Love the healthy and flavorful food options. Service was great! Nice patio dining on the square. I had the kepner melt, a greek salad, and the cleanse mocktail. My husband and I each had half the sandwich and shared the salad. We both loved it! Hoping I can recreate it at home since we don't live close by. Waitress was super attentive! Would love to go here more often. It will be a must next time I visit Knoxville.
Overview
The Tomato Head Knoxville is one of those rare spots in the heart of downtown Knoxville where you can enjoy a great meal in a relaxed, yet lively atmosphere. Located at 12 Market Square, Knoxville, TN, this vibrant restaurant has built a strong reputation over the years for its creative menu and welcoming environment. Whether you're a local or just passing through, it’s a place you’ll want to add to your list for a memorable dining experience.
From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm and cozy vibe. The colorful murals on the walls and the casual ambiance make it feel like the perfect blend of comfort and style. The staff is friendly, often going above and beyond to make sure guests feel at home. The Tomato Head is a restaurant that embraces its community, and it shows in every detail, from the locally sourced ingredients to the artistic touches throughout the space.
The menu at The Tomato Head is a delightful mix of creative dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. If you’re in the mood for something light but flavorful, their salads are a perfect choice. The “Tomato Head Salad,” for instance, is a crowd favorite. Fresh greens, roasted tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette come together to create a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. For those craving something heartier, the pizza menu is a must-try. Known for its wood-fired crust and unique toppings, it’s easy to see why The Tomato Head has earned such a loyal following.
A standout feature of The Tomato Head is their commitment to offering options for everyone. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, there’s something on the menu that will cater to your needs without compromising on flavor. The “Spinach and Ricotta” pizza, for example, is a creamy and savory option that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. If you’re looking for a comfort food classic, the “Grilled Cheese” paired with their homemade tomato soup will take you back to childhood, but with an elevated twist.
Beyond the food, The Tomato Head also boasts an impressive drink menu, including locally brewed beers and craft cocktails. Their "Tomato Head Lemonade," made with fresh ingredients, is a refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with any meal. For those looking to enjoy a more substantial beverage, the restaurant’s cocktail selection offers a unique variety, including creative twists on old favorites.
In addition to the delicious food and drinks, The Tomato Head’s location at 12 Market Square places it right in the heart of Knoxville’s bustling downtown. This makes it an ideal spot for both a casual lunch after a day of shopping or a relaxed evening out. With its proximity to other local attractions and the lively energy of Market Square, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a meal with friends or family.
The restaurant is also known for its community involvement, regularly hosting events that bring together locals for everything from art shows to live music. This sense of community is a big part of what makes The Tomato Head such a cherished spot in Knoxville. It’s not just a place to eat-it’s a gathering space for the people who live and work here.
What really sets The Tomato Head apart from other eateries is its ability to consistently deliver great food while maintaining a laid-back atmosphere. The service is always attentive, and the staff is well-versed in the menu, offering great recommendations when you're unsure about what to try. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, you’ll always feel like you’re getting something special with each meal.
Looking at the reviews, it's clear that patrons consistently rave about the unique combination of flavor and atmosphere. The Tomato Head has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality meals without the pretension that can sometimes come with fine dining establishments. You can count on a great meal in a relaxed, friendly setting every time.
Whether you're a pizza enthusiast or someone who loves exploring new and fresh flavors, The Tomato Head Knoxville delivers a dining experience that’s both satisfying and unique. With its creative menu, community-focused vibe, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to see why so many people keep coming back for more. If you haven’t visited yet, now’s the time to head to 12 Market Square and discover what makes this Knoxville gem so special.
Good to know
From the business
âś“ Identifies as women-ownedService options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Kerbside pickup âś“ No-contact delivery âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great tea selection âś“ Great wine list âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegan options âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ LGBTQ+ friendly âś“ Tourists âś“ University studentsPlanning
âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Paid multi-storey car park âś“ Paid street parking âś“ ParkingPets
âś“ Dogs allowed âś“ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
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Reviews
- No ratings yet 2516 reviews
Came to spend a day in Knoxville and wander through stores and eat lunch. We found The Tomato Head restaurant and had lunch. He had the salmon and pesto pizza slice and a house salad. I ordered a calzone. Both were tasty but also typical. Will you get a good meal. Yes. Service good? Also yes. Nothing to rave about but clean and tasty.
Get the mozzarella instead of the jack cheese... I have visited Tomato head in 3 distinct decades of my life and can say with confidence - I loved this sandwich more than any other item I have purchased from Tomato Head. I purchased the "Oh Boy" and it should be called the "Oh Man" because that sandwich was emotionally stable and in a good spot. It was the Mr. Darcy of Sandwiches, pride in that it was the most superior of all of the sandwiches on the menu. My prejudice is that the chips are just "Oh, okay, sure potatoes" and I could never say "what excellent [fried] potatoes." But in this case, the Mr. Collins of chips made the Mr. Darcy of sandwiches that more enjoyable. Anyway, the move is changing to the fresh mozzarella on the sandwich. I would come back anytime and be glad to get that whole meal again. The nice bit was this meal was also attainable and just the right amount of food! The staff was exceptionally friendly and I will return with the hope I can eat another one of these sandwiches.
I've been meaning to write a review, as Tomato Head remains my favorite place for lunch in downtown Knoxville. Any time I meet friends, I always suggest this place and that's where we end up going. Last week was no exception when I met up with a girlfriend and we came to Tomato Head for another delicious lunch. I love the variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes available for my friends who don't eat meat. My go to will always be the turkey melt sandwich even though today I also added the squash curry soup to my lunch. Everything was amazing. Our waitress told me that the owner was here today and I expressed a desire to meet her. And lo and behold, she made time to come out and chat with us. Mahasti, I am so glad that you took a chance and opened this place up 35 years ago! You have truly revitalized Market Square and hats off to you for never giving up!!
Tasty food. Serves meat, but multiple vegan options. It's in a cool part of Knoxville too. Garage parking a reasonable walk from the restaurant.
Pizza is 9.4 light fluffy yet crispy crust.. Olive oil base 4cheese sub ricotta, garlic and oregano light char. Place is large, nice music but, plain/clean cut for the area and the quality of food. I'm only mentioning since Google asked. The art is a nice touch. Maybe more I don't know.
Our favourite from back in college, Tomato Head is still great. The menu has hardly changed, which I love. Lots of delicious salads, pizzas & sandwiches & a great selection of drinks. This will always be one of my favourite restaurants in Knoxville. So many memories here!
Visited on April 26, 2025 When we came, we were able to sit immediately. We were at a High Top outside. It was perfect for our group of 6 and dog. Our server was Emma. She was very attentive and friendly. Everyone was really friendly. The menu had plenty of options. I ordered a side ceasar and the Smoked Salmon pizza with Garlic Oil + pesto base. I added feta and red onion. I did not get a picture, but the salad was okay. I asked for no mushrooms and when the salad came it had a bunch of black olives. I thought that was a little odd. The salad was also very small. Now to the pizza. When I tell you this pizza was absolutely DELICIOUS!!!!! I ordered a second one to go. It was that good!!! It taste so fresh and perfect. I did get a side of ranch. I assume it was made fresh, but it was watery. Wouldn't even stick on my food. Not good. My to go pizza was oddly a lot smaller than the one I had at the restaurant. I ordered a Margarita, but they said they were out of lime, so they made it with Strawberry. It wasn't very good. And it was only half way filled. I think the bartender had the measurements incorrect. Everyone in our party loved their pizza as well. My brother in law also ordered another to go. I would absolutely come back. Oh and they let me use their outlet to charge my phone. Also, I love Market Square. Such a cool vibe. I love the inclusivity of the area.