You’ve searched “restaurants near me” and "food near me" and you've landed here.
Welcome, we'd like to help!
Since we don't actually know where you are, we've rounded up three Knoxville restaurants in each part of town in the hopes that you're near one of these.
Sourdough pizza, Southern comfort food, global flavors, creative burgers, fresh seafood, and plenty more await! Scroll down and make a quick pick for a memorable meal!
*Note these are on the casual side, so you can swing in, no reservations.
North Knoxville brings together creative neighborhoods, longtime local favorites and plenty of easygoing places to grab a bite. Find even more stops up Broadway, Happy Holler, and Fountain City with this guide to Knoxville’s neighborhoods.
Central Flats & Taps – Flatbread pizzas, paninis, wings and plenty of beer on tap make this Happy Holler favorite an easy choice for lunch, dinner or a late-night bite.
Inskip Grill – Come for the handmade burgers and stay for the playful menu. This neighborhood spot is casual, colorful and ready to satisfy a serious burger craving.
Ale’ Rae Grill – Part restaurant, part neighborhood hangout and part live music venue, Ale’ Rae serves approachable pub food in a relaxed North Broadway setting.
Restaurants in East Knoxville
East Knoxville is where you’ll find lots of family-friendly attractions and local establishments nearby for a quick bite.
Pizza Palace – This Magnolia Avenue institution has been serving pizza, pasta, sandwiches and famously crispy onion rings for generations. Pull in, place your order and enjoy a true Knoxville classic.
Magnolia Café – Wings, catfish, shrimp and fried chicken livers are among the specialties at this casual East Knoxville staple.
The Lunch House – This family-owned diner is known for meat-and-three plates, Southern comfort food and a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere.
South Knoxville dining pairs perfectly with a day spent hiking, biking, paddling or exploring the Knoxville Urban Wilderness.
Sevier Avenue Burger Company – Smash burgers, scratch-made fried pickles and Buffalo chicken rangoon make this a fun stop along Sevier Avenue. Indoor, outdoor and open-air seating keep the atmosphere casual.
South Coast Pizza – Pizza, wings, salads and cold beer: sometimes the simplest dinner plan is the best one. Grab a table or order a pizza to go and keep your SoKno adventure moving.
SoKno Taco Cantina – Hand-rolled Southern California-style tacos, craft cocktails and a cyclist-friendly location near the Urban Wilderness make this an especially convenient post-trail stop.
South Knoxville is also home to several stops along the city’s craft brewery and taproom scene, making it easy to turn dinner into a laid-back neighborhood outing.
Restaurants in West Knoxville
West Knoxville offers an enormous variety of dining choices, but these local favorites keep things comfortable, flavorful and low-key. Find more ideas for shopping, entertainment and dining in the West Knoxville neighborhood guide.
Abridged Beer Company – Located in a converted auto garage, Abridged pairs house-made beer with burgers, sandwiches and Southern-inspired pub food. The patio is an excellent place to settle in and stay awhile.
Dead End BBQ – Barbecue plates, sandwiches and hearty sides make this Sutherland Avenue spot a dependable choice when smoked meat is calling your name. Dine in, take it to go or order enough to feed the group.
Chez Guevara – Hidden away in the corner of a shopping plaza (is there even a sign?), this funky West Knoxville cult favorite serves Tex-Mex dishes, margaritas and plenty of personality. The colorful décor is almost as memorable as the food.
Whether you’re shopping, visiting family, or spending the day near Concord Park, Farragut has plenty of relaxed places to stop for a meal.
Big Kahuna Wings – Dry-rub wings, signature seasonings and house-made dipping sauces are the main event, but the menu also includes sandwiches, salads and specialty plates.
Sam & Andy’s – This local diner is a go-to for burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and familiar favorites served without the fuss.
The French Market Crêperie – Sweet and savory crêpes, croissant sandwiches, soups, salads and pastries make this fast-casual French café a fun choice for breakfast, lunch or a lighter dinner.
Build a full day around your meal with more things to do in Farragut, including parks, shopping, local history, and waterfront recreation.
Restaurants in Downtown Knoxville
Downtown is an easy place places to answer the question, “What are the best restaurants near me?” More than 90 dining options are packed into one walkable square mile, so your next meal may be mere steps away. Browse the full guide to downtown Knoxville restaurants or begin with these casual favorites:
Yassin’s Falafel House – Fresh falafel, chicken shawarma, hummus and other Mediterranean favorites are served in a friendly, fast-casual environment.
Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria – Head to the Old City for pizza, sandwiches, salads, cold drinks and live music.
Marble City Market – Spacious, relaxed, and especially convenient when everyone in the group wants something different.
After dinner, keep exploring downtown Knoxville, including Market Square, Gay Street, the Old City and nearby entertainment venues.
Find Your Next Knoxville Restaurant
Searching for "restaurants near you in Knoxville" could lead to a burger in North Knoxville, pizza on the south side, barbecue out west or falafel downtown.
The best strategy? Pick a part of town and follow your appetite.
Knoxville’s casual food scene includes diners, breweries, taco shops, barbecue restaurants, pizza places and neighborhood hangouts throughout the city. You can also search Knoxville restaurants by cuisine when you already know exactly what you’re craving!
Restaurant menus, operating hours and availability may change. Check directly with each restaurant before visiting.
Author
Kristen Combs
Kristen Combs is the Director of Communications & Social Strategies for Visit Knoxville. With an extensive knowledge of Knoxville as a tourist destination, Kristen is also the author of 100 Things to Do in Knoxville Before You Die, published by Reedy Press and available in the Visitors Center Gift Shop. Find Kristen on Instagram at @100thingsknoxville.
