- Attraction: The Tomato Head
- Location: 12 Market Sq, Knoxville, TN 37902
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.thetomatohead.com/
When a restaurant opens for dinner on Market Square and literally zero customers show up—not one—most people would pack it in.
But that stubborn persistence back in 1991 helped transform The Tomato Head from a simple lunch spot into a cornerstone of downtown Knoxville’s renaissance.
Three decades later, this beloved eatery continues drawing crowds who appreciate food made the right way: fresh ingredients from local farms, house-made everything, and a commitment to proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor.
Originally known as the Flying Tomato when it opened in 1990, this Market Square fixture pioneered concepts that now seem commonplace but were revolutionary then—like serving dinner downtown, offering outdoor patio service, and even fighting to change city ordinances so you could enjoy wine on that patio.
You’ll find two locations now, with the original spot right in the heart of Market Square and a second location on Kingston Pike serving West Knoxville.
Related
More in Tennessee
This Tiny Gatlinburg Kiosk Serves Caramelized Belgian Waffles That Smell Like Heaven
Keep Exploring →Pizza That’s Worth the Trip
The Crust: Your pizza arrives with a crust that’s legitimately special. Large air bubbles create a chewy texture with just a hint of sweetness, thanks to unbleached King Arthur Flour that’s never been bromated.
Each pie gets handcrafted attention, and that whole-wheat option adds nutty depth without feeling heavy.
Lamb Sausage Pizza: Here’s something you won’t find everywhere—house-made lamb sausage cooked in small batches specifically for freshness.
The lamb brings a savory richness that pairs beautifully with feta cheese and banana peppers. You’ll want to order this one if you’re looking for something beyond the usual pepperoni and sausage options.
Benton’s Bacon Topping: When you see Benton’s Bacon on the menu, take note. This isn’t your average bacon—it’s from the legendary smokehouse in Madisonville, Tennessee, bringing an intense smoky flavor that elevates any pizza you add it to.
More in Tennessee
Step Inside The Memphis Museum Where America’s Most Daring Sports Cars Still Roar To Life
Discover MoreBuild Your Own: With over 40 toppings to choose from, you can get creative. Fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, kalamata olives, roasted portobello mushrooms, even vegan pepperoni made with seitan—the options accommodate every dietary preference while maintaining quality across the board.
Calzones: These get stuffed generously with mozzarella, provolone, and ricotta, then baked until golden. The house-made dough creates that same satisfying chew you’ll find in their pizzas, making calzones a frequent favorite among regulars.
Salads That Actually Satisfy
Southwestern Salad: This consistently tops the recommendation list. Romaine lettuce gets piled high with Roma tomatoes, Sweetwater Valley smoked cheddar, black beans, roasted chicken (or baked tofu), blue corn chips for crunch, and corn salsa.
The southwest vinaigrette or chipotle ranch dressing options both deliver punchy flavor that makes this a substantial meal on its own.
House Salad: Sometimes simple is best. Romaine lettuce, mushrooms, red onion, cucumber, tomato, black olives, green peppers, carrots, red cabbage, and sprouts all come together fresh and crisp.
Related
More in Tennessee
Step Inside One Of America’s Last Remaining Lesbian Bars For Music City’s Most Electrifying Karaoke Night
Keep Exploring →The house-made dressings deserve special mention—they’re mixed daily, and you can taste the difference.
Greek Salad: Feta cheese, kalamata olives, fresh oregano, and that excellent feta dressing make this a Mediterranean escape. Everything tastes bright and fresh, with vegetables prepped in-house rather than arriving pre-cut.
Chef Salad: You’ll get ham and turkey (both nitrate-free) or baked tofu, plus all the veggie fixings. The portions lean generous, and the combination of fresh ingredients means even this classic feels elevated.
Standout Sandwiches
The Oh Boy: This sandwich earns its exclamation point. Expect a hearty serving that’s perfectly sized without being overwhelming. The fresh-baked bread from their sister bakery Flour Head makes all the difference—soft inside with just enough structure to hold up to the fillings.
Air Head: Fresh spinach, chicken, Benton’s bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, Monterey Jack cheese, poppyseed dressing, and mayo get heated together in a combination that’s both comforting and interesting. The poppyseed dressing adds an unexpected sweet note.
More in Tennessee
This 60-Acre Farm Near Nashville Feels Like A Country Fair That Never Ends
Discover MoreThe Kepner Melt: Order this with a side of their tomato soup for the ultimate combo. The soup carries a gentle spice that warms without overwhelming, and the creamy texture feels homemade because it is.
Appetizers & Small Bites
Garlic Bread: Made with their pizza dough, garlic, romano cheese, and fresh oregano, this appetizer arrives chewy and aromatic. You’ll want to order it even if you’re getting pizza—it’s that good.
Hummus Plate: Fresh vegetables and warm pita accompany house-made hummus. For something different, try the black bean hummus topped with spicy sriracha and served with blue corn chips.
Blue Corn Chips: These come with house-made roasted tomato chipotle salsa that’s worth remembering. The chips have more substance than typical tortilla chips, and the salsa brings smoky depth.
Sweet Endings
Peanut Butter Pie: Ask anyone about dessert here, and this pie comes up repeatedly. Light, not overly sweet, with a texture that feels almost mousse-like. The graham cracker crust provides just enough contrast. You’ll understand why people return specifically for this.
Related
More in Tennessee
This Jackson Restaurant Has Been Frying Up Tennessee’s Favorite Catfish Since 1980
Keep Exploring →Key Lime Pie: Creamy, tart, sweet—everything balanced in a graham cracker crust with whipped cream on top. The filling achieves that perfect consistency where it’s substantial but still melts smoothly.
Red Velvet Cupcakes: Flour Head Bakery prepares these fresh each morning. Moist cake with cream cheese frosting that’s not overly sugary.
Cookies: Large, freshly baked cookies make excellent take-home treats. The chocolate chip variety hits all the right notes with slightly crispy edges and soft centers.
Market Square Setting
Outdoor Patio: The location right on Market Square means prime people-watching real estate. Tables outside fill quickly, especially on weekends and game days. You’re sitting in the center of Knoxville’s revitalized downtown, watching street musicians, families, and locals enjoying the square.
Indoor Space: Colorful murals and rotating artwork from local artists keep the interior visually interesting.
The original location maintains a cozy, slightly cramped feel during busy periods, which contributes to the bustling, energetic atmosphere. Tables sit close together, so you’re part of the general hum of conversation.
Artsy Vibe: The New York Times once called this place the nexus for all things hip in Knoxville, and that artistic sensibility remains. Monthly rotating exhibits spotlight different local artists’ work, and the space has historically hosted poetry readings, musical acts, and performance art alongside meals.
Pet-Friendly: Bring your dog to the outdoor patio. Water bowls are provided, and the patio gets full service most days.
Practical Considerations
Pricing: Expect to pay mid-range prices that reflect the quality ingredients and from-scratch preparation. A personal pizza and salad might run around $20-25 per person, though some items like specialty pizzas or protein additions can increase costs.
The value matches what you’re getting—nitrate-free meats, organic tofu, locally sourced produce, house-made everything.
Portions: Salads come in side, small, and large options. The small works as a solid meal for most appetites. Sandwiches arrive properly sized without being excessive. Personal pizzas satisfy one person nicely, while larger pies work for sharing.
Vegan & Vegetarian Heaven: This restaurant built its reputation on accommodating plant-based diets.
Vegan options appear throughout the menu—vegan pepperoni, house-made soy cheese, baked tofu prepared multiple ways, dairy-free pesto, even vegan breakfast sausage during brunch. The kitchen staff knows how to handle substitutions skillfully.
Gluten-Free Options: Flour Head Bakery makes gluten-free pizza dough and bread fresh daily. You can order most menu items adapted to be gluten-free without sacrificing taste or texture.
Wait Times: During peak lunch hours and dinner rushes, expect waits—sometimes 30 minutes or more. Weekend brunch brings crowds. The restaurant’s popularity means advance planning helps, though they do take reservations through Tock for larger groups.
Best Times to Visit: Weekday afternoons between lunch and dinner offer the most relaxed experience. Early dinners before 6 PM tend to be less crowded than prime dinner hours.
Parking: The downtown Market Square location requires parking garage use. The Market Square Garage sits closest at about a three-minute walk. The Kingston Pike location offers easier parking in a strip mall setting with ample spaces.
Brunch Worth Noting: Saturday and Sunday brunch service from 10:30 AM brings unique breakfast options mixed with their regular menu. The kitchen gets creative with morning specials that often feature eggs alongside their signature fresh ingredients.
The Tomato Head
📍 12 Market Sq, Knoxville, TN 37902
