Looking for the next new restaurant hitting Knoxville’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in K-Town — plus, some spots coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the cuisine curve. And don’t forget to bookmark it.
July
Tarik’s North African Food, 900 E. Hill Ave. | North African |
The local food pop-up opened up a brick-and-mortar space serving food from Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Kyuramen, 213 N. Peters Rd. | Ramen
Opening July 28, this spot known for ramen bowls and dishes like omurice and rice burgers features the brand’s new interior concept with honeycomb booths + design elements inspired by Japan.
Dullahan’s, 12744 Kingston Pike | Irish pub
Head to Farragut for dishes like bangers and mash + fish and chips along with plenty of drinks.
Disco Chicken and Donuts , Kern’s Food Hall | Gluten-free chicken + donuts
Formerly operating as a food truck called “The Donut Theory,” this space opened hosts its grand opening celebration Friday, July 11.
June
Metro Diner, 6546 Clinton Hwy. | Brunch + diner food
The restaurant featured on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” opened its second Tennessee location here in Knoxville, a 3,500-sqft space with menu items like waffles, burgers, and breakfast bowls.
Camp Honey Coffee & Provisions, 5819 Lyons View Pike | Coffee
This coffee shops also includes a small “provisions” market with items like food and merch.
Primo Passo Coffee Co., 2099 Thunderhead Rd. | Coffee
This Santa Monica-based, family-run coffee shop is now open near Northshore Town Center.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in June? Let us know.
May
Flying Biscuit Café, 11683 Parkside Dr. | Breakfast
The spot famous for its grits and biscuits is now open and serving up breakfast all day long.
Coffee & Chocolate, 7240 Kingston Pike | Coffee
One of Knoxville’s longest-running coffee shops opened its third location in West Hills.
Small Comforts Kitchen, 3726 Sevier Heights Rd. | Bakery
The gluten-free pie shop’s brick-and-mortar location is now open and serving up sweet and savory pies.
Tesoro, 111 N. Central St. | Gelato
This Old City gelato shop shares an owner with Cafe Vicolo. Pick from one of the signature flavors, like pistachio and tiramisu, or choose one of the weekly rotating flavors.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in May? Let us know.
April
Side Hustle, 100 N. Central St. | BBQ
This backyard barbecue and cocktails concept took over the former Social Dove space behind Lonesome Dove. Try the frozen peanut colada.
Baker Boy Pizza Co., 7438 Maynardville Pike | Pizza
Baker Boy’s second location opened in Halls with the same fast casual pizza options you know and love.
Captain Crab, 4834 N. Broadway | Seafood
Though it’s been serving customers since February, the seafood restaurant hosted its official grand opening in April.
Eggspectation, 2201 Kerns Rising Way, Ste. A | American
Located inside of Kern’s Food Hall, this spot is known for its takes on comfort food + brunch.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in April? Let us know.
March
New Haven Pizza Pie, 416 Clinch Ave. | Pizza
This downtown pizza joint serves up slices of New Haven-style pizza, characterized by its thin, coal-fired crust and tangy sauce.
Crispy Cones, 6736 Malone Crk Dr., Ste. B | Ice cream
The dessert chain features European treats with a fresh dough cone covered in cinnamon and sugar + loaded with soft-serve ice cream and toppings. Yum.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in March? Let us know.
We’re looking forward to another spot with late-night options — Whatabuger is known for most of its locations staying open 24/7.
Photo via Whataburger
Coming Soon
Earl’s, South Banks Apartments community | Modern comfort food | ETA: October 2025
Earl’s will serve up “modern comfort food” for breakfast, lunch, and dinner upon its slated opening.
Mimosas, inside The Davy | Comfort food | ETA: October 2025
The Kennedy Concepts spot is set to open in October on the ground level of student apartment complex The Davy.
Swig, 7122 Kingston Pike + 854 Main St. | Dirty soda | ETA: TBD
The increasingly popular Utah-based drive-thru announced new locations for West Hills and Oak Ridge.
Cowboy Cantina, 110 S. Central St. | Western bar | ETA: TBD
Stay tuned for this Western-themed bar in the Old City, set to carry primarily Western and Mexican beers.
Orange Hat Brewing Co. kitchen, 10246 Hardin Valley Rd. | American | ETA: 2025
The brewery announced that it’s opening a kitchen to bring food in-house for the first time — but food trucks will continue to stop by, too.
The Pink Cactus, 1147 Sevier Ave. | Karaoke bar | ETA: August 2025
A new karaoke bar is headed to the former Landing House restaurant space. with several private karaoke rooms. Singing “Pink Pony Club” at The Pink Cactus? A match made in heaven.
Iron Forge Brewing, Covenant Health Park | Brewery | ETA: November 2025
The Sevierville brewery is set to open inside of the stadium — open during and outside of games — with its beer and food.
Cumberland Foodhall, 1925 Cumberland Ave. | Food Hall | ETA: Spring 2026
Thanks to a partnership between UT and student apartment developers, this food hall will serve up lunch and dinner (including sushi, Mediterranean food, and burgers) to both students and non-students.
Smoked Pickle Barbecue, 920 Ebenezer Rd. | BBQ | ETA: Summer 2025
The food truck and catering business told Knox News that it will open a permanent location at a food truck lot called The Smokeyards.
Whataburger, 1830 Cumberland Ave., far north Knoxville, Turkey Creek | Burgers | ETA: 2025
As part of the Texas burger chain’s expansion into East Tennessee, Whataburger is headed to Knoxville this year.
T. Ralph’s Burgers & Fries + Disco Chicken, Covenant Health Park | Burgers and chicken | ETA: October 2025
The dual-concept restaurant will be open to stadium ticketholders and those just wanting to drop by for a meal.
