The Tomato Head

A local restaurant known for its homemade breads, live music and laid-back vibe.Why go?. Nearly everyone in Knoxville has eaten at The Tomato Head at some point. The menu doesn't look like anything that out of the ordinary—pizza, salads, desserts and beer—but the ingredients are fresh, there's a focus on quality, and the community vibe is hard to explain without experiencing it.

This perennially popular (and affordable!) spot features carefully sourced comfort food with ample vegetarian options. The extensive menu includes generously sized salads and pizzas with toppings like basil ricotta, house-pickled banana peppers, and sun-dried tomato pesto. Seating spills out into public tables in the square during busy lunches and weekends.

For non-barbecue, if you go that route: the Tomato Head on Market Square is a local favorite - I haven't been, but it's supposed to be good. Kind of funky atmosphere. If you're up that way, Big Ed's in Oak Ridge is my favorite pizza place ever.

Of course, there are my other tried-and-true favorites that I didn’t even have time to stop by on this visit: The French Market Crêperie for breakfast, The Tomato Head for lunch, Coolato Gelato for a sweet treat, Sunspot for dinner, Downtown Grill & Brewery or Barley’s for drinks, Crown & Goose for a pint. Tupelo Honey Café is good, too, but I’ve stopped going there with all the new additions to downtown. And all those other newer places like the Public House that I still didn’t have a chance to visit due to the ice storm stopping the city dead in its tracks.

For a place that’s usually so veg-friendly, The Tomato Head doesn’t exactly make it easy for vegans at brunch—though if you aren’t afraid to ask for a few substitutions (and you shouldn’t be!), there are some great options. When I go, I usually get the Eva huevos rancheros with “soysage” and substitute potatoes for the eggs, vegan cheese for regular, and nix the crema. You can take a similar approach to any of the other huevos rancheros, one of the burritos, or even one of the egg sandwiches (my favorite is the Eula).

Step just outside the square and you’ll be on Gay Street, whose history dates back to the founding of the state of Tennessee in 1796. As the city’s first paved road, a stroll down the lane reveals historical theaters such as The Bijou and Tennessee Theatre (where I last saw John Prine play), art galleries, restaurants, and more. As a kid, I’d ravaged the old-fashioned candy barrels for Zotz and Bit-O-Honey candies at Mast General Store, a retail landmark since 1898 where you can truly find anything and everything.

A five minute walk from Yassin’s, The Tomato Head (12 Market Square, Knoxville) is a staple of the Market Square area, with a cozy dining room filled with local artwork available for purchase. Fresh-baked bread and produce sourced from local farms are incorporated into the menu’s sandwiches and pizza, along with options for vegan and gluten free diners. There’s the choice to build your own puffy-crusted pie or let the experts decide, but whatever route you take, be sure to fit the house-made pesto into your order.

Wanting to serve meals that are always healthy and fresh, The Tomato Head is a cafe/bakery combo where the team both in the kitchen and outside work hard to create a fun and comfy environment for you to enjoy a variety of baked goods and cafe favorites. They've got appetizers like Hummus & Blue Corn Chips, salads like the Baked Tofu Salad and Southwestern Salad, Ham & Cheese sandwich, Build Your Own Pizza, and sweets like cookies, pies, and cobblers. “This place is one of my favorite low key places in Knoxville!

This Market Square eatery has been doing the vegetarian thing longer than most places in town, which is why the name often comes up in any discussion of meat-free dining. Their hummus has always been a popular item (so much so that they sell it in local supermarkets as well), and the menu offers a garden’s worth of salad creations, including a Caesar, baked tofu salad and Greek salad. Several of the sandwiches are compliant as well, including the Vegan, the Vegetarian, the Roger Roger and the Lucy.

There’s just something so comforting about ordering a pizza to-go, and taking it back to your hotel room when on vacation. This American cafe and bakery serves hearty fare, including pizza, which pairs wonderfully with its selection of beer and wine. When it comes to the mouth-watering pizzas, you’ll find variations loaded with toppings like bacon, Italian sausage, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, vegan pepperoni, several types of cheeses, banana peppers, roasted garlic, and pesto.

On our final morning in Knoxville, we had several options for breakfast—Makers donuts and Status Dough being two worthy contenders (and spots you absolutely must try if you have a sweet tooth), in addition to my regular, tried-and-true haunt, Tomato Head—but I can never resist the crepes at French Market, which has relocated from Gay Street to the other side of the square and, ultimately, won out in a battle of the breakfast foods. I still don’t regret that decision one bit!

When you’re in town, there’s one spot you won’t want to miss: The Tomato Head. This charming eatery has a quirky vibe that makes it a delightful destination for food enthusiasts, and it’s no wonder people love this place. Feast your eyes (and your stomach) on some fantastic customer favorites, like the Eva dish that combines black beans, spinach, avocado, chorizo (or soysage), cheese, and topped with spicy apple salsa and chipotle crema.

For our family, we always return time and time again to The Tomato Head on Market Square, because it’s always good and the atmosphere is hip and lively without being too loud. You just can’t go wrong with their pizza, salads, and unique sandwiches. The kiddos love the pasta bowl, and it’s hard for me to ever consider not ordering the Kepner Melt with its amazing combination of fresh spinach, baked tofu, pineapple, pesto, and walnuts.

A Knoxville fan favorite, The Tomato Head has been serving up fresh dishes for carnivores and vegans alike since 1990. Homemade pizza dough, sandwich breads, vibrant salads and sauces, tasty desserts - and of course, BRUNCH. The variety of their brunch items will please any taste bud, from egg rolls (pizza dough rolled with scrambled eggs) and breakfast pizzas to huevos rancheros and build your own waffle.

It’s hard to choose just one vegan option at Tomato Head (just like it’s hard to choose which location to hit up) but we’re going to go with The Vegan!. Tomato Head is a plant-based favorite in town – seriously, pretty much every vegan we’ve encountered has told us to try it. Basically every category on their menu comes with a vegetarian and vegan option – meaning you’ll always have something to eat.

For the night when everyone just wants pizza, have it at the Tomato Head, where the list of toppings is so extensive, they’re grouped into three categories. You can ferret out the unusual (capers, baked tofu, smoked cheddar, avocado) or the slightly more usual (roasted garlic, spinach, mushrooms). Don’t overlook the creative appetizers and salads, like black bean hummus or bacon spinach salad.

Whether you want a breakfast classic or you’re in the mood for something a bit different, The Tomato Head has some of the best brunch in Knoxville. Breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, and a customizable waffle round out the staples. For out-of-the-box options, try the breakfast pizza, warmed monkey bread, or five varieties of huevos rancheros, all served over house-made mole.

The Tomato Head offers an alternative to the chain restaurants, with a menu driven by organic and locally grown salads, sandwiches, pizza and sweets. Everything — including the sandwich bread — is made in-house with the best ingredients. Tomato Head is also a cultural experience with works by local artists on the wall and live performances of poetry, musical and performance art.

Vegetarians who long for more than a plain cheese pizza will love The Tomato Head, a Knoxville casual dining restaurant. This cheery place offers a variety of meat-based, vegetarian, and even vegan dishes for moderate prices. Keep an eye on their schedule because the Tomato Head regularly hosts live music, poetry slams, and performance art shows.

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (136 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Pizza- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 7240 Kingston Pike Suite 172, Knoxville, TN 37919-5678- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-rated things to do in Knoxville, according to Tripadvisor

Tomato Head You’ll see Tomato Head lots on these sorts of lists as their menu caters to veggie/vegans and other dietary needs. They too have a downtown location and one in West Knoxville near West Town Mall. Check out their menu which features a variety of salads, a gluten free pizza crust option, and gluten free chocolate chip cookies.

Crown and Goose — A Knoxville riff on the London gastropub with burgers, fancy fish & chips, shepherd’s pie and pimento cheese hush puppies (we’re still in Tennessee). Dark, comfortable, and pubby, with a fun vibe. The beer selection is split between locals and imports, and if you prefer whisky to whiskey, their Scotch list is solid.

Operating Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11 AM – 8:30 PM, Friday 11 AM – 8:30 PM, Saturday 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM, Sunday 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM. This hip American café-bakery along Market Square is the perfect place for a gluten-free pizza night out. After all, Tomato Head is all about serving better-tasting and healthier food.

You'll be salivating for the flatbread pizza and fresh salads at Tomato Head. If you prefer southern comfort food, check out a family favorite at Ceddar's Scratch Kitchen. If you want to catch some live music be sure to check out TN Tap House which offers great service and delicious food for the entire family.

This pizza joint exhibits an incredibly vegan-flexible menu. With options including soy cheese and tofu, pizzas, burritos and quesadillas can be fashioned to your liking. “The Vegan,” hummus pita and the homemade veggie burger are fresh sandwich fare, made with bread from its very own Flour Head Bakery.

One of the original restaurants on Market Square and also offers brunch, lunch and dinner. The décor is simple but homey, and the bread is baked fresh every day at the Flour Head Bakery in downtown Knoxville. Whether you’re a carnivore, vegetarian or vegan, the Tomato Head has something for everyone.

Located on Market Square in Downtown Knoxville, The Tomato Head has served locals and travelers for over 30 years. It is the place for creative pizza lovers and those who appreciate fresh salads and sandwiches. Every morning the staff prepares crunchy bread, homemade dressings, and desserts.

12 Market SqKnoxville, TN 37902(865) 637-4067 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. This restaurant is just one of the two Tomato Head locations in Tennessee that serve diverse menu options ranging from incredible appetizers to delicious desserts in an art-centric environment.

Located in Market Square, the Tomato Head has yummy and fresh pizzas with lots of toppings available (gluten free bases on offer), a nice range of sandwiches, salads, and sweets. There’s a designated kids menu and overall good value for money with a nice casual atmosphere.

While on Market Square, grab a bite at The Tomato Head for locally sourced foods from soups and salads to sandwiches and pizza. Enjoy the hummus plate with fresh vegetables and pita bread to dip in the spicy original hummus. Order up the chef salad or the baked tofu salad.

Visit Tomato Head and sample made-to-order pizzas, mile-high sandwiches and both hot and cold salads. Meat-eaters and vegetarians are well-looked-after here. Meat-free appetizers include hummus with assorted veggies and fresh bread with pesto or homemade dressings.

Shono's (Cedar Bluff location - the Market Square one is more expensive), Tomato Head (it'd be a bit of a squeeze, but doable during lunch), Panera Bread, McAlister's, Five Guys, The Creamery (pretty sure)... pretty much any Mexican restaurant, Chipotle, Cheddar's

Hit up this vibrant downtown spot for a diverse menu, tasty dishes, and a cozy vibe that'll keep you coming back for more. This is the perfect pizza + salad restaurant. Everything is fresh, much of it is locally sourced, and the pizzas are crispy and delicious.

If you're in the mood for something a little more substantial, stop by Tomato Head for delicious pizza and sandwiches. Tomato Head is a local favorite, and it's easy to see why. The food is always fresh and flavorful, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting.

You are not going to find any food remotely like The Tomato Head’s anywhere else. It’s vegetarian friendly and made from scratch with a bias for locally sourced ingredients. The wait staff is a little “crunchy granola” which is exactly as they should be.

Their extensive menu offers a plethora of fresh ingredients that will make your taste buds dance. The lettuce is crisp and vibrant, and the toppings are abundant and flavorful. Don't miss their homemade dressings, they are a true salad game-changer.

The Tomato Head serves up elevated soups, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas with the most fresh ingredients. Try their Tuscan Chicken Sandwich with pesto, sun dried tomatoes, and monterey jack cheese with a side of their iconic tomato chipotle soup.

You may not say “dessert place” when you think of Tomato Head, but their chocolate peppermint cookies are super addictive. Since they tend to change around the daily dessert menu frequently, it is always really exciting when they are available.

There are plenty of vegan options on the lunch menu, but I personally like to raid the brunch menu and make all kinds of substitutions. As a former employee, I feel no shame whatsoever about that, and neither should you.

With a menu full of vegan, vegetarian, and carnivorous items, regardless of what you like to eat, the Tomato Head is for you. Specializing in pizzas and sandwiches, they’ve got a huge menu with something for any mood.

Located on Market Square, you won’t think much of The Tomato Head at first glance. But locals will tell you that you need to check this place out, and you ask why. The brand tagline is this: Food gotta cook.

Located in the Market Square district, The Tomato Head is a popular spot for pizza, sandwiches, and salads. The menu features a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as gluten-free choices.

A great place for dinner in Market Square is Tomato Head, they have yummy pizzas and a nice range of sandwiches, salads, and sweets. Read More – 12 cool things to do in Knoxville Tennessee

12 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902A Knoxville staple offering a variety of brunch options including huevos rancheros, breakfast pizza, and fresh-squeezed juices. Great for vegetarians.

A local favorite since 1990, the Tomato Head is a dining establishment where you can enjoy specialty pizzas, sandwiches, calzones, pitas, and huge salads daily for lunch and dinner.

When it’s time to leave, I-40 will carry you right back into Knoxville in time to get lunch at Stock & Barrel, The Tomato Head, or any other restaurant on Knoxville’s Market Square.

| Start your weekend on a spicy note with huevos rancheros or a breakfast pizza. Pro tip: Visit the Market Square location to sit on the patio and walk around after dining.

– Rating: 4.0/5 (276 reviews)– Price level: $$– Address: 7240 Kingston Pike Ste 172 Knoxville, Tennessee– Categories: sandwiches, pizza, salad– Read more on Yelp

If you’ve done gluten free, you know it can be a bit like cardboard. This was NOT that and was very good. The other pizza was a four cheese with an oil base.

If you’re more in the mood for a pizza, salad, or sandwich, try The Tomato Head in Market Square. It’s right near your next stop anyway.

You can find a second location of The Tomato Head in The Gallery Shopping Center, located at 7240 Kingston Pike in West Hills.

On Market Square Tomato Head is recommended for pizza and Emilia for Italian and pasta at 16 Market Sq.