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    Kefi

    4.6 (285 reviews)
    Open 4:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Kefi Photos

    Business Info

    KEFI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Romantic
    Classy
    Upscale

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    Recommended Reviews - Kefi

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    Reviews With Photos

    Souvlaki minis with lamb
    Jon L.

    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?

    Whiskey Flight
    Pierce C.

    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.

    Sandra J.

    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.

    Beef Wellington
    Jenifer H.

    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!

    Saganaki
    Iva C.

    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!

    Lamb
    Brenna K.

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

    Faith B.

    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.

    Roman style artichokes

    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!

    Postitso
    Adam A.

    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.

    Jared M.

    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

    Kokonisto and Pastitsio

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    4 months ago

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    2 months ago

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

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    7 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    4 months ago

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

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    5 months ago

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

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    2 years ago

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    6 months ago

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

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    6 months ago

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    6 months ago

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

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Kefi

    Do they have valet?

    No. There are parking lots nearby.

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    Alice In Appalachia - Macaron and delectable cupcakes

    Alice In Appalachia

    4.5(49 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    I love a kitschy bar and this is definitely it. They have fully committed to the theme and the gift…read moreshop next store is filled with Alice and wonderland themed trinkets and treasures. It's quirky and the staff is super friendly making this all around a great experience. I got a magic potion drink because you got to keep the glass bottle it came in and it sparkled which came out to $12 plus a tip. What more could you want really. The drink was some kind of party punch, it was a little stiff but pretty tasty. If you're in the area this is worth checking out. It's a one of one and the drinks were reasonably priced for it being a novelty experience.

    So I didn't actually get the chance to try a drink here: I came on Thurs around 3p because Google…read morelisted Thurs hours as 11a-2a. They are wrong, they don't open until 5 on Thurs and I had to get back to the airport by then! That said, there is an adjacent gift shop store that is also Alice themed - it was quite cute! I didn't buy anything but the clerk told me all this about the hours. I could see inside the bar and it looks really cute and fun - shame I couldn't actually get a drink because the menu looks awesome! Overall even though I didn't try anything I am certain this bar would be a great spot to hang in Knoxville if trying to unwind or hang around the social scene.

    Photos
    Alice In Appalachia - Very Merry Unbirthday

    Very Merry Unbirthday

    Alice In Appalachia - The moon hatter

    The moon hatter

    Alice In Appalachia - Prix Fixe Brunch Tower - all the best parts of brunch!

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    Prix Fixe Brunch Tower - all the best parts of brunch!

    PostModern Spirits

    PostModern Spirits

    4.3(45 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    We stopped here as part of the Whiskey Trail experience, and not only was it the worst customer…read moreservice of the 28 distilleries we visited, the female bartender (red hair, black glasses) was the rudest bartender I have met in my 20 years of being in hospitality. When we walked in, she glared at us as if we had interrupted something. She didn't greet us, didn't ask what we'd like to try, only gave us one word answers to any question that we asked. Never once smiled or tried to engage us. My friend was so frustrated with trying to get information from her that he stood up and almost walked out. I kept trying to engage her and even complemented her cute dress. Nothing. Stone face. I wanted to try the amaro flight and asked for it. She prepared it, set it in front of me, and said "so you'll want to close out now?" I told her "yes, that would be great, when I'm finished with my tasting". She proceeded to lean up against the bar with her back to us and didn't say another word. I had to get up and walk to the register, and when she finally turned around, I asked her "have we done something to upset you?" She said "no, why?" I said "because you seem REALLY annoyed that we're here". Her only response was to turn the register screen around and tell me the total. I'm so sad about this because I really wanted to taste other items and get a cocktail, but she was SO unpleasant and we felt SO unwelcome., Seeing all of the other great reviews, I can only imagine that they were with other people. I wish those other bartenders had been there.

    Boozy grapefruit slushy? YES. Just say yes. This cocktail bar distills their own booze right next…read moredoor (you can be a creepster and peek in!). They sell bottles of varying sizes at the bar and also at other places around town, including Total Wine. We love that they offer sampler flights with different liquors and also different size pours. They give you a tray with a sheet that describes the flavor profile for each offering. We also were given slushy samples and a customized gin sample, mixed with another shot to sip. We ordered slushies to enjoy on the patio and a flight with Hi Rye Whiskey, Ginferous Gin (favorite!), Uproot Gin, and Barrel Rested Cacoa Liqueur. I can't believe the differing flavors they can produce within the same type of booze. Masterful! The bartenders are friendly and so dang knowledgable. We purchased a bottle of Ginferous Gin and have kept the party going at home. Can't wait to go back! What a cool spot.

    Photos
    PostModern Spirits
    PostModern Spirits
    PostModern Spirits

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    Kaizen - Mushroom Fried Rice

    Kaizen

    4.3(373 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    This restaurant feels like new Japanese, a western twist. We had the crab cakes, which were…read moredelicious with a side of roasted beets and edamame. We also had the drunken noodles and the spicy chicken steamed buns. I will say that the portions feel small for the apps and buns. Entrées are filling. Some of the meat in the drunken noodles were tough, others was nice and soft. Service was good. Ambiance is small and feels quaint, they have a patio outside in the back. 8/10

    You can find Kaizen at 127 S Central Ave Knoxville, TN 37902. This is in Knoxville's revitalized…read moreOld City. There's some street parking but most of it appears to be pay-to-park. There are several nearby lots also pay-to-park but some may be free on weekends. Kaizen appears to me to be more akin to an Izakaya than a noodle hosue, where you basically go for drinks and they supply some food to keep things going - it has a more expansive menu than an Izakaya (which tends to be yakitori and sushi) - Kaizen's menu features several noodle dishes which all looked very interesting. We started with the appetizers and ordered some mixed steamed buns and soup. All of the buns that I tried I liked quite a bit - some strong, distinctive flavors. For an entree I ordered the Koji-Cured Ribeye medium-rare - 12 oz sliced ribeye, gai lan, broad bean paste, steamed rice. The steak was cooked perfectly. The service was exceptional - the next night we tried Fin-Two Japanese Ale House across the street - this restaurant was my preference - the flavors seemed more authentic and the quality of the dishes better in my opinion.

    Photos
    Kaizen - Inside dining

    Inside dining

    Kaizen - Updated Mushroom Fried Rice

    Updated Mushroom Fried Rice

    Kaizen - Yo.

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    Yo.

    Monkey’s Bar

    Monkey’s Bar

    4.6(5 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    I love Monkey's bar!! It's the perfect meet in the middle between fancy cocktail bar and relaxed…read moreenvironment! Bartenders are so friendly and even let me sample a pre batched cocktail to ensure I'd like it! Will definitely be back!

    If you like near downtown and own a dog, this will become your go-to spot! It is pretty bare-bones…read moreinside, with a few high-tops and bar seating, a separate space you can step up into with more wooden tables and bench seating and not much in the way of decor. They have some really fun drinks with pop-culture references, a sizable list of mocktails, booze list galore, and keep beer flowing , too. The service is friendly and the prices in line (if not cheaper) with other bars downtown ($11-12 per cocktail). We loved that people are allowed to bring in their own food (they have a few snacks you can order) and that dogs are welcome. In fact, word has it that the bar is named after the owners' dog, Monkey, so it makes sense that they pass along their pup love to our community. Note that huge (but very sweet) dogs may be freely roaming and were knocking into people carrying full drinks and begging strangers for food. Also, we were with a group across from the bar and I will say that it was absolutely deafening. We were next to each other and were yelling, "CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW!?" They could use a few items to soak up some sound like cushions on the bench seating, some rugs, etc. It would also make the space a bit more homey and inviting.

    Photos
    Monkey’s Bar - Monkey likes the pizza!

    Monkey likes the pizza!

    Monkey’s Bar
    Monkey’s Bar

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    The Vault - My knockout date for the night

    The Vault

    4.2(51 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    The Vault was our second stop on our cocktail hop night, and I'm so glad we found it!…read more First off, the interior is chef's kiss. The dark, glamorous aesthetic is stunning--perfect for date night or for impressing out-of-town guests. I loved the gold accents, layered textures, and thoughtful lighting. Everything worked together beautifully. We chose to sit at the bar to watch the mixologists work their magic. They were incredibly helpful in guiding us toward drinks that matched our preferences. I absolutely loved my cocktail--even if I can't recall the name--because it delivered the spicy kick they promised. We also ordered several shareable plates, all of which were delicious. We tried the Carnitas Tamales (shredded pork, ancho mole, fresh corn, masa, cilantro, yuzu arbequina oil), the Vegetable Empanadas (house-made pastry, wilted kale, roasted sweet potato, Oaxaca and cotija cheese, black bean purée, and adobo & chile-lime aioli), and a salad. I'd happily order any of them again. I did find myself wishing for a bit more heat, but I've learned that's hard to come by in Tennessee. At least the staff gave us a heads-up that the spice level is toned down. I'm already looking forward to coming back and exploring more of the menu. The vibe is fantastic--and while they have a nice outdoor space, the interior is so eye-catching I'm not sure I'd want to sit anywhere else.

    Cool atmosphere it's an underground speakeasy type of deal and had a cool list of cocktails…read more My cocktail was pretty good I wouldn't get it again but I liked it and the banana and gin was fun and new. Tapas were good the carrots were by far the best roasted perfectly and the sauce was so flavorful. The crab dip was good but typical same with mushroom truffle pizza. The empanadas were good but a little dry I was glad they had sauce. Would go again and get the carrots and new items!

    Photos
    The Vault - A bottle vault.

    A bottle vault.

    The Vault - Inside the actual vault

    Inside the actual vault

    The Vault - Tables in the vault

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    Tables in the vault

    Fiori - Lobster Ala Vodka

    Fiori

    3.5(42 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    Fiori in Old City downtown Knoxville is such a cute spot with an amazing ambiance--perfect for a…read moregirls night or a special occasion. The atmosphere alone makes it feel like a little escape. The service was good, and my friend and I both really enjoyed our cocktails and entrées--they were definitely the highlight of the meal. We weren't huge fans of the appetizers we tried, but we found out they're leaving the menu soon anyway, so that made sense. On a high note, the pistachio cream dessert was an absolute delight and the perfect way to end the night. Overall, a really lovely experience and I'd definitely go back!

    You definitely are paying for the ambiance. The food itself isn't anything to right home about,…read moreespecially for the price. But I will applaud that the portions are decent sizes. I wasn't blown away and felt like the flavors were lackluster. The pasta was an alright red sauce, flavors could've been a bit more complex and boldly fresh. The Arancini tasted like a bland mushy hushpuppy in marinara. The best dish was the salmon, if I had to recommend anything! Super flaky with a crispy fish, paired nicely with the salad and potatoes. Service itself was good and the drinks were just okay. I like that they have many cocktail options to choose from, but my drink was honestly straight juice. As someone who's lightweight, I was shocked to find that the portions for drinks for the little amount of alcohol for $15 is a bit absurd (I got the st Richard ride). I'd only come once for the ambiance but it's pretty disappointing for what you pay. 6.5/10

    Photos
    Fiori - Some Appetizers

    Some Appetizers

    Fiori
    Fiori

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    Kefi - mediterranean - Updated May 2026

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