12 Most Sought-After Restaurant Tables In Tennessee That Book Out Weeks Ahead
Tennessee has leveled up into a true dining powerhouse, where certain restaurants have become as legendary as the music pouring out of its honky-tonks. Scoring a reservation isn’t just dinner planning but a competitive sport that rewards only the quickest fingers.
Nashville dazzles with inventive tasting menus that feel more like performances than meals, while Memphis keeps its crown polished with kitchens that rack up awards and still serve with that unmistakable Southern warmth.
Together, they showcase the very best of what Tennessee’s tables have to offer.
1. The Catbird Seat – Nashville
Perched around an open kitchen, this culinary theater presents one of America’s most coveted dining experiences.
The restaurant recently moved to a stunning new location on 8th Avenue South in 2025, bringing their legendary 13-course tasting menu to an even more intimate setting.
Reservations release monthly on the first day at noon Central Time through OpenTable. Smart diners set calendar reminders because these spots vanish within minutes of going live, sometimes selling out an entire month in under ten minutes.
2. Bastion – Nashville
Hidden behind one of Nashville’s most celebrated cocktail bars sits this 24-seat tasting room that feels like dining in someone’s stylish living room. The intimate space connects to the main bar, creating an atmosphere where culinary artistry meets craft beverage mastery.
Monthly reservation drops happen on the first of each month, releasing an entire month’s worth of tables simultaneously.
The small capacity means even weeknight slots disappear rapidly, making timing absolutely crucial for securing your preferred date.
3. Locust – Nashville
Operating on a limited schedule announced monthly, this 12 South gem has earned national praise for its innovative approach to Southern cuisine. The restaurant’s limited operating schedule makes every meal feel like a special event, with both lunch and dinner requiring advance reservations.
Social media becomes your best friend here, as the restaurant announces monthly reservation releases through Instagram and their website.
I learned this lesson the hard way after missing out twice before finally following their account and setting notifications for every post.
4. Rolf & Daughters – Nashville
Germantown’s crown jewel has maintained its status as Nashville’s most consistently excellent restaurant for over a decade.
The recent shift to releasing tables three months in advance on a rolling basis has made planning easier, though prime weekend slots still require quick action.
OpenTable handles all reservations, with new dates appearing regularly as the three-month window rolls forward.
Weekend evenings and special event nights typically fill within hours of becoming available, so checking frequently pays off handsomely.
5. Henrietta Red – Nashville
Raw bar enthusiasts flock to this Germantown oyster haven, where the freshest Gulf and East Coast selections meet creative preparations. The restaurant’s popularity has grown steadily, with tables now booking solid two to three weeks ahead during busy periods.
OpenTable manages reservations with a credit card requirement and late cancellation fees to ensure commitment.
The policy helps manage no-shows but also signals just how valuable these tables have become in Nashville’s competitive dining landscape.
6. Kayne Prime – Nashville
Power lunches and celebration dinners happen at this Gulch institution, where perfectly aged steaks and impeccable service have created a devoted following among Nashville’s business elite. The restaurant’s reputation for consistency keeps regulars coming back month after month.
Their SevenRooms booking system handles reservations, with experienced diners consistently recommending advance planning for prime time slots.
Weekend evenings and special occasions like anniversaries or business dinners require the most lead time to secure preferred seating.
7. Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina – Nashville
Soaring 34 floors above Nashville inside the JW Marriott, this sky-high steakhouse combines Michael Mina’s culinary expertise with breathtaking city views. The combination of celebrity chef pedigree and stunning vistas creates an unforgettable dining experience.
SevenRooms handles their reservation system, with the restaurant strongly recommending advance bookings for good reason.
Window tables offering the best skyline views book fastest, especially during sunset hours when the city lights begin to twinkle below your table.
8. J.C. Holdway – Knoxville
Knoxville’s culinary pride received a massive boost when The New York Times named it one of 2025’s “50 Best” restaurants in America. This recognition has transformed an already popular downtown destination into a must-visit spot for food lovers across the Southeast.
Resy manages their 30-day advance reservation system, releasing tables at noon with deposits required for the chef’s tasting menu.
The Times recognition means prime weekend slots now disappear within hours, making this East Tennessee gem harder to book than ever before.
9. St. John’s Restaurant – Chattanooga
White tablecloths and impeccable service define this Chattanooga institution, where special occasions have been celebrated for generations.
The restaurant maintains old-school elegance while adapting to modern dining expectations, creating a timeless atmosphere that never goes out of style.
OpenTable handles bookings, giving diners multiple pathways to secure reservations. Holiday weekends and special events like Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve require the most advance planning in this scenic river city.
10. The Barn at Blackberry Farm – Walland
Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, this legendary dining room represents one of the South’s most exclusive culinary experiences.
The restaurant prioritizes hotel guests, making outside reservations extremely limited and highly coveted among food enthusiasts nationwide. My friend waited eight months for a cancellation to open up, calling it the most memorable meal of his life.
Outside-guest dining is currently paused until Winter 2025; when it resumes, the few available slots typically require flexible dates and considerable advance planning.
11. Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen – Memphis
James Beard Award finalists Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman have created Memphis’s most celebrated Italian destination, where handmade pasta and creative interpretations of classic dishes draw food lovers from across the Mid-South region.
Resy handles their booking system with reservations opening up to 90 days in advance. Weekend slots disappear fastest, particularly Saturday evenings when the restaurant buzzes with energy and the open kitchen creates an exciting atmosphere for special celebrations.
12. Restaurant Iris – Memphis
Chef Kelly English’s modern Creole masterpiece has anchored Memphis’s fine dining scene for years, blending Louisiana influences with contemporary techniques.
Special events and tasting dinners create additional demand beyond the already competitive weekend reservation landscape.
Resy manages reservations. The restaurant also hosts special events and tasting dinners that can be booked quickly, making regular diners feel appreciated while helping manage the intense demand for prime dining slots.