10 Best Restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee

The seasonal flavors of eastern Tennessee's farms come to life over the wood-fired grill at this chef-owned ode to Southern cuisine, where the menu changes weekly. One decadent constant is a sous-vide farm egg appetizer with gnocchi and chicken confit. Pair it with a house-made pasta or a hearty protein (pork loin with okra, corn, and tomatoes is a winner). Bar seats let you watch the focused action in the open kitchen, where dedication to the craft is obvious. 

Minutes from Ijams Nature Center, this bustling taco joint fills up on weekends with bicyclists, climbers, hikers, and paddlers scarfing down tortillas stuffed with ground beef and chorizo and slugging crisp margaritas.

Yassin Terou and his family quickly became local legends after opening their falafel joint, thanks to infallibly friendly service and quick-serve Mediterranean cuisine that begs for a repeat visit. There are additional locations in West Knoxville and Alcoa.

A perennial favorite, this barbecue joint and steak house draws crowds for its hickory-smoked ribs and its views of the action on the Tennessee River. There's a dedicated dock for the restaurant, and many locals arrive by water to take in the scenery on the spacious deck. You'll find additional locations throughout eastern Tennessee. 

The throwback vibe at this downtown creamery—complete with staff wearing signature red-and-white checkered blouses—makes ordering a cookies-and-cream shake feel like the wholesome Americana it should be. Ice-cream flavors are simple and straightforward—sweet cream, chocolate, strawberry—but do include dairy-free options like raspberry Dole Whip. Long lines form by 7 pm most evenings.     

Make the drive to this soul food joint in North Knoxville and you'll feel like you've discovered a local secret. Jackie serves up daily specials like smothered pork chops and fried tilapia, with sides like "Mama's Cabbage" and candied yams. 

Greek meets fine dining at this trendy spot for Mediterranean-style mezze like grilled octopus, lamb chops, and beef short ribs. An extensive cocktail menu, highlighted by anise liqueurs from Lebanon and Turkey, invites diners to relax and settle in for the evening.

Big and bright, this newcomer food hall has room for a dozen vendors, ranging from vegan soul food to Korean fusion to street tacos. There's a bar, a coffee shop, and plenty of room to hang with friends.

This perennially popular (and affordable!) spot features carefully sourced comfort food with ample vegetarian options. The extensive menu includes generously sized salads and pizzas with toppings like basil ricotta, house-pickled banana peppers, and sun-dried tomato pesto. Seating spills out into public tables in the square during busy lunches and weekends.