Fine Dining

For a taste of Knoxville’s most elegant food make reservations at The Orangery (5412 Kingston Pk., 865/588-2964, lunch Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., dinner Mon.–Sat. 6–10 p.m., lunch $9–14, dinner $23–44). A French-inspired menu, impeccable wine list, and refined atmosphere make for a luxurious dining experience. Come for lunch for salad Niçoise, roasted-vegetable ravioli, and sautéed shrimp. Dinner specialties include veal porterhouse, prime New York strip, buffalo with caramelized shallots, and elk chop with vegetable puree. What other restaurant can say that?

Italian

The best New York–style pizzas, hand-crafted calzones, and other authentic Italian favorites are offered at Savelli’s (3055 Sutherland Ave., 865/521-9085, Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Sun. 4–9 p.m., $9–19). This homey restaurant is small and often crowded, with good reason: Savelli’s serves made-from-scratch Italian food at good prices. Beer is served, but bring your own wine.

© Susanna Henighan Potter from Moon Tennessee, 5th Edition