It is date lunch Friday with my beloved so we drove about 40 minutes to give Walnut Kitchen a try. We arrived a few minutes before our reservation and easily found a parking spot. We stepped inside, and we were kindly greeted by the hostess. The restaurant was beautifully decorated and had a warm feel. The bar in the corner was both beautiful and extremely well stocked. J greeted us promptly at our table and gave us a thorough walk through of the menu. The offerings were creative and well thought out. We ordered the pimento cheese and grit chips appetizer. A great suggestion from J. It was surprisingly flavorful and super well balanced. I knew at that point, we were in for a treat. Even the iced tea was out of this world. My wife thought it was perhaps the best tea she had ever tasted. My bride ordered the Chicken Spiedie with fries and I did the beef and cheddar with onion rings. The beef and cheddar was absolutely delicious. It was piled high with juicy smoked brisket, smoked cheddar, blackberry bbq sauce and pickles. The order of onion rings and fries were more than enough to share. They were also just fabulous. I have a feeling, everything on the menu is delicious. We finished things off with the Mama's Brownies. Just bonkers. That is all I have to say: Warm cookie dough layered with a vanilla cheesecake center topped with vanilla bean ice cream with a caramel and fudge drizzle. It was an outstanding suggestion. The food was excellent. The service was top notch (thank you J). I plan on spending a significant amount of time here trying everything on the menu. Do yourself a favor and head over for dinner tonight. You can thank me later. read more

See all

Dude. Get here. Been twice and each time felt like the first. Chicken Lollipops are fun to try - get different flavors and have fun with it - this is the way. The inside looked great, the staff were awesome, everything looked clean, and the food was simply splendid. My only tip would be to know there is additional parking around that location beyond what's on the restaurant front. Excited to get back again soon. Happy Yelping everyone, onward! read more

See all

Food, service, choices, presentation, all great. Atmosphere is very good. Prices? Take out a dinner loan before you go. Every item is alacarte. Everything clearly 25% higher than it needs to be. Some ridiculous examples: A bowl of pasta was $30+! For flour and water! Wine served in a giant glass filled 20% of the way for $14! One should get 5 glasses out of a wine bottle. They must get 10. We will never go back. read more

Tourist here! I always try to find high quality restaurants when in different cities. This place had great reviews and I know why. It's a classy and yet down to earth kind of place. You are treated well by the servers and the food speaks for itself! The place was packed which I heard is a locals favorite for upscale type of food/restaurant. Some folks were dressed up and we were dressed in casual clothing as it was a spur of the moment find for dinner. We were not looked down upon due to our attire, which made me happy. Now let's talk about the food! I had the short rib with risotto. We love risotto and I typically order it if on the menu. Mine was served a bit cold so I told my server who right away sent it back and got me a hot fresh plate. Manager came over and apologized as well. The short rib was so tender and delicious and the risotto was fabulous. Hubs had the elk and he raved about it as well as the risotto. We left very impressed and would definitely recommend you give this place a try. But call ahead and get reservations just to ensure you get a seat. read more

See all

Had reservations tonight at 6:30 PM. We were seated on time and planned to have a lovely dinner. We ordered the aged. ribeye steak for two. We both had sangria. After 30 minutes our food came. The sides were fine. The ribeye was overcooked, tough, cut off the grain, no other words, but just awful. We let our waitress know, she left the table and apparently the floor manager showed up. He never gave us his name. Just said he was going to replace the steak. He wanted to argue with me that this was an aged ribeye, and it was a different steak that would be different from a normal ribeye. He took it from our table, came back 10 minutes later and said they had just put on a new steak and it would be to our table soon. He told us to enjoy our sides while we waited on our steak and walked away. Another 20 minutes later, we asked our waitress where our steak was. She said she would go and check. Another 10 minutes later, the floor manager shows up with our steak. He said, here is your steak. I looked at him and said it has been over 30 minutes. We have finished eating our sides and we are full. He said well I will get you some more sides. I said no, just put the steak in a box. Thank you so much for ruining our dinner. Apparently you don't get it. You have ruined our evening without so much as even an apology. He looked at me and said, would you like some dessert? I was so angry. I had to get up and walk out of the restaurant and let my husband finish. We paid our full bill of right at 200.00. We did not ask for a discount nor were we offered one. We also gave the waitress a $40 tip. This review is simply to state that the service and the food at this restaurant deserves a -0! I will tell everyone that I know to never step foot in this establishment. To you Mr. Floor Manager: we in the public are not stupid. We actually know the difference in steaks and how they should be cooked. We just prefer to eat out once in a while. Again, Thanks for ruining our evening with no apology for not doing YOUR job!! read more

Walnut Kitchen - Our bill for the dinner - Southern Near Me - Maryville, Tennessee

See all

Highly recommend for excellent Simpson farm dry aged steaks. We had the table side tomahawk which was on of the best we ever had. Service was very good with the meal timing being managed very well. The farm house set up of the restaurant is well done. read more

While traveling home to Indiana we found this amazing restaurant. There was a wait for dining so we sat at the bar. The bar and wine menu is phenomenal. Jacob is their sommelier and Christina is the bartender and you wouldn't get better service or more talent in a high-end large city restaurant. The trout and shrimp and grits were perfection. When we travel this way again we will definitely return. read more

Atmosphere wasn't all that - but the steak was!! I will go back. Service was friendly.

This place is phenomenal! I have been here many times and have never been disappointed with the food or the service! The staff always give great recommendations! The Chicken Lollipops are AMAZING! read more

Second time visiting tonight, and like the first amazing service and great food. It's a small restaurant, so even on a busy night, there's only around 20 people there. The food is a little expensive for an average date, but it's great for any special occasions. read more

Walnut Kitchen - "The Walnut Kitchen Board" - Southern Near Me - Maryville, Tennessee

Disappointed! Food was average at best & very pricey. We definitely do not mind paying for excellent food & service but this was neither. Service was just standard. Husband had a ribeye & it was just ok. We've had better at Chop House or Conners for much lower price. It's not terrible but definitely not worth the price. read more

Went out during our Smoky Mountain hiking trip. Ordered the lobster dip, Elk Loin and Shrimp and Grits. The food was fantastic and the service was great too. No complaints and would highly recommend! read more

Food is always excellent! Service is always great!! Great date night or special occasion treat! Not to mention best dessert in the area- cookie dough cheesecake ice cream brownie! read more

1. Very nice atmosphere. 2. The history of Blount County via the pictures on the wall is a nice touch. 3. We shared the 45 day aged ribeye and it did not disappoint and the accompaniments were amazing too. 4. Oh, and they make great cocktails as well. read more

We had another great meal at Walnut Kitchen. The bread service featured cornbread and sourdough with sorghum butter. I decided to go for the sourdough and thought it was soft and had a strong sourdough taste. For my meal, I chose the Cajun Filet Pasta that has seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, Cajun cream sauce, and freshly made in house fettuccine. The Filet was cooked perfectly and slightly spicy from the Cajun seasoning on the steak. I thought the mushrooms had an earthy taste, and the vegetables were fresh. Lastly, the pasta was al dente, and the sauce was more smoky than spicy. I highly recommend trying the pasta. If you're afraid it's going to be spicy, it wasn't spicy at all. My mom ordered the pork chop which came with green apple + bacon chutney, campfire potatoes, cauliflower, arugula, and apple cider reduction. The pork was cooked perfectly and was juicy. (Sorry the picture didn't come out right) My Dad chose the chicken special, which was a stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese. Then it's wrapped in prosciutto and fried. It was served with asparagus and creamy polenta. Overall, I would highly recommend going to Walnut Kitchen if you want a delicious meal every time. read more

See all

The service was amazing, but for the price we found the food to be underwhelming. The appetizers were our favorite. We had the gem salad (very good), the grit chips with pimiento cheese (okay), and the lamb meatball appetizer (the blackberry bbq makes these). The mains were cooked well but we found them bland. We had the market catch which was nice but not super memorable, the chicken cordon bleu was cooked well but REALLY needed more lemon, and the coffee rubbed elk loin was cooked perfectly but needed more sauce to give the dish more flavor. The dessert tasted cheap compared to the rest of the meal. It was more than likely a freezer item (a raspberry chocolate truffle cake). If I went again I would try the signature brownie. The restaurant itself was nice, with an open rustic industrial feel. If you are wanting elevated service this is a good choice, but depending on your selections you may feel underwhelmed compared to some of the other higher end/pricey restaurants in the area. If you like quality ingredients highlighted with good cooking technique, this is a good choice if you don't mind dishes that lack a strong flavor. read more

Food and staff are phenomenal. Truly a special experience. The ambience has charm but the food is next level.

Absolutely great experience. From food to service. Get the mamas brownie. Server Wesley is fantastic. 10/10

Food is not worth the cost, too pricey. Ambiance is LOUD. Service was nothing special. Just average.

A Friday night with no reservations had us waiting 30 min. No big deal! Headed to the bar for a cocktail, and not 15min later our table was ready. Our waiter, Christian was amazing! He was attentive, very knowledgeable of the menu and frequently checked in with us! An amazing meal, especially the Chicken Lollipops with hot honey! Chef's Kiss! Will definitely return! read more

My husband and I are from out of town and when we travel we always look for a unique memorable dining experience. The Walnut Kitchen makes the top of our list! Immediately upon entering you are greeted by the friendly staff amidst a warm inviting dining room. The rustic down home charm create a cozy organic atmosphere. The menu has a broad offering of appetizers and entrees and includes elk, which is a favorite of mine to seek out. The knowledgeable staff made sure to go into great detail on the charcuterie selections and the presentation of the tomahawk steak was like nothing I've experienced. The layers of flavor in the coffee rub on the elk paired nicely with the meat and risotto and left me truly speechless. We were shocked to find out the greens were vegetarian-none of us would've guessed that from the flavor! The mamas brownie topped off our meal and if I were you I wouldn't miss it! The cheesecake center was a great compliment to the brownie and the ice cream and drizzle really set it all off. The walnut kitchen gave us everything we were looking for and more; from the ambiance to the selection to the quality of food and service. We will be back this summer for sure! Thank you to the head chef, staff and kitchen crew for a memorable dining experience! read more

See all

Our third visit and brought friends this time to enjoy the experience. As expected ... amazing food, greatly atmosphere and Lindsey our waitress was the best! Can't wait to visit again in the near future!! read more

The food is amazing man I really love all the choices they have, I've never been here so i'm just posting this review because it does look good. I'm trusting that it will be as good as it looks. When i go i have faith it'll be that yummy read more

This is a great restaurant! Food is amazing, their filet is mouthwatering and elk is so tender ! It's farm to table concept and you can taste it , everything tastes very fresh and delicious! 10/10 ! read more

Walnut Kitchen - Christmas tree - Southern Near Me - Maryville, Tennessee

See all

Nice atmosphere. Pricey for what you get. Smaller portions. Food is just okay. Wait staff is hit or miss. Mocktails are small and $10 a piece. Nothing fancy either. This place is just okay. There are better out there. read more

I go to Walnut Kitchen annually on my visit to Knoxville. Love the casual but high quality vibe. Last week I had the pork chop and a couple sides which was excellent. Previously had steaks which are always great. Nice place to sit at the bar. read more

Restaurant was recommended and it was incredibly inviting. However, reason for 3 stars is the service was really lacking. The time to order an appetizer, drink, and food were all off. Our waitress seemed very flighty. She would take our appetizer order and take off when we were all ready to order our entrees. No wine menu at the table so had to wait for that. She took all the menus except one and I had to hand it to the hostess 15 minutes later. I thought we would get the complimentary cast iron cornbread everyone raved about, but we did not receive one. Instead, we ordered the butternut hummus which was lovely and given extra bread upon request. I had the grilled beef tenderloin over gorgonzola pimento grits. I had ordered medium rare, but half of it was pretty darn rare. I thought that was odd that no one noticed when the beef is sliced. The grits were really tasty though and don't think I'm a collared greens fan as it is too vinegary for my taste. Had a couple french fries at the table and though oily and overcooked they were good. Overall the food was tasty, but the service could really be worked on. Parking is also very limited but you can park behind the restaurant though it is a gravel lot. read more

Walnut Kitchen - Grilled beef tenderloin - Southern Near Me - Maryville, Tennessee

They were super busy at 6:30 on 12/30/25 but had a reservation. Awesome apps, salads and entrees. Service was excellent too. Will return soon I hope. read more

Amazing wrong turn and we thought ok here's a place to eat.. let's give it a try BINGO!!! We will be back!! The place has great atmosphere and service and the food .. OMG.. we only came for lunch but watched the fare passing by as well!! My wedge salad which THE BEST I'VE EVER HAD.. I split with my friend so we could split her chicken salad wrap. We decided on a side of grilled squash with the wrap to let the fries go!! I could have eaten a plate of that grilled squash .. GRILLED WITH GRILL MARKS... to perfection !! All I can say is we come from Knoxville and will be back!!! Dinner I already know is going to be amazing!!! Took time to look up the story on Knox News on this place!!! Great great job DAVID RULE and CREW!!! read more

See all

Tried Walnut Kitchen last night. Not impressed at all. I've eaten there before & had a very good meal & experience but this time not so much. Prices are not for the everyday person. That's the reason I'm only there on special occasions. Maybe I expect too much but for the price it should be special. It wasn't read more

The Walnut Kitchen never disappoints! I enjoyed the Chef's Garden Salad & Simpson's Meats Filet, as well as the Asparagus & Bacon Mac & Cheese. Very friendly staff and unique atmosphere. read more

Walnut Kitchen - 8oz Simpson's Meats Filet Asparagus Bacon Mac & Cheese - Southern Near Me - Maryville, Tennessee

Wow! I'm sometimes hard to impress with restaurants and food, but I am extremely pleased with our experience and meal here! We were celebrating my Aunt's birthday and were able to make reservations (big plus!). We needed one more added to our party last minute. A quick call fixed that. When we arrived, we were promptly greeted, seated, and provided with menus and water. Our waitress was super personable, friendly, and attentive. I loved her greeting of, "hi, friends!" The skillet cornbread to start was a nice welcome and start to our meal. We ordered the charcuterie board and the spinach dip. I was too interested in the spinach dip to taste much of the board, but the table enjoyed it! The spinach dip with the red pepper jelly on top was delicious!! I had the filet with mashed potatoes and macaroni. I cleaned my plate! My steak was cooked perfectly, seasoned well, and tender. All the flavors went well together. Then...for dessert!! We opted to try "one of each" of the desserts - crème brûlée, key lime pie, strawberry cobbler, and mama's brownies. My, oh my!! Everything was over-the-top good!!! I loved the shortbread crust on the key lime pie. The strawberry cobbler smelled old-timey and made me sentimental. The brownies were dangerous! Such a great experience in a nicely decorated building. Friendly staff, quality food, great location! Will be back! read more

See all

We had a disappointing evening at Walnut Kitchen earlier this month. We had the reservation two months in advance for a party of seven to celebrate a birthday, but sadly they gave us a horrible table that was crowded and extremely noisy. My parents, who use hearing aids, couldn't hear anything over the clamor and I could barely hear anything myself. Additionally, service was ridiculously slow. It took an hour just to get our salad starter. My husband and daughter ordered burgers and thought they were awful. All the other entrees we ordered were great (elk, shrimp & grits, pork fried rice, salmon) but the over all experience was so bad that we will never go back to Walnut Kitchen, especially since Foothills Milling Co is right across the street and always delivers an impeccable experience. When you pay that much money for a meal you expect excellence, and we did not get that. read more

Walnut Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Maryville, Tennessee

See all

Came here with the family and upon arrival, we told the hostess that we were expecting one more person than the reservation noted. They did not skip a beat and made accommodations for us. Our server, Grace, was the most attentive and professional server we've had in a long time. The food was terrific, the ambiance was spot on, and the evening was perfect. Thanks Walnut Kitchen for another wonderful dining experience. read more

Walnut Kitchen - Chicken Lollipops - Southern Near Me - Maryville, Tennessee

Over all a good experience. We came here for our 1st anniversary. We always like to pick a new place to try in the area for special occasions. I wouldn't say it was anything special for a celebration, I've been to other restaurants where they celebrate with you or acknowledge the occasion for coming out. Aside from that, the food was flavorful and they had fair portion sizes. read more

See all

Excellent food and service. My second time here. One of my favorite places in Maryville. Recommended it to many friends.

Amazing salmon cooked medium. This place has a great staff and is very accommodating for dietary restrictions. read more

Walnut Kitchen - Salmon - Southern Near Me - Maryville, Tennessee

I absolutely love coming to the Walnut Kitchen!! Their staff is always extremely friendly and knowledgeable, whether you sit at the bar or a table. The restaurant has an upscale environment without being too loud, but still has personality. The bar drinks are ALWAYS stellar, I had the Delia recently and it was phenomenal. Foster, Andrew, and Mary have always been excellent at the bar!! I would recommend the lobster dip to anyone and the seafood power bowl! read more

Walnut Kitchen - Seafood power bowl - Southern Near Me - Maryville, Tennessee

So good! We have been a fan of Simpson's Meats for the past few years and purchase meat from their butchery in Knoxville. I was pleasantly surprised to learn they ran this restaurant. We decided to treat ourselves to a meal out and went here for the first time. I had the 6oz filet and my husband had the shepherds pie...both were delicious! In addition to having an amazing meal, our service was also great. The server was attentive without being overbearing, ensuring we had everything we needed. We will be back!! read more

Walnut Kitchen - Filet with baked potato (butter only...they do offer loaded, this is just my preference) and baby carrots - Southern Near Me - Maryville, Tennessee

See all

Excellent service and atmosphere. Steak flavor was perfect, sides were typical but with unique spins on each read more

See all