Looking for restaurants in Knoxville? You've come to the right place. We've done the work, so you don't have to have it. In this article, we'll run you through the best places to eat in Knoxville and some of the fun and best things to do in Knoxville, TN !
There's more to Knoxville than the Tennessee whiskey it's known for. Sure, you'll find great Southern cuisine here, but prepare for so much more. Whatever food you love, Knoxville has a restaurant for it.
Whether you're here for a weekend getaway, a romantic getaway, or part of a road trip, Knoxville won't disappoint. From delicious fresh local Southern cuisine to Japanese and Brazilian dishes, there is something for everyone.
One of Tennessee's cutest towns, Knoxville invites you to hang out among historic buildings. There's a lot to see and do and a visit to one of these restaurants is only the icing on the cake.
Top 15 Knoxville TN Restaurants You Must Try
Japanese Wasabi Steakhouse
Wasabi Knoxville is the hotel to visit if you're craving for Japanese cuisine. Consistently recognized as the best Japanese restaurant in Knoxville, a visit here will leave you yearning for more.
The sushi here is amazing and the hibachi-style steaks are what regular customers return to try again. It's been serving Knoxville for over ten years and the locals love it.
Wasabi's flavors are innovative, the food fresh, and everyone should have experience at least once.
Kefi
Kefi means deep passion in Greek and it oozes from every nook and cranny here. It's a bit of the Mediterranean in downtown Knoxville.
The food is healthy, colorful, and so delicious. Menu options include cold and hot mezze dishes, staples like moussaka, and amazing cheese dishes like feta brulee.
It opens at 4 p.m. most days and is one of the great restaurants in downtown Knoxville.
Farmacy
Farmacy thinks food is something that brings people together and it shows in everything they do, from long tables to hearty meals.
Meals create memories, as the saying goes, and eating here will be one of those memories you will cherish.
The menu features dishes like chicken pot pie, maple-glazed salmon, and browned butter gnocchi. Vegans and vegetarians also get their money's worth here.
Taste of Thai
If you're looking for authentic Thai cuisine, look no further than Taste of Thai. Everything is cooked to order and really good.
The menu features all the Thai favorites and with over 65 different menu options you will be spoiled for choice. Their soups truly steal the show here, with a menu that includes shrimp wonton soup, coconut milk soup, lemongrass soup, tofu and spinach soup.
It's open for lunch and dinner, and hours vary by day. This is the best place for Thai food in Knoxville and some of the best food in Knoxville.
Café 4
Café 4 is one of the go-to restaurants in downtown Knoxville. It has been the center of attention for over a decade and is something of a pioneer in the modern food and beverage industry.
Café 4 is about two things: quality food and hospitality, and it delivers on both. You can retreat and enjoy a coffee, craft cocktails or one of their delicious dishes.
You will find three types of mac and cheese to try here: steaks, meatloaf, roasted green tomatoes, and truffle parmesan fries. The menu is big, whatever you like you will find it and vegetarians and vegans will also find something good.
Lakeside Tavern
If you're looking for food with a view, this is the place to go. The view of the lake here is stunning, it's right on the water so the view is from every table.
Here they serve hand-sliced aged Grand Champion Angus steaks and fresh seafood, grilled to perfection on hardwoods coals. They also have bricks on pizza and other southern treats.
The Lakeside Tavern is a charming place, very bright and airy, ideal for a long lunch with friends or a romantic evening. This is one of those restaurants in Knoxville, TN that is also perfect for Sunday brunch.
Korean Steakhouse
If you're looking for authentic Korean BBQ in Knoxville, TN, this is the restaurant to go. Meat here is grilled by you or in front of you or, according to your taste.
You can ask for a la carte or a group of you can get together and order the combos where you get a choice of meat and fish. If you've never experienced a Korean before, maybe it's time to give it a try. It doesn't get much fresher and tastier.
It is open for lunch and dinner and it is best to check availability in advance as it will be fully booked.
Hard Knoz Pizza
If you're looking for pizza in Knoxville, TN, nothing beats the popular Hard Knox Pizza. This is a locals favorite pizzeria which I think says a lot.
Hard Knox is a female-owned pizzeria, which is a bonus, and they serve delicious authentic wood-fired pizzas. Ingredients are all locally sourced and freshly prepared whenever possible.
The menu is divided into white or red pies, the red pies with the traditional tomato sauce and the white pies are served with a real white base sauce made with extra virgin olive oil.
OliBea
If you're looking for the best breakfast in Knoxville, look no further than Olibeau. This may not be your traditional breakfast restaurant, but it's worth it.
The menu is fun and electrifying with things like duck eggs over grits with jalapeno and tomatoes, tofu chorizo and cojita cheese. You will get all the regular breakfast items here, but everything has a little twist.
Order the most amazing fresh juices and coffee here to wash it all down.
Bistro At The Bijou
If you're looking for the best lunch spot in Knoxville, look no further. Bistro At The Bijou has been consistently voted one of the best restaurants in Knoxville, TN and is known to have one of the best brunches.
Housed in a historic former hotel dating back to 1815, it is one of the oldest buildings in Knoxville. They offer lunch, dinner and brunch on Sundays.
Brazilian Steakhouse
If you like something different, the Brazilian Steakhouse might be for you. The flavors here are as good as the portions, and the service even better.
Things are a bit different here, there are four menu options. The menu options are basically based on how much meat you get, from 15 pieces to nine to chicken and no meat. All menus offer an unlimited salad bar and side dishes. You won't leave here hungry.
The side dishes sound good with things like crunchy polenta, caramelized banana, mashed garlic potatoes to name a few.
Cappuccino's
A mix of culture and history, this Italian restaurant is an absolute delight to visit. First of all the building is beautiful but more importantly, the food is amazing.
The cuisine is Sicilian-Italian with local ingredients, all prepared from secret family recipes learned over generations.
The menu has all the Italian choices like spaghetti and meatballs, mixed with more unusual recipes like sweet tea and marinated pork in pineapple sangria.
This is the best place to eat in Knoxville and a must visit restaurant.
Chesapeake's Downtown
If you're someone who loves those little East Coast shakes, guess what Knoxville, Tennessee has to offer.
Chesapeake has a laid-back ocean vibe, welcoming services, and flies in its fish every day. This is seafood at its finest.
If you're wondering where to eat in Knoxville, we hope this article helped you decide where to eat in Knoxville. Whichever one of these Knoxville restaurants you choose, you're sure to enjoy a delicious meal.
There are so many restaurants in Knoxville to choose from and although we have listed what we think are the best restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee this list is not exhaustive. If you try any of them, come back and tell us about your experience. Happy Holidays.