If ever in Knoxville, and you want to splurge or celebrate with a special someone,Kefi is a great place to do so. This unique, upscale Greek/Mediterranean restaurant has an intimate atmosphere that is great for a romantic evening out. I would recommend requesting one of the booths that gives more privacy, set with the lighting and music, this makes for a special night out on the town. The prices are a little on the high side, but the quality of the food and drinks makes it all worthwhile. There is so much to try here, but the following are some of my favorites from each menu category.
Saganaki
Small Plates – You must try the Saganaki, which is kasseri cheese topped with fig jam and served with crostini. The server presents the pan-seared kasseri, pouring brandy atop to flambe’ the cheese table-side while shouting “Opa” and adding fresh lemon juice squeezed prior to serving. The rich cheese with a little sweetness from the fig jam and the crunch of the crostini is a must-try if you come to Kefi. Another small plate to try is the Falafel, which is chickpeas mixed with garlic, parsley tahini, dhania spice with chermoula sauce, which is an olive oil base with fresh herbs and spices. The Garides is also a delicious plate, and honestly, I could make a meal out of this. It is grilled large shrimp in garlic-butter sauce, served with smoky tomato, feta cheese atop grilled bread. These things are delicious!
Breads & Spreads – Spicy Feta served with grilled pita. This is made up of whipped feta cheese, chili peppers and herbs. It has a little bite but not too much spice and is great the next day for a quick snack. I can also touch on the Tzatziki that is delicious, made with yogurt, cucumber, and fresh herbs. You can dip anything in this spread!
Greek Salad
Soups and Salads -The Greek salad is a good choice. This is freshly chopped romaine hearts with sliced cucumber, grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, feta cheese triangles, and shaved red onions, served with a creamy feta dressing.
Solomos
Entrée – I haven’t had anything in this category that is an absolute must try. The Solomos is a unique dish, but not my favorite. It is salmon encrusted with shredded potatoes, lightly fried, served with asparagus tips, lemon and dill sauce and salmon roe, which is salmon caviar.
Desserts – If you like Loukoumades, this is a good way to end your meal. These fried dough puffs aren’t too sweet, served with honey, walnuts and cinnamon. If your thing is Baklava, this is the way to go, with layers of phyllo, pistachio and almonds, honey syrup and some pistachio gelato. But neither of these desserts have been on the top of my dessert lists.
Pomegranate Gimlet & Painkiller
Something that is at the top of my list at Kefi are the cocktails, and the cocktail flight is the way to go. You can choose any three cocktails on the menu. These complex cocktails are made in-house with fresh ingredients and crafted daily. In my opinion, this is the best place in Knoxville to get a Painkiller. However, I haven’t had a bad cocktail here. Some of my favorites include the Pomegranate Gimlet, Crocus 75, and Tears of Chios. If you like spiced cider, the Fool’s Gold is the cocktail to get. But just know, they do not skimp on their alcohol! The presentation of each cocktail is also nice, being served with fresh flowers or fruit.
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-Tennessee Taster
