Knoxville may be best known for its Southern comfort, college energy, and Appalachian traditions, but its Chinese restaurants offer a world of flavor—and have long been a gathering point for students, families, and food lovers seeking something beyond barbecue or biscuits.
Gems both new and decades-old fill the city with comforting classics and regional specialties that keep hopeful Volunteers and loyal locals craving more.
1. Asia Kitchen
Tucked into an unpretentious West Knoxville strip mall, Asia Kitchen has quietly become one of East Tennessee’s key Chinese dining destinations.
Regulars rave about the innovative yet soulful menu—think spicy Sichuan specialties like mapo tofu alongside classics like scallion pancakes, beef with broccoli, and crispy sesame chicken.
The dim sum menu, available all week, features fragrant pork buns, shrimp dumplings and taro croquettes. Everything is scratch-made and generously portioned, perfect for sharing family-style; it’s packed on weekends with locals and international students alike.
The staff know faces and favorite dishes, making it as warm and welcoming as your grandmother’s kitchen—if she could turn out flawless xiao long bao.
2. Chop House
With its inviting, contemporary dining room and attentive service, Chop House is a favorite for business lunches, family nights, and date night alike.
The menu blends the best of Chinese-American comfort—orange chicken, sweet & sour pork, and steaming-hot fried rice—with some more adventurous options for the city’s growing foodie crowd.
Locals swear by the honey walnut shrimp, the spicy eggplant with garlic sauce, and homemade dumplings, all paired with cocktails or a craft beer list that nods to Knoxville’s brewery scene.
The kitchen is happy to accommodate gluten-free or vegetarian eaters, and the green tea ice cream is a light way to end any meal.
3. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro (West Town Mall)
Though a national chain, Knoxville’s P.F. Chang’s stands out for its reliable quality and lively atmosphere.
The towering horse statue at the entrance promises adventure, and inside, chic lighting and energetic staff make meals feel like events.
Families and students crowd the bar for happy hour specials and split plates of Mongolian beef, Dan Dan noodles, lettuce wraps, and hand-folded dumplings. Weekends often see long waits, but the kitchen rarely misses a beat, delivering consistent flavors with a Tennessee twist.
4. Golden Garden
Beloved for speedy delivery, hearty portions, and friendly service, Golden Garden is Knoxville’s go-to for a quick lunch combo or a comforting dinner after a long day.
The lo mein is perfectly saucy, the sesame chicken boasts a real crunch, and the hot & sour soup can cure any cold.
Delivery is impressively fast and the staff are known for always throwing in extra fortune cookies or a little bonus treat for loyal regulars. It’s the sort of neighborhood joint where your order is remembered and families have been coming for generations.
5. Gold Flame Chinese Restaurant
For those who want something a little different, Gold Flame delivers Hunan and Szechuan heat: spicy boiled fish, cumin lamb, and green beans in garlicky perfection.
The chef-run kitchen puts pride into every dish, and adventurous eaters are encouraged to order from the “authentic” menu for rotating regional specialties.
The dining room is cozy and perfect for date nights or quiet meals where you want to linger over a pot of jasmine tea. It’s become a culinary hub for Knoxville’s growing Asian community and an education for heat-loving locals.
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