Tennessee’s rivers and lakes create some of the most scenic dining backdrops you’ll find anywhere in the South. From the Tennessee River winding through Knoxville and Chattanooga to the sprawling waters of Old Hickory Lake and Douglas Lake, waterfront restaurants dot the shorelines with incredible views and even better food.
These local favorites combine fresh catches, classic Southern comfort dishes, and lakeside charm that keeps regulars coming back season after season. Whether you’re craving barbecue ribs with a river breeze, fresh seafood with sunset views, or a casual burger while watching boats glide by, Tennessee’s waterfront dining scene delivers experiences that tourists and locals alike treasure.
Here are fourteen restaurants where the water views are just as memorable as what’s on your plate.
1. Calhoun’s on the River, Knoxville
Hickory-smoked barbecue and Tennessee River views make this Knoxville institution a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Southern flavors. The sprawling deck stretches right over the water, giving diners front-row seats to kayakers, boats, and stunning sunsets that paint the sky in shades of orange and pink…