Welcome to a world of flavors right here in Knoxville! If you are looking for a taste of the globe without leaving town, you’ve come to the right place. Knoxville is home to a variety of international restaurants that offer authentic dining experiences. From Indian to Laotian, there are plenty of options to explore. It’s also a great way to support local businesses and learn directly from people who are passionate about their culinary heritage.
Take your family out to these 8 kid-friendly international restaurants and embark on a culinary adventure. These restaurants are perfect for introducing your kids to new cuisines in a fun and welcoming environment.
1. Aroma Indian Kitchen: This Indian food restaurant delivers big time when it comes to flavorful cuisine and attentive service. If you are not familiar with Aroma Kitchen, they offer a buffet Monday – Saturday, 11am – 2:30pm; the buffet is an excellent way to sample and taste a wide variety of dishes. If you are not a big fan of spicy foods, do not worry because you can control the spice level of each dish when ordering. Children love the Aroma special butter chicken, garlic naan and mango lassi.
2. Yassin’s Falafel House: This authentic Mediterranean restaurant has been featured on Good Morning America and won the 2018 Reader’s Digest accolade as the “Nicest place in America.” Opened by a Syrian refugee in Tennessee, Yassin’s Falafel House has become a pillar in this community, and a gathering place for people from all backgrounds and walks of life to come together over food. Children love the chicken plate or Chicken Gyro. The falafels are also amazing!
3. Sticky Rice Cafe: This family-owned restaurant serves delicious Laotian cuisine. Adventurous young customers really enjoy fried rice, sticky rice, fried noodles, lao style chicken wings or the kid’s pho. They also have children’s options that have a more reserved palate like Kowpek, a chicken noodle soup that most kids find comforting.
4. La Michoacana: Since opening in 2017, this family-operated Mexican snack shop and ice cream parlor has been a huge hit! With a colorful and welcoming atmosphere, it is the perfect place to bring your family on a hot summer day. Kids’ favorite menu items are any of the homemade ice creams, paletas, strawberry refreshers, milk shakes and walking tacos.
5. The French Creperie Market: This restaurant and its staff have received numerous awards, being named “Top French Restaurant” in the city by the Knoxville News Sentinel and featured in publications by Trip advisor, Southern Living, USA today, NY Daily News, and more. With that many accolades, you know it has to be good! Kids’ favorite menu items are the nutella crepe, cinnamon crepe or the grilled cheese.
6. Dulcie’s Cafe: Rooted in family, this local restaurant was opened in memory of the owner’s loving mother “Dulcie.” Dulcie was an amazing cook from Kingston, Jamaica and spent a lot of time cooking for those in need around her community. Now, Dulcie’s family shares her legacy and delicious recipes with our Knoxville community. You can truly taste the love in each bite! Kids’ favorite menu items are beef patties, coco bread, brown stew chicken, mac and cheese, and white rice.
7. Makino’s Japanese Buffet: This restaurant is great for families or groups with diverse preferences as everyone can find something to enjoy. Plus, the all-you-can-eat format provides excellent value for your money, allowing you to indulge in as many dishes as you like for one fixed price. As we all know, sushi can be quite expensive, so this is a great way to explore different sushi rolls without breaking the bank. Kids’ favorite menu items are lo mein noodles, chicken or steak hibachi with fried rice, shrimp tempura sushi roll or fried scallops.
8. Sylvia’s Mexican Restaurant: Great food, excellent service and the fun-filled atmosphere of Silvia’s began long before opening in Knoxville. Silvia’s Mexican Restaurant was named in honor of the owner’s mother Silvia Palafox De La Fuente. Embracing Mexican culture and cuisine, Sylvia’s restaurant honors her passion for the kitchen, following her recipes, her wisdom, philosophy, and encouragement. Kids’ favorite menu items are pollo loco, tacos, nachos and quesadillas.
Hello, I just want to add one more restaurant to your list.
Brazeiros Brazilian Steakhouse is also a kids – family friendly international cuisine / restaurant.
It is on the ‘fancier’ side from the list above, however, the servers and managers are used to attending to children needs. They do offer children prices for the same food options their parents are offered. Lunchtime is a great time to take the children to Brazeiros. What is also great is that there is no ordering or waiting on your food to come. I do suggest trying one of their Brazilian drinks (non-alcoholic option are also available… guarana the Brazilian soda and the fresh lemonade.)
Great recommendation!