close-up view of a burger with a side of coleslaw and potatoes

Best Restaurants in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville is known for offering plenty of outdoor adventures and city attractions. It is a city with many cultures and that transforms boundaries. That means it’s a great spot for innovative food, restaurants, and recipes to thrive, making no surprise that Knoxville is full of many quality restaurants. We at Slate at 901 have taken the time to create a list of the best restaurants in Knoxville, TN. There are plenty of visitors who are in need of finding the perfect food joint away from home. Even locals have some difficulty deciding on where to dine next. You’ll soon find out that Knoxville is full of amazing diners, restaurants, grills, and bars that are certain to hit the spot. So, we encourage everyone to get out and try any of the great restaurants from the list below:

The Tomato Head

The Tomato Head is hands down the best pizza restaurant in Knoxville. The restaurant is also known for serving some signature breakfast the community loves. Apart from serving up some great food and drink, every dish is served in a unique presentation. The Tomato Head uses some of the freshest ingredients and every plate is neatly served. The restaurant also features a venue for musical acts, poetry readings, and performance art. It continues to host monthly performances that highlight local artist efforts and attract many tourists, students, and lifetime locals to the scene.

Restaurant Style: Pizzeria

Location: 12 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902

Restaurant Hours

  • Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Friday: 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Perks

  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Catering
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Vegetarian Options

Local Favorites

  • Calzones
  • Craft Beer
  • Customized Pizzas
  • Desserts

Tips and Tricks

The weekends are the busiest times of the week at the Tomato Head and usually require a longer wait. If you’re trying to avoid long waits, you can dine in at the Tomato head anytime from Monday to Thursday when it’s a bit slower.

Calhoun’s On The River

Next up on or list of the best restaurants in Knoxville is Calhoun’s On The River. This barbecue chain has proven to be a local favorite for its ribs, barbecue, beer, and great location. Calhoun’s on the River also hosts a great Tennessee radio show every Wednesday night on the large patio that overlooks the Tennessee River and Neyland Stadium. The patio also serves as a great spot to dine in with a small group during a nice summer evening. The restaurant is also a great place to reserve for private events.

Restaurant Style: Tennessee Barbecue

Location: 400 Neyland Dr, Knoxville, TN 37902

Restaurant Hours

  • Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Perks

  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Happy Hour Drink
  • Happy Hour Food
  • Online Ordering
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Vegetarian Options

Local Favorites

  • Buffet Line
  • Prime Rib

Tips and Tricks

We suggest you check out the restaurant’s specials before heading over. They have specials for first time online orders and more. As for popular times, the weekends are usually busier at Calhoun’s. If you want to avoid heavy customer traffic, order your food online or dine in on a weekday.

Stock And Barrel

Stock and Barrel focuses on crafting some of the best burgers in Tennessee. One of the reasons behind Stock and Barrel’s success is their locally sourced ingredients that add a fresh taste to every meal. The restaurant’s farm-to-table concept also helps promote the local economy. Another great reason to visit Stock and Barrel is the signature milkshakes. Every milkshake is stuffed with treats that’ll satisfy your tastebuds. If that’s not enough for you, Stock and Barrel also has a fine selection of the finest bourbons to pass the time.

Restaurant Style: American Cuisine and Bar

Location: 35 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902

Restaurant Hours

  • Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Perks

  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Happy Hour Drink
  • Happy Hour Food
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Vegetarian Options

Local Favorites

  • The Billy

Tips and Tricks

Dinner time tends to invite a great environment to Stock and Barrel, so that’s the best time to enjoy a drink with your friends. You can also try dining in a bit earlier if you’re looking to dodge customer traffic.

The French Market Creperie

The French Market Creperie is Knoxville’s only French crêpe restaurant. It’s outstanding breakfast and handcrafted delicacies landed it a spot on our list of best restaurants in Knoxville. Some of the best dishes at the French restaurant include sweet and savory French crêpes, delicious baguette and croissant sandwiches. This great restaurant has two convenient locations where you can enjoy your favorite crêpes and some French music in the background. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, the French Market Creperie has it all.

Restaurant Style: French Cuisine

Location: 412 Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902

Restaurant Hours

  • Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Monday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Perks

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Vegetarian Options

Local Favorites

  • Crêpes
  • French Sandwiches

Tips and Tricks

Anytime is a good time to stop by this French restaurant and dine in. You can expect to have a longer wait on the weekends, but no matter what, the food is always worth the wait. You can stop by the French Market Creperie on a weekday if you’re in a rush or just feel like avoiding a longer wait.

Downtown Grill & Brewery

Head over to Downtown Grill and Brewery if you’re looking for the best restaurant and bar in Knoxville to get the most for your buck. The restaurant offers great food, drinks, and entertainment to help you have the perfect night out in town. You just have to head down to this Knoxville grub spot and order a great dish and locally brewed beer.

Sundays at Downtown Grill and Brewery features some awesome live jazz artists to the spot. Downtown Grill and Brewery also offers free billiards on Sundays. Mondays at the brewery offer poker night with live dealers and tournaments.

Restaurant Style: Bar and Grill

Location: 424 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902

Restaurant Hours

  • Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.

Perks

  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Bar Games
  • Happy Hour Drinks
  • Happy Hour Food
  • Live Music
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Vegetarian Options

Local Favorites

  • Cocktails

Tips and Tricks

Go to Downtown Grill and Brewery on Sunday or Monday night if you’re looking to have a good time. Otherwise, head over to the spot during happy hour (varies depending on the day). If you’re hoping to avoid longer waits, head over to the restaurant anyday around lunch time before larger crowds start arriving.

OliBea

OliBea is definitely the best breakfast restaurant in Knoxville. The spot is known to add a modern and welcoming twist to every dish that is served.  Every dish is neatly arranged and has great portions that keep the customers happy. OliBea is also known to serve a large range of breakfast food, from tacos to pancakes, the place has you covered. Additionally, the colorful space is decorated with great artwork that adds on to the restaurant’s great taste.

Restaurant Style: Steakhouse and Seafood

Location: 119 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902

Restaurant Hours

  • Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Perks

  • Vegetarian Options

Local Favorites

  • Chicken and Waffles
  • Sirloin with Mac and Cheese

Tips and Tricks

The best time to avoid heavy customer traffic at OliBea is during the earlier half of the restaurant’s hours.

Need help finding something fun and exciting to do around Knoxville? Check out our list of the best Things to do in Knoxville TN.