Knoxville Eats You Need to Try (According to People Who Live There)

Knoxville has quietly built a reputation as one of the South’s most exciting food cities.

Locals know the best spots aren’t always the ones with the flashiest signs or the longest lines. Instead, they’re the places where flavors tell stories, where chefs pour their hearts into every dish, and where a single bite can make you fall in love with this city all over again.

1. Yassin’s Falafel House

Syrian refugee Yassin Terou opened this place with a dream and a falafel recipe that would change Knoxville forever. His story of resilience and kindness has touched thousands, but it’s the food that keeps people coming back week after week. Every bite of crispy falafel or creamy hummus tastes like home cooking, no matter where you’re from.

The menu features Mediterranean classics made with fresh ingredients and genuine care. Locals rave about the chicken shawarma and the generous portions that never disappoint. Yassin himself often greets customers with a warm smile and a story to share.

What makes this spot truly special is the sense of community it creates. You’ll find students, families, and business people all gathered together, united by incredible food and welcoming vibes.

2. A Dopo Sourdough Pizza

Forget everything you thought you knew about pizza night. A Dopo takes sourdough seriously, letting their dough ferment for days to create that perfect tangy flavor and chewy texture. The result? Pizzas with blistered, crispy crusts that crack under your fork and melt in your mouth with every bite.

Their seasonal toppings change with what’s fresh and available, keeping the menu exciting year-round. One week you might find butternut squash and sage, the next could bring heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil. The creativity never stops, but the quality always stays consistent.

Grab a seat at the bar and watch the pizza makers work their magic in the open kitchen.

3. Stock & Barrel

Burgers here aren’t just sandwiches—they’re engineering marvels of flavor and texture. Stock & Barrel grinds their beef fresh daily and cooks each patty to juicy perfection. The toppings range from classic American cheese to adventurous combinations that somehow always work together beautifully.

Their bourbon selection rivals many dedicated whiskey bars, with over 60 varieties lining the shelves behind the bar. Pairing a perfectly charred burger with a smooth bourbon creates an experience that feels distinctly Southern and utterly satisfying. The bartenders know their stuff and love making recommendations based on your taste preferences.

Don’t sleep on the hand-cut fries, which arrive hot and crispy every single time.

4. Kaizen

Kaizen in Knoxville’s Old City is a highly rated Asian fusion restaurant inspired by the Japanese izakaya concept—casual, communal, and perfect for sharing. Here, small plates and creative dishes draw on Japanese, Szechuan, and Thai influences, with favorites like steamed buns, pork belly fried rice, dan-dan noodles, and more that locals and visitors rave about.

The laid-back vibe extends to a cozy interior and outdoor patio, complemented by an extensive drink list featuring sake, Japanese whisky, and local beers. Whether you’re stopping in for a lively dinner with friends or sipping cocktails on the patio, Kaizen delivers inventive flavors and warm hospitality.

5. Emilia

Named after Italy’s culinary heartland, this restaurant brings authentic Italian flavors to downtown Knoxville with remarkable skill. House-made pasta forms the foundation of most dishes, with each noodle rolled and cut by hand daily. The dedication to traditional techniques shines through in every forkful of silky carbonara or rich bolognese.

The wine list features carefully selected Italian bottles that complement the menu perfectly. Staff members genuinely enjoy helping diners navigate the options, whether you’re a wine expert or completely new to Italian varietals.

Dim lighting and intimate table spacing make Emilia ideal for romantic dinners or important celebrations. Locals treat meals here as events worth savoring slowly, lingering over multiple courses and good conversation long into the evening.

6. Oliver Royale

Walking into Oliver Royale feels like discovering a hidden gem that somehow everyone already knows about. The menu changes frequently to highlight seasonal ingredients at their peak, meaning you’ll never have quite the same experience twice. Chef-driven creativity meets Southern hospitality in dishes that surprise and comfort simultaneously.

Small plates encourage sharing and trying multiple flavors throughout your meal. The roasted beet salad and duck confit have earned legendary status among regulars. Each dish arrives with unexpected touches that show real thought went into every component on the plate.

The cocktail program deserves its own praise, with bartenders crafting drinks that balance innovation with drinkability.

7. Sweet P’s Uptown Corner

Barbecue debates can get heated in the South, but Sweet P’s has earned respect across all camps. Their hickory-smoked meats achieve that ideal balance of tender meat and flavorful bark that makes great barbecue unforgettable. The pulled pork practically melts on your tongue, while the ribs pull clean off the bone with the gentlest tug.

Beyond the meats, the sides here hold their own as stars of the plate. Creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, and perfectly seasoned collard greens complete the Southern comfort food experience. Even the cornbread gets rave reviews for its slightly sweet, buttery goodness.

The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from construction workers to business executives, all united by their love of honest, delicious food.

8. Litton’s

Since 1946, Litton’s has been serving breakfast and lunch to generations of Knoxville families. This isn’t trendy farm-to-table cuisine or fusion experimentation—it’s honest diner food done right, the kind that reminds you of Sunday mornings at grandma’s house.

Eggs come cooked exactly how you order them, bacon arrives crispy, and the hash browns get that golden-brown crust that’s harder to achieve than it looks. Everything tastes like it was made with care by people who genuinely enjoy feeding their community. The prices remain remarkably reasonable, especially considering the generous portions.

Locals know to arrive early on weekends to avoid the rush and secure their favorite seats.