Best Restaurants in Knoxville, TN

One can never go wrong by ordering a burger and fries, especially when visiting Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar. The retro-inspired restaurant serves classic bar food with a fresh, modern twist, which pairs perfectly with one of its craft cocktails or beers. Beer-loving customers adore Not Watson's as it has an impressive selection of brews on tap, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to settle in and enjoy a relaxed meal.

On its menu, you'll find Fried Green Tomatoes, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Black + Bleu Sliders, Asian Chicken Salad, The Market Cheeseburger, and plenty of sides like Tater Tots, Onion Rings, and White Cheddar Mac 'N' Cheese. The restaurant is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

There's just something so comforting about ordering a pizza to-go and taking it back to your hotel room when on vacation. This American café and bakery serves hearty fare, including pizza, which pairs wonderfully with its selection of beer and wine.

When it comes to the mouthwatering pizzas, you'll find variations loaded with toppings like bacon, Italian sausage, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, vegan pepperoni, several types of cheese, banana peppers, roasted garlic, and pesto. Whether you're vegetarian or vegan, The Tomato Head offers several flavorful menu options you can enjoy with confidence.

In addition to pizzas, you'll find salads, appetizers, sandwiches, and sweets on the menu. It is also open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays at both Knoxville locations.

This restaurant is a favorite among those who love classic Southern comfort food. Diners have fallen head-over-heels for the fried chicken and fried green tomatoes served up at Southern Grit.

The kitchen and bar serve both lunch and dinner and even offer Happy Hour, making it a popular stop for guests looking to enjoy a meal and drinks. On the menu, you'll find Buffalo Chicken Dip, Buttermilk Biscuits, Hush Puppies, Fried Pickles and Okra, Fried Chicken and Half Chicken, Tenders, Southern Cobb Salad, several burger variations, and Southern-inspired sides like Creamy Collards and Cheddar Grits.

For dessert, treat yourself to a slice of Pecan Pie or a bowl of Banana Pudding.

Sometimes you're simply not in the mood for a large meal, which is why The French Market Creperie Downtown is a wonderful choice. It's got a crepe for everyone, whether you're craving something sweet or prefer savory flavors.

The cozy dining space is decorated with vintage chandeliers and bleached wood, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The menu features creations such as Grilled Cheese, Smoked Salmon, Mushrooms with Field Greens and Swiss Cheese, Dutch-Style Ham, Bavarian Cream, Strawberries and Cream, Nutella, and S'mores.

After you've explored the crepe menu, you'll also find baguette and croissant sandwiches, soups, and salads. The restaurant serves breakfast during the week and brunch on weekends.

Looking for cheesy nachos and a spicy margarita? Look no further than Chivo Taqueria, a trendy tavern with a rustic-chic atmosphere.

Chivo Taqueria features an extensive tequila menu that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into one of its signature cocktails. On Saturdays and Sundays, guests can enjoy brunch dishes like Chicken + Waffles, Chorizo Quesadilla Huevos Rancheros, the Breakfast Burrito, and the Breakfast Torta.

For lunch and dinner, you'll find dozens of taco variations featuring proteins such as ground beef, crispy pork belly, roasted duck, beer-battered shrimp, braised pork, grilled steak, and chorizo. And at Chivo Taqueria, no meal feels complete without an order of churros for dessert.

This Middle Eastern restaurant is a casual counter-service venue, making it a great option for a quick meal or tasty takeout to enjoy during a park picnic.

Yassin's Falafel House menu is filled with traditional favorites like Baba Ganoush, Falafel, Hummus, Gyros, Shawarma Plates, Veggie Sandwiches, Chicken Salads, and Baklava for dessert.

There are three Yassin's Falafel House locations in Tennessee: Downtown Knoxville, West Knoxville, and Alcoa. It's a wonderful option when you're looking for a convenient, flavorful meal while exploring the city.

At Myrtle's Chicken + Beer, the team is passionate about serving Southern-inspired favorites to hungry guests, both local and visiting.

The restaurant is laid-back and unpretentious, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy comforting flavors. On the menu, you'll find Southern-Fried Pickles, Buttermilk Cheddar Drop Biscuits, Myrtle's Tomato Pie, Deviled Eggs, Fried Chicken, Big Daddy's Rotisserie Chicken, Smoked Baby-Back Ribs, Nashville Hot Chicken Salad, Spicy BBQ Chicken Wrap, and a variety of sandwiches and soulful sides.

To complete your meal, pair it with a craft beer or one of the restaurant's house-made cocktails.

Looking for dinner with a view? Lakeside Tavern has you covered.

At this sleek restaurant featuring steel and stone décor, diners can enjoy American fare, surf and turf specialties, and Happy Hour offerings. Lakeside Tavern is open for lunch and dinner, and many guests start their meal with Colossal Onion Rings or the creamy Spinach Dip.

Menu favorites include Shrimp and Grits, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Salmon Avocado Salad, Green Chicken Pizza, BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and other flavorful creations.

As for beverages, Lakeside Tavern offers a selection of craft beers and cocktails, while its refreshing slushies remain especially popular on warm Knoxville days.

By the time you leave Knoxville, you'll likely have enjoyed Southern food more than once. Known for its hearty flavors and welcoming service, Emma's Southern Kitchen is a relaxed restaurant where you can dine in or take your meal back to the hotel.

On the menu, you'll find rich comfort foods such as Ms. Emma's Gravy Biscuits, Fish & Shrimp, HB Fried Pickles, Chicken Fried Chicken, Chopped Steak Classic, five different burger options, and all the Southern sides your heart could desire. It would be a shame not to add a side of Cinnamon Apples, Green Beans, or Potato Salad to your meal.

Emma's Southern Kitchen is closed on Sundays but welcomes guests for lunch and dinner throughout the rest of the week.

If you're searching for an authentic, no-frills Southern BBQ experience, a visit to Jackie's Dream is well worth adding to your itinerary. This family-run restaurant serves comforting Southern favorites in a warm, community-focused setting and is a longtime favorite among Knoxville locals.

The menu is packed with crowd-pleasers like Nanny Mary's Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Mushrooms, Knox Hot Chicken, 8- to 20-piece Chicken Boxes, Jackie's Famous Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, Catfish, the Chicken Tender Sandwich, a Fried Bologna Sandwich, and plenty of classic sides.

Be sure to order extra cornbread while you're there. Daily specials and rotating dessert selections give guests a reason to come back again and again.

This is another excellent family-owned restaurant in Knoxville that offers both value and flavor. Sticky Rice Cafe showcases Laotian and Thai cuisine, along with a popular selection of bubble tea.

The restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, and every dish is prepared with care. Hungry guests may have a hard time choosing from menu favorites like Fresh Spring Rolls, Crispy Rice with Sour Pork, Tofu Laab, Grilled Pork Chops, Papaya Salad, Panang Curry, Pho, and Kow Pek.

For dessert, don't miss the Sticky Mango Rice, a customer favorite that perfectly rounds out the meal. Bubble tea flavors include pineapple, peach, blueberry, coconut, strawberry, honeydew melon, taro, and more.

Knoxville offers plenty of unique dining experiences, and Good Golly Tamale is certainly one of them. Take a break from Southern comfort food and visit this casual eatery specializing in a variety of stuffed vegetable and meat tamales.

The restaurant is open throughout the week except Sundays, so visitors may want to plan accordingly. For first-time guests, the Classic Tamale is a popular choice, featuring Strongstock Farm Ground Beef, Lick Skillet Farm Sausage, and Yukon Potato.

The tamales pair wonderfully with sides like Black Soup Beans, Spanish-Style Rice, Collard Greens, and Curtido. It's a simple yet memorable stop for anyone looking to try something different while exploring Knoxville.

Beyond its delicious Irish fare, Finn's Irish Restaurant & Tavern is known for live music and special events, including Ladies' Night Out every Tuesday, featuring 50 percent off bottles of wine and entrée salads.

The menu showcases traditional Irish favorites such as Scotch Eggs, Hot Pimento Cheese Dip, Chicken Tipperary, Fish 'N' Chips, Irish Cottage Pie, Bangers & Mash, and Traditional Irish Bread Pudding for dessert.

The lively atmosphere and comforting menu make it an enjoyable spot for both casual dinners and special evenings out.

Anyone who loves chicken wings should make time for The Nolia Grille. The restaurant's famous wings are served with bread, mustard, sliced onions, and hot sauce, creating a meal that locals continue to rave about.

This hole-in-the-wall Southern eatery is also known for its friendly service and menu filled with satisfying comfort food. Guests can choose from dishes like Jumbo Fried Shrimp, Fried Bologna, Hoagies, Chicken Bacon Fries, and Famous Fried Corn on the Cob.

Whether you're stopping in for lunch or dinner, there's no shortage of flavorful options to explore. The restaurant is open seven days a week for both dine-in and takeout.

After several days of enjoying BBQ and Southern specialties, a sushi meal can be a refreshing change of pace. What makes Fin-Two Japanese Ale House unique is its combination of creative sushi, ramen, and an impressive craft beer selection.

The restaurant is known for serving inventive sushi rolls alongside classic favorites, including several vegetarian options. Beyond sushi, guests can enjoy appetizers such as Hamachi Poke Salad and Brussels Sprouts, along with specialty rolls featuring eel, salmon, tuna, and spicy crab.

In addition to craft beer, Fin-Two offers hot and cold sake, cocktails, and whiskey, making it a versatile dining destination for a variety of tastes.

If you've never experienced sourdough pizza before, A Dopo Sourdough Pizza deserves a place on your Knoxville dining list. The pizzas are crafted with high-quality ingredients, and guests often return for the perfectly crisp crust and rich, tangy tomato sauce.

Alongside its wood-fired sourdough pizzas, the restaurant offers a curated selection of wine and beer on tap. The atmosphere is family-friendly, comfortable, and welcoming, making it easy to settle in and enjoy a meal.

Short on time? Order a pizza to-go and enjoy one of Knoxville's most talked-about comfort foods back at your hotel.

Traveling to Knoxville? Book a room at one of our affordable, pet-friendly hotels