10 Tennessee Waterfront Gems Where You Can Eat With a View

Tennessee’s lakes and rivers offer more than just stunning scenery—they’re home to some of the best dining spots in the state.

Picture yourself enjoying fresh seafood or classic Southern comfort food while watching boats glide by and sunlight dance on the water. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a family outing, or just want to unwind with friends, these waterfront restaurants combine delicious food with views that’ll make your meal unforgettable.

1. Riverview Restaurant & Marina (Ashland City)

Sweet tea and river breezes go hand in hand at this Cumberland River favorite. Riverview Restaurant & Marina has been serving up classic Southern seafood and comfort dishes while boats drift past your table.

The outdoor seating puts you right next to the water, where you can watch weekend boaters come and go. Fresh catfish, shrimp platters, and burgers are menu staples here.

Families love the relaxed vibe and marina access. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and good food tastes even better with nature as your backdrop.

2. Lakeside Tavern (Knoxville)

Right on Sun Life Marina, this Knoxville hotspot draws crowds for its massive outdoor patio and lively atmosphere. The lake views stretch out before you while you dig into burgers, wings, or fresh salads.

Weekend afternoons get packed with boaters tying up for lunch and locals grabbing a cold drink. The vibe is upbeat and social, perfect for catching up with friends or making new ones at the bar.

Live music often fills the air on summer evenings. The menu keeps things simple but satisfying, with plenty of shareable appetizers and cold beverages to beat the Tennessee heat while you enjoy the waterfront scene.

3. Wildwood Resort And Marina (Granville)

Cordell Hull Lake becomes your dinner companion at this resort spot where live music and bonfires add magic to your meal. Wildwood combines great food with entertainment that keeps guests lingering long after dessert.

The shoreline views are unbeatable, especially during golden hour when the sun paints the water in warm colors. Menu offerings range from grilled favorites to fresh catches, all served with that laid-back lake vacation feeling.

Families appreciate the space for kids to explore safely near the water. Evening bonfires create cozy gathering spots where strangers become friends. It’s more than dinner—it’s a complete lakeside experience that captures Tennessee’s outdoor spirit perfectly.

4. Union Landing Restaurant (Louisville)

Louisville’s hidden gem sits quietly on the lake, offering a peaceful escape from everyday hustle. Union Landing keeps things simple and welcoming, where the focus stays on good food and even better views.

The relaxed atmosphere makes everyone feel at home, whether you’re in flip-flops or fresh from church. Lake breezes drift through the dining area while you enjoy home-style cooking that reminds you of Sunday dinners.

Locals treat this spot like their own backyard gathering place. The water views provide natural entertainment, especially when fishermen reel in their catches nearby.

5. Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar (Chattanooga)

Chattanooga’s riverfront comes alive at this seafood lover’s paradise where raw bar offerings meet sweeping Tennessee River panoramas. The Boathouse elevates waterfront dining with fresh oysters, rotisserie specialties, and views that rival any coastal restaurant.

Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure every seat captures the river’s movement and beauty. The menu celebrates seafood in all its glory, from simple preparations that let freshness shine to creative dishes that surprise your taste buds.

Date nights feel extra special here, with the river providing romantic ambiance without trying too hard.

6. Scotties on The River (Chattanooga)

When you want Chattanooga’s skyline as your dining backdrop, Scotties delivers without pretense. This casual riverfront spot lets you kick back on the outdoor patio while the city’s energy pulses around you and the river flows steadily below.

The menu keeps things approachable with burgers, sandwiches, and cold drinks that taste better with your toes in the breeze. Outdoor seating fills quickly during nice weather, so arrive early or embrace the wait—it’s worth it.

Watching river traffic while munching on classic American fare creates simple contentment.

7. Steve’s Landing Waterfront Grill (Soddy-Daisy)

Soddy-Daisy locals know Steve’s Landing as the go-to spot when seafood cravings hit and water views are non-negotiable. This neighborhood favorite sits right on the water, where boats bob nearby and the catch of the day actually means something.

Fresh seafood dominates the menu, prepared simply to let quality ingredients speak for themselves. The atmosphere feels like visiting a friend’s lakehouse—comfortable, unpretentious, and genuinely welcoming to everyone who walks through the door.

Regulars have their favorite tables and usual orders, but newcomers quickly understand the appeal. Watching the water while cracking into perfectly cooked shrimp or fish creates moments worth repeating.

8. Moby Dickys (Hendersonville)

Moby Dickys combines sports-bar energy with outdoor dining that overlooks Old Hickory Lake’s sparkling waters.

The menu balances seafood specialties with bar food favorites, giving everyone in your group something to cheer about. Multiple TVs keep sports fans happy while the outdoor seating area provides peaceful lake views for those seeking nature over scoreboards.

The lake location adds vacation feelings to regular weeknight dinners. It’s where Hendersonville goes when they want fun, food, and water views all rolled into one satisfying experience.

9. Waterfront Bar & Grill (Maryville)

Maryville’s riverside hangout keeps things refreshingly simple with a chill patio that puts you right next to the water. Waterfront Bar & Grill understands that sometimes the best dining experiences come from good company, cold drinks, and views that remind you why Tennessee is special.

The patio vibe encourages lingering over meals while the river provides endless entertainment. Menu offerings cover bar-and-grill classics done right, nothing fancy but everything satisfying when enjoyed waterside.

Locals drop by for after-work unwinding or weekend gatherings with friends. The riverside location transforms ordinary meals into mini-escapes from daily routines.

10. Cook’s Boathouse Restaurant (Bean Station)

Bean Station’s waterfront treasure sits where boats dock and appetites grow from hours on the water. Cook’s Boathouse Restaurant welcomes boaters and landlubbers alike with the kind of honest cooking that fuels lake adventures and satisfies hungry families.

The boathouse setting creates an authentic lakeside ambiance you can’t fake. Menu items lean toward hearty portions that understand people work up real appetites when they’re out enjoying Tennessee’s waters all day long.

Docking your boat and walking straight to your table adds the convenience that boaters truly appreciate. The restaurant captures that classic lake-living feeling where good food, friendly service, and water views combine into memories that keep you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished this one.