Holy Land Market

Take a taste while ordering at the counter. See if you like it before you commit. That’s the motto at Holy Land, which has been part of the Bearden landscape for nearly 16 years and doesn’t mind creating new converts with free samples. The multiple flavors of fresh hummus are an absolute must, and then move on to the rolled stuffed grape leaves, falafel, lamb kebabs, and spinach pie. The homemade deserts, such as the different types of baklava, are scrumptious. (You can also find American fare like hamburgers.) Patrons can take meals to-go or eat at a few cozy tables up front, overlooking the small-town foot traffic on Sutherland Avenue.

As seen in YUMMM, The Metro Pulse Restaurant Guide:

Take a taste. See if you like it before you commit. That’s the motto at Holy Land, which has been part of the Bearden landscape for nearly 13 years, and operated by Walter and Denise Ajlouny and their son Jason the past three. Five months ago, the trio added a hot lunch/dinner/deli menu that patrons can take to go or eat at a few cozy tables up front, overlooking the small-town foot traffic on Knoxville’s international student hub, Sutherland Avenue. Rolled stuffed grape leaves, lamb kebabs, and spinach pie are just a few possibilities. “We have the best falafel in town, too,” boasts Walter, who also swears by his wife’s made-fresh chicken curry salad. “The Mideastern food is authentic. We don’t skimp or modify the taste. We cook it the way we would serve it on our own table.”

The rest of the menu they cook the way they would in Long Island, where the couple owned a deli for 15 years. Menu items that made the trek south with them include big, juicy burgers (the best of the 30 they offered in New York) with regional toppings, like a Texas Burger with onion rings, BBQ sauce, and cheddar. The deli sandwiches (with names like Dagwood and the God Father) rival any in the Big Apple, piled high with thin-sliced turkey, corned beef, pastrami and the like and served on white, wheat, rye or a hero roll as you wish. Bread pudding, egg salad, chopped liver, and fried clams are just a few of the other NYC-style taste sensations, while the flavors of the Middle East sold by the pound run the gamut from five types of hummus to baba ghannouj to white bean salad and tabbouleh.

The kitchen opens for business around 10:30 a.m. and winds down about 7:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday—on Sundays, the by-the-pound to-go deli foods are the option. Or, you could cook Holy Land-style at home, with tempting ingredients from the store: couscous, bins of bulk olives, fresh yogurt drinks, five types of feta, bulk spices, and a variety of beans are only a small sampling of the wares. And if you can’t make up your mind what to make, tell one of the Aljounys—they’ll help you decide.

Restaurant Details

Locally Owned	Wifi	Patio	Live Music	Accepts Reservations	Party Room (20+)

Kids Menu	Delivers	Buffet	Waterfront	Vegetarian Dishes	Vegan Dishes