Great Restaurants for Knoxville Visitors
You read an e-mail announcing that your friends from college are coming to visit. Where can you take them that’s both fun and easy on the pocketbook?
Although Knoxville is much smaller than other regional cities, such as Atlanta or Nashville, its hometown feel and friendly people draw visitors at all times of the year. With the Smoky Mountains just minutes away in Sevier County, several families make the trek here each year to enjoy mountain fun. And with large entities such as Tennessee Valley Authority, Scripps Networks and the University of Tennessee, numerous people travel to East Tennessee to visit family and friends.
So where can you take your visitors for a great dining experience? Check out one of these four restaurants, whether you’re trying to satisfy a tough crowd or show friends a good time.
For the finicky eater:
Puleo’s Grille, I-40 at Exit 378, 865- 691-1960; 7224 Region Lane, 865-673-9101, www.puleosgrille.com.
Executive chef Steve Puleo and CEO Gale Huneycutt have created a dining experience that marries Italian cuisine and Southern cooking, offering a variety of choices from lasagna to fried green tomatoes. No matter the tastes of your guests, everyone can find something they’ll like here. Every meal is served with fantastic, fresh baked bread and real butter. Pair your selection with a choice from the wine list or one of their many specialty cocktails, and you have a fun weekend meal.
To show friends from the big city a good time:
Cha Cha, 5130 Kingston Pike, 865-766-0902
This eatery on the edge of Homberg Place, a small, trendy retail area in the Bearden area, has a cool atmosphere and sleek dÃ?©cor that draws people from all over Knoxville. Cha Cha specializes in tapas, and has a great array of choices. Have everyone order a couple and then share around the table-it’s a light meal that allows you to enjoy a great wine. In my opinion, they have one of the best wine lists in town. The wait staff is generally knowledgeable and can help you make informed choices. Save room for the flourless chocolate cake.
Great lunch spot:
Tomato Head, 12 Market Square, 865-637-4067
This restaurant in the heart of downtown Knoxville is a low-key spot that has great sandwiches, salads and pizza. You can order a pizza right off the menu, or choose your own toppings to make a personal favorite. The walls of the small eatery are adorned with unique local art that is for sale. A few tables are positioned outside the front door, but prepare to wait on them if the weather’s good. After dining, check out some of the new local shops in the square.
For those that need culinary medication after a long Saturday night out:
Sunday Brunch at Italian Market and Grill, 9648 Kingston Pike, 865-690-2600
This eating place is great whether you need a place to take the family after church or you and your buds just didn’t wake up until noon. They have great selections for both breakfast and lunch, everything from eggs to prime rib. Remember to save room for a big slab of chocolate or red velvet cake. It’s a little pricey, but you won’t need to eat the rest of the day.
