Looking for the best restaurants in Chattanooga? This guide will help you plan where to eat on your next trip.
Chattanooga is such a fun city for a weekend getaway. You can hike, walk along the river, explore downtown, visit Lookout Mountain, and still end the day with a really good meal.
The food scene here has a little bit of everything. You’ll find Italian spots, Southern classics, BBQ, brunch, burgers, breweries, and more creative dinner options.
So if you’re planning a trip and need places to eat in Chattanooga TN, start with this list.
See Also: The Best Things to do in Chattanooga
Quick Picks for the Best Restaurants in Chattanooga
If you want the quick version, here are a few spots to save first.
| Restaurant | Best For | Neighborhood | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alleia | Date night + Italian | Southside | Cozy and romantic |
| Calliope | Creative dinner | Downtown / MLK | Modern and flavorful |
| Little Coyote | BBQ + casual dinner | St. Elmo | Laid-back and fun |
| St. John’s Restaurant | Special occasion | Downtown | Upscale and classic |
| Public House | Southern comfort food | Downtown | Polished but easy |
| Main Street Meats | Burgers + casual dinner | Southside | Local and relaxed |
| Wooden City | Dinner with friends | Downtown | Trendy and lively |
| Frazier Five & Dime | North Shore dinner | North Shore | Casual and cute |
| Tony’s Pasta Shop | Pasta + easy dinner | Bluff View | Cozy and classic |
| OddStory Brewing Co. | Drinks + casual hang | Southside / MLK | Social brewery vibe |
Best Chattanooga Restaurants by Neighborhood
One of the best parts about Chattanooga is how easy it is to explore. A lot of the best restaurants are close to each other.
If you stay downtown or in Southside, you can walk to several great spots. That makes planning meals so much easier.
Here’s how I’d break it down by neighborhood.
Downtown Chattanooga Restaurants
Downtown is a great area to stay if you want to be close to everything. You’ll be near hotels, the Tennessee Aquarium, the riverfront, and several great dinner spots.
This is where I’d look for a nicer dinner, a weekend date night, or a meal close to the main attractions.
St. John’s Restaurant
Address: 729 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Best for: Special occasions, date night, fine dining
Cuisine: Modern American
Price: $$$
Reservations: Recommended
St. John’s is one of the most well-known fine dining restaurants in Chattanooga. It’s a great pick for a special occasion.
I’d come here for an anniversary dinner, birthday dinner, or a trip where you want one really nice meal. The space feels classic, quiet, and intimate. The menu is more elevated than your everyday dinner spot. If you want a slow dinner with great service, add this to your list.
Nearby hotel idea: The Read House or The Westin Chattanooga.
Public House
Address: 1110 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Best for: Southern food, lunch, dinner, groups
Cuisine: Southern American
Price: $$
Reservations: Helpful for dinner
Public House is one of those restaurants that works for almost any trip. It feels nice enough for dinner, but still easy enough for lunch.
The menu leans more towards Southern American. You’ll find comfort food that feels a little more elevated. This is a good choice if you’re traveling with a group. Everyone can usually find something they’ll like.
Nearby hotel idea: The Westin Chattanooga or Hotel Clemons.
Wooden City
Address: 203 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Best for: Dinner with friends, cocktails, casual date night
Cuisine: New American
Price: $$
Reservations: Recommended on weekends
Wooden City is a good option for a fun dinner. It’s not too formal, but it still feels like a good night out.
You’ll find cocktails, shareable plates, pizzas, sandwiches, and creative dishes. It’s a great spot for a girls’ trip or casual date night.
It’s also close to a lot of downtown attractions. That makes it easy to add to your Chattanooga itinerary.
Nearby hotel idea: The Edwin Hotel or Hotel Clemons.
Calliope
Address: 422 East Martin Luther King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403
Best for: Creative dinner, food-focused travelers, date night
Cuisine: Modern Levantine
Price: $$–$$$
Reservations: Recommended
Calliope is one of the most exciting restaurants in Chattanooga. It feels different from a lot of the usual dinner options.
The menu is inspired by Levantine flavors, so expect herbs, spices, dips, vegetables, meats, and shared plates. This is a great spot if you like ordering a few things for the table. It’s also perfect if you plan trips around good food.
If you want something unique, Calliope should be high on your list.
Southside Chattanooga Restaurants
Southside is one of my favorite areas to eat in Chattanooga. It has restaurants, coffee shops, bars, breweries, and hotels close together.
If you want a weekend trip where you can walk to dinner, stay around Southside.
Alleia
Address: 25 East Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408
Best for: Romantic dinner, Italian food, celebrations
Cuisine: Italian
Price: $$$
Reservations: Yes, especially on weekends
Alleia is easily one of the best restaurants in Chattanooga for date night. It has a warm, cozy feel that makes dinner feel special.
The menu focuses on Italian food. You’ll find handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, wine, and seasonal dishes.
This is where I’d go for a slower dinner and a really good pasta dish. Because Alleia is in Southside, you can grab drinks nearby before or after dinner. Just make a reservation before you go.
Nearby hotel idea: Kinley Chattanooga Southside or Moxy Chattanooga Downtown.
2nd American
Address: 1601 Cowart Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408
Best for: Stylish dinner, cocktails, date night
Cuisine: American
Price: $$–$$$
Reservations: Recommended
2nd American is a newer Chattanooga restaurant with a stylish feel. It’s a good pick when you want dinner to feel polished but not too formal.
The menu leans American. The space also feels great for a date night or dinner with friends.
I’d choose this for a first-night dinner in Southside. It’s easy, cute, and close to several hotels.
Main Street Meats
Address: 217 East Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408
Best for: Burgers, casual dinner, lunch
Cuisine: American / butcher shop restaurant
Price: $$
Reservations: Not always needed
Main Street Meats is a Southside favorite. It’s a neighborhood butcher shop and restaurant with a loyal local following.
This is a great spot for a burger, casual lunch, or easy dinner. I’d stop here after a morning of exploring or before heading to a brewery nearby.
OddStory Brewing Co.
Address: 1604 Central Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37408
Best for: Beer, casual hangs, groups
Cuisine: Brewery / casual food
Price: $$
Reservations: Usually not needed
OddStory Brewing Co. is a good option for a relaxed night. It’s less of a formal dinner and more of a casual hangout.
If you like breweries, add this to your Chattanooga list. It’s great for groups, drinks, and a low-key evening.
You can stop by after dinner or make it part of a casual afternoon in Southside.
St. Elmo Restaurants
St. Elmo sits at the base of Lookout Mountain. This makes it a great area for food after hiking or sightseeing.
If your day includes Rock City, the Incline Railway, or Lookout Mountain, plan a meal nearby.
Little Coyote
Address: 3950 Tennessee Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37409
Best for: BBQ, post-hike dinner, groups
Cuisine: Texas-inspired BBQ / Southwestern
Price: $$
Reservations: Check before going
Little Coyote is one of the most talked-about restaurants in Chattanooga right now.
The menu includes smoked meats, house-made tortillas, tacos, and Southwestern flavors. They also have cocktails that make the meal feel more fun.
This is a great post-hike dinner after spending time around Lookout Mountain. It works for groups, couples, and casual date nights. I’d order a few things to share if you’re going with a group.
1885 Grill
Best for: Southern coastal food, seafood, patio dining
Cuisine: Southern coastal
Price: $$
Important note: The current location is now in Cambridge Square
1885 Grill has been a popular name in Chattanooga for years. A lot of people know it for Southern coastal food, seafood, and a relaxed upscale feel.
The original St. Elmo location has closed. So make sure you check the current location before planning your meal.
I’m including it because it is still a highly searched Chattanooga restaurant. Just double-check before adding it to your itinerary.
North Shore Restaurants
North Shore is a fun area to explore during the day. You can walk around, shop, grab coffee, or visit Coolidge Park.
Frazier Five & Dime
Address: 16 Frazier Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37405
Best for: North Shore dinner, cocktails, casual date night
Cuisine: American
Price: $$
Reservations: Helpful on weekends
Frazier Five & Dime is a cute North Shore dinner option. It’s a solid stop if you’re exploring Frazier Avenue or Coolidge Park.
The menu is approachable, and the drinks are good. I’d go here for a casual date night or dinner with friends.
Nearby hotel idea: The Edwin Hotel.
Bluff View and Riverfront Restaurants
This area is great if you’re visiting the Tennessee Aquarium or walking along the river. It’s also close to the Bluff View Art District.
Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria
Address: 212 High Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403
Best for: Pasta, casual dinner, families
Cuisine: Italian
Price: $$
Reservations: Helpful at busy times
Tony’s Pasta Shop is a Chattanooga classic. It’s cozy, easygoing, and great for a casual pasta dinner.
This is a good option for families, couples, or anyone who wants something simple and local.
It’s also close to the Bluff View Art District and the riverfront. That makes it easy to add after the aquarium or a downtown walk.
Best Brunch in Chattanooga
A good weekend trip needs at least one brunch plan. Chattanooga has several good options depending on your vibe.
Here are two easy places to start.
State of Confusion
Address: 301 East Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408
Best for: Brunch, groups, patio dining
Cuisine: Latin-inspired / American
Price: $$
Reservations: Good idea for groups
State of Confusion is a fun brunch option in Southside. It’s especially good if you’re traveling with a group.
The menu has a mix of Latin-inspired dishes, casual plates, cocktails, and brunch options.
This is one of the best restaurants in Chattanooga for a lively brunch. It’s even better when the patio is open.
I’d save this for a Saturday brunch before exploring Southside.
Niedlov’s Bakery & Cafe
Address: 215 East Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408
Best for: Breakfast, pastries, coffee, casual brunch
Cuisine: Bakery / cafe
Price: $–$$
Reservations: Not needed
Niedlov’s is a great casual breakfast stop. Think coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and fresh bread.
This is where I’d go before a hike or before driving home. It’s easy, quick, and still feels local.
It’s also in Southside, which makes it convenient if you’re staying nearby.
Best Restaurants Near the Tennessee Aquarium
If your Chattanooga trip includes the Tennessee Aquarium, you’ll want food nearby.
Here are a few good options:
- Wooden City for dinner, cocktails, and a lively downtown feel.
- Tony’s Pasta Shop for pasta, families, and a relaxed meal.
- St. John’s Restaurant for an upscale dinner.
- Public House for Southern food downtown.
- Calliope for a creative dinner.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, make reservations early. Downtown Chattanooga gets busy.
Best Romantic Restaurants in Chattanooga
For date night, these are the restaurants I’d check first.
Alleia
Alleia is my top pick for a romantic Italian dinner. It has cozy lighting, pasta, wine, and a really good date night feel.
St. John’s Restaurant
St. John’s is best for a special occasion. Choose this for anniversaries, birthdays, or a nicer dinner.
Calliope
Calliope is great if you like trying new flavors. It’s a fun date night when you want something different.
2nd American
2nd American is a stylish Southside dinner option. It feels polished, but still relaxed.
Tips for Eating Out in Chattanooga
Here are a few things to know before you start making reservations.
Make reservations for dinner
For Alleia, Calliope, St. John’s, and 2nd American, book ahead. Weekend dinner spots can fill up fast.
Plan by neighborhood
Try not to drive all over the city for every meal. Pick a neighborhood and eat nearby.
Downtown, Southside, North Shore, and St. Elmo all have great options.
Check hours before you go
Restaurant hours can change, especially on Sundays and Mondays. Always check before heading over.
Think about parking
Downtown and Southside have street parking and paid lots. It can still get busy on weekends.
Give yourself extra time if you have a reservation.
Pair food with your itinerary
If you’re visiting Lookout Mountain, eat in St. Elmo, going to the aquarium, stay downtown, staying in Southside, you’ll have plenty of food nearby.
FAQ: Best Restaurants in Chattanooga
What food is Chattanooga known for?
Chattanooga has a mix of Southern food, BBQ, seafood, burgers, brunch, Italian, and creative restaurants.
You’ll still find classic Southern comfort food. But the food scene has grown a lot.
Is Chattanooga good for foodies?
Yes, Chattanooga is a great city for food-focused travelers. It’s small enough to explore easily, but still has a lot of variety.
You can plan a full weekend around restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and brunch spots.
What are the best restaurants in downtown Chattanooga?
Some of the best downtown Chattanooga restaurants include St. John’s Restaurant, Public House, Wooden City, Calliope, and Tony’s Pasta Shop nearby.
What are the best restaurants near the Tennessee Aquarium?
Try Wooden City, Tony’s Pasta Shop, Public House, St. John’s Restaurant, or Calliope.
These are all good options near downtown and the riverfront.
Where should I eat for date night in Chattanooga?
For date night, look at Alleia, St. John’s Restaurant, Calliope, or 2nd American.
Alleia is great for Italian. St. John’s is best for a special occasion. Calliope is perfect for something unique.
What are the best casual restaurants in Chattanooga?
For casual meals, try Main Street Meats, Frazier Five & Dime, State of Confusion, Tony’s Pasta Shop, or OddStory Brewing Co.
These are good options when you want something local but not too formal.