Ask anyone in Knoxville where to find the best pizza and you’ll get more opinions than slices in a jumbo pie. Whether you crave gooey, late-night New York style or crispy, wood-fired creations from scratch, this city is packed with pizzerias worth exploring.
Let’s get to it.
Baker Boy Pizza Company
On North Cherry Street, Baker Boy Pizza Company caters to serious pizza lovers with strictly New York style pies and foldable slices. They offer full pies in 16 and 24-inch sizes alongside giant slices that double as dinner plates. Dough is scratch-made each morning, and sauce blends satisfy every crowd-pleaser and adventurous eater.
Signature options include the Parkridge Pep, which stays true to pepperoni, and combos like Pineapple and Proud with sweet-and-spicy notes. The Italian Stallion brings sausage, ricotta, and hot honey together, and a bacon-chicken-buffalo drizzle pie hits you with three savory accents in every bite.
Order at the counter and grab a seat indoors among metal chairs, or head to the shared patio next to Orange Hat Brewery. The open kitchen layout lets you watch dough stretchers toss pies. The menu also features mozzarella sticks made in giant proportions and desserts such as cinnamon pizza and oversized cookies that taste fresh from the oven.
Families, lunch crowds, and brewery goers find plenty to love. Since opening in late 2023 in a renovated 1970s building, Baker Boy has kept the atmosphere casual and the focus firmly on quality New York style pizza.
Uncle Sam’s Restaurant
Within walking distance of the UT campus, Uncle Sam’s Restaurant & Cafe has become a favorite college hangout in downtown Knoxville. Owned by Sammy and Moe Lash, the cafe blends Middle Eastern and Italian flavors on a menu packed with custom pizzas, pasta, calzones, subs, and more. The space feels casual and fast-paced, especially during game nights and the lunch rush.
Every day, they prepare dough and sauce from scratch, which shows in pizzas like the Gyro Pizza topped with seasoned lamb, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki drizzle. The Magnificent Greek, Buffalo Chicken, and New York Meatball pies stand out alongside classic pepperoni and cheese. Beyond pizza, you’ll find Italian subs, gyro wraps, fried garlic mushrooms, and pasta dishes that change seasonally.
Prices stay low enough for students, making it easy to order a giant slice without hesitation. Seating is simple wood tables and stools, and the turnover rate moves quickly when classes let out. Parking near downtown can be tight, but takeout and delivery options help skip the walk. Uncle Sam’s money-back guarantee on every pizza underscores their confidence in each handcrafted slice.
Cruze Farm Pizza Barn
On the outskirts of a working dairy farm, Cruze Farm Pizza Barn brings fresh mozzarella straight from the family’s herd into every pie. Founded in 2018 but backed by dairy expertise since the 1980s, they scratch-make sauces, dough, and cheese just down the road from where the cows once grazed.
The wrap-around porch invites you to sit outside under the shade. Inside, the aroma of garlic bread and wood fire greets you. The New York style hand-tossed pizzas stretch big and floppy on purpose. Toppings span from classics like pepperoni to unique combos with names such as Islands in the Stream and Dumb Blonde. A traditional Margherita covers the familiar base notes if you prefer something simpler.
If pan-style crust is more your speed, the garlic cheese bread hits the spot. You can also order a fork to tackle saucy slices without worry. Prices stay reasonable given their in-house cheese and scratch sauces. Next door, a walk-up window serves fresh ice cream made by the same dairy family. Each cone makes for a fitting nightcap after a pizza served in a genuinely rural setting.
A Dopo Sourdough Pizza
Down in downtown Knoxville, A Dopo Sourdough Pizza focuses on naturally-leavened, wood-fired sourdough pies. Each pie has a thin, bubbly crust and just enough char to highlight the wood-fired heat. They serve Neapolitan style rounds in 12 to 15 inches alongside New York style single slices, so you can order a whole pie or grab one slice if you’re on the move.
Try the Truffle Pie with white truffle oil, speck ham, mushrooms, chives, and a smear of fig jam for a sweet finish. Other options include a classic Margherita, a vodka sauce pie with fresh mozzarella, or seasonal specials that rotate often. Every pizza looks crafted without feeling pretentious.
Prices generally fall between $20 and $26, reflecting the hand-tossed dough, locally sourced toppings, and the restaurant’s warm, candlelit ambiance.
You’ll also find handmade gelato and a tight Italian wine list to complement each slice. The dining room offers cozy tables, and the open kitchen lets you watch pies slide into the hearth. They open for dinner only, and reservations are wise—A Dopo fills up fast on weekend evenings.
Forno Grill
Kicking off your meal at Forno Grill in Knoxville means diving into genuine New York–style pizza without fuss. The counter-order setup is straightforward: choose your pie, grab a drink from the cooler, and settle in. Free parking in the plaza saves time on your way in.
Pizzas come in three hand-tossed sizes, all featuring a thin, floppy crust that holds up under hearty toppings. You’ll find familiar options like supreme, meat lovers, and veggie, plus fresher takes such as Caprese with basil and tomato or a Mediterranean version with olive oil and feta. Beyond pizza, the menu includes pasta dishes, sandwiches, oversized calzones, and sweet treats for dessert.
Generous portions and reasonable prices keep this spot busy, especially around lunchtime. Vegetarian diners get plenty of choices, thanks to homemade sauces and family recipes passed down through generations. Forno Grill might have only opened in 2019, but the kitchen runs like it’s been around for decades, delivering comfort food classics that keep customers coming back.
Sergeant Pepperoni’s Pizzeria – Bearden
Stepping into Sergeant Pepperoni’s Pizzeria in Bearden feels nothing like a typical chain restaurant. This fast-casual spot welcomes everyone from kids in soccer cleats to late-night pizza hunters. Start with a hand-tossed crust that’s light and bubbly, sometimes crisping at the edges if it sits in the open-flame oven a bit longer. Pies range from an 8-inch personal size up to a 16-inch family portion. Every pizza is made from scratch with local ingredients, and you’ll find classics like the Topless (that’s just cheese), a Mediterranean version with feta and sun-dried tomatoes, or a buffalo chicken slice that tests your napkin skills.
Gluten-free crusts are available, and you can’t miss the cheesy focaccia sticks or parmesan garlic bread—they’re notorious for disappearing fast. Three friends from Michigan opened this place in 2011, and the family-and-neighbors vibe is obvious in the friendly counter service. Pizzas top out around $22, and beer taps are priced to encourage a relaxed stay. It does fill up on weekends, but the sports-bar ambiance and the smell of baking dough make it worth the wait.
South Coast Pizza
On Sevier Avenue, South Coast Pizza blends casual and hip in a compact, modern dining room with outdoor patio space. Their scratch-made dough strikes a balance between New York style street slice and Neapolitan crust, delivering a thin, crispy base that still holds up under toppings. Half-and-half pies let you sample two flavors without compromise.
Pies range from the Winner Winner Chicken Dinner with white sauce, chicken, and extra cheese to the Rita topped with salami and a pesto drizzle. The Green Monster layers spinach and pesto for a veggie-forward option, while Korean BBQ Beef and Unsung Gyro introduce global twists. Classic and gluten-free crusts are both available, with the gluten-free version also qualifying as vegan.
Salads and wings round out the menu, and a rotating draft list focuses on local craft beers. The dining room welcomes groups, and the dog-friendly patio invites pups on leashes. Prices land in a moderate range that matches the premium ingredients. Since opening in 2018, the same team has overseen every pizza from dough ball to box, keeping regulars coming back for scratch-made flavor and a laid-back vibe.
Pizza Hoss in Karns
Under new local ownership since August 2024, Pizza Hoss in Karns embraces a casual, sports-friendly atmosphere. It features sports bar-style taps, counter service, and long tables that invite post-game gatherings. Parking is abundant when a match ends, and ordering stays straightforward at the counter or online.
The menu centers on hand-tossed, New York-style pies in a 10-inch size. Build-your-own pizzas start at $6.75, with local toppings that add flavor without breaking the bank. Dietary options include cauliflower crust and crustless pizza bowls. Dessert pizzas also appear on the lineup.
Specialty choices range from Chicken Bacon Ranch to the Big Hoss, while a classic Margherita and the Kitchen Sink offer either simplicity or everything at once. Garlic knots, BBQ wings, and funnel cake fries line the sides menu. With easy parking, online or in-person ordering, and wallet-friendly prices, Pizza Hoss makes casual dining or reliable delivery a breeze. Families, sports squads, and late-night snackers can all find something to satisfy their appetite.
Harby’s Pizza & Deli
Operating since 1990, Harby’s Pizza & Deli occupies a familiar neighborhood corner that recently reopened its dining room under fresh ownership and updated branding. The room seats a few dozen people and feels cozy. People mainly choose takeout or delivery, though parking is usually available on nearby streets.
The pies are hand-tossed on a crisp white crust and start at eight dollars. Specialty pizzas run up to eighteen dollars and cover every topping combination from classic meats to hearty veggie blends. The Maui Wowi pizza layers BBQ sauce, pineapple, bacon, and jalapeños for an unexpected twist.
Everything here is baked in-house, from the dough to the baklava, and the Wedgie sandwich has its own loyal following. Finish your meal with a slice of Italian cream cake for a sweet touch. Harby’s keeps the menu honest and straightforward, making it a go-to spot for reliable, unfussy pizza, sandwiches, and housemade treats.
Elidio’s Pizza
Elidio’s Pizza in Knoxville has been perfecting hand-tossed New York–style pies since the 1980s, despite a variety of names over the years. What hasn’t changed is the thin, chewy crust that regulars adore. Classic toppings sit alongside options like artichoke hearts and banana peppers for anyone feeling adventurous.
Inside, you’ll find a relaxed, family-friendly dining room that seats 30–40 guests, plus a handful of patio tables for warm days. The “Everyday Special”—two slices and a drink—offers a true throwback deal, making lunch affordable for students and local workers. Beyond pizza, the menu includes pasta, Italian subs, stromboli, and wings, so there’s something for everyone.
Everything starts with scratch-made dough and house-made sauce. Freshly grated cheese and carefully selected toppings finish each order. It’s no wonder drivers keep pulling off Central Avenue Pike whenever they crave an extra-large pie or a classic pepperoni roll. Elidio’s combines nostalgic prices with reliable quality in every bite.
Blaze Pizza
For a fully customizable pizza experience, Blaze Pizza delivers exactly what you ask for. You move down an assembly line choosing dough, sauces, cheeses, and a host of toppings from roasted garlic to artichoke hearts and jalapeño ranch. If you’d rather leave it to the pros, opt for one of their Chef’s Choice combos like the Red Vine.
Scratch-made dough and sauces head straight into an open-flame oven where each pizza bakes in about three minutes. Plant-based eaters will appreciate vegan cheese and meat alternatives, plus gluten-free and cauliflower crusts for those with special diets. Self-serve drinks and a modern, industrial dining space with big windows complete the casual vibe.
Prices range from $8 to $12 for a personal pizza, making it an attractive spot for a quick lunch or easy dinner. Locations near Turkey Creek and West Town Boulevard are easy to find, and the rapid service ensures you spend more time eating and less time waiting. Blaze Pizza is ideal when you want control over every topping and a speedy, satisfying meal.
The Tomato Head
When you walk into The Tomato Head in Knoxville, you’ll notice the bright, casual café atmosphere first. Their thin-crust pies arrive fresh from the oven, with a chewy bite that works equally well in classic or gluten-free form. Choose between 9-inch personal pies or larger 14-inch options.
The menu offers inventive creations like the Griffin, topped with hot honey, blue cheese, and roasted portobello slices, or the BFG featuring banana peppers, garlic-oil drizzle, and thick-cut pepperoni. There’s even a breakfast pizza crowned with smoked salmon, eggs, and capers for early risers. Nearly every ingredient is fresh and natural—tomatoes, tofu, cheeses, herbs—they handle it all in-house.
On weekends the brunch crowd lines up for monkey bread and hearty breakfast bowls that appeal to students and locals alike. Seating includes colorful indoor tables and a sidewalk patio facing Market Square, perfect for people-watching. Though prices lean slightly higher, the scratch-made breads, local art on the walls, and range of craft beers make the experience feel like a genuine slice of Knoxville.
