Best Restaurants in Knoxville (2025)

Chef Joseph Lenn’s wood-fired Southern cooking anchors downtown with seasonal plates and a chef’s counter tasting menu. A James Beard Award winner leads the kitchen, and national press like Forbes has praised it as quintessential Knoxville dining.

Naturally leavened, wood-fired pies and house-made gelato make this dinner-only spot a must. Recognized on USA Today’s 2025 Restaurants of the Year list, with prior nods from Food & Wine and Bon Appétit, it’s the local benchmark for Neapolitan-style pizza.

Jesse Newmister’s izakaya-inspired restaurant blends Japanese technique with Thai and Sichuan accents, from steamed buns to craveable fried rice. A fixture in the Old City, it’s often highlighted by local critics for inventive small plates and warm hospitality.

Sequoyah Hills’ neighborhood dining room where chef Drew McDonald turns local farm goods into bright, seasonal brunches and dinners. Noted by Southern Living and state tourism for thoughtful sourcing and pastry work that locals swear by.

Family-owned since 2008, this West Knoxville stalwart serves French-Belgian classics — mussels, steak frites, and a deep beer and wine list — with gracious service. A go-to among local critics for date night and celebratory dinners.

Beloved for fresh falafel, shawarma, and a community-first ethos, Yassin’s earned national attention as Reader’s Digest’s Nicest Place in America and on Good Morning America. The spirit is welcoming, the flavors are vivid, and the roots are local.

A family-run Laotian favorite known for crispy rice, laab, and comforting noodle soups. Frequently praised by Southern Living and locals alike, it delivers bold flavors, generous portions, and genuine hospitality.

Market Square’s lively oyster bar flies in rotating bivalves and pairs them with clever cocktails and a seafood-forward menu. Known for Shuck Club events and an upbeat dining room, it’s a local catch for raw and cooked seafood.

Housed in a historic 19th-century building beside the Bijou Theatre, this independent bistro blends Southern comfort with live jazz nights. A downtown institution, it’s celebrated by locals for dependable cooking and sense of place.

Born from a backyard barbecue crew, this independently owned spot serves competition-style smoked meats and scratch sides. A longtime local favorite, it’s where East Tennessee barbecue traditions meet a friendly neighborhood vibe.

A polished ode to Northern Italy with fresh pastas, regional classics, and a deep, thoughtful wine list. Launched by a local hospitality team alongside next-door cocktail landmark Brother Wolf, it’s become a destination for Italian dining downtown.

Since 1990, this locally owned staple has fueled Market Square with build-your-own pizzas, sandwiches, and abundant vegetarian options. Featured by Bon Appétit and Southern Living, it’s part cafe, part community hub with rotating local art.