20 Best Restaurants in Chattanooga, TN

Crispy chicken wings

Craving delicious food during your stay in Chattanooga? Red Roof has rounded up the best restaurants in town, offering a variety of flavors and dining experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for casual bites or gourmet dishes, you’ll find the perfect spot near our budget-friendly hotels to satisfy your taste buds.

The city of Chattanooga, Tennessee is home to a vibrant and diverse food scene that attracts visitors from around the world. With such a wide variety of local restaurants, there are endless options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beyond. Whether you're looking for traditional Southern cuisine or something outside the box, Chattanooga has it all. From classic diners with southern comfort food to trendy cafes and everything in between, this city has something that will delight your taste buds.

Fluffy buttermilk biscuits

Maple Street Biscuit Company

For those looking for a delicious breakfast or brunch spot, Maple Street Biscuit Company is a great place to start. This local restaurant specializes in flavorful biscuits with made-from-scratch recipes that feature unique ingredients and combinations. The biscuit sandwiches are always packed full of flavor and the accompanying sides like grits and hashbrown casserole will make your mouth water! And don't forget to try their famous whiskey gravy - it's worth every bite!

Fresh butter croissants

Milk & Honey

Milk & Honey is another fantastic option for early morning meals on the Northshore in Chattanooga. This local cafe has an impressive menu of dishes featuring everything from classic Southern favorites to flavorful vegetarian options. Whether you're craving something sweet or savory, there's sure to be something on the menu that hits the spot. Milk & Honey also offers delightful coffee drinks such as iced lattes and cappuccinos which you can enjoy while taking advantage of free wifi access at this charming cafe.

Chocolate-filled crepes

Adelle’s Crêperie

If you’re looking for yet another exceptional choice when searching for breakfast spots in Chattanooga, be sure to stop by Adelle’s Crêperie. Here they serve up freshly made crêpes with savory fillings like ham and cheese or sweet options like Nutella banana. There are also plenty of vegan-friendly choices if you’re looking for a meatless meal too. On top of being extremely tasty, these crêpes come in hearty portions, so no matter what type you order, you’ll have plenty left over afterward!

Vegetable omelet plate

Ruby Sunshine

If you’re a brunch fanatic, you can’t pass up Ruby Sunshine – a popular spot known for its New Orleans-style cuisine served up all day long. From fluffy pancakes topped with seasonal fruits to light omelets filled with fresh veggies – you’ll find what you’re looking for regardless of whether you have strict dietary restrictions or not. They even offer some unique drink specials, including frozen Irish coffees topped off with whipped cream and chocolate chips — to die for!

Melty grilled cheese

Bluegrass Grill

Bluegrass Grill is one of the top restaurants in Chattanooga for anyone looking for a hearty meal at a family-run restaurant. Here you'll find traditional Southern comfort food like omelets and grilled cheese served up alongside creative takes on classic recipes such as their blackened shrimp tacos or cornmeal-crusted quail salad — accompanied by their renowned buttermilk biscuits. And don't forget to save room for dessert — they have some delicious homemade pies that will make your mouth water!

Seared scallops dish

STIR

For a tasty lunch full of American eats, head to STIR. This eatery is all about featuring local ingredients and preparing them with modern techniques. Their menu features seasonal dishes such as seared scallops and pan-seared chicken that are sure to please any palate. They even have an oyster bar that doesn’t break the bank! Don’t forget to grab one of their craft cocktails from their impressive selection while you’re at it — or find the perfect craft beer on tap to pair with your meal.

Green veggie pasta

Sluggo's North

In the mood for some Southern vegan-friendly or vegetarian food? Then Sluggo's North is the perfect spot for a cost-effective yet delicious midday meal in Chattanooga. This hotspot offers a variety of creative dishes from veggie burgers or their Cheeky Wing Wrap to their famous Taco Pastorius or Pesto and Portobello Quesadilla – all made with plant-based ingredients. Take your pick of a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, and more. Rest assured, you won’t leave hungry!

Cheeseburger with fries

Main Street Meats

For something a little different, try Main Street Meats where they specialize in locally raised meats cooked over hardwood coals using old-fashioned pit methods. They offer everything from slow-smoked wings to juicy burgers made with grass-fed beef – all washed down by an ice-cold beer from one of the many local breweries featured here! And if you're feeling adventurous, make sure to check out one of their specialty sandwiches like the Warm Smoked Turkey Sandwich!

Spicy beef tacos

State of Confusion

If you're a fan of authentic Latin American food then State of Confusion should be your next stop among the best restaurants in Chattanooga. This quirky restaurant serves up dishes inspired by Latin street food but with a twist – think fried beef tacos or Mexican ceviché topped off with Peruvian guacamole! It's definitely worth trying out this fun spot when visiting town, as there's no other place quite like it around here.

Colorful ice cream dessert

Clumpies Ice Cream Co.

For those with a sweet tooth, Chattanooga is home to some of the best desserts around. Clumpies Ice Cream Co. has been serving up delicious scoops of handcrafted ice cream since 1999 and offers an impressive selection of flavors made from scratch. Try one of their seasonal featured flavors or stick to the Clumpies classics like Pistachio, Espresso Chocolate Chunk, or Firecracker.

Stacked frosted donuts

Niedlov’s Cafe & Bakery

If you’re a fan of baked goods — particularly when it comes to delightfully fresh bread — Niedlov’s Cafe & Bakery is worth a visit. This cozy bakery is known for its freshly made baked goods like scones, sticky buns, and “Cruffins” – also known as the donut of croissants. They also offer savory breakfast items and lunch specials like Reuben sandwiches and soup bowls too.

BBQ pork burnt ends

Flying Squirrel

Flying Squirrel is ideal if you want a bite of comfort food in the evening hours after a long day. Choose from indoor seating in a hangar-like spot or post up on the patio, which is perfect for those warm sunny days. They have an eclectic selection of signature share plates such as the Pork Belly Burnt Ends — a cured and smoked honey jalapeño cornbread cake masterpiece — or opt for one of their summer cocktails like the hibiscus-flavored Cutlass.

Cheesy lasagna slice

Tony's Pasta Shop & Trattoria

For those in search of Italian food, Tony's Pasta Shop & Trattoria is a must-visit for anyone in search of the top restaurants in Chattanooga for Italian food. This trattoria offers classic Italian cuisine made from the freshest ingredients straight from the garden. The award-winning menu features a variety of dishes, from homemade pasta dishes like Spinach and Roasted Garlic Ravioli and baked lasagna to salads, paninis, and more. They also offer an extensive wine list or local craft beer to pair with your meal. And if you don’t feel like straying far from your hotel, you can even ask for takeout!

Crispy fried schnitzel

Brewhaus

If you’re craving German brews and eats, Brewhaus is a local favorite gastropub in the community. This popular restaurant and bar has been delighting its customers with chef-driven food since opening its doors in 2011 and offers an impressive menu of German-inspired dishes. From pork schnitzel sandwiches to bratwursts, pretzels, and more – you won’t be disappointed! Of course, there are also lots of wines and ales available on tap as well, so you can wash your meal down with the perfect refreshing beverage.

Baked salmon fillet

Food Works

Food Works specializes in modern American cuisine featuring fresh ingredients sourced from local farmer's markets. The menu changes seasonally but some must-try items include their cast iron seared trout or mouthwatering Horseradish Crusted Salmon served with a side of Bacon Brussel Sprouts. Visitors love their specials that rotate throughout the days of the week — like half-priced wine night or mimosas with brunch — there’s always something different!

Juicy burger with sauce

Urban Stack Burger Lounge

Urban Stack Burger Lounge is yet another fantastic choice when it comes time for dinner plans, as it’s another one of the best restaurants in Chattanooga. Burgers are obviously the star attraction here but they also offer other classic appies like sweet potato fries or their house-made pickle plate alongside beers and cocktails like the High Tea, Orange Crush, and Whiskey Smash. They even have vegan options on the menu too, so everyone can find something delicious on this extensive menu regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences.

Shrimp and sausage gumbo

Blue Orleans Seafood Restaurant

Blue Orleans Seafood Restaurant combines southern hospitality with flavors inspired by Creole and Cajun cuisine. This lively restaurant is a great place to enjoy some of the freshest and most delicious seafood dishes around. The menu here includes everything from zesty Cajun classics like gumbo and jambalaya to more exotic dishes like their whole fried snapper or lobster tacos! If you love craft beer, choose from their extensive list of brews on tap, which you can pair with any of their tantalizing creations.

Tacos with pickled onions

Mayan Kitchen

Mayan Kitchen is a great contemporary spot for dinner if ambiance (and great tequila!) is what you’re after. This family-run restaurant specializes in authentic Mayan cuisine featuring dishes made from traditional ingredients and cooking methods. Dishes like their Mechas de Puerco (pulled pork) or Pollo Relleno (stuffed chicken) will surely keep you coming back for more. Of course, your meal won’t be complete without a beverage from their impressive selection of tequila, draft beer, wine, or other spirits!

Golden fried falafel

Calliope Restaurant & Bar

Feeling something a little different? The chefs at Calliope Restaurant & Bar have mastered the art of Levantine cuisine, featuring Middle Eastern cuisine with a blend of Southern ingredients and charm. This modern neighborhood restaurant offers a variety of rich dishes that are bursting with flavor, from their charcoal-roasted chicken and falafel to pita and hummus that are perfect for munching on among friends or family. Not to worry — their bar is also stocked full of spirits and liqueurs for those who want to enjoy a cocktail or two along with their meal.

Grilled filet mignon

Bela Lisboa Restaurant

Up your dinner plans in Chattanooga by visiting Bela Lisboa Restaurant. This is one of the top restaurants in Chattanooga for Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine — you’ll feel like you’re dining in Europe. Locals love the cozy atmosphere and their menu full of traditional dishes like their Shrimp Mozambique or the new (and already widely popular!) Filet Mignon & Lobster Butter Poached Toast. If you’re looking to save a few dollars on drinks, then stop by on a Wednesday, when Happy Hour runs all day!

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