These 12 International Restaurants In Tennessee Will Take You On A Trip Around The World
A passport is not required for this kind of adventure. Throughout Tennessee, talented chefs are serving dishes that carry the flavors of faraway kitchens, all without leaving the state.
One moment you might be enjoying rich Italian pasta, the next digging into fragrant Thai noodles or perfectly spiced Indian curry. Each restaurant brings its own culture, traditions, and unforgettable recipes to the table.
The variety is impressive, and the quality makes every stop feel like a small culinary journey. If your taste buds enjoy exploring new flavors, these international restaurants in Tennessee deliver a delicious trip around the world.
1. International Market, Nashville
Since 1975, this Nashville landmark on Belmont Boulevard has been quietly introducing generations of locals to the bold, aromatic world of Thai cooking. That kind of staying power does not happen by accident.
International Market has earned its reputation one carefully spiced plate at a time, and the loyalty of its regulars speaks volumes about what this kitchen consistently delivers.
The menu leans fully into tradition, offering dishes that reflect the layered complexity of Thai cuisine rather than watered-down versions made for timid palates. Expect fragrant curries, stir-fries loaded with fresh herbs, and soups that warm you from the inside out.
The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, which makes the experience feel all the more genuine.
Located near Belmont University, the restaurant attracts students, professors, neighborhood families, and curious food lovers from across the city. It is the kind of place where the food does all the talking.
If you have never explored Thai cuisine before, this is honestly one of the best starting points in all of Tennessee.
2. Vietnam Restaurant, Memphis
Midtown Memphis has a lot of personality, and Vietnam Restaurant on North Cleveland Street fits right into that energy. This long-running spot has been feeding the neighborhood with honest, soul-satisfying Vietnamese food for years, building a fanbase that keeps coming back for the kind of meals that feel like a warm hug on a hard day.
Pho is the star of the show here, and rightfully so. Each bowl arrives steaming hot, filled with silky noodles and rich broth that has been coaxed into deep flavor over many hours.
The noodle bowls are equally impressive, and the traditional Vietnamese dishes on the menu give you plenty of reasons to return and explore beyond your usual order.
The setting is relaxed and welcoming, without any of the fussiness you might find at trendier spots. Portions are generous, and the staff makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
For anyone in Memphis wanting to experience Vietnamese cooking at its most authentic and comforting, this restaurant delivers every single time without compromise.
3. Greko Greek Street Food, Nashville
Greek street food is having a major moment, and Greko on Main Street in East Nashville is leading that charge in Tennessee. The concept is simple but executed with real care: take the bold, fresh flavors of Mediterranean cooking and serve them in a format that is fast, approachable, and genuinely delicious.
It works beautifully.
The gyros here are the kind you think about for days afterward. Perfectly seasoned meat, creamy tzatziki, crisp vegetables, all wrapped up in warm pita bread that holds everything together just long enough for you to take that first incredible bite.
The souvlaki is equally worth your attention, and the sides like roasted vegetables and fresh salads round out the meal with Mediterranean brightness.
Sitting at 704 Main Street in the heart of East Nashville, Greko benefits from a neighborhood that appreciates bold food choices and creative culinary concepts. The space feels modern and energetic, with a vibe that suits both a quick solo lunch and a relaxed meal with friends.
Greek food lovers and newcomers alike will find something to celebrate on this menu.
4. Chivo Taqueria, Knoxville
Gay Street in downtown Knoxville has no shortage of great dining options, but Chivo Taqueria holds a special place among them. This lively Mexican restaurant brings the spirit of authentic street-style cooking into a setting that buzzes with energy and color.
Walking through the door feels like stepping into a celebration, and the food absolutely matches that mood.
Tacos are the main event, and Chivo takes them seriously. The fillings are bold and well-seasoned, the tortillas are fresh, and the toppings are thoughtfully chosen to complement rather than overwhelm.
Street-style Mexican cooking is all about balance and generosity, and this kitchen understands that philosophy completely. Every bite delivers a punch of flavor that keeps you reaching for the next one.
The atmosphere inside is warm and social, making it an ideal spot for group outings, casual date nights, or solo meals at the bar where you can watch the action unfold. Located at 314 South Gay Street, Chivo sits right in the middle of downtown Knoxville’s most vibrant stretch.
If Mexican food is your comfort zone, this place will deepen your appreciation for what the cuisine can truly be.
5. Kaizen, Knoxville
The word kaizen means continuous improvement in Japanese, and that philosophy seems to be baked right into the DNA of this Central Street restaurant in Knoxville. From the thoughtfully crafted menu to the polished atmosphere, everything here suggests a team that cares deeply about getting the details right and then pushing further.
Ramen lovers will find bowls that are rich, layered, and deeply satisfying. The broth carries the kind of complexity that only comes from patience and skill, and the toppings are assembled with care.
Bao buns arrive pillowy and filled with ingredients that balance sweet, savory, and umami in ways that feel effortlessly sophisticated. The Asian small plates are perfect for sharing and exploring the range of the kitchen.
At 127 South Central Street, Kaizen occupies a spot that feels right at home in Knoxville’s growing food scene. The interior is sleek without being cold, creating an atmosphere that works just as well for a casual dinner as it does for a special occasion.
Japanese and Asian fusion cuisine can sometimes feel intimidating, but Kaizen presents it in a way that feels exciting and completely accessible to everyone.
6. Emilia Italian Restaurant, Knoxville
Market Square in downtown Knoxville is one of the most charming public spaces in all of Tennessee, and Emilia Italian Restaurant makes the most of its prime position there. The setting alone would be enough to draw people in, but it is the food that makes them stay, return, and tell everyone they know about this place.
Handmade pasta is the soul of Emilia’s menu, and you can taste the craftsmanship in every forkful. The textures are exactly right, the sauces are built with depth and intention, and the flavors transport you to a trattoria in the Italian countryside without requiring a transatlantic flight.
Classic Italian dishes are honored here rather than reinvented beyond recognition, which is exactly what a great Italian restaurant should do.
The dining room carries an elegance that feels special without being stiff. Whether you are celebrating something meaningful or simply craving a beautiful meal on a weeknight, Emilia rises to the occasion.
Located at 16 Market Square, the restaurant also benefits from one of Knoxville’s most scenic outdoor settings, making it a year-round destination for anyone who believes that great Italian food is one of life’s most reliable pleasures.
7. Smiling Elephant, Nashville
There is something genuinely joyful about walking into Smiling Elephant on 8th Avenue South in Nashville. The name sets the tone perfectly, and the restaurant delivers on that promise with food that is vibrant, aromatic, and made with the kind of care that you can actually taste.
Nashville has a strong Thai food scene, and Smiling Elephant sits comfortably at the top of it.
The pad thai here has earned a reputation that extends well beyond the neighborhood. It is the benchmark version that regulars use to judge Thai restaurants elsewhere, and it rarely loses that comparison.
The curries are equally celebrated, ranging from mild and coconut-sweet to bold and chili-forward, giving diners the flexibility to calibrate the heat to their own preference.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with decor that nods to Thai culture without feeling like a caricature. Located at 2213 8th Avenue South, it sits in a part of Nashville that has developed into one of the city’s most interesting dining corridors.
Solo diners, couples, and families all find a comfortable place here. The Smiling Elephant earns every bit of the affection that Nashville has poured onto it over the years.
8. Ethio Coffee House, Nashville
Ethiopian cuisine is one of the most communal and sensory dining experiences you can have, and Ethio Coffee House on Murfreesboro Pike in Nashville brings that tradition to life in a way that feels both authentic and inviting. Eating here is not just a meal.
It is a full cultural experience that engages every one of your senses from the moment you arrive.
The injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread that serves as both plate and utensil, anchors the Ethiopian dining ritual. On top of it, rich stews and spiced vegetable dishes called wots are arranged in a colorful spread that invites you to tear, scoop, and share.
The berbere spice blend gives many dishes a warmth and complexity that is unlike anything else in the Tennessee restaurant landscape.
Beyond the food, Ethio Coffee House lives up to its name with a coffee culture rooted in the Ethiopian tradition of slow, ceremonial preparation. Ethiopian coffee is widely considered the origin of the beverage itself, which adds a layer of historical significance to every cup.
Located at 2131 Murfreesboro Pike, this spot offers Nashville diners a genuinely rare and rewarding experience worth seeking out.
9. Cafe Rakka, Hendersonville
Not every great international restaurant is located in a major city, and Cafe Rakka in Hendersonville is proof of that. Sitting at 71 New Shackle Island Road, this Mediterranean and Turkish restaurant has built a devoted following by serving food that is bold, honest, and deeply satisfying.
Hendersonville locals know they have something special here, and word has spread well beyond city limits.
The kebabs are a must-order, arriving beautifully seasoned and grilled to that perfect point where the exterior has character and the interior stays juicy. Hummus here is made properly, with a smooth, rich texture and a flavor that reminds you why the store-bought version never quite measures up.
Turkish specialties round out a menu that rewards adventurous ordering and repeat visits.
The atmosphere at Cafe Rakka is warm and relaxed, with an interior that makes you feel comfortable settling in for a long, leisurely meal rather than rushing through it. The service matches the food in terms of hospitality, and that combination is what keeps people coming back.
For anyone in the greater Nashville area looking to explore Turkish and Mediterranean flavors without traveling downtown, Cafe Rakka is absolutely the answer.
10. Little Tokyo Restaurant, Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is best known for its entertainment and mountain scenery, but Little Tokyo Restaurant at 2430 Teaster Lane adds a genuinely exciting dining dimension to the area. This contemporary Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar combines two beloved formats into one experience that manages to be theatrical, social, and delicious all at the same time.
The hibachi grills are the centerpiece of the experience. Sitting around the teppanyaki table while a skilled chef cooks your meal directly in front of you is a format that never gets old, no matter how many times you have done it.
The flames, the knife work, the sizzle of fresh ingredients hitting a hot surface, it all adds up to a dinner that is as entertaining as it is satisfying. The sushi bar offers a quieter but equally rewarding option for those who prefer their Japanese cuisine in a more traditional format.
Families visiting the Smoky Mountains area will find Little Tokyo to be a natural fit for a memorable group dinner. The energy is upbeat and fun, and the menu covers enough ground to satisfy everyone at the table.
It is one of those restaurants that turns an ordinary evening into something genuinely worth remembering during a Tennessee mountain getaway.
11. Sabor Caribe, Memphis
Venezuelan cuisine does not get nearly enough attention in the American South, which makes Sabor Caribe on Madison Avenue in Memphis feel like a discovery worth sharing loudly. Arepas are the foundation of the menu here, and if you have never had one, prepare to wonder how you went this long without them.
These golden corn cakes are stuffed with generous fillings that range from comforting to downright exciting.
The atmosphere at Sabor Caribe matches the spirit of its food. The space is colorful and laid-back, with outdoor tables that invite you to slow down and enjoy the Memphis air alongside your meal.
It is the kind of casual setting that still manages to feel festive, largely because the food itself carries so much personality and warmth from the Venezuelan culinary tradition.
Located at 662 Madison Avenue, the restaurant sits in a part of Memphis that has developed a lively dining culture of its own. Sabor Caribe contributes something truly distinct to that mix, offering flavors that are not easily found elsewhere in Tennessee.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Latin American cooking or someone tasting arepas for the first time, this eatery in Memphis delivers a meal that lingers in the best possible way.
12. Sitar Indian Cuisine, Knoxville
Indian cuisine is one of the most complex and layered food traditions in the world, and Sitar Indian Cuisine on Kingston Pike in Knoxville gives Tennessee diners genuine access to that richness. The restaurant carries an old-world charm that sets the mood before the food even arrives, and the menu follows through with a collection of Indian classics that are executed with skill and consistency.
The lunch buffet has become a local institution of sorts, offering an affordable and wide-ranging introduction to the breadth of Indian cooking. Dishes like butter chicken, saag paneer, dal, and biryani sit alongside freshly baked breads and aromatic rice preparations that showcase just how varied and satisfying this cuisine can be.
The spice levels are approachable enough for newcomers while still delivering the depth that experienced fans expect.
At 6004 Kingston Pike, Sitar occupies a comfortable spot in West Knoxville that makes it easy to visit on a weekday lunch break or a relaxed weekend dinner. The service is attentive and unhurried, which suits the nature of a cuisine that rewards patience and curiosity.
For anyone in Knoxville ready to explore Indian food or return to a favorite, Sitar delivers a consistently rewarding and genuinely transporting experience.