Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, halal and kosher options across Knoxville. including where to go and what to order.
Vegan Pizzamarket-squareTue-Thu 11:00-21:00; Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 11:00-21:00
The Tomato Head on Market Square since 1990 runs vegan pizza and sandwich options across both Market Square and Bearden locations, with house-made cashew.
Tip: Vegan menu runs the same hours as the regular menu; cashew cheese pizzas tend to sell out fastest at lunch.
Vegan Bistrogay-streetMon-Thu 11:00-22:00; Fri 11:00-00:00; Sat 10:00-00:00; Sun 10:00-21:00
Bistro at the Bijou on Gay Street runs a dedicated vegan menu alongside the regular bistro service, anchoring vegan downtown Knoxville options.
Tip: Vegan plates available across all service times; the pre-theater menu has dedicated vegan options.
Vegetarian Pizzamarket-squareTue-Thu 11:00-21:00; Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 11:00-21:00
The Tomato Head on Market Square since 1990, Mahasti Vafaie's Persian-American pizza counter, runs vegetarian-forward menu of pizzas, sandwiches and salads.
Tip: The veggie sandwich and Mahasti pizza both run vegetarian by default; many vegan options available.
Vegetarian Southwesternthe-stripMon-Thu 11:00-22:00; Fri-Sat 10:00-23:00; Sun 10:00-22:00
Sunspot on Cumberland Avenue, the UT Strip multicultural restaurant since the 1990s, runs a strong vegetarian menu including the sweet potato burrito.
Tip: Sweet potato burrito with black beans is the signature vegetarian plate; weekday lunch quietest.
Vegetarian SyriandowntownDaily 11:00-21:00
Yassin's Falafel House at Marble City Food Hall, Yassin Terou's Syrian counter, runs a strong vegetarian menu with falafel, hummus and mezze plates.
Tip: Falafel sandwiches and hummus plates are the vegetarian standards; ask for all-vegetarian.
Gluten-free Pizzamarket-squareTue-Thu 11:00-21:00; Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 11:00-21:00
The Tomato Head offers gluten-free pizza crusts at both Market Square and Bearden locations, the long-running Knoxville pizza counter accommodating.
Tip: Gluten-free crust available on most pizzas; shared kitchen space, so not certified celiac-safe.
Gluten-free Barbecuefountain-cityTue-Sun 11:00-21:00; closed Mon
Sweet P's BBQ Uptown Corner on Tazewell Pike offers extensive gluten-free options across the smoked-meat menu, anchoring Knoxville's gluten-friendly.
Tip: Smoked meats and most sides are naturally gluten-free; ask about preparation for shared kitchen items.
Halal SyriandowntownDaily 11:00-21:00
Yassin's Falafel House at Marble City Food Hall, founder Yassin Terou's Syrian counter, serves halal-friendly Syrian and Mediterranean plates in downtown.
Tip: Owner-operator Syrian Muslim refugee; halal preparation can be confirmed at the counter.
Book food experiences in Knoxville
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Discover the flavors of Knoxville on a guided food tour. Enjoy tastings at local restaurants, learn about the city's history, and explore the neighborhoods of Market S...
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Discover Downtown Knoxville's hidden gems on a guided walking tour. Taste some local ice cream and coffee while uncovering the city's rich history and scenic views.
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Dietary in Knoxville, FAQ
Does Knoxville have good vegetarian or vegan food?
TableJourney's Knoxville dietary chapter covers vegan, vegetarian, gluten_free, halal venues, each editor-picked with what to order and how to ask.