Where to Eat in Knoxville, Tennessee- The Adventuring Millennial

Updated January 2020

Let’s talk food.

It’s been too long since I’ve shared a food list. So today I’m diving back in with this list of the best places to eat in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Some of you know that I grew up in this Southern college town. And I’ve explored all of the best restaurants in this city. Go ahead and save this post so you’ll have some tips from a native when you find yourself in this charming East Tennessee city.

Wondering where to eat in Knoxville? Let’s dig in!

Where to Eat in Knoxville, Tennessee: 12 Suggestions from a Local

The Tomato Head

Don’t skip Market Square. Here you can find some of Knoxville’s best restaurants. And a trip to Knoxville wouldn’t be complete without a meal at one of Market Square’s staples, The Tomato Head.

Brunch, lunch, and dinner, this local pizza parlor does it all. For brunch, sample treats (like cinnamon rolls and monkey bread) from their in-house Flour Head Bakery. Enjoy a variety of pizza, calzones, sandwiches, and salads the rest of the day.

But whatever you do, make sure to order the Black Bean Hummus. This crave-inducing app brings me back to The Tomato Head every time I’m in town. Trust me, this simple dip of black beans, Tomato Head hummus, and sriracha will have you licking the bowl when no one is looking.

A Dopo Pizza

Since we are talking pizza, I need to mention A Dopo.

Ok, I want to do more than just mention this sourdough pizza heaven. When A Dopo opened a few years ago, it filled Knoxville’s Neapolitan pizza void. Now, Knoxvillians can enjoy the bubbly, crispy goodness of wood-fired sourdough pizza.

Come for the traditional Margaritas pies, but stay for the innovative squid-topped pizzas. Oh, and don’t pass on the gelato. You can’t find stracciatella like this anywhere else in the city.

Moonshine Mountain Cookie Company

When you are ready for a treat, order a gourmet cookie from Moonshine Mountain. Yes, some of these thick, chewy cookies are baked with a splash of real Tennessee moonshine.

They specialize in thick, rounded oatmeal-based cookies. But don’t fear oatmeal-haters, the oats just thicken the cookies. They really don’t distract from the flavor.

Some of my favorites include Nutty Butty Holly (a chocolate peanut butter cookie) and Rocky Top (their classic chocolate chip).

Maple Street Biscuit

Although Maple Street isn’t local to Knoxville, this southern-chain is a must-visit when you are in town. I mean, can you really go to the South without having a biscuit?

Enjoy a variety of biscuits including the Risky Biscuit (flaky biscuit and sausage gravy with a little kick), the BAM! (House-made vanilla waffle with asiago cheese and pecanwood smoked bacon baked in, topped with honey butter & Bissell Family Farms real maple syrup), and my personal favorite the Sticky Maple (flaky biscuit, all-natural fried chicken breast, pecan wood smoked bacon all topped with Bissell Family Farm real maple syrup).

Oh, and make sure you try their signature Maple Coffee.

Scrambled Jakes

Ok, your brunch plans are set.

Scrambled Jakes is a relative newcomer to the Knoxville breakfast scene. But it didn’t take long for Knoxvillians to fall in love with this breakfast haven.

And what’s not to love? With a Bloody Mary bar, Benny’s, Waffles, and Omelets, this menu is made to please everyone. And let’s not forget the Sin-O-Man-Roll. This massive cinnamon-sugary goodness is topped with a welcomed helping of cream cheese icing.

K Brew Coffee & Bagels

I’m so sad I didn’t know about K Brew when I lived in Knoxville. But, this has quickly become a go-to spot during each visit home. (No lie, I went three times during my last long-weekend visit).

The baristas really know what they are doing and they often create unique drinks (like a bourbon butterscotch latte). Enjoy the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with your drink and a fresh bagel.

Want more coffee suggestions? Check out this post: The 5 BEST Cups of Coffee in Knoxville

Cruze Farms

Cruze Farms is a Knoxville institution. You will find their dairy products in most local grocery stores and farmers’ markets. If you can, try a bottle of their coffee milk. This popular creamy beverage is more subtle than your traditional latte. When I worked at the Knoxville Whole Foods, we consistently sold out of this drink.

Even if you can’t snag a coffee milk, you should try their ice cream. Cruze Farms can be found at grocery stores and popups, but they recently opened their first permanent ice cream shop. Here, enjoy cookie dough soft serve, Peanut Butter Cup Churns, and more.

Abridged Beer Company

This neighborhood pub offers a welcoming atmosphere for West Knoxvillians who don’t want to venture to the Old City for a drink.

Enjoy a pint on the patio or inside their 1950s auto-garage inspired building. In addition to their drink menu, Abridged Beer Company offers a dinner menu complete with soft pretzels, pork nachos, burgers, and salads.

Tandur Indian Kitchen

Indian food might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Tennessee. But this fast-casual Indian restaurant is changing the game.

Stop by Tandur Indian Kitchen for classics like chicken tikka masala, curry, and samosas. And don’t forget a side of garlic naan.

The Bistro at the Bijou

The Bistro is a popular stop for patrons of the historic Bijou Theater. And while their farm-to-table dinner menu looks fantastic, file the Bistro under must-visit brunch places.

I know, I am packing your mornings. But Knoxville actually has a lot of great breakfast and brunch options. The Bistro at the Bijou is no exception.

Brunch is served from 10-3 on Saturdays and Sundays. In addition to your entree (like avocado toast or chicken fried steak), enjoy complimentary biscuits with blackberry jam. And the kicker? Their brunch cocktails are only $4.50.

Status Dough

Stop by Status Dough for high-quality artesian doughnuts. Varieties include Vanilla-Iced, Boston Cream, and my personal favorite, Strawberry Old Fashioned.

You might see Krispy Kreme and Duck Doughnuts on your way to this shop. While those have their place, don’t get distracted. The old-fashioned doughnuts at this local bakery are worth your time.

Soccer Taco

I love Mexican food. And while fancy taquerias with $12 guac are great, nothing beats the quick, cheap Mexican food you can find in the South East. I know, it seems out of place. But since moving out of Tennessee I haven’t found a restaurant that’s rivaled this style of Mexican cuisine.

Free unlimited chips and salsa, cheap frozen margs, and queso. Yes, queso is one of the foods I miss from Tennesse the most. Not BBQ or biscuits and gravy.

There are plenty of cheap Mexican restaurants in Knoxville. But Soccer Taco really does it best. Go for the Arroz con Pollo. Nothing compares to this simple dish of rice and grilled chicken smothered in the creamy heavenly queso. (Honestly, if someone askes me where to eat in Knoxville, this immediately comes to mind!)

Here’s a Quick List of the Best Knoxville Spots:

Coffee:

Doughnuts:

Brunch:

Lunch Spots:

I hope you enjoyed my where to eat in Knoxville guide. Do you have any Knoxville restaurants to add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!