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Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Knoxville

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OpenTable
Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Knoxville? 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 favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of The Restaurant at RT Lodge restaurant
The Restaurant at RT Lodge
4.9
4.9 (1029)
$31 to $50
Southern
Maryville
About the restaurant
Expect something you won’t see many other places—even at the most sophisticated hospitality destinations in the world. Your meals at The Restaurant at RT Lodge are uniquely your own. Every aspect of your meal is important to us. We shape our menus on the changing bounty of each season, with the freshest ingredients sourced from local farms and the best providers. Experience favorites such as our Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Housemade Charcuterie. After dinner, enjoy coffee and complimentary s'mores around the fire pit while being surrounded by gorgeous landscape and all the quiet sounds of Maryville College Woods.
Top review
crystal
Dined on Sep 24, 2024
This was my favorite dining experience this year! Thank you for such a memorable evening with friends! Our server, Emma, was outstanding and is part of why the evening was so good! We are coming back with a large group on the 8th and hope she's our server! Thank you for everything!
A photo of Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro restaurant
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro
4.9
4.9 (3465)
$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
Arienne
Dined 2 days ago
Wonderful gem. Loved the ambience and the food was amazing. Service was top notch. We will be back and bring friends. ❤️❤️
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A photo of Truffled Filet Mignon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Truffled Filet Mignon
A photo of Artisan Cheese Board of a restaurant
Popular dish
Artisan Cheese Board
A photo of Beef Tenderloin Tips of a restaurant
Popular dish
Beef Tenderloin Tips
A photo of The Marlowe restaurant
The Marlowe
4.9
4.9 (1458)
$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
Nate
Dined 6 days ago
A dinner gathering between me and my wife with another couple. Service was on point. Good recommendations. Everyone had something different. Seafood to duck to ribeye to filet. All flavorful and cooked to desired temps. Very good cocktails pre-dinner. The price point for what we ordered was spot on with the value. Yes we paid more than a chain restaurant but what we far greater quality and flavor than a chain. Great evening. Thank you Marlowe.
A photo of Copper Cellar (West) restaurant
Copper Cellar (West)
4.8
4.8 (344)
$30 and under
American
Knoxville
About the restaurant
The classics of Copper Cellar have been refined over 40 years and offered in this West Knoxville fine-dining destination in a comfortable setting. From our steakhouse selections and premium seafood to our Award-Winning Sunday Brunch, the food is always special and delicious.
Cappuccino's side with Italian fare open Sunday - Saturday from 5pm - close. If Cappuccino's seating desired please note in special request box. If any questions, please call the restaurant.
Top review
Curtis
Dined 4 days ago
Sunday Buffet was EXCELLENT as always. The employees do a fantastic job of maintaining the buffet keeping it fresh and very appealing. Our server was also very attentive and took care of our every need. As the server handled our check and when finished she took a few moments to chat with us, this was a special touch that took her a minute or so to do it gives the customer the feeling that she relates to them as people and not just doing a job. Again the food was excellent and the service was excellent. Thanks for making things so enjoyable.
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A photo of Prime Cut Rib-Eye Steak of a restaurant
Popular dish
Prime Cut Rib-Eye Steak
A photo of Prime Rib Carving of a restaurant
Popular dish
Prime Rib Carving
A photo of Prime Rib Sandwich of a restaurant
Popular dish
Prime Rib Sandwich
A photo of Northshore Brasserie restaurant
Northshore Brasserie
4.8
4.8 (1035)
$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
Crystalvip
Dined 1 day ago
We come to brasserie all the time. I typically get the trout or chicken and my husband gets some other dish like the lamb shank on this past Saturday. But tonight was actually our 20 year anniversary and we were craving the frites so we both got filet. It reminded me why I don’t get filet here. Both were undercooked and we could barely cut it with a knife. It was terribly disappointing tonight. Sigh. We’ll still go back but never get any steak here again. We also learned this with the butcher steak in the past. Oh well, trout it is.
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A photo of Steak Tartare of a restaurant
Popular dish
Steak Tartare
A photo of Pan Seared Chicken of a restaurant
Popular dish
Pan Seared Chicken
A photo of Short Rib Stuffed Mushrooms of a restaurant
Popular dish
Short Rib Stuffed Mushrooms
A photo of Connors Steak & Seafood - Knoxville restaurant
Connors Steak & Seafood - Knoxville
4.9
4.9 (3901)
$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
Marcy
Dined 1 day ago
This place never disappoints. Service is always amazing and the food is always cooked to perfection. They get my steak perfect every time. My only complaint is that they need to bring back the cheese grits as a side. They were some of the best we’ve ever had.
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A photo of Strawberry Shortcake of a restaurant
Popular dish
Strawberry Shortcake
A photo of Wedge Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Wedge Salad
A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet Mignon
A photo of Wilder at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve restaurant
Wilder at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve
4.8
4.8 (42)
$50 and over
Contemporary Southern
Loudon
About the restaurant
Voted "Best Splurge Worthy Restaurant" by Travel Awaits.

Appalachian tradition is rich in grit, resourceful charm, and determination, which drives our culinary heritage. At Wilder, we cultivate farm-to-table ingredients transformed by an appreciation for international cuisine to offer a fun and unique approach to well-loved Southern staples.

Four-Course Dinner experience offered Thursday - Saturday $85/person.

Bistro Menu offered Wednesday - Saturday for an à la carte menu. Reservations recommended.

Sunday Brunch
Each Sunday, starting at 10 am, enjoy a garden-fresh dishes on an à la carte menu $35/person.

20% service fee assessed on all charges. Additional tipping optional.

Limited reservations are offered nightly. Non-alcoholic beverages included.
Top review
Shelley
Dined on Sep 19, 2024
WOW! This farm to table experience is one of the top we have had in East Tennessee. They have only been open a few years - we are so happy we got to experience this jewel of a restaurant before they have a year long waiting list. Outstanding couture food, ambience and staff. (Try all of the deserts - there is nothing that compares to them around this area.)
A photo of Lonesome Dove - Knoxville restaurant
Lonesome Dove - Knoxville
4.8
4.8 (1961)
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Knoxville
About the restaurant
Chef & Owner Tim Love has designed a menu influenced by all of the ingredients and cultures that have been a part of the West since the first adventure began on the Goodnight-Loving and Chisholm Trails — with an added level of modern sophistication. Items on the Lonesome Dove Western Bistro menu range from an inventive selection of steaks and seafood to dishes such as Wagyu Tomahawk, Buffalo Ribeye, Wild Boar, and Rabbit & Rattlesnake Sausage. Tim Love has received numerous awards and accolades from the likes of The New York Times, Wine Spectator, Food & Wine, Zagat, Southern Living, Esquire, and more. Tim Love is known for celebrating the food and culture of the American West and adding an elegant, modern twist.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 1 day ago
It was amazing! Food, service, 10/10.
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A photo of Ancho Chile Chocolate Cake of a restaurant
Popular dish
Ancho Chile Chocolate Cake
A photo of Roasted Garlic Stuffed Beef Tenderloin of a restaurant
Popular dish
Roasted Garlic Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
A photo of Beef Tenderloin of a restaurant
Popular dish
Beef Tenderloin
A photo of Chesapeake's West Knoxville restaurant
Chesapeake's West Knoxville
4.8
4.8 (1586)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Knoxville
About the restaurant
Chesapeake’s West derives much of its authentic Eastern Shore qualities from décor that features genuine nautical antiques and artifacts. Pairing this cozy, seaside ambiance with welcoming service and fresh ingredients has made it the perfect spot for creating memorable moments.

As part of the Copper Cellar Family of Restaurants, we offer fresh seafood that’s sourced daily, local, handcrafted microbrews, an extensive wine list and prime-graded beef. We are known for live Maine lobster, Maryland Crab cakes, a variety of fresh fish, and assorted oyster selection.

Chesapeake’s features a raw bar, Sunday brunch, and happy hour in the bar/lounge. Full menus — including gluten free options are available and can be enjoyed on our patio. Free onsite parking and a courtesy shuttle is available for local hotels.

Whether you come for the food, the drinks, or the atmosphere, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.

Buffet only on Easter, Mother's & Father's Days, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Top review
Michelle
Dined 2 days ago
Everything was great. They were patient with our party that got lost and came late Food was awesome, atmosphere was fabulous
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A photo of Broiled Seafood Platter of a restaurant
Popular dish
Broiled Seafood Platter
A photo of Oysters Chesapeake of a restaurant
Popular dish
Oysters Chesapeake
A photo of Crab Cake Benedict of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crab Cake Benedict
A photo of STIR - Knoxville restaurant
STIR - Knoxville
4.8
4.8 (596)
$31 to $50
American
Knoxville
About the restaurant
STIR is the perfect restaurant to sip a craft cocktail over a dozen oysters, enjoy a night out, or meet for lunch. Located in the heart of Old City, the restaurant is an open-air concept with a large, heated outdoor patio. We are open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Great food starts with fresh, local ingredients. Our kitchen prepares everything from scratch, and our signature raw bar is stocked with fresh oysters and seasonal seafood. STIR is famous for craft cocktails. We freeze and carve 300-pound blocks of artisanal ice in-house, age certain cocktails in oak barrels for richer flavors, and place others on draft for crispness and carbonation. The result: categorically elevated cocktails. Our passion for fine spirits also compels us to find and share rare bottles, many of which are extremely difficult to procure. We welcome Knoxville to enjoy our unmatched cocktails, fresh seafood, and classic dishes in an atmosphere of genuine hospitality
Top review
Annette
Dined 4 days ago
In town visiting. Great place in Old Town! Definitely have reservations..
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