My husband and I are big fans of the food scene in Knoxville, Tennessee. Some of the best restaurants in Knoxville are those hidden gems that you might not discover without living here for a couple of years, but I am hoping this will save you some time on finding your favorite, local spots here.
Also, if you’re anything like us, tensions tend to run high when it comes time to select somewhere to eat out. Hopefully this serves as a good reference when you get that dreaded “Where do you want to eat tonight?” question.
So, whether you’re planning your first visit to Knoxville or you’re a local, I hope you enjoy this Knoxville food guide!
I am going to break this up into a few different categories, so be prepared to find:
- The best “American” / southern restaurants in Knoxville
- The best pizza in Knoxville
- The best Mexican food in Knoxville
- The best BBQ in Knoxville
- The best Asian food in Knoxville
- The best Italian food in Knoxville
- The best date night spots in Knoxville
- The best coffeeshops in Knoxville
- The best breweries/bars in Knoxville
- The best dessert in Knoxville
- And more!
I will also note the location (by general area) under each business and list our favorite items if we tend to get the same thing over and over at a certain place or if there’s a fan favorite.
Lastly before we get into the recommendations, I also just want to thank you for even taking one slight step toward eating and spending money locally! The best part some of these spots are genuinely the people who passionately own and work at these restaurants, and I am confident that each of us trying to eat locally even slightly more will make a huge change in the community.
Favorite “American” / Southern Restaurants in Knoxville, TN
Aubrey’s
Location: Various
Aubrey’s almost feels like a chain restaurant because there are so many locations, but it’s a Knoxville classic. It’s a really good option that is sure to have something almost anyone would like. It’s really good for our entire family to meet up at.
Stock and Barrel
Location: Downtown
The best burger in Knoxville! It’s all so good. You cannot go wrong with anything here.
Farmacy
Location: Bearden
This spot offers a lot of unique takes on classics, and we honestly can’t get enough of it. Their brunch is really good too. Their food skews on the healthier side, but there are still indulgent options here. We like the vitality bowls a lot!
Myrtle’s Chicken
Location: Downtown
I feel like this one doesn’t get enough hype from Knoxville locals. It’s so good, especially if you’re craving classic, Southern food and especially fried chicken. Our favorite is the tomato pie, and I would definitely get just the classic chicken meal here.
Litton’s
Location: North Knoxville (Fountain City)
A Knoxville classic. It’s more casual and old school vibes, but the food and vibe definitely is nostalgic for a lot of people.
Corner16
Locations: Middlebrook + Northshore
Calhoun’s
Locations: Various
Good BBQ and southern fare that almost anyone can like!
The Chop House
Locations: Various
A Knoxville staple! Seriously, if you’ve lived near Knoxville for any amount of time you have probably been here, but I couldn’t not put it on the list. We love getting the baked potato and house salad as our meal- sounds simple, but it’s so good.
The Best Pizza in Knoxville, TN
We are huge, huge fans of pizza. Don’t believe me? We love it so much, we had pizza at our wedding. So, I take pride in my pizza recommendations, and I’m ready to spill the beans on the best pizza in Knoxville!
Hard Knox Pizzeria
Location: Bearden
We are slightly biased toward this spot because they did supply the pizza for our wedding, but it’s honestly a Knoxville favorite! The pizzas are pricey, but they’re definitely on the artisanal side of pizza. Our favorite is the barbed wire, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them. This was our favorite place to come eat when we were in college and my parents were in town!
South Coast Pizza
Location: Downtown/South Knoxville
South Coast is definitely on the more traditional pizza side. These are larger and more cost effective, so great to share with friends. It’s located right next to Alliance Brewery, and we love to pop it over there to grab a brew or two. Southcoast also carries a lot of beers to choose from too!
A Dopo Pizza
Location: Downtown
A Dopo is definitely on the pricier pizza end, but it’s good for a nice date night. Their pizzas are the artisanal variety, so keep that in mind. As a side note, their gelato is incredible. Try the pistachio if you’re feeling up to it.
Sergeant Pepperonis
Location: Bearden
Close to UT Campus, this was our favorite spot to just get simple, delicious pizza. We love the “Popeye”!
The Best Mexican Restaurants in Knoxville, TN
SoKno Taco
Location: South Knoxville
Oh my goodness, this is our favorite Mexican restaurant/overall restaurant in Knoxville. It’s so, so good! It’s also extremely cheap but you couldn’t tell by how amazingly delicious it is. Their margaritas are my favorite!
Chez Guevera
Location: West
This is almost as “hidden gem” as it gets! They don’t even have a sign or a website, but it’s in the same shopping center as Trader Joe’s and just in the corner between TJs and Barnes and Noble. They really don’t even have a website, but as of now they are only open for dinner and closed on Mondays. You can find their information on google.
Chivo
Location: Downtown
On the pricier end of Mexican food, Chivo is the perfect date night spot when you’re craving Mexican food. It’s the largest selection of tequila in the South if that’s something that interests you! The portion sizes are huge, and a lot of their food can be pretty spicy, so make sure to ask your waiter if you’re not okay with spice.
Soccer Taco
Location: Bearden + Downtown
While Soccer Taco isn’t our personal favorite Mexican restaurant, a lot of people in Knoxville love it so I wanted to include it here. Something about it just isn’t my favorite, but you can judge for yourself!
The Best BBQ in Knoxville
All barbecue in Knoxville is really good, so I just wanted to lay those out here! We really don’t have one preference over another for barbecue spots, so it’s kind of just based on where we want to eat since they are all good.
Sweet P’s
Location: Downtown
Archers
Location: Various
Dead End
Location: Bearden / Sutherland Avenue
Calhoun’s
Location: Various. West / Downtown / Bearden
The Best Asian Food in Knoxville, TN
Nama
Location: Downtown, Bearden + West (Cedar Bluff)
By far our favorite sushi we have ever tried. Make sure to go (early) on Mondays and Thursdays for the half price roll menu. Not everything is half price, so make sure you are looking at the half price menu specifically if you’re looking to save a little. We can eat here so cheaply on those nights, so it’s really the only time we go.
Kaizen
Location: Downtown
Tako Taco
Location: Downtown
Pronounced “taco taco,” this place has a great Asian, Mexican fusion menu! We really like it all here.
Best Italian Food in Knoxville, TN
Emilia’s
Location: Downtown
This is the closest italian food I’ve had to the real thing in Italy. If you’re a huge fan of Olive Garden and really over the top Italian food, you might feel let down when you try Emilia. But I promise it’s way more authentic to the real thing-we have really Americanized Italian food here at most places haha.
If you go on Tuesday nights, they have a $10 spaghetti and meatball special that can’t be beat!
Louis’
Location: Halls / North Knoxville
This place is 100% more that traditional, American Italian spot. It’s all dripping in delicious red sauce and over the top on flavor. It’s definitely an old school vibe!
Tomato Head
Location: Downtown + Bearden
On the healthier side of Italian, Tomato Head is really fresh and light. We always feel just a little bit healthier when we eat here!
Savelli’s
Location: Bearden / Sutherland Avenue
We have actually never been here, but it’s a Knoxville classic so I wanted to include it.
Best Date Night / Special Occassion Restaurants in Knoxville, TN
Chesapeake’s
Location: Downtown / West
Knox Mason
Location: Downtown
Kefi
Location: Downtown
Oh my gosh, one of our favorites for sure. As a Mediterranean-lovers dream, make sure to get the flaming cheese, shrimp, hummus plate- it’s all good. This is a shareable kind of place, so I highly recommend going with some friends or family so you can try more things and just split the bill in half. They also have incredible cocktails.
Vida
Location: Downtown
Speaking of Kefi, the restaurant family also owns Vida, and it’s equally as incredible. These are truly dining experiences, rather than just a restaurant. This is “pan latin” so expect really nice Spanish-Japanese inspired offerings.
The Best Breakfast / Brunch Spots in Knoxville, TN
Gourmet Market
Location: Bearden
Scrambled Jake’s
Location: Northshore / Bearden
Famous for the huge cinnamon rolls, Scrambled Jake’s is one of the most popular breakfast spots in Knoxville. They get crowded fast, so we try to wake up early on the weekends and go to avoid the long waits.
Olibea
Location: Downtown
Balter Beer Works
Location: Downtown
They have a legendary $5 mimosa pitcher for Sunday brunch. It is so good!
The French Market Creperie
Location: Downtown + West (Cedar Bluff)
Sunspot
Location: UTK Campus
A favorite for UT students and residents of Knoxville alike! They have wine night discounts on Wednesday that are really popular.
The Best Coffeeshops in Knoxville, TN
Capybara
Location: UTK Campus
Our personal favorite because the owners are just so genuinely amazing!!!! This coffee is authentic to Brazil, and the owners really know so much about coffee and the entire process from the farm to brewing and serving. Make sure you tell them that Loren and Preston sent you 🙂
Kbrew
Location: Downtown, Broadway, Bearden
They have really great bagels and bagel sandwiches.
The Golden Roast
Location: UTK Campus/Downtown + Bearden (Sutherland Ave.)
Treetop Coffeeshop
Location: Downtown-ish (Sequoyah Hills)
Mahalo
Location: Emory Road (North Knoxville), Downtown
Wild Love Bakehouse
Location: Downtown-ish (Broadway)
Honeybee Coffee Co.
Location: Downtown (Sevier Avenue) + West
Jack’s of Knoxville
Location: Downtown + Broadway
The Best Breweries and Bars in Knoxville, TN
Breweries:
Balter Beerworks
Location: Downtown
Also has good food!
Abridged
Location: Bearden
Also has good food!
Alliance
Location: Downtown (Sevier Avenue)
Shulz-Brau
Location: Downtown
Also has good food! It’s German inspired, so it’s especially fun during Oktoberfest in September.
Bars/Drinks:
Location: All downtown
Peter Kern Library – This is a speakeasy, so make sure to check for the passcode on their most recent Instagram post! You can get into it by going through the lobby of the Oliver hotel.
The Best Dessert in Knoxville, TN
Cruze Farm
Location: Downtown, East Knoxville
Oh my gosh, if you are ever in Knoxville, you have to go here! This is truly a Knoxville icon, and you can’t miss it. The ice cream is made locally, and it’s all so fresh and delicious. I don’t even have a specific recommendation here because it’s all so good.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CR6mF_aF0Bq/
The Donut Shop
Location: Broadway
Ham ‘N Goody’s
Location: Various
Get the lemon cookies!!! An absolute Knoxville icon. These cookies are legendary, and chances are you’ve probably had them before if you live even somewhat close to the city.
Magpies
Location: Downtown
Pies, cupcakes, cookies, you name it! Everything is so good here.
Knox Dough
Location: West
Edible cookie dough? Say no more. Trust me though, this stuff is rich. Go slowly!
Mountain Moonshine Co.
Location: West / Bearden
These cookies are yummy, and they have really good seasonal flavors.
I hope you enjoy trying these best restaurants in Knoxville. This city truly has an amazing food scene. I also want to personally thank you for trying even slightly to eat local when visiting Knoxville- what makes the city so special is truly the people, and there’s no better way to make a huge change in the community than supporting our wonderful people’s restaurants and businesses!
Love all these! Can’t wait to try the places Listed that I haven’t experienced.