Chattanooga might be small, but its restaurant scene packs the flavor and energy of a city twice its size. From delicacies to dives, the range of food in Chattanooga is as fascinating and colorful as the city itself, and each restaurant offers its own special flare. If the thought of vacation instantly brings to mind visions of great food at unique restaurants, this is the place for you. Here are a few of our selections, grouped into categories, for a foodie visiting the Scenic City.
Fine Dining
WHITEBIRD
Located inside The Edwin, Whitebird’s clever and thoughtful updates to Appalachian farm-to-table classics make it a standout choice for fine food in Chattanooga. Regional favorites like fried green tomatoes are served with house-smoked pork belly, and local farm-raised trout comes with wilted dandelion and bacon white beans. Many of Whitebird’s ingredients are sourced from local farms such as Crabtree and Benton, ensuring that everything you taste is fresh, regionally produced, and uniquely Southern.
ALLEIA
A date night favorite and also one of Chattanooga’s popular farm-to-table restaurants, Alleia uses local, seasonal ingredients to create traditional Italian dishes. With seven types of house-made pasta, flavorful brick-oven pizzas, and an array of signature cocktails, Alleia’s atmosphere blends modern design with the rustic feel of an old-world trattoria for a chic and cozy dining experience. If you’re craving authentic Italian food in Chattanooga, Alleia should be at the top of your list.
BRIDGEMAN’S CHOPHOUSE
Looking for a high-end steakhouse experience? Located in The Read House, a hotel founded in 1872, Bridgeman’s Chophouse is known for its wet- and dry-aged prime beef, seafood, and raw bar. With excellent service and an extensive wine list, Bridgeman’s is a white-tablecloth restaurant offering some of the most luxurious food in Chattanooga. This is an excellent option if you’re looking for a place to celebrate a big event.
Brunch
STIR
Located inside Chattanooga’s charming and historic train terminal, the Chattanooga Choo Choo, STIR features a weekend brunch menu filled with dishes that are hearty yet tasteful in an open and lively setting. After starting your day with a savory breakfast sandwich, the shrimp and crab benedict, or a frittata and one (or a few) of their $5 mimosas, you’ll be ready for your day of adventure in Chattanooga. For a brunch experience that truly embodies the best food in Chattanooga, STIR is a must-visit.
FROTHY MONKEY
Also located inside the Chattanooga Choo Choo, Frothy Monkey is a local favorite and is situated at one of the city’s most popular destinations. Its beautiful cafe-style setting, delicious coffee, scrumptious pastries, and robust breakfast bowls and sandwiches make it a wonderful brunch spot any day of the week.
BLUEGRASS GRILL
Craving something casual yet hearty? The Bluegrass Grill is your go-to spot. This cozy Chattanooga restaurant serves up mouthwatering, made-from-scratch dishes that will satisfy any appetite. Indulge in the Alderwood Smoked Salmon Frittata with your choice of sides, or customize your omelet for a personalized touch. When it comes to comfort food in Chattanooga, Bluegrass Grill delivers every time.
Around the World
TOTTO SUSHI & GRILL
For a taste of delicious international food in Chattanooga, Totto Sushi & Grill brings flavors from the Far East to your table. This go-to sushi restaurant is conveniently located on Northshore. It offers fresh specialty sushi rolls and a wide range of Asian dishes like udon noodles, katsu, poke bowls, and sashimi. When you go to Totto, make sure to ask about specials like their all-you-can-eat sushi and hot bar.
EMBARGO 62
Visit Embargo 62 and enjoy luscious Cuban and Latin American classics like empanadas, fried plantains, and classic Cuban sandwiches. This spot is a hidden gem if you’re seeking Latin-inspired food in Chattanooga. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, visit on a Wednesday for salsa dancing.
IL PRIMO
Widely regarded as some of the best Italian food in Chattanooga, Il Primo’s dishes are rich, inviting, elegant, and consistently delicious. With a rotating seasonal menu guests can choose from signature pastas like a lasagna using spinach pasta, artfully prepared fish, or traditional Italian chicken dishes. For a truly European experience, don’t skip the aperitif and charcuterie selection to begin your meal.
Southern Style Favorites
SHUFORD’S SMOKEHOUSE
Shuford’s is your authentic hole-in-the-wall barbecue joint. A family-run Chattanooga restaurant, it has been serving up juicy smoked meats, holiday turkeys, and signature sauces for decades, and it is always busy with long-time customers and newcomers alike. Its location at the foot of Signal Mountain makes it an ideal spot to stop for a post-hike sandwich or rack of ribs.
MAPLE STREET BISCUIT CO.
Nothing says southern like a flaky biscuit topped with fried chicken, but what about adding goat cheese and house-made pepper jelly? That’s Maple Street Biscuit Co.’s secret sauce, serving comfort food in Chattanooga with a modern twist and some of the best locally roasted coffee you can find.
Sweets
MILK & HONEY
Stop in at Milk & Honey, one of Chattanooga’s all-time favorite sweet shops. While they serve a menu of delicious dishes all day long, they really shine for their made-from-scratch gelato (think Pineapple Habanero, Sicilian Pistachio), pastries, paletas, and an ever-changing assortment of treats. Trust us, your sweet tooth will thank you.
CLUMPIES ICE CREAM CO.
There’s just no getting around the fact that Clumpies offers the best ice cream in Chattanooga. For 21 years, Clumpies has been hand-crafting dozens of ice cream flavors like their classic strawberry made with roasted strawberries and pistachio with pistachio puree, along with seasonal delights like the tangy key lime pie with lime curd. If you happen to walk past any of its four locations, chances are you’ll be lured inside by the irresistible smell of freshly made waffle cones, and no doubt you’ll want to try it all.
CUPCAKE KITCHEN
If you find yourself in need of a gourmet cupcake during your visit to Chattanooga, this little bakery in the heart of downtown is the place for you. Family-owned and operated, Cupcake Kitchen offers nearly 50 flavors of scratch-made cupcakes ranging from classic vanilla to banana cream pie. All the cupcakes are baked in-house each day, and you’ll even find gluten-, sugar- and dairy-free options.
