Knoxville's Best Lunch [Updated 2024]

Throughout my countless adventures exploring the vibrant culinary scene in Knoxville, I have had the pleasure of indulging in numerous delightful lunch options. With a particular focus on quality, taste, and ambiance, I have personally reviewed twelve outstanding establishments to bring you the crème de la crème of lunch spots in Knoxville.

From cozy cafes to elegant bistros and everything in between, this comprehensive guide aims to cater to all tastes and preferences. So, whether you're a local in search of a new favorite spot or a visitor looking for the ultimate lunch experience, join me on this appetizing journey to discover the best lunch in Knoxville.

Cafe 4

Highlights
Impeccable service
Perfect food selections
Best service
Delicious meal
Great recommendations

From the moment I walked into Cafe 4, I was greeted with impeccable service that made me feel like a VIP. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. Their love for their craft was infectious and added an extra layer of enjoyment to my lunch experience.

Speaking of the menu, the food selections at Cafe 4 were perfect. They offered a diverse range of options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or a meat lover, there was something for everyone. The menu was a delightful blend of classic comfort food and innovative dishes that pushed the boundaries of flavor.

Now, let's talk about the meal itself. Wow! It was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. Every bite was bursting with flavor and made my taste buds dance with delight. The chefs at Cafe 4 clearly know their way around the kitchen, and their passion for creating delicious dishes shines through in every mouthful.

The service at Cafe 4 was truly the best. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was top-notch. They were attentive to my needs, provided great recommendations, and made me feel like a valued guest.

In conclusion, if you're searching for the best lunch in Knoxville, look no further than Cafe 4. With its impeccable service, perfect food selections, and delicious meals, it truly stands out from the crowd. I highly recommend giving it a try.

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Oliver Royale Restaurant, by Oliver

Highlights
Delicious mushroom toast
Perfectly cooked salmon
Tasty truffle fries
Outstanding pork belly
Heavenly chocolate torte

Walking into Oliver Royale, I felt a sense of excitement in the air. The restaurant had a stylish and modern atmosphere, with sleek furniture and tasteful décor. The menu boasted an array of tantalizing options, making it difficult to choose just one. However, after much deliberation, I settled on the delicious mushroom toast.

With each bite, I was transported to flavor heaven. The mushrooms were perfectly sautéed, giving them a rich and earthy taste. The toast itself was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing the perfect vessel for the savory mushrooms.

Next, I indulged in the perfectly cooked salmon. The fish was tender and flaky, melting in my mouth with each bite. It was accompanied by a medley of fresh vegetables, enhancing the overall experience. I savored every morsel, reveling in the delightful combination of flavors.

Of course, no lunch would be complete without a side of truffle fries. These crispy fries were infused with the unmistakable aroma of truffle oil. Each fry had a delicate balance of saltiness and earthy truffle flavor. It was a treat for my taste buds.

Finally, I couldn't resist trying the outstanding pork belly. The meat was incredibly tender and packed with flavor. It was served with a tangy sauce that complemented the pork perfectly. Every bite was a pure delight.

To end my meal on a sweet note, I indulged in the heavenly chocolate torte. The dessert was a masterpiece of chocolate decadence, with rich layers of velvety chocolate and a smooth, glossy ganache. It was the perfect finale to an extraordinary lunch.

Oliver Royale Restaurant, by Oliver, truly impressed me with their exceptional menu and impeccable execution. From the delicious mushroom toast to the outstanding pork belly, every dish was a culinary masterpiece. If you're searching for the best lunch in Knoxville, Oliver Royale is a must-visit destination for a delightful and memorable dining experience.

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Aubrey's Papermill

Highlights
Best restaurant in Knoxville
Exemplify food and taste quality
Great service and tasty food
Reasonable prices for wine
Would eat again in Knoxville

Walking into Aubrey's Papermill was like entering a hidden gem of the Knoxville lunch scene. From the moment I stepped foot in the restaurant, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that truly set the tone for the rest of my visit.

The menu at Aubrey's Papermill is a true testament to their dedication to exemplifying food and taste quality. They offer a wide range of options, from delicious salads bursting with fresh ingredients to mouthwatering burgers made with locally sourced beef. I decided to try their signature dish, the Blackened Chicken Alfredo, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The chicken was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, while the creamy alfredo sauce added a burst of flavor that left me wanting more.

What impressed me the most about Aubrey's Papermill was not just the food, but the excellent service that accompanied it. The staff was attentive and friendly, making sure that every aspect of my meal was just right. They were also knowledgeable about the menu and offered great recommendations.

But it didn't just stop there! Aubrey's Papermill also offered a variety of wines at reasonable prices. This was a pleasant surprise, as many restaurants tend to overcharge for a glass of wine. The wine perfectly complemented my meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Overall, my visit to Aubrey's Papermill was a delightful one. From the delicious food to the exceptional service and reasonable prices for wine, it's no wonder that this restaurant is considered the best in Knoxville. I will definitely be revisiting Aubrey's Papermill on my next trip to Knoxville, eager to dive into their enticing menu once again.

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Myrtle's Chicken and Beer

Picture this: succulent, finger-lickin’ chicken paired with ice-cold, crisp beer. Myrtle’s Chicken and Beer in Knoxville is a little slice of heaven. With their deliciously seasoned chicken and extensive beer selection, this joint is a must-visit for any lunchtime aficionado. Be prepared to indulge in a feast fit for the gods!

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Farmacy

Farmacy in Knoxville is a delicious lunch spot that will wow your taste buds! With their fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creative menu options, it's no wonder they made it into my list of the best lunches in town. Make sure to try their mouthwatering sandwiches and scrumptious salads. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

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KoPita Authentic Mediterranean

KoPita Authentic Mediterranean in Knoxville is a hidden gem for lunch lovers. Their playfully authentic Mediterranean cuisine stole my taste buds' hearts and made my lunch dreams come true. From their perfectly seasoned gyros to their fresh and vibrant salads, every bite was a flavorful delight. Trust me, a lunch at KoPita will transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean in no time.

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Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar

Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar in Knoxville is a hidden gem that offers an exceptional lunch experience. From their creative and flavorful dishes to their friendly and attentive staff, this place exceeded my expectations. Don't miss their mouthwatering sandwiches and homemade sides. Definitely a must-try for lunch enthusiasts!

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Stock & Barrel

Stock & Barrel in Knoxville is the beef-lover's paradise! The bold flavors of their juicy burgers are out of this world, and their creative toppings take it to another level. Don't forget to add a side of their crispy fries! It's a lunch you won't want to miss!

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Calhoun's On The River

I must say, Calhoun's On The River in Knoxville truly stood out as a gem. Everything from their juicy ribs to their lip-smacking pulled pork left me craving for more. The mesmerizing river views only added to the charm of this cozy spot. A definite must-visit for any lunch enthusiast in Knoxville!

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The Tomato Head

The Tomato Head in Knoxville leaves taste buds dancing with their creative and flavorful dishes. From their array of fresh salads to their mouthwatering pizzas, there's something for everyone. Expect impeccable service and a relaxed atmosphere. Trust me, this place is a must-visit for lunch in Knoxville.

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Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant

I must say, Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant in Knoxville is an absolute seafood treasure trove. From the moment I walked in, the captivating aroma of fresh seafood filled the air, exciting my taste buds. The menu offered a tempting array of dishes, from crab cakes to lobster bisque. I opted for the Flounder Florentine, and boy, was it a flavorful delight. The flounder was beautifully seasoned and cooked to perfection, accompanied by a bed of creamy spinach. The service was spot-on, with attentive staff who made sure every need was met. The ambiance was elegant yet inviting, creating the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch. If you're in Knoxville and craving delicious seafood, Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant is a must-try. You won't be disappointed!

Parkside Grill

Brace yourself for a burst of flavor at Parkside Grill in Knoxville! Their lunch menu offers a tantalizing range of options, from juicy burgers to refreshing salads. My taste buds jumped with joy when I savored their perfectly seasoned grilled chicken sandwich. The ambiance was delightful, and the service was top-notch. Parkside Grill definitely deserves a spot on my list of the best lunch spots in Knoxville!