Tennessee has earned its reputation for incredible food, but some restaurants take the experience to a whole new level with stunning spaces that turn dinner into an event. From converted beauty salons in Memphis to mountaintop lodges in the Smokies, these spots prove that atmosphere matters just as much as what’s on your plate.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself to a meal worth remembering, these gorgeous restaurants across the state deliver unforgettable settings alongside exceptional cuisine.
1. The Beauty Shop — Memphis
Walking into The Beauty Shop feels like stepping onto a vintage movie set where the 1960s never ended. This former beauty salon has been transformed into one of Memphis’s most visually striking restaurants, and the designers kept every quirky detail intact.
Original terrazzo floors gleam underfoot while glass-block booths offer intimate dining nooks that used to be hair-washing stations. Hand-blown art-glass lights dangle overhead, casting warm glows across copper and silver-leaf walls that shimmer throughout the meal. Every corner reveals another playful nod to the building’s past life, making it impossible not to smile…