Finally, a restaurant downtown that's not insanely loud. Loved the fact they had booths all around the outside of the room. Made it much easier to have a conversation. Also loved the fact there was a mocktail flight. As a sober couple this is huge for us. Portions were good sized and although a bit pricey, we'd come back and make a dinner out of like 3 apps. read more

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This place needs to do better. I searched what places in East Tennessee sell grilled octopus and this place pops up. So of course I naturally look at reviews and pictures and people posted pictures with two or three good size pieces of octopus. I figure perfect, it looks delicious I'm gonna order. So I ordered the grilled octopus and also the tzatziki. My total was about $35. I get to my car and I look in the bag and instantly think "WTF are you kidding me?" What I got was a complete and utter joke. I had asked for veggies instead of the potatoes and I get what is shown in the picture a couple teeny tiny carrots and radishes and I'm kind of laughing as I eat them because I'm thinking damn... Each of these cost me a dollar so I better actually eat them. I look at how tiny my portion of food is and I think wow I wonder if I would've actually sat in the restaurant if it would've looked anything like the picture or if I would've got a decent size instead of this teeny tiny little container. The octopus was overcooked, it was tough and hard to chew. All they did was put it on the grill it had the char flavor but that was it no other flavor. Definitely would not recommend this place. read more

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We had to push our reservation 3 times due to a delayed flight. They were supper nice about it and didn't rush us out. The place is really nice, the staff great, and the food delicious. The flaming cheese was super delicious and encoded a lot of family memories. There are lots of GF options. I would definitely recommend you stop here. read more

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Came to Kefi for a birthday treat, and may have found a new favorite in Knox! For starters, we had the tzatziki dip which was fine. The souvlaki minis were basically Mediterranean street tacos. That lamb was some of the most tender lamb I've ever had. My aunt treated me to a birthday drink but I couldn't decide on a cocktail so they suggested a cocktail flight, which was a great option. I don't remember exactly which if you get my drift...but I enjoyed each one. Sea bass is my favorite fish and they did a great job with the lavraki, and the orzo pasta was light and buttery. My only criticism would be that the broccolini was still crunchy and could have used more seasoning and the dollop of saffron butter was hardly noticeable unfortunately. I also had a bite of the butter lobster pasta and really enjoyed the richness. I was surprised when the server said they don't make their own pasta because the bucatini was very tasty too. And for dessert, they brought loukomades, or Greek donuts. Very simple in concept but how can you go wrong with frying something, covering it with honey, then dipping in caramel and chocolate. While Kefi is more of a special treat-type place for me due to the cost, my real decision will be: do I go with what I know I like or do I try something else delicious next time? read more

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Kefi is undoubtedly a gem in old city dining. They've got excellent tableside service, innovative bar options with several craft cocktails (the restaurant is owned by the Vault's owner), and a creative rotating seasonal menu. Kefi certainly aims for a mysterious, sultry atmosphere and ambiance-- which works for some people, that's just not my preference!! Their booths are super cute and private, but if you're sat at tables in the center you definitely feel super exposed which takes away from the aura and just makes it a little dark and dreary. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny when you go, but it's worth it if you're looking for a very nice dinner! read more

When I told my foodie friends I was coming to Knoxville, this was one of the first suggestions everyone mentioned for something upscale. It did not disappoint. I tried the whiskey flight, and honestly, each one was excellent. I decided to get a small plate and an entree. I went with the little gyro tacos, and they were great for something to start. The main course was the short rib, and oh man, it melted in my mouth- so delicious. My server was very friendly and gave me some great suggestions on where to go for a drink after and experience the town. The restaurant was definitely classy inside, but also fun. It's a great spot for a date or a group, for sure. Worth going. It's a little pricey, but worth it. read more

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This is one of my favorite spots in Knoxville. The decor is chic without feeling pretentious. The servers always seem very familiar with the menu and helpful. I've been a few times now and not had anything that I wouldn't order again. The cocktails are always fantastic. I highly recommend a flight of their house drinks and spread sampler. The Saganaki and Santigi Feta are must haves for me, every time I go. I recommend reservations. I've been with just two and a large party. Both situations handled with excellent service and food. The parking is hit and miss. The lot across the street has a short clock if you take your time with your meal, but I ran over a few minutes without issues. read more

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Service was absolutely fantastic and the ambiance was so cool and hip. The food was insanely good, and their New Year's Eve special blew me away -- they served a Beef Wellington and it was honestly the BEST I've ever had. I was shocked at how perfectly it was executed. Whoever that chef is... keep them forever! OMG! read more

Kefi - Beef Wellington - Mediterranean Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Food, service, and ambiance were top-notch! Sat at the bar ot was a lot of fun and the drinks were so good.

Kefi is a fantastic spot for date night or an evening out with friends. My husband and I love Spaces in the City ever since we used them for our wedding. They are so nice and sent us a gift card to use at one of their restaurants for our anniversary. We finally used it last night at Kefi and had a wonderful time! The cocktails are fantastic and I was thrilled to see they had the Pomegranate Gimlet, which was the drink I chose as my bridal cocktail on our wedding day. It was delicious and brought back so many special memories! My husband had the Old Fashioned and it was fantastic as well. We decided to stick to small plates and ordered the Saganaki and Beef Fatayer. Both were delicious and it was fun to try things we've never had before. Our waitress was friendly and very attentive. We had a great evening and will definitely be back! read more

Kefi - Saganaki - Mediterranean Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Food, drinks, and service were fantastic! I loved the whipped feta and lobster pasta. read more

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I had dinner at Kefi again, five years after my first. A group of friends made us a reservation on a Friday night. We were shown to our table immediately, right next to the kitchen. That can be bad, but it didn't interfere too much with our experience. The atmosphere is still dark and glam. Best bit - the big booths they have really help damp down the noise and you can actually have a conversation here. What a novelty! Service was very good and fairly attentive, although we waited a few times for someone to notice that we needed drinks The food was excellent, as were the cocktails. Sagnaki - showy and sumptuous. The stuffed dates were excellent, as were the feta hushpuppies. The dips were superb and varied. The bread was amazing. Their dolmades were interesting, with a good lemon sauce that highlighted the grape leaf flavor. We had a great night and good food. Win win. read more

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We were all very very impressed by this place. We came here for a nice family dinner for my dad's birthday, after careful consideration of where in Knoxville we could go to appeal to the foodies in the family, while appeasing the picky eater. We really hit a home run with this place and we can't wait to be back. We got a ton of things from their menu and shared everything. While everything was delicious, our standouts were the octopus, saganaki, and the pastitio. As a birthday treat, we got the loukoumades. Donuts aren't ever really worth it for me, but these ones are special. They are crispy and almost juicy from the honey syrup. They're really unique and I would definitely get them again. The staff was awesome and accommodating. The atmosphere was very intimate, not super casual, but this was a special occasion. Overall amazing experience, as I'm salivating writing this. Can't wait to be back, and I would highly recommend! read more

Didn't have reservations, but was starving and excited to try Kefi! We sat at the bar and had a delicious meal. Got the Pikilia app, with Baba Ghanooj, Santigi Feta, and the Pikilia spreads. So divine... For entrees, we had the "Moussaka" and the Lavraki sea bass. Wow. The Dolmathes and baklava were so yummy, too. Next time, I'll have reservations! Btw, concerned about the cost of parking...$30 nearby? So crazy when the area is still sketch. We're in Knoxville, not Beverly Hills... read more

Went again during the holidays hoping for a repeat 5 star experience, but it was not to be. The service was really poor. We waited and waited and waited....for everything. Then our plates and drinks were swiftly disappeared before we were done. The lobster pasta was good, but seemed smaller portion than before. The moussaka was terrible. Looked like they took something out of the freezer and baked (burned) it to crisp. Nobody could eat it. They changed the menu and one of the highlight, sea bass, disappeared. The dolmades was served cold, not very tasty , and there was very little sauce. The one highlight was the moist and delicious falafel. And the baklava dessert did not disappoint. The rest of my party was also disappointed. Sadly, I will probably not return. read more

I travel with work and had asked the owner of the local business where my wife and I should have dinner and he suggested Kefi. He told me to have the waitress "just bring us something amazing" which we did. She did not disappoint!! The food was absolutely delicious and the service was impeccable. We would have loved to had dessert but couldn't because we were so stuffed from dinner. We will definitely go out of our way to visit Kefi again!! read more

I took my parents to Kefi as we were passing through since I had been here before. We ordered a variety of small plates to share. We loved almost everything we had. The favorites were the beef tartare and the Garides shrimp dish (we may have ordered a second one later on). The food was flavorful in every bite and there was always something different to try. Our waitress made the experience great and allowed us to order as we went. The baklava was a nice way to finish out the night. The chocolate torte was also rich and delicious. This place is high on my list to come back to when I am coming through Knoxville! read more

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We had a wonderful time at Kefi. The food and service were top notch. We started with a cocktail, the octopus and spicy feta dip. I would highly recommend the dip. Both were delicious but the spicy feta was a stand out. Then we had the green goddess salad, pastitso that was incredible and finished with warm dates. We also enjoyed a nice bottle of Zoe a Greek red If you have not experienced Kefi put it on your list. read more

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How have I not wrote this review yet? Silly me. ummm, 5/5! been here at least 10+ times through work and personal time over the past couple of years. The flaming cheese is fun, and the drink flights look like a nice way to tease into trying their unique cocktails. +1 - location and parking - not as convenient as it once were due to the lot nearby getting used for other things. still, plenty of parking and an easy walk or dropoff +1 - staff and service - never had an issue in 10+ visits +1 - venue and vibe - the inside is nice, the booths are fun and make for great photos +1 - food and beverage - everything we've had has been amazing; we've been lucky from what I've read in other reviews though +1 - cleanliness - never observed anything offputting during our visits either read more

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Went for my birthday and we made a reservation. We were seared immediately in a booth, which was nice and had a great ambiance. I ordered a cocktail flight pear of Pomona, old fashioned & espresso martini. We started out with 2 appetizers Saganaki and Feta Hushpuppies, and honestly those were my favorite, I enjoyed them over my meal. My boyfriend ordered the Pastitsio and was warned it is a bit sweeter than traditional, which it was and I had Kokonisto which was very tasty. Over all it was a great experience and the server made sure to check on us when needed but also gave us our space to enjoy our time together. I would go back again and recommend. read more

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A couple of friends and I celebrated a birthday here and it was amazing! We love their cocktail flights! All of the cocktails were super tasty. We also got a bunch of food to share, and there wasn't a bad bite to be had. Their seafood was super fresh tasting, and we loved the flaming cheese dish. I would highly recommend checking this restaurant out! read more

This is my favorite restaurant when we come to downtown Knoxville! It's a little off the beaten path, but worth it. The cocktails are fun. The service is great and the food is delicious. read more

My favorite restaurant in Knoxville. Food is always great, drinks are amazing, and staff is friendly

We had reservations for 5. They put us in a rounded booth, since they are known for mezzi-style food, they should know that is too many for that space. Lauren was our server and she was very nice and offered advice. We had to keep putting food on our appetizer plates to make room on the table. We had to move the small lamp off the table to make more room. We ordered several starters for the table! We ordered the spicy feta, spanakopita, falafel, hummus and their signature dish saganaki. The spicy feta was amazingly! I didn't care for the falafel but my sister loved them. The hummus was very good! The spanakopita was very fluffy flavorful! We also got keftedes and mini souvlakis. We ordered way too much! I had the guava margarita and it was very good!! Overall- definitely want to go back. Everyone enjoyed it except for being cramped. And since we had a reservation and it was early I would have thought we could have had a larger table. read more

We went here for Valentine's Day, and couldn't have been happier! The vibe was great, the food AMAZING, and our server was super nice. I recommend getting the flight of cocktails and spreads, then move on to the small plates. read more

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Fabulous. Food was delicious. We had the small plates. Our server was excellent. this is a great place for a romantic dinner for 2 or for a nice meal with friends. loved the furnishings/ambiance. very comfortable booths read more

What an incredible experience from start to finish. We were early for dinner reservations, but we're quickly and courteously seated. The ambiance was a perfect blend of chill and class. The server was quite helpful on explaining some of the dishes as well as the nature of the cocktails. The food was brilliant. The spanakopita was the highlight for me, but all of it was delicious The cocktails were unusually brave and creative, and I'm happy to report they landed the plane ok all of them. I will return as soon as possible. Sooooo many cool drinks to try. read more

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Delicious food and excellent service. Took my parents for their 60th anniversary and had a wonderful time.

I'm back.... Kefi is simply an Amazing restaurant! If you live in Knoxville you need to check out this place. Started off with the usual... a flight of custom cocktails. I had a Tears of Chios and Angel's Share and a Karpouzi. Wow, all were sooo very good! We all shared again... good move because I like to try all of it. Staters we got the Pick Three spreads and the Feta Hushpuppies, bam so good. Then you have to have the flaming cheese, Saganaki (check out the pictures). Great presentation! For dinner we shared Kokonisto, Buttered Lobster Pasta, Solomon, and Pastitsio! If I was to pick the best dish, I would say.... All of them! YOU BETTER SAVE ROOM FOR Dessert.... You must have the Butterscotch Pecan Bread Pudding, great presentation and it tastes Amazing! Check out the flaming picture. Next time I'm in town I'll be here! Cheers! read more

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Beautiful atmosphere for a special occasion or a girls night out! The food is fantastic with a robust Mediterranean inspired menu that is sure to make everyone happy. The waiters are very knowledgeable about the menu and have lots of information regarding food allergies. read more

The food is amazing, the service, not so much. Unique appetizers and entrees, again unbelievable taste.

We had wanted to try Kefi for a while. good atmosphere, good selection on menu. we decided to try several small plates for sharing. portions were generally generous, presentation very good. Favorites: Trio of dips (hummus, baba ghanoush, santigi feta), Grilled octopus, Souvlaki). the so-so's: Spanakopita , Stuffed Grape leaves, Avgolemono. The "What happened here?"- we decided to split a serving of the Baklava with pistachio ice cream. Serving was absolutely enormous (no complaint about that) Ice cream was disappointing but the surprise was the Baklava, thoroughly burnt. worst I've ever had ( and I've had alot). we both had one bite and stopped. Waitress asked if we wanted a box. we said no, that it was burnt and we wont finish it. the other surprise is she said "Oh, sorry" and end of story. I did not ask for it to be taken off bill but it wasn't offered either. A bit surprised at servers response (again I did not push it either). In short, it is an expensive place, generous helpings, food quality was inconsistent some good, some poor. service very friendly but maybe a bit inattentive. will we go back? possible but we aren't rushing read more

This place is amazing all around. Love the moody inside, very romantic but still fun/upbeat. Food is phenomenal

Great atmosphere, great service, and the food was fresh and tasted amazing! My wife was excited to try it out for her birthday and she loved it! Highly recommend! read more

This place was great! Everyone in our group loved their dishes. The falafel needed more of a sauce because it was a little dry but the flavor was good. I had the branzino and the fish was very lovely. The greens were very tasty. They didn't seem to go with the dish for me but still yummy. We also had the dip sampler with hummus, spicy feta, and baba ghanooj. The spicy feta was amazing! The atmosphere is very sophisticated and elegant. My one issue with this place was that I do have a serious peanut and tree nut allergy. I told the server but the first dish she brought out had nuts on it so made me nervous the rest of the meal...none the less, delicious! read more

Kefi - Branzino - Mediterranean Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Celebrated an anniversary at Kefi and wow was it a wonderful time. The restaurant is beautiful and the booths feel so private. Decor and ambiance are great, but the service is incredible. Our server, Hannah, was super friendly and personable. She also knew the menu like the back of her hand and was able to recommend some awesome dishes. We enjoyed a non-alcoholic mocktail flight to start but the feta hushpuppies were our favorite small plate, but the whipped feta, fatayer, slouvakis, and kalamari were also wonderful. Our mains were the moussaka and the short rib entree and they were so good as well. Overall a great experience and we will be returning read more

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The food was absolutely outstanding for the five of us. My taking one star off was due to the service by fast-talking Doug which was slow, and frankly rude at the end when he essentially dropped/threw our bill on the table without a word and walked away. At the beginning, my wife and I were wanting a $54 dollar of Chardonnay from Israel (where we had traveled in April 2018) and Doug said that he had to check in the back to see if it was available. Then it began with him returning and saying that the VP who sets up the drink selection via the on-table QR code put it on the list when the wine did not get delivered. Yes, he blamed the VP and tried to kick him under the bus. We selected, at Doug's suggestion, a "$29" bottle of French wine (the QR coded wine selection showed it was $34 which I pointed out, without Doug responding at all). On the final bill, it was $28 and even so, it was a good, but not great, wine, but at that price, who would split hairs? Others at the table were ordering mixed drinks which took forever and a day, with Doug blaming the bar (see his pattern?). Our appetizers were slow also, although a group of 6 or 8 that came in and were seated well after us and were at another close-by table were served fairly quickly. Again, the blame: This time the kitchen. Let's talk about something positive for our $247 bill (only tipped 15% for the obvious above reasons, and I routinely tip 20% and sometimes more ). Yes, the food! First, the chicken in this table-sharing food atmosphere of Greek and Italian. Named Kotopoulo (a Greek word for grilled chicken). Seemingly, it was deliciously marinated (wish that I knew with what) so well that the taste went all the way through the chicken breast, much less the drumstick, thigh, or wing. The skin was somewhat crisp and added to the enjoyment by all. I really could have eaten this chicken dish all by myself with nothing else for dinner. Yes, that good. We had started with the Pikilia which was to be shareable for the table, but the warmed over the grill pita pieces went quickly but the three spreads thus had to be eaten with a fork. Not a good way to be served---more pita pieces, please. Doug had said that the theme was to share and the "For The Table" selections would be well split around the table. Problem is that the Spiced Lamb Pie although delicious was small such that two tablespoons would be all that each of us 5 folks could "share." The "Fig + Arugula Salata" (salad, for those who like me speak only English was tasty and was not shown as "For The Table" but we did all have some delicious morsels of the arugula, goat cheese, mission figs, walnuts and more with a wonderfully tasty balsamic fig vinagrette. The food is quite good in this somewhat small restaurant with brick walls which makes the sound a bit loud for my ears. The food would have me coming back, without question. Our server would be changed next time with someone who does not rattle off his statements like a fast talking used car salesman (no offense to honest car salesmen). read more

Kefi - Menu. The wine and liquor are on a scannable QR code at the table. - Mediterranean Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Drinks were good. Service was good. Lobster pasta-amazing. Hubby had moussaka. Eggplant not peeled so bitter and the eggplant was not pre-cooked so it was raw and tough to eat. Sad that it was a lackluster experience. Peel the eggplant and fry it... preferably with bread crumbs and then layer. Or at least salt the eggplant and then precook. Sad read more

About last night's dinner...What an amazing dining experience! It all began with the outstanding service we received. My husband made a last minute reservation, which they happily obliged. Upon arrival, the lovely hostess welcomed my hubby and I with a warm friendly smile. She seated us in the perfect spot where we had a great visual of the restaurant and its unique bar. Our waiter Chris, greeted us and explained the menu and their take on how the dishes are served. Afterwards, he brought our drink order and first shared course. My first thought was, if our entrees are as good as this Greek salad this is gonna be a phenomenal meal....and it was!!! Our entrees were extremely tasty and I desperately wanted to save room for dessert, and I am soooo glad I did, because that flaming dessert was unbelievable. I don't remember the name of it but it was flambé at your table side. Do not leave that restaurant without trying that dessert, it is so good, you'll want to lick the bowl!! read more

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Was in Knoxville for work and after seeing the pictures of the Spicy Feta on here, I knew I needed to go. The inside of this place is beautiful and our server was incredible (I wish I remembered her name). My friend and I shared the Spicy Feta, Saganaki, and Octopodi. Everything was honestly so delicious and fresh. I would say the Saganaki is a must since it comes on fire table side, which is quite the experience. Our food was all equally delicious so I can't pick based on that. My friend and I had had dinner before coming here, or we definitely would have ordered more. This will definitely be at the top of my list for next time in Nashville!! read more

Kefi - Sacanaki - Mediterranean Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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