Tennessee’s restaurant scene keeps getting better, and 2026 brought an incredible wave of fresh dining spots worth checking out now. From riverfront seafood in Memphis to intimate French bistros in Knoxville, these ten newcomers represent the most exciting openings across the state.
Getting there before the crowds means easier reservations, a chance to watch these restaurants hit their stride, and bragging rights when everyone else discovers them six months from now.
1. Walt & Ricky’s Seafood Kitchen – Memphis
Riverfront dining rarely looks this good. Walt & Ricky’s opened its doors right by Tom Lee Park in September, bringing Memphis something the city desperately needed: a serious seafood spot with views to match the food.
The Rowands, already known around town for their restaurant chops, created something completely new here instead of just expanding an existing concept.
Gulf seafood dominates the menu in the best possible way. Raw oysters arrive ice-cold and briny, while lobster rolls pack enough meat to justify the price tag.
Redfish Pontchartrain shows up as one of the signature dishes, and the kitchen doesn’t shy away from throwing quality steaks on the menu for anyone not feeling seafood that particular night.
Those massive windows aren’t just for show. Watching the Mississippi roll by while cracking into stone crab or working through a seafood tower adds something special to the whole experience.
The restaurant manages to feel fancy without being stuffy, which isn’t always easy to pull off in a waterfront location that could easily coast on views alone.
Timing matters with new restaurants, and getting in now means beating the rush that’s definitely coming. September openings give places a few months to work out the kinks before holiday crowds arrive, and Walt & Ricky’s used that time well.
The service feels polished, the kitchen clearly knows what it’s doing, and the whole operation runs smoother than most places twice its age.
Memphis needed this exact restaurant in this exact spot. The riverfront development keeps growing, Tom Lee Park draws more visitors after its renovation, and downtown dining options keep expanding.
Walt & Ricky’s fits perfectly into that picture while standing out enough to become a destination on its own. Snag a reservation for sunset if you can manage it.
2. KUYA – Memphis
South Main finally got something genuinely different. KUYA landed in March as Memphis’s answer to a question nobody knew they were asking: where can you grab authentic Filipino snacks downtown?
Chef Shayne Diaz spent years doing pop-ups before committing to a permanent spot, and that groundwork shows in every dish.
The menu stays compact by design, which actually works in KUYA’s favor. Jollyburger lumpia wraps everything great about a burger into a crispy, handheld package that makes perfect sense once you try it.
Chicken skewers arrive with the kind of char and seasoning that keeps you reaching for another piece. Adobo rice bowls deliver comfort food that feels both familiar and completely new if you’ve never had Filipino cuisine before.
Sisig baboy brings pork to the table with textures and flavors that’ll wake up your taste buds halfway through the bowl. Then there’s halo-halo for dessert, a shaved ice situation loaded with sweet beans, fruit, ice cream, and enough going on that every spoonful tastes slightly different from the last.
It’s weird and wonderful and absolutely worth trying even if the description sounds strange.
The space itself keeps things casual and welcoming. This isn’t a sit-down-for-two-hours kind of place.
KUYA works better as a stop during a South Main gallery crawl, a quick lunch that introduces you to new flavors, or an evening snack that doesn’t require a huge commitment. The snack bar format fits the neighborhood’s vibe while serving food that punches way above its weight class.
Memphis’s food scene keeps getting more diverse, and KUYA represents exactly the kind of opening that makes a city’s dining landscape more interesting. Diaz brought something personal and specific to downtown, and the neighborhood responded by actually showing up.
Go soon, go often, and bring friends who think they’ve tried everything Memphis has to offer.
3. Vicari – Jackson
Jackson’s restaurant scene keeps expanding, and Vicari’s arrival in January gave West Tennessee residents another solid reason to make the drive. The restaurant sits inside the Hyatt Place on West Forest Avenue, part of that whole corridor that’s been adding dining options at a pretty impressive clip.
Vicari started in Mississippi before crossing state lines, bringing Italian cooking to a market that definitely had room for it.
Hotel restaurants sometimes get a bad rap, but Vicari doesn’t feel like a generic lobby dining room serving reheated pasta to tired travelers. The Italian menu takes itself seriously without getting pretentious about it.
Expect pastas made properly, proteins cooked with actual attention to detail, and wine options that go beyond the same six bottles every Italian restaurant seems to carry.
West Forest Avenue has quietly become Jackson’s dining destination, and Vicari fits right into that growth. The area attracts both locals looking for a night out and visitors staying at the surrounding hotels who want something better than chain restaurants off the interstate.
Having a legitimate Italian option in the mix rounds out the neighborhood’s offerings in a useful way.
Timing played a role in Vicari’s Tennessee expansion. January openings give restaurants a chance to build momentum through winter and hit spring with their systems in place.
By the time warm weather arrived and outdoor dining season kicked into gear, Vicari had already worked through those early weeks when every new restaurant fumbles a bit. That head start shows in how smoothly the place runs now.
The restaurant benefits from being part of a recognized name while still feeling new to Tennessee diners. Vicari’s Mississippi locations gave the concept time to develop its identity before expanding, which means Jackson didn’t get a half-baked first attempt at a restaurant.
West Tennessee residents now have a reliable Italian option that doesn’t require driving to Memphis or Nashville, and that matters more than people might think when planning dinner on a random Tuesday.
4. Kinlea’s Cheesecakes – Clarksville
Don’t let the name fool you into thinking Kinlea’s only does dessert. Owner Reggie Outland spent roughly ten years building this business through baking and steady development before opening the brick-and-mortar spot in downtown Clarksville last August.
That decade of groundwork meant the restaurant hit the ground running with a menu that makes sense for both lunch and dinner, not just the after-meal sweet tooth crowd.
The stuffed burgers steal the show in the best way possible. These aren’t your standard patties with toppings piled on top. Kinlea’s builds flavor directly into the burger itself with combinations that sound absolutely ridiculous until you taste them and realize they work.
The over-the-top approach turns what could’ve been just another burger joint into something worth seeking out specifically.
Obviously the cheesecakes still matter here. Outland didn’t spend years perfecting desserts just to make them an afterthought.
The signature cheesecakes represent the foundation of the whole operation, and they deliver exactly what you’d hope for from someone who’s been baking and refining recipes for that long. Having a great burger and an incredible dessert in the same spot makes Kinlea’s a complete meal destination rather than just a place to grab one or the other.
Downtown Clarksville needed exactly this kind of spot. The area keeps developing, but it still had room for a casual restaurant that serves legitimately good food without requiring reservations weeks in advance or a dress code.
Kinlea’s fills that gap while bringing something unique to the table instead of copying whatever’s already working elsewhere.
August openings give restaurants a chance to build their reputation before the holiday rush hits. Kinlea’s used those months wisely, developing a following among locals who appreciate having a new option that doesn’t feel like every other restaurant in town.
The combination of stuffed burgers and signature cheesecakes might sound odd on paper, but in practice it creates a menu with something for everyone in your group. Get there before the secret gets out completely.
5. Amruth – Franklin
Franklin’s dining scene got more interesting in late August when Amruth opened its doors in Cool Springs. The restaurant landed at 330 Mayfield Drive, adding something genuinely different to an area that’s seen plenty of new restaurants but not always this kind of variety.
Cool Springs keeps growing, and having options beyond the usual steakhouse-burger-pizza rotation matters for keeping the suburb’s food scene from feeling repetitive.
Indian cuisine brings flavors and cooking techniques that stand out in any neighborhood, but especially in Franklin where the restaurant landscape tends toward more predictable categories. Amruth’s arrival gives residents and visitors another legitimate reason to explore the Cool Springs area for dinner instead of automatically heading into Nashville proper.
The location works well for both Franklin locals and people staying in the surrounding hotels who want something beyond chain restaurants.
The restaurant opened at a smart time. Late August means catching the tail end of summer before fall schedules kick in, giving Amruth a chance to build its reputation among early adopters before the holiday season arrives.
New restaurants need those first few months to work out timing issues, train staff, and adjust menu items based on what’s actually selling. Amruth got that runway and used it effectively.
Cool Springs continues developing as a dining destination, and having diverse cuisine options makes the whole area more appealing. Amruth contributes to that growth by offering something specific rather than trying to be everything to everyone.
The restaurant knows what it is and executes accordingly, which matters more than trying to appeal to every possible diner who might wander through the door.
Franklin’s restaurant scene benefits from additions like Amruth that push beyond the usual categories. The suburb has plenty of great food, but variety keeps things interesting and gives people reasons to explore new spots instead of returning to the same five restaurants every time.
Getting to Amruth now means experiencing it before the inevitable crowds discover it and reservations become harder to snag. Cool Springs needed this exact restaurant at this exact moment.
6. Momotaro – Nashville
Chicago’s Momotaro finally made it to Tennessee, and Nashville got the honors. The restaurant opened in Wedgewood Village in June, bringing contemporary Japanese cooking to a city that’s been adding restaurants at a wild pace but hasn’t always seen this level of ambition in new openings.
Momotaro focuses on sushi and sashimi while backing it up with robata-grilled dishes, wagyu options, and a sake program that actually takes the spirit seriously.
The sushi and sashimi game here runs deeper than your average Nashville Japanese restaurant. Quality matters with raw fish, and Momotaro doesn’t cut corners on sourcing or preparation.
The robata grill adds another dimension entirely, bringing smoke and char to proteins and vegetables in ways that complement the cleaner flavors coming from the sushi bar. Having both options under one roof gives diners flexibility depending on what they’re craving that particular evening.
Wagyu shows up on the menu for people willing to spend a bit more on beef that justifies the price. The sake program deserves its own mention because too many restaurants treat it as an afterthought, offering maybe three options that nobody really understands.
Momotaro’s extensive selection gives sake the respect it deserves, with staff who can actually guide you toward bottles that match what you’re eating.
Wedgewood Village continues developing as a Nashville dining neighborhood, and Momotaro raises the bar for what new restaurants in the area need to deliver. The space feels polished and intentional, the kind of place where you can tell thought went into every detail rather than just slapping together a dining room and hoping for the best.
June timing meant hitting summer when people are actively looking for new spots to try before fall routines lock in.
Nashville has plenty of Japanese restaurants, but Momotaro operates on a different level. The Chicago pedigree shows in the execution and consistency, giving Tennessee diners access to a restaurant that’s already proven itself in a major food city.
Getting there sooner rather than later means easier reservations and a chance to experience the restaurant before it becomes the impossible-to-book spot everyone’s talking about.
7. BONA FIDE – Chattanooga
The old Flying Squirrel space got new life in July when BONA FIDE opened on Chattanooga’s Southside. This chef-driven restaurant brings the kind of seasonal, rotating menu that keeps things interesting for repeat visitors while giving the neighborhood a legitimate full-service dining option that doesn’t feel like every other restaurant in town.
Southside needed exactly this kind of addition to its growing food scene.
The menu moves through seasons intentionally, which means what you eat in July won’t necessarily show up in November. House-made pasta anchors part of the menu, giving BONA FIDE a foundation of dishes that showcase technique and ingredients without relying on gimmicks.
Larger entrées round out the offerings for people wanting something more substantial, while small plates let groups share and sample multiple items in one meal.
Desserts get proper attention here instead of being an afterthought pulled from a freezer. The cocktail program runs deeper than most Chattanooga restaurants attempt, with drinks that feel crafted rather than just poured from a standard recipe book every bartender memorizes.
Having both solid food and thoughtful drinks makes BONA FIDE work for different occasions, from casual dinners to more celebratory meals that require a bit more polish.
July openings give restaurants the whole summer to build momentum before fall brings different crowds and dining patterns. BONA FIDE used that time to establish itself as a Southside destination rather than just another new restaurant that might or might not stick around.
The chef-driven approach means the kitchen takes food seriously without getting pretentious about it, striking a balance that’s harder to achieve than it looks.
Chattanooga’s restaurant scene keeps improving, and BONA FIDE represents the kind of opening that raises expectations for what new spots should deliver. The rotating seasonal menu gives diners reasons to return instead of trying it once and moving on.
Southside continues developing as a dining neighborhood, and having restaurants like BONA FIDE in the mix makes the whole area more appealing for both locals and visitors exploring Chattanooga’s food options. Get there before reservations become impossible to snag.
8. Au Bon Coin – Knoxville
Knoxville’s Happy Holler neighborhood picked up something special in August. Au Bon Coin comes from the same team behind Potchke, which already told locals this wouldn’t be some half-hearted attempt at French food.
The intimate bistro fits only around 40 people, creating an atmosphere that feels genuinely different from the massive restaurant openings happening elsewhere around Tennessee. Sometimes smaller really does mean better.
The prix-fixe approach sets Au Bon Coin apart immediately. You’re not ordering off a massive menu with 50 options nobody can possibly execute well.
Instead, the kitchen focuses on a set number of courses, allowing the team to nail each dish rather than spreading themselves too thin. This format works beautifully for French cuisine, where technique and ingredients matter more than offering every possible variation of the same proteins.
Happy Holler keeps developing as one of Knoxville’s more interesting neighborhoods, and Au Bon Coin fits the area’s vibe perfectly. The intimate size means you’ll want reservations, but it also creates an experience that feels personal rather than industrial.
French bistros should feel cozy and welcoming, not like eating in a cafeteria, and Au Bon Coin nails that atmosphere from the moment you walk in.
August timing gave the restaurant a few months to settle in before fall brought different crowds and busier schedules. Opening a prix-fixe restaurant requires training staff to explain the format, work out timing between courses, and handle the logistics of serving everyone in a coordinated way.
Au Bon Coin had that runway and clearly used it well based on how smoothly the operation runs now.
Knoxville needed exactly this kind of restaurant. The city has plenty of great food, but intimate French bistros aren’t exactly common in East Tennessee.
Having the Potchke team behind it adds credibility and experience, making Au Bon Coin feel like a mature concept from day one rather than someone’s first attempt at opening a restaurant. The 40-seat limit means this spot will fill up fast once word spreads, so getting there sooner rather than later makes sense for anyone interested in trying it.
9. Oak & Anchor Grill – Johnson City
Johnson City got a new locally owned option in February when Oak & Anchor Grill opened on North Roan Street. Owner Jen Gambill took over the former Bayou Boys space and transformed it into a traditional steak-and-seafood restaurant serving both lunch and dinner.
Northeast Tennessee needed exactly this kind of substantial sit-down option, and Oak & Anchor delivers without trying to reinvent what makes a good American grill work.
The menu focuses on the classics for good reason. Steaks and seafood represent what people actually want when they’re looking for a reliable dinner spot that handles the basics exceptionally well.
Oak & Anchor doesn’t chase trends or try to be something it’s not. Instead, the restaurant executes traditional dishes properly, which sounds simple but requires consistent effort and attention to detail that plenty of places can’t maintain.
Serving both lunch and dinner matters more than people might realize. Having a legitimate sit-down option for midday meals gives Johnson City residents and workers another choice beyond fast-casual spots or sandwiches.
Dinner service brings a different crowd and allows Oak & Anchor to function as a destination for date nights, family celebrations, or business dinners that require something more polished than a burger joint.
February openings give restaurants time to work through winter and build momentum heading into spring and summer. Oak & Anchor used those months wisely, establishing itself as a reliable neighborhood spot before tourist season brought additional traffic to the area.
The restaurant benefits from being locally owned, which means decisions get made by someone invested in Johnson City’s success rather than corporate management three states away.
Northeast Tennessee’s dining scene continues growing, and Oak & Anchor fills a specific gap in Johnson City’s restaurant landscape. The area needed a traditional steak-and-seafood grill that takes itself seriously without being stuffy or overpriced.
Gambill created exactly that kind of place, giving locals a new option that feels both familiar and fresh. Getting there now means experiencing the restaurant before it becomes the default recommendation everyone makes when visitors ask where to eat in Johnson City.
10. Lupo Notte – Nashville
Nashville’s Italian restaurant scene keeps expanding, and Lupo Notte represents one of the more interesting additions worth checking out before the crowds catch on. The restaurant brings contemporary Italian cooking to a city that’s been adding dining options at a relentless pace but doesn’t always see this level of focus on a specific cuisine.
Lupo Notte knows what it wants to be and executes accordingly, which matters more than trying to please everyone who walks through the door.
Italian restaurants live or die by their pasta, and Lupo Notte clearly understands that reality. The kitchen treats pasta seriously, building dishes that showcase ingredients and technique rather than drowning everything in heavy sauces that mask mediocre cooking.
Beyond pasta, the menu explores Italian flavors through proteins, vegetables, and preparations that feel both traditional and contemporary depending on what you order.
The wine program deserves attention because too many Italian restaurants phone it in with predictable bottles that nobody gets excited about. Lupo Notte curates a selection that actually complements the food while offering options at different price points.
Having staff who understand wine and can guide diners toward bottles that match their meal elevates the whole experience beyond just eating and drinking.
Nashville has plenty of Italian restaurants, but Lupo Notte operates with a level of intention that sets it apart from more generic options. The contemporary approach means you’re not getting red-sauce Italian-American classics, but you’re also not dealing with overly fussy preparations that prioritize presentation over flavor.
The restaurant strikes a balance that works for both casual dinners and more special occasions that require something a bit more polished.
Getting to Lupo Notte sooner rather than later means easier reservations and a chance to experience the restaurant before it becomes Nashville’s latest impossible-to-book spot. The city’s dining scene moves fast, and restaurants that execute well get discovered quickly.
Lupo Notte has the food, the wine, and the atmosphere to become a go-to Italian option for Nashville residents and visitors alike. Try it before everyone else figures out what you already know.