18 Best Chattanooga Restaurants in 2024
You might not think of Chattanooga’s restaurants as one of its biggest draws, but did you know that the city is home to one of the trendiest emerging culinary scenes in the U.S.? If you didn’t, this list of the best restaurants in Chattanooga, TN will be a great introduction to the city’s fast-growing selection of exciting eateries.
Don’t miss these 18 examples of why Chattanooga should make it onto your list of cities to visit on your next gourmet adventure. From vibrant food markets to award-winning restaurants, this city is a culinary gem waiting to be explored.
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The 18 Best Restaurants in Chattanooga, Tennessee
1. The Rosecomb
You couldn’t ask for a Chattanooga restaurant with a more charming setting than The Rosecomb. Serving small-plate Southern specialties and artisan cocktails in a cozy space, this spot is perfect for your next girls’ night. It's over 21s only, so don’t bring the kids!
The Vibe
On of the most warm and cozy restaurants on this list, if you’re looking for an intimate, cozy ambiance, this Chattanooga restaurant is for you. The Rosecomb takes full advantage of its setting with eclectic mismatched décor, a small interior that transitions well from day (lots of natural light) to night (cheerful fairy lights) and outdoor seating in the surrounding garden.
What to Order
From the food menu, order the local specialties: fried catfish, deviled eggs and cornbread are all popular choices. The Rosecomb does them all with style.
The Rosecomb | 921 Barton Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37405 | $$$
2. Community Pie
Chattanooga has its fair share of pizzerias, but Community Pie stands above the rest. Locals adore this Chattanooga restaurant’s made-fresh pizza — both classic Neapolitan and Detroit-style pies, which can be made with a gluten-free crust. You can choose a flavor off the menu, or why not make your own?
The Vibe
This Chatanooga restaurant offers a lively, social setting with a modern industrial vibe, cozy indoor seating and a bustling outdoor patio. Enjoy exposed brick, communal tables and an open kitchen where you can watch the pizzas being made.
What to Order
With build-your-own options, your pizza at Community Pie could be whatever you want it to be. One thing you absolutely must not miss at this Chattanooga restaurant is a side order of fried cheese.
Community Pie | Multiple Locations | $$
3. Alleia
This chic Italian spot is one of the most feted restaurants in Chattanooga for good reason. High in both class and quality, Alleia uses local ingredients in its Italian dishes. Date-nighters looking for comforting but high-end pasta dishes frequent this Chattanooga restaurant for its top-notch renditions of the classics.
The Vibe
Like many other much-loved restaurants in Chattanooga, Alleia is a repurposed historic building, but its brick walls and dim lighting don’t take away from its welcoming atmosphere. A cozy, intimate dining area welcomes guests and you’ll want a reservation to make sure you get a coveted table.
What to Order
The pappardelle with braised veal is one of the best dishes offered at this Chattanooga restaurant. It’s the perfect balance between light and indulgent and you won’t want to miss it. If a day at the Chattanooga riverside has left you craving something more nautical, try the shrimp pasta.
Alleia | 25 E. Main St., Chattanooga, TN 37408 | $$$
4. Attack of the Tatsu
Ramen in Tennessee? You might not expect it, but this Chattanooga restaurant has made a name for itself offering just that. Attack of the Tatsu serves ramen and a variety of Japanese favorites inspired by izakaya cuisine, as well as Japanese whiskey and sake. If you find yourself craving a spot of late-night ramen in Chattanooga, this is the place for you.
The Vibe
A repurposed red-brick building with a layout and décor that imitates the interior of an izakaya (Japanese bar), right down to the red lanterns and sake tumblers. Outdoor seating is also available.
What to Order
For ramen, tonkotsu and shoyu are fan-favorites. If you’d like something greasy to cut your sake, go for the karaage (fried chicken), an izakaya classic.
Attack of the Tatsu | 818 Georgia Ave., Unit 118, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | $$
5. Pickle Barrel
A 21+ only pub (sorry, kids), Pickle Barrel is a beloved Chattanooga restaurant set in a storied building that was once associated with notorious local railroad union boss, Jimmy Hoffa. However, since 1982, it’s been known for nothing but fantastic food and cocktails.
The Vibe
A building that looks every bit as historic as it is, this Chattanooga restaurant boasts some of the city’s most beautiful architecture in brick, wrought iron and stained glass. Its unique shape and balconies also add to the quirky air of the place; you’ll never make the mistake of thinking you’re dining at any other restaurant. An adults-only mandate only adds to its mystique.
What to Order
Any meal would be memorable in a location like this one, but Pickle Barrel’s burgers are especially beloved. Get the fried pickles for an appropriately quirky starter or side, or the grilled brie for a touch of class.
Pickle Barrel | 1012 Market St., Chattanooga, TN 37402 | $$
6. Calliope
This restaurant brings something new to Chattanooga’s food scene with an up-market taste of the Levant. With great attention to seasonality and local sourcing, Calliope reinvents classic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes for the 21st-century fine dining scene and, in doing so, has cemented itself as one of the finest Chattanooga restaurants.
The Vibe
Like many of Chattanooga’s upscale restaurants, exposed ventilation ducts and concrete floors characterize the décor. Its interior gets a touch of contrasting warmth, though, from pops of color and warm wood paneling, making for an eclectic, stylish interior that feels perfectly curated.
What to Order
The Mediterranean classics you’ve most likely heard of are also some of the things this Chattanooga restaurant does best: falafel, lamb shank and a mezze appetizer are all favorites of satisfied diners. Plus, plates are shareable, so savvy diners would do well to bring a group and try multiple dishes.
Calliope | 422 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37403 | $$$$
7. St John’s Restaurant
An elegant night out in Chattanooga couldn’t find a better setting than St John’s Restaurant. Elegant in all aspects of its presentation, this Chattanooga restaurant offers a fine dining experience in every sense of the phrase. Those celebrating a milestone or especially desperate to impress a date need look no further for the place to do it.
The Vibe
In a word, pristine. St John’s is all straight lines and subtlety, with high ceilings, hardwood accents, white décor and gentle lighting. That clean, unobtrusively elegant aesthetic allows the food to take center stage, but even though it’s not meant to draw the diner’s attention, the beautiful setting and atmosphere are integral to the charm of this Chattanooga restaurant.
What to Order
Your choices might vary based on the season in which you visit this Chattanooga restaurant, so you’ll have to make that call when you visit. If available, try the heirloom tomato salad.
St John’s Restaurant | 729 Chestnut St., Chattanooga, TN 37402 | $$$$
8. St John’s Meeting Place
You might notice, if you’re a careful reader, that St John’s Meeting Place is listed under the same address as St John’s Restaurant, and that isn’t a typo. The two Chattanooga restaurants are adjacent; St John’s Restaurant serves full-course meals while Meeting Place functions as a bar and bistro. It’s a much more casual alternative with a very different purpose but with the same commitment to great food and drink.
The Vibe
Picture a hotel bar — one you’ve seen in a movie, maybe a spy flick or a thriller where the protagonists, dressed to the nines, are meeting to exchange intel. Now swap the plush carpet in that mental image for concrete flooring and you have a rough idea of what Meeting Place looks like. Whether you're enjoying a cocktail with friends or discussing how you're going to save the world, this is a classy spot to do it.
What to Order
You may wish to order something befitting of this Chattanooga restaurant's elegant surroundings. If so, try the duck confit with polenta and blackberry barbecue. If it’s the cocktail menu that intrigues you, don’t miss the seasonal sangria.
St John’s Meeting Place | 729 Chestnut St., Chattanooga, TN 37402 | $$
9. Zaya Korean Steakhouse
If you’ve ever been out for Korean barbecue, you’ll be familiar with the format: diners are seated around a grill, which is used to cook the meat at your table. Zaya Korean Steakhouse adapts this model for an upscale experience. Plus, this Chattanooga restaurant gives you great value for the price of your steak: in fine Korean fashion, each steak comes with a wide array of side dishes.
The Vibe
The tabletop grills add a touch of intimacy to this Chattanooga restaurant’s all-black interior. The grills are also available at the well-stocked bar.
What to Order
While you can't go wrong with any of the steaks, if you're looking for the best luxury experience at this Chattanooga restaurant, the wagyu is a must-order.
Zaya Korean Steakhouse | 300 Cherokee Blvd., Ste 125, Chattanooga, TN 37405 | $$$$
10. FEED
Another of the many Chattanooga restaurants to repurpose an old industrial building, FEED transforms its space in a unique and contemporary way. Think TVs, a beefed-up beer selection and an atmosphere that's made for sports fans. It works, and locals love the friendly service and bar menu!
The Vibe
A sports bar atmosphere, with all of the high tables, barstools and TVs you’d expect. This Chattanooga restaurant is a relaxing if bustling place to unwind at the end of a long workday — or maybe in the middle of one.
What to Order
Sloppy Joes might not be a highlight at most restaurants, but FEED has mastered the art and you would be sadly remiss if you didn’t try them. Hearty meat-based entrées like burgers and steaks are also this Chattanooga restaurant’s forte. In other words, there's no risk of drinking on an empty stomach here.
FEED | 201 W. Main St., Chattanooga, TN 37402 | $$
11. Bela Lisboa
One exciting aspect of Chattanooga’s restaurant scene is its diversity and Bela Lisboa is a fine example. You don’t see Portuguese food everywhere and maybe have never even sampled it. If this sounds like you, look no further than this Chattanooga restaurant, where Portuguese small plates have made it one of the city’s most happening spots.
The Vibe
Relaxed and dimly lit, this Chattanooga restaurant adds charm to its industrial-chic look with well-displayed succulents and an extensive bar. A great place for group dining or a date night.
What to Order
Start with a glass of port, one of Portugal’s most famous exports, and continue your meal with bacalhau com natas (Portuguese cod with cream). If you’re slightly more adventurous, Bela Lisboa also excels at preparing octopus.
Bella Lisboa | 417 Frazier Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37405 | $$
12. Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar
It’s easy to forget that landlocked Chattanooga is on the water, but the Tennessee River runs right through town and is an integral part of the town’s character. So, if you’d like your Chattanooga restaurant with a river view, you might do well to try Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar.
The Vibe
The view is the biggest draw of this Chattanooga restaurant, with exactly the laid-back vibe that you’d hope for in a waterfront spot. Try to get a seat as close to the windows as possible to enjoy the river views, watch the boats pass by and — if you’re visiting in the summer — maybe even catch a fireworks display.
What to Order
The voodoo chicken is as good as you’d expect Southern fried chicken to be. If you’re a shellfish person, this Chattanooga restaurant’s raw bar is definitely for you. Alternatively, pay homage to the riverside setting by trying any of the restaurant’s popular trout dishes.
Boathouse Restaurant | 1459 Riverside Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37406 | $$
13. Uncle Larry’s
Promising “fish so good it will smack you,” Uncle Larry’s sticks to what it does best with a menu of Southern classics centered around fried catfish. With three locations throughout the city, Uncle Larry’s is a Chattanooga institution. Huge portions and a generous selection of hearty sides, all at affordable prices, provide just about the best bang for your buck on Chattanooga's restaurant scene.
The Vibe
Quick, casual and welcoming. Uncle Larry’s is as unpretentious as Chattanooga restaurants get. Service is friendly and efficient.
What to Order
You can't visit Uncle Larry’s without ordering fried fish. Take your pick between catfish, tilapia and whiting. Sides of fried okra and hush puppies are the ideal complement if that fish isn’t enough battered-and-fried perfection for you. For dessert? This Chattanooga restaurant’s banana pudding cake ought to do the trick.
Uncle Larry’s | Multiple locations | $
14. Opa!
While Opa! (yes, you need the exclamation point) may be a pre-fixe, five-course dining experience with a hefty price tag, it comes with none of the pretension. This Chattanooga restaurant features hearty Greek specialties made with fresh ingredients based on family recipes and hospitable service. Even if you’re new to fine dining, this isn’t the sort of restaurant to make you feel out of place.
The Vibe
The closest thing to a trip to Greece that you’ll find in Chattanooga. Outdoor dining under a leafy trellis is a superb summer option. Inside, the décor reminds diners which part of the world they’re going to be transported to. Opa! shows a charmingly earnest commitment to its theme, as traditional Greek plate-smashing is included in the price of your meal.
What to Order
You actually won’t have to make that call at this Chattanooga restaurant, since Opa! serves a pre-fixe menu.
Opa! | 249 River St., Chattanooga, TN 37405 | $$$$
15. Hello Monty
This Chattanooga restaurant aims to pay tribute to the Southern tradition of the backyard barbecue but in an elevated setting. You won’t find anything fussy at Hello Monty. Instead, the focus is on comfort food, but don't worry: everything you order will be prepared to perfection.
The Vibe
Set in a roomy industrial space, this Chattanooga restaurant is as good a place to catch Thursday night football as it is for an upscale casual date. It's down-to-earth and bustling, with outdoor seating for sunny days. The best part? The patio is also dog-friendly!
What to Order
If you’re feeling a little fancy, salmon skewers marry Hello Monty’s cookout theme with an elevated flavor profile. If you’re more in the mood for something classic, try the collard greens melt.
Hello Monty | 306 W. Main St., Chattanooga, TN 37408 | $$$
16. Main Street Meats
Diners come to Main Street Meats for the beef. While this Chattanooga restaurant does dabble in other carnivorous treats, it’s the knockout steak and burgers that keep happy customers coming back. With a robust drink menu, enticing sides and desserts, and a relaxed ambiance, Main Street Meats is a beloved local favorite.
The Vibe
Unfussy and inviting, with counter seating and an open-concept kitchen. This Chattanooga restaurant is a great lunch spot where a casual atmosphere doesn’t come at the cost of top-notch food.
What to Order
Many cite Main Street Meats’ hamburger as the best in Chattanooga, but if you’re feeling a little fancier, its charcuterie selections might also entice you.
Main Street Meats | 217 E. Main St., Chattanooga, TN 37408 | $$
17. Easy Bistro
In what was once a bottling plant, the owners of Easy Bistro have created a chic French eatery. Helmed by a James Beard Award nominee, this Chattanooga restaurant’s menu serves a fusion of French and Southern cuisine in an elegant setting with a focus on local ingredients.
The Vibe
Industrial-chic. Easy Bistro has elegantly repurposed an old bottling plant with a sleek, polished aesthetic and amply-stocked bar that makes a trip here a great date idea in Chattanooga. At once elegant and relaxed, this Chattanooga restaurant has the kind of atmosphere you'll want to linger in and savor.
What to Order
Easy Bistro is frequently cited as one of the best restaurants in Chattanooga for oysters, so don’t skip those as a starter. For your entrée, you can't really go wrong with whatever you pick, but when it comes to dessert, those in the know insist on the bourbon bread pudding.
Easy Bistro | 801 Chestnut St., Chattanooga, TN 37402 | $$$$
18. Neidlov’s Bakery
At Niedlov’s Bakery, the spotlight is on the bread, with a hearty selection of loaves, pastries, quiches and coffee in a repurposed industrial space. Whether it's for breakfast, lunch or a coffee break, this Chattanooga restaurant has something delicious to offer.
The Vibe
Set in a repurposed brick-walled warehouse, Niedlov’s is spacious, airy and hip. If the weather is clear, choose one of this Chattanooga restaurant’s outdoor seats for a touch of green and the chance to people-watch along the city’s main thoroughfare.
What to Order
For breakfast, Niedlov’s crusty bread makes a standout avocado toast. A hearty chicken biscuit or club sandwich makes a great lunch. For something sweet, don't waste time struggling to pick between the variety of delights displayed in this Chattanooga restaurant's bakery case — simply order a buckwheat chocolate chip cookie and be done with it!
Niedlovs | 215 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408 | $$
Try Cooking Chattanooga Foods
Although Chattanooga’s restaurant scene is undeniably exciting, there’s another way you can sample the region’s cuisine. Whether you’d like to learn to cook Chattanooga foods to impress friends and family back home or you just don’t feel like going out, cooking classes in Chattanooga can be a great way to experience the best Chattanooga foods and bring restaurant quality cuisine into your own home.
With the expert guidance of a professional chef, you’ll learn new culinary skills, build your confidence in the kitchen and add new dishes to your repertoire. If you feel like staying in or can’t get to a Chattanooga restaurant anytime soon, why not think outside the box and learn to make some of the best foods from Chattanooga yourself?
Chattanooga’s dynamic food scene proves it’s a hidden gem for food lovers. With diverse, award-winning eateries, it’s a city that belongs on every culinary travel list. Whether you're after local flavors or innovative dishes, Chattanooga's culinary offerings promise an unforgettable experience for every palate.
For more ways to explore Chattanooga and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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