Chattanooga is Southern hospitality with river breezes and mountain views, a city whose kitchens balance tradition with creative energy.
The city’s food scene is as lively as its music: laid-back, locally sourced, and always a bit surprising.
1. St. John’s Restaurant
St. John’s is Chattanooga’s culinary crown jewel—a fine-dining temple set in a former hotel lobby gone art deco-chic.
Chef Rebecca Barron’s ever-changing menu celebrates local ingredients, from heirloom tomatoes and Tennessee trout to quail with bacon jam and painterly desserts.
Service is always gracious, with a well-honed wine list and an atmosphere perfect for anniversaries or special occasions.
Dining here is a right of passage for every Chattanooga gastronome.
2. Alleia
Chef Daniel Lindley’s Italian spot right off Main Street is as rustic and beautiful as a Tuscan farmhouse, with exposed beams, a glowing oven, and candlelight setting the vibe.
The menu is robust—handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, roasted meats, and daily specials that let local produce shine.
Bartenders mix inventive cocktails and servers narrate each dish with southern charm.
Alleia is where locals gather for group birthdays and romantic nights alike—a true neighborhood classic.
3. Bluegrass Grill
Beloved for its hearty, homestyle brunch, Bluegrass Grill is always bustling with regulars and hungry travelers.
The menu reads like a love letter to southern comfort—fluffy biscuits, scratch-made quiche, hash brown casserole, and specials that rotate with the seasons.
There’s often a wait, but coffee and laughter flow in equal measure, and the friendly staff treats everyone like kin.
Don’t miss the cinnamon rolls if there are any left.
4. Taqueria Jalisco Ania
This unassuming Southside taqueria is all about authenticity: hand-pressed corn tortillas, smoky al pastor, fresh Elote, and mole con pollo that could rival abuelita’s.
The neon lights and upbeat Spanish pop give the dining room energy.
The family who runs it remembers faces, and the kitchen is happy to customize spice levels. Affordable, quick, and utterly addictive.
5. Main Street Meats
As much butcher shop as eatery, Main Street Meats serves locally raised meat in one of the city’s most inviting spaces. Sandwiches (especially the burger), house charcuterie, dry-aged ribeye, and rotating seasonal sides are best enjoyed at the sunny street corner.
The atmosphere encourages lingering—over a pint, a small plate, or a chef’s board stacked with cheeses and sausage.
It’s both comfort food and a celebration of Chattanooga’s farm links.
Get the All-American Travel Secrets!
Don't miss out on America's hidden gems!
