If you’re looking for a culinary adventure in the heart of Tennessee, look no further than Chattanooga. This scenic city has a vibrant and diverse dining scene that will satisfy any palate and budget. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, authentic pizza, exotic ramen, or classic Southern comfort food, you’ll find it all in Chattanooga’s best restaurants.
In this video, we’ll take you on a tour of some of the most delicious and unique spots to eat in Chattanooga. You’ll discover why this city is a food lover’s paradise, with dishes that showcase local ingredients, creative flavors, and global influences. You’ll also learn about the history and culture behind some of these establishments, and how they reflect Chattanooga’s spirit and charm.
So get ready to drool over some mouthwatering photos and descriptions of Chattanooga’s finest eateries. We’ll show you what makes each one so special and why you should add them to your bucket list. Whether you’re a local or an out-of-town visitor, you won’t want to miss these amazing restaurants in Chattanooga.
Viewcation Presents: The Best Restaurants in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Scottie’s On The River
A meal with a view? What could be better than that? If you’re looking for a place to enjoy fresh seafood with a stunning view of the Tennessee River, you’ll love Scottie’s on the River. This restaurant opened in 2018 and quickly became one of Chattanooga’s favorite spots for upscale dining with a casual atmosphere. Scottie’s specializes in hand-cut, aged steaks and a variety of oysters, crab cakes, shrimp, calamari, and more. You can also try their signature dishes like the firecracker shrimp, the crab stuffed mushrooms, or the crab soup. Don’t forget to save room for dessert and try their decadent chocolate cake or key lime pie. Whether you sit inside or outside on their spacious patio, you’ll enjoy the friendly service and the relaxing ambiance of Scottie’s on the River.
Easy Bistro and Bar
For a taste of classic French cuisine with a Southern twist, you can’t go wrong with Easy Bistro & Bar. This restaurant is one of Chattanooga’s most well-regarded establishments, run by chef Erik Niel, a two-time James Beard Award nominee. Easy Bistro & Bar offers a menu that features local ingredients, creative flavors, and global influences. You’ll find dishes like foie gras, profiteroles, roasted broccoli, grilled oysters, and more. You’ll also fall in love with their wine and craft cocktail program that features seasonal drinks and an extensive bourbon and whiskey list. Easy Bistro & Bar is located in Chattanooga’s West Village neighborhood, in a beautiful space that combines historic charm and modern elegance. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night or a fun gathering with friends, you’ll enjoy the cozy atmosphere and the impeccable service at Easy Bistro & Bar.
Lil Mama’s Chicago Style Hoagy
If you’re craving a hearty sandwich with a Chicago flair without having to take a road trip to the Windy City, you’ll want to check out Lil Mama’s Chicago Style Hoagy. This hoagy shop is run by husband-and-wife team Michael and Kori Ellis, who bought the business from founder Tiffany Pauldon-Banks in 2021. Lil Mama’s offers a variety of hoagies made with fresh ingredients and loaded with flavor. You can choose from classics like turkey, ham, cheese, or salami, or try their specialties like the Crew (turkey, ham, bacon, swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, and more), the Spicy Mami (turkey, pepper jack cheese, cajun mayo, jalapeños, and more), or the Grinder (genoa salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, and more). You can also make any hoagy a salad or a wrap if you prefer. Don’t miss their signature sides like banana pudding (classic or fancy), chips (plain or “all that”), and drinks (punch, tea, Juicy Jae, or lemonade). Lil Mama’s is located on Georgia Avenue in downtown Chattanooga and has a fun vibe with 90s nostalgia.
Zarzour’s
For a trip back in time and a taste of Southern comfort food, you’ll want to visit Zarzour’s Cafe. This restaurant is one of Chattanooga’s oldest establishments, dating back to 1918. It’s run by the fourth generation of the Zarzour family, who serve up burgers, sandwiches, and daily specials like chicken pot pie, meatloaf, and fried chicken. You’ll love their spicy cabbage, lemon ice box pie, and sweet tea. Zarzour’s Cafe is located on Rossville Avenue in a quaint building that’s filled with photos and memorabilia from the past century. It’s a place where you’ll feel like part of the family and enjoy a hearty meal at a reasonable price. Zarzour’s Cafe is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., so make sure you don’t miss this historic gem.
Pickle Barrel
For a fun and lively pub experience, you’ll want to head to Pickle Barrel. This bar is located in a historic flatiron building that dates back to 1892. It has a rooftop patio that offers great views of downtown Chattanooga and the mountains. Pickle Barrel has a wide selection of craft beers, mixed drinks, and wine, as well as a menu that features burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. You can try their signature burger with fried pickle chips, spicy pickled red onions, arugula, Swiss cheese, and French onion aioli. Or go for their classic Reuben with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, mustard, and 1,000 island dressing on rye bread. Pickle Barrel is open until 3 a.m., so it’s a perfect spot for late-night dining and entertainment. You’ll enjoy the friendly staff, the inviting atmosphere, and the live music on weekends. Pickle Barrel is one of Chattanooga’s most iconic pubs that you don’t want to miss.
Whitebird
For a fine dining experience with a modern American twist, you’ll want to try Whitebird. This restaurant is located at the foot of Chattanooga’s historic Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, in the elegant Edwin Hotel. Whitebird offers a fresh take on Appalachian cuisine, with ingredients sourced from the Tennessee River Valley. Guests can enjoy dishes like smoked venison rack, butter-roasted freshwater trout, artichoke berigoule, and more. You can also compliment your meal with a selection of wine, beer, or cocktails from their bar. Whitebird has a beautiful space that combines rustic charm and contemporary style, with views of the river and the bridge. It’s a perfect place for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Whitebird is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, as well as brunch on weekends. You can also book their private dining room or catering service for your events.
Flying Squirrel
For a hip and trendy bar with a chef-driven menu, you’ll want to check out Flying Squirrel. This place is located on Johnson Street, near the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Southside Historic District. Flying Squirrel has a beautiful and laid-back atmosphere, with high ceilings, large windows, and a spacious patio. Flying Squirrel offers a variety of craft drinks, including beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails. You can also enjoy their share-plate menu that features dishes like butternut squash empanadas, smoked pork belly tacos, beet salad, and more. Be sure to try their brunch on Sundays that includes dishes like huevos rancheros, chicken biscuit sandwiches, French toast casserole, and more. Flying Squirrel is open for dinner seven nights a week and brunch on Sundays.
Community Pie
If you thought that cities like New York and Chicago had a monopoly on pizza then you’d be dead wrong. For a slice of pizza heaven, you’ll want to try Community Pie. This pizzeria is located on Market Street, near the Miller Plaza and the Tennessee Aquarium. Community Pie offers a variety of pizzas made with fresh ingredients and authentic techniques. You can choose from Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven, New York-style pizzas cooked in a gas-fired brick oven, or Detroit-style pizzas cooked in a steel pan. You can also create your own pizza with your choice of toppings, sauces, and cheeses. Community Pie also has salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and desserts to complete your meal. You can also enjoy their selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks from their bar. Community Pie is open for lunch and dinner daily. You can also order online for delivery or takeout.
St. John’s Restaurant
In the mood for something a bit more upscale? For a sophisticated and memorable dining experience, you’ll want to try St. John’s Restaurant. This restaurant is located on Market Street, in a historic building that was once a hotel. St. John’s Restaurant serves inventive Regional American cuisine from Chef Patrick Sawyer, who uses local and seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are both elegant and satisfying. You can enjoy dishes like smoked venison carpaccio, roasted duck breast, grilled swordfish, and more. You can also pair your meal with a selection of wines from their extensive and eclectic wine list. St. John’s Restaurant has a refined and comfortable atmosphere, with original hardwood floors, brick walls, and antique chandeliers. It’s a perfect place for a special occasion or a business meeting. St. John’s Restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Saturday.
Public House Restaurant
Another one of the top places to eat in Chattanooga is Public House Restaurant. This restaurant is located on Market Street, near Warehouse Row and the Chattanooga Convention Center. Public House Restaurant serves a modern version of Southern cuisine, with dishes that are made with local and seasonal ingredients from trusted farmers and purveyors. You can enjoy dishes like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, grilled pork chop, and more. You can also pair your meal with a selection of wines, beers, cocktails, and soft drinks from their well-stocked bar. Public House Restaurant has a friendly and accessible atmosphere, with a spacious dining room and a private event space. It’s a perfect place for a business lunch or a family dinner.
Two Ten Jack
If you’re in the mood for some Japanese-inspired pub food, you’ll want to check out Two Ten Jack. This restaurant is located on Market Street, in the Warehouse Row complex. Two Ten Jack offers a variety of dishes that combine local and Japanese ingredients, such as ramen, yakitori, sushi, and more. You can try their kodawari ramen with house-made noodles and broth, their yakitori with skewered and grilled meats and vegetables, or their sushi with fresh fish and rice. You can also enjoy their other comfort food items like gyoza, takoyaki, poke, and more. The restaraunts full-service bar features craft and rare Japanese beers, cocktails-on-tap, sake, shochu, and Japanese whiskey. Two Ten Jack has a relaxed and casual atmosphere that invites you to unwind and have fun.
Blue Orleans
If you’re looking for some authentic Creole and Cajun dishes, you’ll want to try Blue Orleans Seafood Restaurant. This restaurant is located on Market Street, near the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Southside Historic District. Blue Orleans Seafood Restaurant serves up traditional and contemporary dishes from New Orleans, such as seafood gumbo, French creole pasta, crawfish etouffee, po-boy sandwiches, and more. You can also enjoy their desserts like beignets, bread pudding, and pecan pie. While Chat is several hundred miles away from NOLA, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Louisiana bayou when dining at this unforgettable spot.
Well, that about does it. Which Chattanooga restaurant are you most excited to visit, and did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments. And as always, happy travels.