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The Tomato Head

4.3 (974 reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 8:30 pm
Updated 3 months ago

The Tomato Head Photos

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THE TOMATO HEAD ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Hipster
Casual
Happy hour specials

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Recommended Reviews - The Tomato Head

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Tomato Head sandwich (April 2025)
Jon L.

I first went here with a friend with several dietary restrictions and was impressed with the options available. I liked it so much I recommended my friends try Tomato Head. I love the freshness of the bread and vegetables. The tomato chipotle soup has a nice sweetness to it. I also enjoyed the house salad, though the mushroom sesame dressing was way too salty. The second time we went we had a server who didn't check up on us but checked on our neighboring tables several times. Also, I noticed quite a bit less ham on The Tomato Head sandwich (see the difference in photos if I can add them). While it's not too extreme, it's noticeable when you get a mouthful of sprouts, bread, and tomato and very little ham. The second experience gives me pause, but I still think this Tomato Head is a great place for a fresh lunch, especially due to its great vegan and gluten free options.

Turkey melt sandwich, squash curry soup, and strawberry mint refresher. The perfect lunch!!
Adriana F.

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 friend 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!!

Jill B.

The kids really liked their macaroni pizza. The salmon pesto pizza was pretty good but I guess a little fishy. I should stick with a margarita type pizza like I usually do. The poofy bread appetizer was pretty good, very garlicky but tasty. The service was good and we were with friends so the ambiance was fine for hanging out as a group. Overall it is a good spot to grab some pizza before ice skating though sometimes the wait is long.

Bar
Zach P.

Went in for an early lunch while waiting on Alpine to work on my ski gear. Since I was solo I just decided to relax at the bar, it was a sleepy Saturday January morning. I went with the bartenders pick of the Oh boy chicken sandwich. It came with blue corn tortilla chips as a side. They have a nice draft list and I settled on a crisp Schulz brau pilsner. The beer tasted a bit like the previous yeasty offering but I really didn't care, it was cold and I don't send back cold beer, that's just who I am. The service was fast, the food was timely and there were friendly hosts at the front greeting. I asked for a recommendation on a second beverage, and was offered a kombucha. It was pretty solid, not overly vinegary and I probably needed it, good call by the bartender Seattle. We chatted a bit about the trends in bartendering lately and she mentioned Sundays as a day their bar scene picked up more. So if you are looking for west Knoxville conversation that would probably be your shot. All in all I have been to Tomato head several times, it is a great upscale vibe with vegan and vegetarian options and health forward menu picks. They do bring the heat on their pizzas and had I brought a crew we would've probably gone that route. Check them out for lunch with a friend or date night. It's a granola scene that most Nashvillians would appreciate.

Small Greek salad with chicken
Nicole H.

We went on a Friday night at 6pm and they were nearly empty but wanted to seat our group of 4 next to one of the only other tables in the restaurant. Seemed really unnecessary. I asked to get another table because why be directly next to someone else when they had about 6 servers on and 4 tables seated? Server was pretty slow coming over to us and she wasn't terribly helpful with suggestions. Food came out quickly and was very fresh and actually quite good. It was nice to have something not full of grease. Prices aren't horrible either. Server was really slow about checking back on us, refilling beverages (we had to ask) and clearing plates (manager even had to do it), so that was disappointing. What was most disappointing though based on the very lackluster service is that when you pay at the table the minimum suggested tip amount is 22%. Come on. That's the minimum for that kind of service? That's 18% service at best. Yes, I know you can manually change it but when the server is standing there staring at you it's really uncomfortable to do so. Get some more realistic tip options on your handheld. 18, 20 and 22 maybe? People never feel bad about adding more, but it makes a lot of people uncomfortable to change it to less when you're being stared at.

Large Vegetarian
Kaitlyn S.

Delicious! Everything is fresh made and so yummy! We really enjoyed each dish and our server Allison was a delight!

Small Tomato Head, Side Greek Salad, Unsweet Tea
Gabriela Z.

Sandwich was cold, I was expecting a toasted sandwich, but it still had great flavor. The feta vinaigrette on the Greek salad was yummy, as was the lentil soup they gave me a sample of. The service was wonderful I never had to ask for a refill of anything. Cute little place! Great for a lunch date

Four Cheese Pizza 14"
Kimberly M.

Even my mom who is not a huge pizza fan said that the Tomato Head four cheese pizza was delicious. If you know me, you KNOW I love pizza. Tomato Head is on my list of very good pizza. Great crust! Yummy cheesey toppings. Pro-tip, get a side of the ranch dressing for dipping, their ranch is fresh and absolutely delicious. My niece loved the Ham and Pineapple. 9" pizza is the perfect personal size. The restaurant it's self is clean and modern. Our server was meh. I saw other tables servers being exceptional. Our was not. Wouldn't stop me from returning. But we were her first table of the morning, hopefully she will have gotten herself together after we left, if not, she'll have a long day. Great food nonetheless.

Small Oh Boy

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3 months ago

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Business owner information

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Mahasti V.

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3 months ago

Always hit Tomato Head when in Knoxville. Great vegan options. Great food. Friendly service.

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Mahasti V.

Thanks Beth

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4 months ago

Good food. The service was a little bit slow but the food was worth the wait. The pizzas, calzones and salads are all delicious.

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The Tomato Head Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Tomato Head

Do you have space for a rehearsal dinner on a Friday evening in April ? It would be about 30 adults and 10 kids.

Hi Karen, thanks for your inquiry. We don't have space for large groups at either restaurant on weekend nights. Regards, Mahasti

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Alice In Appalachia

4.5(49 reviews)
0.0 mi

I love a kitschy bar and this is definitely it. They have fully committed to the theme and the gift…read moreshop next store is filled with Alice and wonderland themed trinkets and treasures. It's quirky and the staff is super friendly making this all around a great experience. I got a magic potion drink because you got to keep the glass bottle it came in and it sparkled which came out to $12 plus a tip. What more could you want really. The drink was some kind of party punch, it was a little stiff but pretty tasty. If you're in the area this is worth checking out. It's a one of one and the drinks were reasonably priced for it being a novelty experience.

So I didn't actually get the chance to try a drink here: I came on Thurs around 3p because Google…read morelisted Thurs hours as 11a-2a. They are wrong, they don't open until 5 on Thurs and I had to get back to the airport by then! That said, there is an adjacent gift shop store that is also Alice themed - it was quite cute! I didn't buy anything but the clerk told me all this about the hours. I could see inside the bar and it looks really cute and fun - shame I couldn't actually get a drink because the menu looks awesome! Overall even though I didn't try anything I am certain this bar would be a great spot to hang in Knoxville if trying to unwind or hang around the social scene.

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PostModern Spirits

PostModern Spirits

4.3(45 reviews)
0.3 mi
•$$

We stopped here as part of the Whiskey Trail experience, and not only was it the worst customer…read moreservice of the 28 distilleries we visited, the female bartender (red hair, black glasses) was the rudest bartender I have met in my 20 years of being in hospitality. When we walked in, she glared at us as if we had interrupted something. She didn't greet us, didn't ask what we'd like to try, only gave us one word answers to any question that we asked. Never once smiled or tried to engage us. My friend was so frustrated with trying to get information from her that he stood up and almost walked out. I kept trying to engage her and even complemented her cute dress. Nothing. Stone face. I wanted to try the amaro flight and asked for it. She prepared it, set it in front of me, and said "so you'll want to close out now?" I told her "yes, that would be great, when I'm finished with my tasting". She proceeded to lean up against the bar with her back to us and didn't say another word. I had to get up and walk to the register, and when she finally turned around, I asked her "have we done something to upset you?" She said "no, why?" I said "because you seem REALLY annoyed that we're here". Her only response was to turn the register screen around and tell me the total. I'm so sad about this because I really wanted to taste other items and get a cocktail, but she was SO unpleasant and we felt SO unwelcome., Seeing all of the other great reviews, I can only imagine that they were with other people. I wish those other bartenders had been there.

Boozy grapefruit slushy? YES. Just say yes. This cocktail bar distills their own booze right next…read moredoor (you can be a creepster and peek in!). They sell bottles of varying sizes at the bar and also at other places around town, including Total Wine. We love that they offer sampler flights with different liquors and also different size pours. They give you a tray with a sheet that describes the flavor profile for each offering. We also were given slushy samples and a customized gin sample, mixed with another shot to sip. We ordered slushies to enjoy on the patio and a flight with Hi Rye Whiskey, Ginferous Gin (favorite!), Uproot Gin, and Barrel Rested Cacoa Liqueur. I can't believe the differing flavors they can produce within the same type of booze. Masterful! The bartenders are friendly and so dang knowledgable. We purchased a bottle of Ginferous Gin and have kept the party going at home. Can't wait to go back! What a cool spot.

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PostModern Spirits
PostModern Spirits
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Kaizen - Mushroom Fried Rice

Kaizen

4.3(372 reviews)
0.3 mi
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This restaurant feels like new Japanese, a western twist. We had the crab cakes, which were…read moredelicious with a side of roasted beets and edamame. We also had the drunken noodles and the spicy chicken steamed buns. I will say that the portions feel small for the apps and buns. Entrées are filling. Some of the meat in the drunken noodles were tough, others was nice and soft. Service was good. Ambiance is small and feels quaint, they have a patio outside in the back. 8/10

You can find Kaizen at 127 S Central Ave Knoxville, TN 37902. This is in Knoxville's revitalized…read moreOld City. There's some street parking but most of it appears to be pay-to-park. There are several nearby lots also pay-to-park but some may be free on weekends. Kaizen appears to me to be more akin to an Izakaya than a noodle hosue, where you basically go for drinks and they supply some food to keep things going - it has a more expansive menu than an Izakaya (which tends to be yakitori and sushi) - Kaizen's menu features several noodle dishes which all looked very interesting. We started with the appetizers and ordered some mixed steamed buns and soup. All of the buns that I tried I liked quite a bit - some strong, distinctive flavors. For an entree I ordered the Koji-Cured Ribeye medium-rare - 12 oz sliced ribeye, gai lan, broad bean paste, steamed rice. The steak was cooked perfectly. The service was exceptional - the next night we tried Fin-Two Japanese Ale House across the street - this restaurant was my preference - the flavors seemed more authentic and the quality of the dishes better in my opinion.

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Kaizen - Inside dining

Inside dining

Kaizen - Updated Mushroom Fried Rice

Updated Mushroom Fried Rice

Kaizen - Yo.

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Yo.

Monkey’s Bar

Monkey’s Bar

4.6(5 reviews)
0.5 mi

I love Monkey's bar!! It's the perfect meet in the middle between fancy cocktail bar and relaxed…read moreenvironment! Bartenders are so friendly and even let me sample a pre batched cocktail to ensure I'd like it! Will definitely be back!

If you like near downtown and own a dog, this will become your go-to spot! It is pretty bare-bones…read moreinside, with a few high-tops and bar seating, a separate space you can step up into with more wooden tables and bench seating and not much in the way of decor. They have some really fun drinks with pop-culture references, a sizable list of mocktails, booze list galore, and keep beer flowing , too. The service is friendly and the prices in line (if not cheaper) with other bars downtown ($11-12 per cocktail). We loved that people are allowed to bring in their own food (they have a few snacks you can order) and that dogs are welcome. In fact, word has it that the bar is named after the owners' dog, Monkey, so it makes sense that they pass along their pup love to our community. Note that huge (but very sweet) dogs may be freely roaming and were knocking into people carrying full drinks and begging strangers for food. Also, we were with a group across from the bar and I will say that it was absolutely deafening. We were next to each other and were yelling, "CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW!?" They could use a few items to soak up some sound like cushions on the bench seating, some rugs, etc. It would also make the space a bit more homey and inviting.

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Monkey’s Bar - Monkey likes the pizza!

Monkey likes the pizza!

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The Vault - My knockout date for the night

The Vault

4.2(51 reviews)
0.1 mi

The Vault was our second stop on our cocktail hop night, and I'm so glad we found it!…read more First off, the interior is chef's kiss. The dark, glamorous aesthetic is stunning--perfect for date night or for impressing out-of-town guests. I loved the gold accents, layered textures, and thoughtful lighting. Everything worked together beautifully. We chose to sit at the bar to watch the mixologists work their magic. They were incredibly helpful in guiding us toward drinks that matched our preferences. I absolutely loved my cocktail--even if I can't recall the name--because it delivered the spicy kick they promised. We also ordered several shareable plates, all of which were delicious. We tried the Carnitas Tamales (shredded pork, ancho mole, fresh corn, masa, cilantro, yuzu arbequina oil), the Vegetable Empanadas (house-made pastry, wilted kale, roasted sweet potato, Oaxaca and cotija cheese, black bean purée, and adobo & chile-lime aioli), and a salad. I'd happily order any of them again. I did find myself wishing for a bit more heat, but I've learned that's hard to come by in Tennessee. At least the staff gave us a heads-up that the spice level is toned down. I'm already looking forward to coming back and exploring more of the menu. The vibe is fantastic--and while they have a nice outdoor space, the interior is so eye-catching I'm not sure I'd want to sit anywhere else.

Cool atmosphere it's an underground speakeasy type of deal and had a cool list of cocktails…read more My cocktail was pretty good I wouldn't get it again but I liked it and the banana and gin was fun and new. Tapas were good the carrots were by far the best roasted perfectly and the sauce was so flavorful. The crab dip was good but typical same with mushroom truffle pizza. The empanadas were good but a little dry I was glad they had sauce. Would go again and get the carrots and new items!

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The Vault - A bottle vault.

A bottle vault.

The Vault - Inside the actual vault

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The Vault - Tables in the vault

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Tables in the vault

Fiori - Lobster Ala Vodka

Fiori

3.5(42 reviews)
0.4 mi

Fiori in Old City downtown Knoxville is such a cute spot with an amazing ambiance--perfect for a…read moregirls night or a special occasion. The atmosphere alone makes it feel like a little escape. The service was good, and my friend and I both really enjoyed our cocktails and entrées--they were definitely the highlight of the meal. We weren't huge fans of the appetizers we tried, but we found out they're leaving the menu soon anyway, so that made sense. On a high note, the pistachio cream dessert was an absolute delight and the perfect way to end the night. Overall, a really lovely experience and I'd definitely go back!

You definitely are paying for the ambiance. The food itself isn't anything to right home about,…read moreespecially for the price. But I will applaud that the portions are decent sizes. I wasn't blown away and felt like the flavors were lackluster. The pasta was an alright red sauce, flavors could've been a bit more complex and boldly fresh. The Arancini tasted like a bland mushy hushpuppy in marinara. The best dish was the salmon, if I had to recommend anything! Super flaky with a crispy fish, paired nicely with the salad and potatoes. Service itself was good and the drinks were just okay. I like that they have many cocktail options to choose from, but my drink was honestly straight juice. As someone who's lightweight, I was shocked to find that the portions for drinks for the little amount of alcohol for $15 is a bit absurd (I got the st Richard ride). I'd only come once for the ambiance but it's pretty disappointing for what you pay. 6.5/10

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Fiori - Some Appetizers

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The Tomato Head - pizza - Updated May 2026

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