Knoxville is a vibrant city with a thriving food scene, and pizza is definitely having a moment. But with so many options, where do you even begin?
That’s where we come in. We’ve put together a guide to the must-try pizza experiences in Knoxville, from wood-fired pies to pizzas loaded with farm-fresh ingredients. We’ll cover ambiance, ingredients, and some seriously unique styles to help you find the perfect pizza place in Knoxville, TN, for your next craving.
A Deep Dive into Knoxville’s Top Pizza Destinations
Knoxville’s pizza scene is hotter than a wood-fired oven! Here are a few spots that consistently get rave reviews:
Wood-Fired Wonders
If you love that slightly charred, smoky flavor, Knoxville has you covered.
- A Dopo: Sourdough Excellence. A Dopo is known for its wood-fired sourdough crust and its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The ambiance is sophisticated, so it’s a great choice for a special night out. Crowd favorites include the Margherita and Funghi pizzas.
- Hard Knox Pizza: Boxing-Inspired Bites. With several locations around Knoxville, Hard Knox offers more than 20 different wood-fired pizzas named after famous boxers.
Farm-to-Table Freshness
- Cruze Farm Pizza Barn: A Buttermilk Ranch Dream. Cruze Farm is known for using milk fresh from the farm, especially in their decadent buttermilk ranch dressing. Don’t miss the Cowgirl’s Dream pizza.
Unique and Quirky Options
- South Coast Pizza: Retro Vibes and Creative Toppings. South Coast Pizza has a quirky, funky atmosphere, complete with a beer can chandelier and retro video games. They’re known for their creative specialty pizzas, like the Cuban and Green Dragon.
Custom creations and classic comfort
Sometimes, you want a pie that’s a little different, something that reflects your own tastes. Here’s one Knoxville place that emphasizes freshness and customization.
Tomato Head: Fresh and customizable
Tomato Head serves up fresh pizzas with a soft crust, with plenty of specialty pies and build-your-own options.
Consider this popular combination if you’re building your own pie: pepperoni with roasted garlic and basil.
The appeal of build-your-own
Build-your-own pizzas are a great way to personalize your pizza experience. They’re also a solid choice for groups with varied tastes.
Navigating Knoxville’s Pizza Scene: A Practical Guide
Knoxville has pizza options galore. Here’s how to narrow down your choices.
Using Search Filters to Find Your Perfect Slice
Online tools can help you find the perfect pizza. Most search engines allow you to filter by:
- Type of establishment (sit-down restaurant, delivery, food truck, etc.)
- Meal type (lunch, dinner, late night)
- Online ordering/delivery options
- Price
- Traveler rating
- Cuisines (Italian, American, etc.)
- Dietary restrictions (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.)
- Features (outdoor seating, pet-friendly, etc.)
Beyond the Top Spots: Expanding Your Pizza Horizons
Knoxville has more than 90 pizza restaurants, so don’t limit yourself to the places you see on “best of” lists. Get out there and try something new — you might discover a hidden gem and support a local business at the same time!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest pizza place in the US?
That would be Lombardi’s in New York City! Gennaro Lombardi opened its doors way back in 1905, and they’ve been slinging classic New York-style pies ever since. It’s a true piece of pizza history and definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in the Big Apple, just don’t forget that there are plenty of fantastic pizza places right here in Knoxville, TN, too!
What is 50 Top Pizza?
50 Top Pizza is basically the Michelin Guide for pizza. It’s an annual ranking of the best pizzerias in the world, judged by a panel of anonymous inspectors. They consider everything from the quality of the ingredients and the crust to the service and atmosphere. Making the 50 Top Pizza list is a huge honor in the pizza world, and is a pretty good indicator of a top-notch place.
Where is the new pizza place in Halls, Tennessee?
Ah, you’re looking for some local pizza info! Unfortunately, I don’t have real-time updates on every single new pizza joint popping up in Halls. The best way to find out about new places is to do a quick search online. Also, keep an eye on local community pages and social media groups, as those are a great way to find out about new restaurants in the area.
Final Thoughts
Knoxville has a vibrant and diverse pizza scene. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated wood-fired pizza, a farm-to-table pie with local ingredients, or a quirky specialty pizza unlike anything you’ve ever tasted, you can find it here.
So, go explore the restaurants we’ve highlighted and discover your own favorite pizza place in Knoxville. And when you do, remember that you’re supporting local businesses and helping our community thrive.