Wine Spectators Best of Excellence Award. The current dinner menu includes: Pan Roasted Ashley Farms Chicken Breast with Wild Mushroom, Grilled American Kobe Beef Sirloin, Duo of Grilled lamb Tenderloin & Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb, Pan Roasted Strawberry Grouper, Lobster & Mushroom Crepes, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Beef Wellington, Grilled Swordfish and Sauteed Day Boat Cod. Luscious desserts include cranberry-apple crisp, warm liquid center bittersweet chocolate cake, white chocolate Grand Marnier Jasmine Rick Pudding, and more. AAA Three Diamond.
Green Hills Grille
4429 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN
865-558-0091
The first Green Hills Grill was opened in 1990 in Nashville with the ideas of being the “Best Little Grille in Green Hills”. Menu specialties include Baby back ribs, Hickory Grilled BBQ Salmon, chicken Portobello, Herb Roasted Half Chicken, Santa Fe Chicken, Lemon Artichoke Chicken, Portobello Meatloaf, Tennessee Pot Roast, Green Hills Ribeye, 10 Spice Sirloin and Filet Mignon. AAA Three Diamond.
Naples Italian Restaurant
5500 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN
865-584-5033
Specializes in contemporary Italian cuisine. Offers beef, beef, duck, chicken, seafood and pork entrees. AAA Two Diamond.
Copper Cellar
1807 Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, TN
865-673-3411
Copper Cellars website says “Serve simple foods, using the finest quality ingredients, serve guests in a clean attractive atmosphere and make sure the guest leaves satisfied”. These are the values that have shaped the restaurant for over thirty years in business. Classic dining menu offers entrees such as: Prosperity :”Ale Steak, Teriyaki Sirloin, New York Strip Steak, Prime Rib, Filet Mignon, Grilled Shrimp,. Grilled Filet Oscar, Baked Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Grilled Lemon Chicken, Grilled Chicken Teriyaki, Chicken Oscar and Maryland Crab Cakes. AAA Two Diamond.
Calhoun’s on the River
400 Neyland Drive
Knoxville, TN
865-673-3355
Located on the historic waterfront and close to all major downtown hotels. Calhoun’s is accessible by boat and has it’s own dock. Calhoun’s is one of the Copper Kettle restaurants. The menu offers: Southern Fried Catfish, Char-Grilled Shrimp, Fried Grouper, Bar-B-Que Ribs, House “Ale” Steak, Steak Calhoun, Char Grilled Shrimp and Filet Mignon. AAA Two Diamond.
Information Subject to change. Contact the restaurant for further information and reservations.
