Tennessee has no shortage of great dining spots, but when I want a truly memorable experience, I look for restaurants that let me enjoy the beauty of our rivers while I eat. There’s just something special about sipping coffee or savoring a good meal with the sound of water nearby and the view of a river winding its way through hills and valleys. The best river views from Tennessee restaurants aren’t just backdrops—they’re part of the whole experience, making a great dish feel even more satisfying.
Over time, I’ve discovered several spots where you can sit down and enjoy incredible food with a view that stays with you long after the plates have been cleared. From upscale eateries overlooking the Tennessee River to cozy grills tucked beside more peaceful waters, these restaurants offer a perfect blend of scenic beauty and flavor. Whether I’m after a casual bite or a fine dining experience, I always make time for riverfront meals that showcase the best Tennessee has to offer.
Dining in Chattanooga by the Tennessee River
One of my favorite places for waterfront dining is Chattanooga. The Tennessee River flows right through the heart of the city, and the riverwalk area is lined with restaurants that offer both fantastic views and excellent cuisine.
Scottie’s On The River
Scottie’s On The River sits right beside the Tennessee Riverwalk and has one of the most panoramic riverfront views I’ve found in the state. The outdoor patio offers a direct view of the water and the iconic Market Street Bridge. I usually go for the blackened mahi-mahi or the crab-stuffed shrimp, but honestly, anything tastes better with that view. The way the river sparkles in the late afternoon sun is unforgettable.
The Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar
Further down the river, The Boathouse feels more tucked away. Nestled under shady trees, it’s a peaceful escape that still feels close to the heart of the city. Their wood-grilled oysters and house-smoked trout are local legends. Sitting out on the deck, I can hear the river flowing just feet away while I enjoy one of the best casual seafood menus in Tennessee.
Riverfront Dining in Knoxville
In East Tennessee, Knoxville offers a quieter but no less scenic set of options along the banks of the Tennessee River. These spots have become regular go-tos when I want something a little more relaxed.
Calhoun’s On The River
Calhoun’s in Knoxville is more than just a barbecue joint—it’s a destination. Located right next to Neyland Stadium and the Tennessee River, the restaurant offers stunning river views from nearly every seat on the patio. The smoked brisket is my usual order, paired with a local craft beer. Boats cruise past as the sun sets over the water, and the city lights start to twinkle—it’s one of those moments that never gets old.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Located in the same area, Ruth’s Chris offers a more upscale experience with the same beautiful backdrop. Their riverfront patio is elegant but unpretentious, and it’s the perfect place for a celebratory dinner or a special date night. I’ve enjoyed countless slow, candlelit meals here with the river quietly flowing in the background.
Nashville’s Cumberland River Gems
Nashville may be better known for its music scene, but the city also offers some beautiful riverside dining thanks to the Cumberland River. I’ve found a few spots here that combine city energy with peaceful views.
Acme Feed & Seed
Right on Broadway and just steps from the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, Acme Feed & Seed boasts one of the most exciting rooftop views in Nashville. It’s not only the river that takes center stage—you can see the skyline, the bridge, and the slow-moving water all at once. The food leans toward Southern comfort, and the atmosphere is lively. I like to arrive just before sunset, grab some hot chicken tacos, and watch the city shift into night mode.
Rock Harbor Marina’s Blue Moon Waterfront Grille
Located west of downtown, the Blue Moon Waterfront Grille is a more hidden gem. The vibe here is relaxed and local, and the view of the river surrounded by docked boats is charming and calm. I often come here for brunch on the weekends, where mimosas and catfish tacos feel even better when served with river breezes and no crowds.
Relaxing Spots Along the Mississippi River in West Tennessee
When I travel west across the state, I always make time to stop in Memphis. The Mississippi River, powerful and wide, provides a stunning setting for riverfront meals.
The Terrace at River Inn
This rooftop bar and restaurant at Harbor Town is one of my top picks in all of Tennessee. You get a sweeping view of the Mississippi River, especially as the sun dips toward the horizon. It’s quieter than Beale Street but just as memorable. The small plates here—things like crab cakes, sliders, and house charcuterie—make it easy to sit for hours and enjoy the scenery.
Paulette’s Restaurant
Also located in Harbor Town, Paulette’s blends old-world charm with river elegance. I once had brunch here on a winter morning, the Mississippi cloaked in mist and the downtown skyline peeking through. It was pure magic. The eggs benedict and strawberry butter biscuits are worth the trip even without the view, but with the river right outside, it’s a perfect pairing.
Hidden Riverfront Eateries in Smaller Towns
Some of the best river views from Tennessee restaurants are found in places you might not expect. I’ve had amazing meals in small towns where the river serves as both a scenic backdrop and the heart of the community.
The River Café – Benton
Overlooking the Ocoee River, this rustic spot feels like a family cabin that grew into a great restaurant. I once stopped here after hiking nearby, still in my boots and jacket, and was welcomed with a warm smile and a plate of the best fried catfish I’ve ever had. The river is just yards away, and you can hear the rushing water as you eat.
The Outpost – Pickwick Dam
Near the Pickwick Landing State Park, The Outpost is beloved by boaters and locals alike. The Tennessee River widens here, and the view from the deck stretches far into the horizon. I often stop in for a burger or fried green tomatoes after a day out paddling. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and the river’s presence is constant and comforting.
Seasonal River Dining Experiences
Some restaurants offer seasonal patios or open-air dining that’s best in spring or fall. I make a point of visiting these places during those seasons because the views are so striking.
Riverstone Restaurant – Townsend
Nestled by the Little River at the edge of the Smoky Mountains, Riverstone offers a cozy dining room and seasonal outdoor seating. In fall, the hills glow with color and the river reflects every leaf. It’s a quiet, humble place with homemade pies and Southern classics that remind me of Sunday dinners with family.
Foglight Foodhouse – Walling
Perched above the Caney Fork River, this quirky spot near Rock Island State Park serves inventive dishes in a rustic setting. The large deck offers one of the most unexpected river views I’ve ever seen. I’ve sat outside on a cool night, sipping wine and digging into a shrimp and grits dish while the moonlight glimmered on the river below.
Tips for Enjoying River View Dining
To make the most of these scenic restaurants, I try to time my visits around the best light and weather. Here are a few things I’ve learned:
- Go during golden hour: Late afternoon or early evening light makes the river glow.
- Ask for outdoor seating: It’s always worth it, even if there’s a slight wait.
- Bring a jacket: Even in summer, river breezes can be cool.
- Call ahead for river-facing tables: Some restaurants allow reservations for prime seats.
Eating out is always enjoyable, but combining it with one of the best river views from Tennessee restaurants turns an ordinary meal into an experience worth remembering.
Reflecting on Meals by the Water
I’ve eaten in countless places across Tennessee, but the meals that stay with me the longest are the ones spent beside a river. Watching boats float by in Chattanooga, seeing the fog roll in across the Mississippi, or hearing the splash of a heron landing on the far bank—those are the details that make a meal feel like a story.
The best river views from Tennessee restaurants don’t just add ambiance. They elevate the moment. They connect you to the land and water in a way that’s hard to describe but easy to feel. Each river has a personality, and every riverside restaurant captures a little piece of it.
Conclusion
Dining by the river brings together two of my favorite things: good food and great views. Tennessee offers no shortage of spots where you can enjoy both at once. From the wide bends of the Mississippi to the tranquil flow of the Duck and the energetic Tennessee River slicing through cityscapes, each restaurant I’ve mentioned brings something special to the table—literally and figuratively.
If you’re ever wondering where to find the best river views from Tennessee restaurants, these are the places that have left an impression on me. They’re where I go when I want to slow down, soak in the scenery, and enjoy a meal with meaning. And they’re all waiting for your next riverfront adventure.