10 Restaurants with Vegetarian and Vegan Food in Knoxville

This sunny spot (get it) on the strip (near UT Campus) prides themselves on being the place “where tie-dyes and neckties unite”, meaning you’re just as likely as seeing a business power lunch as a group of friends with dreads.  Their vegetarian-friendly menu features a bit of this and a bit of that with Southwestern, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisine influences.  For vegans, you’re in luck – you’ll have a variety of things to try.  Start with the orange blossom special with coconut rice, avocado, pico, orange boba, and fried wontons or chickpea fries as an appetizer.  If you’re one who likes the taste of meat but chooses not to eat it, the chili mac n cheese is the bomb.com (it’s got beyond burger and black beans and vegan cheese and I promise you wouldn’t be able to tell it’s not beef).  For sandwiches, they have a tofu melt (minus cheese for vegans), and an incredible black bean burger. 

Millennial alert – this is the place you want to get your avocado toast.  Their menu is almost 100% vegan, with some exceptions like honey, Nutella, cream for lattes, and goat cheese.  They have juices, smoothies, and the best acai bowls around.  Their bowls are uncomplicated; pick a base, 2 fruits, and 3 toppings – my standard order: ½ acai and ½ pitaya (dragonfruit), then mango and strawberry, topped with coconut shavings, granola, and Nutella (duh).  Visit them on Broadway just north of downtown, Bearden, or Northshore.

Three Rivers Market is a co-op style grocery store named after the confluence of the Holston and French Broad Rivers on the eastern edge of Knoxville.  Their deli features a hot bar, salad bar, soups, and grab and go case with prepared foods, salads, and entrees available by the pound and made from scratch by their deli.  Every menu features vegetarian or vegan and meat entrees as well as delicious vegetarian or vegan sides. Perfect for a picnic, just stock up and go!

Considered by many to be one of Knoxville’s first vegetarian-heavy restaurants, this hotspot in Market Square is a staple by carnivores and veg-heads alike.  Start with their hummus, which can be found in local markets.  I said I wasn’t going to comment on salads, but theirs do stand out as having baked tofu as an option.  They have vegetarian and vegan sandwiches, and homemade veggie burgers (gluten-free bread as an option).  Many come here for the pizza, which of course is veggie-friendly.  When you leave, indulge in vegan cookies or cupcakes.  If you’re out by the West Town Mall, they have a location in The Gallery Plaza.

Good Golly Tamale in the Old City will wow meat eaters and vegans alike. Their menu is tight, with four "always tamales" and about 10 or so "seasonal tamales." For the always category, the Vegan Soul will call your name: Blue Corn, Black Eyed Peas, Sweet Potato, Collards. Vegetarians can also pick the Queso Poblano: Sweetwater Valley Buttermilk Cheese, Roasted Peppers. In the seasonal category, vegans can do Butternut Squash with Spicy Maple-Glazed Pecans; the Calabacitas: Blue Corn, Yellow Squash, Zucchini, Tomato, Onion, Lime, Spices; and the Veggie (Vegan) Pot Pie: Oyster mushrooms, yukon potato, carrots, green peas, onions. Vegetarians can add a few more choices with the Bean and Cheese: Blue Corn, Refried Black Beans, Sweetwater Valley Buttermilk Cheese; Egg and Cheese: Crooked Road Farm eggs, Sweetwater Valley Buttermilk Cheese, Green Onions; 

Enjoy vegan Israeli cuisine at this falafel & hummus bar on Gay Street.  Falafel and hummus varieties sum up the majority of their menu, with expected offerings like baba ghanoush and a smorgasbord of add-ons from harissa to tahini.  The cauliflower is roasted to perfection, and you won’t feel an ounce of guilt at any selection you make.

Headed back east, specifically to showcase Japan and other Asian cuisines.  This menu is hard to nail down because they are excellent at offering an ever-changing variety of daily specials.  But to at least paint a picture of what to expect, you’ll find steamed tofu and eggplant buns, mushroom fried rice, mapo doufu (Sichuan tofu dish with fermented black beans), tamarind glazed potatoes, cardamom curry vegetables, and more.  Their menu also conveniently indicates vegan/vegetarian, and also spice level for those of us (raises hand) that can’t handle the heat.

Headed back west (in Knoxville, that is), this bar and grille is in Turkey Creek.  Start your meal with quick fried artichoke hearts or brie en croute.  For an entrée consider the grilled vegetable platter or the Mediterranean vegetable sandwich.  Make that black bean & quinoa burger vegan by omitting the pepper jack cheese.  If you’re around on Sunday, brunch options for vegetarians include Bailey’s French toast and praline pancakes.

Lots of wonderful items to choose here from this downtown staple since 1980.  Start with flash fried brussels sprouts or white truffle fries.  Their fall/winter menu features butternut squash ravioli, curried vegetable bowl, hoppin’ john, and sides like roasted beets and collard greens with hot pepper vinegar.  They’re also known for having a great brunch; try the tofu scramble or the red flannel hash.  Check their calendar for live Jazz, and of course you can always catch a show at the Bijou itself.

Our last stop for this post brings us to Africa, where the country of Ethiopia highlights a variety of vegetarian and vegan cuisine.  Right off the bat you’ll find vegetarian sambbussa (pastry shell stuffed with whole lentils, garlic, jalapenos, and onions).  Eight main courses offer a variety of split peas, red lentils, and vegetables in various spices and curries.  Make it easy and get the vegetarian combination so you can try several of them (4 or 6).  Wash it all down with Ethiopian spiced hot tea.

Hope this helps you find some veggie-friendly options in Knoxville!  For all of Knoxville’s dining options, explore more here.