The best restaurants in Knox County
68 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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D & B's Hot Dogs and Ice Cream
RestaurantsD & B's Hot Dogs and Ice Cream nails 100% all-beef, from hand-patted 6 oz burgers to juicy brats with house-made sauces, plus 16 Blue Bell…
D & B's Hot Dogs and Ice Cream
RestaurantsLittle Nicky's New York Pizza
RestaurantsLittle Nicky's New York Pizza answers cravings with the House Special, The Bronx Bomber, and garlic knots, plus calzones, parm heroes, and…
Little Nicky's New York Pizza
RestaurantsZukku Sushi
RestaurantsZukku Sushi treats every roll like a canvas, with chefs turning top-notch ingredients into edible little masterpieces. When your week needs…
Zukku Sushi
RestaurantsThe Burgers
RestaurantsWhen you need a proper burger this week, The Burgers hand-patties USDA choice beef and seasons it right, with chicken marinated 48 hours,…
The Burgers
RestaurantsDazzo's Pizzeria
RestaurantsDazzo's Pizzeria brings hand-crafted pies and savory pastas, always made fresh daily. Whether you dine in or let their fast, reliable…
Dazzo's Pizzeria
RestaurantsCarrabba's Italian Grill
RestaurantsChain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
RestaurantsSmoked Pickle Barbecue
RestaurantsKnoxville’s Smoked Pickle Barbecue turns pure wood-fired smoke and quality beef and pork into pit-smoked ribs and brisket that make weekday…
Smoked Pickle Barbecue
RestaurantsFirebirds Wood Fired Grill
RestaurantsChain restaurant serving steaks, seafood & cocktails in an upscale lodgelike setting.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
RestaurantsDead End BBQ
RestaurantsKnown for award-winning East Tennessee BBQ since 2009, Dead End BBQ nails that competition-style precision with grandma’s Sunday comfort.…
Dead End BBQ
RestaurantsSTIR
RestaurantsSTIR nails the craft side with in-house syrups, bitters, and those crystal-clear artisanal ice cubes that keep your drink honest, then…
STIR
RestaurantsFin-Two Japanese Ale House
RestaurantsFin-Two Japanese Ale House does the Knoxville take on an izakaya, with slurpable tonkotsu and veggie ramen, char-grilled yakitori, and…
Fin-Two Japanese Ale House
RestaurantsFiori Bar & Kitchen
RestaurantsTrendy venue with plush seats featuring oysters, steaks and craft cocktails.
Fiori Bar & Kitchen
RestaurantsLouis' Restaurant & Drive-In
RestaurantsFamily owned since 1958, Louis' Restaurant & Drive-In is that North Knoxville standby for made-from-scratch spaghetti sauce, crisp…
Louis' Restaurant & Drive-In
RestaurantsAltruda's Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsAltruda's Italian Restaurant has been a Knoxville standby since 1988, serving up old-school recipes that actually taste like someone’s…
Altruda's Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsTwin Peaks
RestaurantsSports-bar chain known for its waitresses, serving American comfort food in lodgelike surroundings.
Twin Peaks
RestaurantsRuby Sunshine
RestaurantsCharming Southern-style eatery and bar serving pancakes and Benedicts, as well as cocktails.
Ruby Sunshine
RestaurantsPho 99
RestaurantsPho 99 keeps it casual and spotless, then hits you with rich, aromatic broth, bouncy noodles, and flavorful grilled plates that actually…
Pho 99
RestaurantsNama Sushi Bar - Downtown Knoxville
RestaurantsWhether you’re plotting a low-key date or rallying friends, Nama Sushi Bar - Downtown Knoxville nails fresh, beautifully crafted rolls and…
Nama Sushi Bar - Downtown Knoxville
RestaurantsBravo! Italian Kitchen
RestaurantsUpscale-casual Italian chain serving pasta, grilled dishes, pizza & cocktails amid Roman-ruin decor.
Bravo! Italian Kitchen
RestaurantsOliver Royale
RestaurantsOliver Royale nails that chef-driven, downtown feel with inventive, seasonal American dishes, a legit cocktail program, and a weekend…
Oliver Royale
RestaurantsBaker Boy Pizza Company
RestaurantsBaker Boy Pizza Company keeps East Knox happy with New York style craft pizzas, combos like Yes Honey (pepperoni, bacon, honey) and the…
Baker Boy Pizza Company
RestaurantsJ.C. Holdway
RestaurantsElevated choice for farm-fresh regional dishes, many cooked over a wood-fire grill, plus a full bar.
J.C. Holdway
RestaurantsThe Plaid Apron
RestaurantsTreat yourself this week to The Plaid Apron, a Sequoyah Hills favorite still cooking with heart after 15 years, where brunch and dinner…
The Plaid Apron
RestaurantsScrambled Jake's Breakfast Company
RestaurantsLocals know Scrambled Jake's Breakfast Company for scramblers, omelets, and other breakfast classics served in generous portions, plus…
Scrambled Jake's Breakfast Company
RestaurantsThe Chop House
RestaurantsFor a Knoxville standby that nails Choice and Prime steaks, fresh seafood, and a proper glass of wine, The Chop House keeps it classic…
The Chop House
RestaurantsPizza Palace
RestaurantsSince 1961, Pizza Palace has been the dinerlike, drive-in go-to for made-from-scratch pizzas, handbreaded onion rings, and its famous Greek…
Pizza Palace
RestaurantsRaising Cane's Chicken Fingers
RestaurantsFast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
RestaurantsAnaba Japanese Cuisine Northshore
RestaurantsAnaba Japanese Cuisine Northshore keeps things casual and cozy with a lineup of sushi rolls and savory noodle dishes that hit the spot…
Anaba Japanese Cuisine Northshore
RestaurantsBig Kahuna Wings - West Town
RestaurantsBig Kahuna Wings - West Town nails hormone-free, organic, dry-rubbed wings in both traditional and boneless form, then backs it up with…
Big Kahuna Wings - West Town
RestaurantsCopper Cellar
RestaurantsSince 1975, Copper Cellar has delivered Knoxville’s Original Steakhouse vibe with an Old English-inspired dining room, classic and…
Copper Cellar
RestaurantsCappuccino's
RestaurantsRustic-chic vibes, a wine-bottle chandelier, and plates that taste like nonna signed off on them... Cappuccino's delivers Italian comfort…
Cappuccino's
RestaurantsFarmacy
RestaurantsFarmacy keeps it easygoing with an airy room and thoughtfully sourced, Southern-inspired plates that feel familiar but hit better than your…
Farmacy
RestaurantsTangerine Japanese Cuisine
RestaurantsWhether you’re team tempura or plotting a hibachi feast, Tangerine Japanese Cuisine turns weeknights into something worth texting about.…
Tangerine Japanese Cuisine
RestaurantsNot Watson's Kitchen + Bar
RestaurantsNot Watson's Kitchen + Bar is the Market Square spot for creative New American with Southern swagger, from salmon Vera and shrimp-and-grits…
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar
RestaurantsFive Thirty Lounge
RestaurantsPerched atop the Hyatt Place, Five Thirty Lounge pours delicious craft cocktails with cozy seating, a fire pit, and 15-foot glass that…
Five Thirty Lounge
RestaurantsAkita Hibachi Sushi
RestaurantsCraving a quick sushi fix or that hibachi sizzle without the kitchen cleanup? Akita Hibachi & Sushi nails both, rolling bright, fresh maki…
Akita Hibachi Sushi
RestaurantsLakeside Tavern
RestaurantsOn the waterfront at Sun Life Marina, Lakeside Tavern nails the local, laid-back vibe with indoor-outdoor seating and a patio right on the…
Lakeside Tavern
RestaurantsBurger Revolution
RestaurantsLocally owned Burger Revolution is all about smash-style patties, double-fried crispy fries, and house-made sauces that actually taste like…
Burger Revolution
RestaurantsCentral Flats and Taps
RestaurantsWhen you want stone baked flats, slow roasted wings, and a tap list that runs over 50 deep, Central Flats and Taps nails the casual hang,…
Central Flats and Taps
RestaurantsD.P. Dough
RestaurantsLocal chain open late for calzones with diverse fillings, including chili dog & cheesecake versions.
D.P. Dough
RestaurantsKaizen
RestaurantsKaizen brings the izakaya spirit to Old City with shareable small plates that riff on Japanese favorites and pull in Szechuan and Thai…
Kaizen
RestaurantsVida
RestaurantsVida spins fresh pan-Latin plates with playful Asian accents inside the Historic Holston, then tempts you downstairs to The Vault, a swanky…
Vida
RestaurantsPizzeria Nora
RestaurantsPizzeria Nora keeps it stellar with house-made mozzarella on the Margherita, the Dino stacked with Molinari soppressata and house-made…
Pizzeria Nora
RestaurantsConnors Steak & Seafood
RestaurantsNeighborhood restaurant & bar serving aged steaks & fresh seafood in a warm atmosphere.
Connors Steak & Seafood
RestaurantsStock & Barrel
RestaurantsStock & Barrel keeps it simple and stellar with fresh, local-leaning burgers and one of Knoxville’s largest bourbon lineups, from Blanton’s…
Stock & Barrel
RestaurantsWings Xpress
RestaurantsKnoxville folks who crave legit fried chicken wings will appreciate Wings Xpress, a no-fuss local joint serving 12 flavor options plus…
Wings Xpress
RestaurantsBistro at the Bijou
RestaurantsKnoxville’s classic hangout this week is Bistro at the Bijou, serving cozy seasonal comfort fare, a dedicated vegetarian and vegan menu,…
Bistro at the Bijou
RestaurantsBarley's Taproom and Pizzeria
RestaurantsBarley's Taproom and Pizzeria nails the Knoxville trifecta with deliciously unique pies, a deep craft beer lineup they proudly call…
Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria
RestaurantsThe Humble Hog
RestaurantsThe Humble Hog leans into slow-smoked staples like brisket and ribs, then surprises with scratch-made sides, banana pudding worth guarding,…
The Humble Hog
RestaurantsWings Etc.
RestaurantsRelaxed sports bar serving wings & beer.
Wings Etc.
RestaurantsA Dopo Sourdough Pizza
RestaurantsA Dopo Sourdough Pizza is the go-to when you want that tangy, wood-fired crust without the fuss, serving varied sourdough pies plus beer…
A Dopo Sourdough Pizza
RestaurantsNama Sushi Bar - Cedar Bluff
RestaurantsNama Sushi Bar - Cedar Bluff keeps Knoxville’s sushi bar set high, with fresh ingredients, skilled chefs, and a vibe that feels elevated…
Nama Sushi Bar - Cedar Bluff
RestaurantsPoint B
RestaurantsPoint B nails the hangout vibe with craft cocktails, shareable boards, and locally sourced entrées, plus legit mocktails for the…
Point B
RestaurantsKabuki Restaurant (Downtown)
RestaurantsKabuki Restaurant (Downtown) keeps the cravings in check with a deep menu of classic sushi, crowd-pleasing creative rolls, and hibachi that…
Kabuki Restaurant (Downtown)
RestaurantsSevier Avenue Burger Company
RestaurantsSevier Avenue Burger Company keeps things simple and seriously tasty with griddled-to-order smash burgers, crispy fries, and a bar built…
Sevier Avenue Burger Company
RestaurantsWater into Wine, Bistro & Lounge
RestaurantsWater into Wine, Bistro & Lounge is the weeknight hero with a scratch-made seasonal menu of shareable small plates, an award-winning Old…
Water into Wine, Bistro & Lounge
RestaurantsCazzy's Corner Grill
RestaurantsCazzy's Corner Grill brings a trend-setting spirit to classic American plates, making everything from scratch and flying in fresh seafood…
Cazzy's Corner Grill
RestaurantsThe French Market Creperie Downtown
RestaurantsFrench crêperie in cozy space of chandeliers & bleached wood, plus sandwiches, cider & import shop.
The French Market Creperie Downtown
RestaurantsYe Olde Steak House
RestaurantsSince 1968, Ye Olde Steak House has been the cozy, no-frills spot locals hit for flame-grilled steaks that taste like somebody finally…
Ye Olde Steak House
RestaurantsSergeant Pepperoni's Pizzeria - Bearden
RestaurantsWhether you want a weeknight pie that hits just right or a low-key spot to grab a beer on tap, Sergeant Pepperoni's Pizzeria - Bearden…
Sergeant Pepperoni's Pizzeria - Bearden
RestaurantsSouth Coast Pizza
RestaurantsSouth Coast Pizza keeps South Knoxville happy with pies made from quality ingredients, plenty of craft brews, and easygoing outdoor seating…
South Coast Pizza
RestaurantsThe Flying Biscuit Cafe
RestaurantsBranch of a laid-back chain known for Southern food & all-day breakfast selections.
The Flying Biscuit Cafe
RestaurantsTupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
RestaurantsAn all-day menu of Southern comfort food with a creative twist, plus craft beers & cocktails.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
RestaurantsCalhoun's
RestaurantsOpened in 1988, Calhoun's On the River pairs smoky Tennessee BBQ, fresh-ground burgers, homestyle sides, and craft beers with a front-row…
Calhoun's
RestaurantsWild Boar Tavern
RestaurantsCasual, sports-centric eatery serving steaks, BBQ, and pizza, plus live entertainment.
Wild Boar Tavern
RestaurantsLonesome Dove Knoxville
RestaurantsWith Chef Tim Love at the helm, Lonesome Dove Knoxville serves refined, Texas-inspired plates and inventive cocktails built on fresh local…
Lonesome Dove Knoxville
RestaurantsPlum Tree Chinese Restaurant
RestaurantsWhen you want comfort without the fuss, Plum Tree Chinese Restaurant hits the spot with Chinese and Thai favorites like crispy crab rangoon…
Plum Tree Chinese Restaurant
RestaurantsBrazeiros Knoxville - Brazilian Steakhouse
RestaurantsWhen the steak craving hits, skip the grill and let the pros come to you. At Brazeiros Knoxville - Brazilian Steakhouse, servers carve an…
Brazeiros Knoxville - Brazilian Steakhouse
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