10 Must-Try Dishes For Your Next Knoxville Visit

Knoxville has grown into one of the South’s most exciting food destinations, blending Appalachian traditions with modern culinary innovation. From smoky barbecue to creative farm-to-table plates, the city offers flavors you won’t find anywhere else.

I’m here to guide you through the most delicious bites that make Knoxville truly unforgettable.

1. Biscuits and Gravy at OliBea

OliBea has perfected the art of Southern breakfast comfort, and their biscuits prove it every single morning. Fluffy layers meet rich, peppery gravy that tastes like a grandmother’s recipe passed down through generations.

You’ll find chunks of savory sausage throughout, adding texture and flavor to every forkful. The portions are generous without being overwhelming, leaving you satisfied but not stuffed. Pair it with their locally roasted coffee for the ultimate Knoxville breakfast experience.

2. Pulled Pork at Sweet P’s Barbecue

Sweet P’s has been smoking meats to perfection since the downtown days, earning a devoted following across East Tennessee. Their pulled pork gets slow-cooked for hours until it practically melts in your mouth with each bite.

The meat comes dressed in a tangy vinegar-based sauce that cuts through the richness beautifully. I recommend adding their creamy coleslaw right on top for crunch and contrast. This isn’t just barbecue – it’s a masterclass in Southern smoking traditions.

3. Fried Chicken at Jackie’s Dream

Jackie’s Dream serves soul food that feels like a warm hug from someone who truly cares about your happiness. Their fried chicken boasts a crackling golden crust seasoned with a secret blend that keeps people guessing and coming back.

Each piece stays incredibly juicy inside while maintaining that satisfying crunch outside. The sides – especially the mac and cheese – deserve their own spotlight but never overshadow the star. This is comfort food at its absolute finest.

4. Ramen at Nama Sushi Bar

Nama brings authentic Japanese flavors to downtown Knoxville with ramen bowls that rival what you’d find in Tokyo. Rich, savory broth simmers for hours before arriving at your table, topped with tender pork belly and perfectly cooked eggs.

The noodles have that ideal chewy texture that makes slurping both necessary and delightful. Fresh green onions and other toppings add brightness to balance the deep, umami-packed broth. Cold winter nights in Knoxville call for this warming, soul-satisfying dish.

5. Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich at Stock & Barrel

Stock & Barrel took the classic fried chicken sandwich and gave it a sweet-heat makeover that has become legendary around town. Crispy chicken gets drizzled with hot honey that creates an addictive balance between sugar and spice.

Tangy pickles and cool slaw cut through the richness, while the buttery brioche bun holds everything together beautifully. Your taste buds will experience multiple flavor waves with every single bite. I always order extra napkins because this one gets deliciously messy.

6. Shrimp and Grits at Tupelo Honey

Tupelo Honey elevates this Low Country classic with stone-ground grits that taste like they came straight from a Carolina mill. Plump shrimp get sauteed with smoky bacon and aromatic vegetables in a savory sauce that soaks into every spoonful.

The grits themselves are creamy and rich, providing the perfect canvas for all those bold flavors above. Fresh scallions add a pop of color and a subtle bite to finish things off. This dish represents Southern cooking at its most refined yet approachable.

7. Pizza at Harvest

Harvest brings farm-to-table philosophy to their wood-fired pizzas, using ingredients sourced from local farms whenever the season allows. The crust emerges from their oven with beautiful char marks and a chewy texture that holds up to generous toppings.

Fresh mozzarella melts into pools of creamy goodness while seasonal vegetables add brightness and crunch. Each pizza tells a story about what’s growing in East Tennessee right now. You’re not just eating dinner – you’re tasting the region’s agricultural bounty.

8. Pimento Cheese Burger at Litton’s Market

Litton’s has been a Knoxville institution since 1955, and their pimento cheese burger shows exactly why locals keep returning generation after generation. A juicy beef patty gets crowned with homemade pimento cheese that melts down the sides in the most glorious way.

The cheese brings tangy, creamy richness that transforms an ordinary burger into something special. Fresh vegetables add crunch while the toasted bun provides structure and a hint of butter. This is Tennessee comfort food done right.

9. Tacos at SoKno Taco Cantina

SoKno Taco Cantina brings authentic street taco vibes to South Knoxville with creative flavors that honor Mexican traditions while embracing local ingredients. Each taco arrives on warm corn tortillas with perfectly seasoned meat that’s been grilled or braised to tender perfection.

Fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime keep things bright and balanced. The casual atmosphere makes it easy to relax and enjoy multiple varieties without any pretense. These tacos prove that Knoxville’s food scene extends far beyond barbecue.

10. Apple Stack Cake at The Chop House

The Chop House honors Appalachian heritage with their version of this traditional mountain dessert that dates back generations. Multiple thin cake layers get stacked with spiced dried apple filling that develops deeper flavor as it sits.

The result is a dense, moist cake that tastes like autumn in the Smoky Mountains. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the apples and warm spices to shine through beautifully. This dessert connects you to the region’s culinary history in the most delicious way possible.