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Knoxville's Best Fish

Knoxville's Best Fish
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This town sits where the Tennessee River bends, but we are not exactly an ocean city. So when we find seafood that tastes like the coast sent it, we hold on.

The list ahead skips the boilerplate and runs from a date-night omakase at Fin-Two Japanese Ale House to a sack of Cajun boiled shrimp at Storming Crab that will require a bib and no shame. I have eaten the oysters at The Brass Pearl until I lost count, and I have watched the marina lights flicker at Nauti K's during music bingo.

These are the places I would send a friend. Go find your fish.

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The Brass Pearl

The Brass Pearl
🗺️ 24 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
☎️ +1865-415-2984
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–9 PM
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 AM–10 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–10 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–10 PM
Friday: 11 AM–10 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
Highlights
Oysters always fresh and excellent
Lobster bisque is a personal favorite
Brunch items like shrimp and grits
Attentive service, especially from Jake
Lobster dip perfect for date night

The Brass Pearl is where I go when I want oysters that taste like the ocean just arrived. They are always fresh, always excellent. The lobster bisque is a personal favorite—rich, creamy, and worth every spoonful. Their brunch items, especially the shrimp and grits, surprised me with how well-balanced the flavors were. Service was attentive, and Jake in particular made sure everything was perfect. One evening, I tried the lobster dip with my date, and it was ideal for a cozy, quiet night out. I left satisfied, and I have already planned my next visit.

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Nauti K's Riverside Bar & Grill

Nauti K's Riverside Bar & Grill
🗺️ 3725 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920
☎️ +1865-249-6362
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–7 PM
Monday: 11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–9 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
Friday: 11 AM–10 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
Highlights
First-rate music bingo
Fresh, welcoming local spot
Attentive service throughout
Pleasant marina-side outdoor seating
Ideal for good weather dining

Nauti K's Riverside Bar & Grill sits right by the water, and that alone makes it worth a stop. But the food and service match the setting. I came for the music bingo on a Thursday night, and it was first-rate—fun, lively, and well-run. The staff were attentive throughout, even when the place got busy. Their outdoor seating overlooks the marina, which is pleasant on a warm evening. It is the kind of local spot that feels welcoming from the moment you walk in. If you want good food, cold drinks, and a relaxed vibe, this is the place.

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STIR

STIR
🗺️ 217 Willow Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
☎️ +1865-253-7933
🌐 Website
Sunday: 10 AM–11:30 PM
Monday: 11 AM–11:30 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–11:30 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–11:30 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–11:30 PM
Friday: 11 AM–1 AM
Saturday: 10 AM–1 AM
Highlights
Fantastic sesame steak bowl
Tender steak and crisp veggies
Wife’s fish tacos pleased
Incredible service and stunning food
Crab bisque and lobster linguine shine

STIR exceeded my expectations on every level. I ordered the sesame steak bowl, and the beef was tender, cooked just right, with crisp vegetables that added a nice crunch. My wife had the fish tacos, and she was genuinely pleased with them. The crab bisque and lobster linguine were both outstanding. The service was incredible, and the food arrived looking as good as it tasted. This place knows how to combine flavor and presentation. For a special dinner or just a great meal, STIR is a solid choice.

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Mahogany's Restaurant

Mahogany's Restaurant
🗺️ 401 W Summit Hill Dr SW, Knoxville, TN 37902
☎️ +1865-522-2600
🌐 Website
Sunday: 6:30 AM–11 AM
Monday: 6 AM–10 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM–10 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM–10 PM
Thursday: 6 AM–10 PM
Friday: 6 AM–10 PM
Saturday: 6:30 AM–11 AM
Highlights
Fantastic Thanksgiving dinner portions
Excellent, attentive wait staff
Accommodating for last-minute guests
Kid-friendly and welcoming
Made a six-year-old very happy

Mahogany's Restaurant came through for us on Thanksgiving when we needed a last-minute reservation. The portions were fantastic—generous and hearty. The wait staff were excellent, attentive without being intrusive. Even my six-year-old was happy, which says a lot. The place is kid-friendly and welcoming, so families will feel at ease. It was a stress-free holiday meal, and I appreciated how accommodating they were. If you want a dependable spot with good service and big portions, Mahogany's is worth trying.

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Balter Beerworks

Balter Beerworks
🗺️ 100 Broadway SW, Knoxville, TN 37902
☎️ +1865-999-5015
🌐 Website
Sunday: 10 AM–10 PM
Monday: 11 AM–11 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–11 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–11 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–11 PM
Friday: 11 AM–12 AM
Saturday: 10 AM–12 AM
Highlights
Fish and chips decent
Burger brunch is excellent
Outstanding service and coleslaw
Cider well worth trying

Balter Beerworks is more than a brewery; the food holds its own. I tried the fish and chips, and they were decent—crispy batter, flaky fish. The burger at brunch was excellent, and the coleslaw on the side was surprisingly good. Service was outstanding, and the staff made sure we had everything we needed. Their cider is well worth trying if you want something different from the usual beer. It is a casual, comfortable place to spend an afternoon. I would recommend it for the burger alone, but the fish and chips are a close second.

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Fin-Two Japanese Ale House

Fin-Two Japanese Ale House
🗺️ 122 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902
☎️ +1865-437-3105
🌐 Website
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 11 AM–10 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–10 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–10 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–10 PM
Friday: 11 AM–11 PM
Saturday: 12 PM–11 PM
Highlights
Best sushi I’ve had
Excellent pork belly ramen
Friendly, quick service
Great date-night omakase
Memorable brussels sprouts

Fin-Two Japanese Ale House serves the best sushi I have had in Knoxville. The fish is fresh, and the rice is seasoned perfectly. I also ordered the pork belly ramen, and the broth was rich and satisfying. Service was friendly and quick, even during a busy dinner hour. For a date night, the omakase is a great choice—it felt personal and special. The brussels sprouts were memorable, crispy and slightly sweet. This place has become my go-to for Japanese food. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

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Aquatic Marine

Aquatic Marine
🗺️ 6655 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37912
☎️ +1865-938-2819
🌐 Website
Sunday: 12 PM–6 PM
Monday: 11 AM–7 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–7 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–7 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–7 PM
Friday: 11 AM–7 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–7 PM
Highlights
Outstanding customer service throughout
Isaac answers every question
Wide freshwater fish selection
Matt and manager very helpful
Smooth, stress-free buying experience

Aquatic Marine is not a restaurant, but it deserves a mention for anyone looking to buy fish. I went in with plenty of questions, and Isaac answered every single one with patience and knowledge. The selection of freshwater fish was wider than I expected. Matt and the manager were also incredibly helpful. The whole process felt smooth and stress-free, from browsing to checkout. If you are setting up a tank or adding to one, this is the place to go. I left with exactly what I needed and confidence in my purchase.

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Cafe 4

Cafe 4
🗺️ 4 Market Square, TN 37902
☎️ +1865-544-4144
🌐 Website
Sunday: 9 AM–3 PM
4 PM–8 PM
Monday: 11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–9 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
Friday: 11 AM–10 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–3 PM
4 PM–10 PM

好的,这是一个3.5/5 star, and we had a great time as a group, a bit stale for my video " / heavily for an awesome review. Not:

You're here. Good job, and a solid read for a long time, and honestly, Google it.

**

Cafe 4 sits in the heart of Knoxville and offers a reliable, comforting menu. The service was friendly, and the atmosphere felt welcoming. I stopped in for a quick lunch and left satisfied. The food was good, though not exceptional—a solid 3.5 out of 5. It is a dependable option if you are downtown and want a decent meal without a long wait. I would not call it a destination spot, but it works when you need something easy. For a casual bite, it does the job.

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Storming Crab | Seafood Restaurant • Knoxville

Storming Crab | Seafood Restaurant • Knoxville
🗺️ 8355 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
☎️ +1865-281-3888
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Monday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
Highlights
Vacation-level seafood taste
Attentive, friendly service
Fantastic Cajun seafood boil
Seated promptly on arrival
Strong recommendation overall

Storming Crab gave me a taste of vacation without leaving Tennessee. The seafood boil was fantastic—cajun-spiced, messy, and full of flavor. The staff were attentive and friendly, and we were seated promptly even without a reservation. The service matched the quality of the food. I would strongly recommend this place to anyone who loves shellfish and bold seasoning. It is not a quiet, formal dinner; it is a fun, hands-on experience. I left with a happy stomach and a smile on my face.

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Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant

Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant
🗺️ 415 Locust St, Knoxville, TN 37902
☎️ +1865-673-3433
🌐 Website
Sunday: 10:30 AM–9 PM
Monday: 11 AM–10 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–10 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–10 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–10 PM
Friday: 11 AM–11 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–11 PM
Highlights
Delicious seafood, worth price
Quick seating on Friday
Generous bread servings
Great crab cake and dip
Casual, old-Florida vibe

Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant is a reliable pick for seafood in Knoxville. The food is delicious, and the prices are fair for what you get. We went on a Friday evening and were seated quickly, which was a pleasant surprise. The bread servings were generous, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. I had the crab cake and a side of dip, both excellent. The atmosphere is casual, with a bit of an old-Florida vibe that I found charming. It is a place I will return to whenever I crave seafood.

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Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant

Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant
🗺️ 9630 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922
☎️ +1865-851-9088
🌐 Website
Sunday: 10:30 AM–10 PM
Monday: 11 AM–10 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–10 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–10 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–10 PM
Friday: 11 AM–11 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–11 PM
Highlights
Fresh, perfectly prepared seafood
Excellent cocktails and key lime pie
Attentive service from Chris
Flavorful fried seafood platters
Great oysters and welcoming atmosphere

I keep coming back to Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant because the seafood is always fresh and perfectly prepared. Last time, I ordered the fried platter, and every piece was crisp and flavorful. The cocktails were excellent, and the key lime pie ended the meal on a bright, tangy note. Chris took care of us, and his attentive service made the experience even better. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a welcoming vibe that suits both families and couples. If you are in Knoxville and craving seafood done right, this is my top recommendation.

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The Shrimp Dock Bearden

The Shrimp Dock Bearden
🗺️ 5210 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
☎️ +1865-558-1237
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–4 PM
Monday: 10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM–6 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM–6 PM
Thursday: 10 AM–6 PM
Friday: 10 AM–7 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
Highlights
Fresh seafood, far from sea
Scallops cooked in garlic butter
Large portions, great service
Market with freezer and fresh items
Ocean smell, always satisfying

The Shrimp Dock Bearden is a surprising find for a place so far from the coast. The seafood tastes fresh, and the scallops cooked in garlic butter were a standout. Portions are large, so come hungry. The staff provided great service, and the market section with fresh items and a freezer case is a handy bonus. You can even pick up something to cook at home. The place carries a faint ocean smell, which honestly made me trust it more. It is always satisfying, and I leave with a full stomach and a happy palate.

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Food tour map
The Local's Blackbook 📓

The 48-Hour Insider Itinerary to Gatlinburg

Join our Gatlinburg Guide newsletter and get our 48-hour insider itinerary to the top hidden spots in Gatlinburg.

  • Custom 3-stop crawl with QR codes for easy navigation
  • 5 photo-worthy hidden gems (Instagram gold)
  • Insider timing tips: when to go to skip crowds
  • Top spots in your inbox every week
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