Knoxville has been expanding its restaurant scene and that includes those for dietary restrictions. Over the past few years, new locations have been popping up like Benefit Your Life Bakery & Cafe as well as Small Comforts Kitchen. This matches the steady flow of the rising population that has been coming into the city. It allows for those who have these restrictions—dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and more—to find locations dedicated to their dietary needs.
Recently, Small Comforts Kitchen has opened up their own storefront, located at 3726 Sevier Heights Road, Suite 102 Knoxville, TN 37920, after primarily working at various markets and events at local businesses. Their specialty is in pies but also sell other baked goods like cookies and cakes, everything remaining gluten free. This small bakery, owned by Jordan Smith-Cowen, is a great place to venture out if you or any loved ones are looking for some well-crafted gluten free goods.
Along the same lines, Benefit Your Life Bakery & Cafe is a well-established location for those with varying dietary restrictions. They are not only dedicated to being gluten-free, but also include options for those who are vegan, dairy free, keto, and more. Their storefront, located at 10420 Kingston Pike, Ste G
Knoxville, TN 37922, even has their own market where you can find dry goods like pasta and freezer items like Outside the Breadbox products.
A new grocery store is also coming to Knoxville that aims to offer greater access to natural and organic foods, Sprouts. This will be their ninth location in Tennessee, opening later this summer. The market is focused on fresh produce at the center and a variety of products that are organic, plant-based, and gluten-free. Sprouts will be located at 9622 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37922.
Speaking to some longtime residents of Knoxville, there haven’t always been many options for alternative diets. But as time has passed, we’re seeing more and more pop up. And for those with dietary restrictions, seeing Knoxville continue to adapt, has been exciting to see.
While there are few dedicated restaurants to dietary restrictions currently, there are numerous locations that offer a plethora of menu items that are vegan, gluten-free, and more. These restaurants work to make a menu best suit a variety of customers.
The Tomato Head
Tomato Head is considered to be one of the leading restaurants when it comes to being vegetarian-heavy. Since then, they now offer many vegan options whether it be through pizza toppings or appetizers. The same can be said for other menu items such as their sandwiches and sweets with vegan and gluten-free cookies. The Tomato Head has two locations in Knoxville, one located in the heart of Downtown at 12 Market Sq Knoxville, TN 37902, the other located by West Town Mall at 7240 Kingston Pike Ste 172 Knoxville, TN 37919.
Sunspot
Sunspot is a local restaurant that prides itself on being “where tie-dyes and neck-ties unite”, meaning this is a spot for many. They have a dedicated menu section for vegan and gluten-free options with citrus marinated shrimp to pork shoulder nachos. Sunspot also offers vegan substitutes through their entrees like the Chili Mac that includes plant based meat and cheese. This is a great spot for those looking for a Latin American cuisine influence, especially if you are vegan. Sunspot is located on the strip near the UT Campus at 2200 Cumberland Ave Knoxville, TN 37916.
Gosh Ethiopian
It is important that those with dietary restrictions are able to still get a taste of other cuisines, which is what Gosh Ethiopian works to do. There are a variety of main courses meant for those who are vegan with lentils, peas, and other vegetables. After your main course, you can wash it all down with their spiced tea. Gosh Ethiopian is located at 3609 Sutherland Ave Knoxville, TN 37919.
Bistro at the Bijou
Bistro at the Bijou has been a staple of Downtown Knoxville and works to offer more vegan and vegetarian options. They have a menu dedicated to these dietary restrictions through their lunch items and beyond. The Bistro has items like a red bean veggie burger and crispy tofu scampi. It is a great place to catch some live jazz with a delicious meal. Bistro at the Bijou is located at 807 South Gay Street Knoxville, TN 37902.
Yassin’s Falafel House
Yassin’s Falafel House has become not just well-known but well-loved in the Knoxville area. This is a Mediterranean restaurant that strives to give customers the best taste of the cuisine that they can provide. With their vegan-friendly pita, it gives everyone the opportunity to eat regardless of their diet. They offer plant-based shawarma or simply veggies in place to work best for the vegans located in Knoxville. Yassin’s Falafel House currently has three locations: Downtown Knoxville at Marble City Market (temporary location) on 333 W Depot Ave Knoxville, TN 37917, West Knoxville on 159 N. Peters Rd Knoxville, TN 37923, and Alcoa on 212 Hamilton Crossing Dr. Alcoa, TN 37701.
Comments are closed.