Chattanooga’s reputation as an outdoor town now sits alongside a growing identity as a food destination.
Newer restaurants are tapping into Appalachian ingredients, Southern traditions, and global flavors, all while keeping the city’s laid-back character intact.
These five spots show just how far Chattanooga’s dining scene has come.
1. Alleia
In the Southside neighborhood, Alleia brings a rustic Italian sensibility to a beautifully restored warehouse space.
Think high ceilings, exposed brick, candlelight, and a wood-fired oven at the heart of it all.
The menu focuses on handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and simple but well-sourced meat and vegetable dishes.
Flavors lean rustic rather than fussy—slow-cooked sauces, roasted vegetables, and charred crusts that pick up a whisper of smoke from the oven.
It’s romantic enough for a date but relaxed enough for a group dinner.
2. Public House
Public House offers a polished but unfussy take on Southern cooking, right in the heart of the city.
The room is bright and comfortable, with a bustling bar and a dining area that works for both business lunches and evening gatherings.
The menu builds on classics like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and meat-and-three–style plates, but with an emphasis on quality sourcing and careful execution.
Seasonal vegetables, thoughtful sides, and excellent biscuits and desserts round things out.
The connected bar space offers a similar menu with a more casual feel, great for drinks and snacks.
3. Easy Bistro & Bar
Easy Bistro & Bar blends French and coastal Southern influences in a stylish, contemporary space.
It’s the kind of restaurant that feels special without being overly formal.
On the plate, you’ll find dishes like oysters (both raw and prepared), fish with bright, buttery sauces, richly flavored meats, and vegetables treated with as much care as any protein.
The bar program is strong, with classic-leaning cocktails and a wine list that complements the menu’s French sensibility.
4. State of Confusion
State of Confusion sits in a large, indoor-outdoor space that perfectly fits Chattanooga’s love of being outside.
The concept draws from Latin American, Lowcountry, and Southern coastal traditions, creating a menu that’s lively and fun.
Ceviches, grilled meats, Peruvian-style dishes, and comfort favorites like sandwiches and hearty sides all share space.
The open layout, patio, and fire pits make it a natural hangout for groups, and the bar keeps things moving with crushable cocktails and a laid-back vibe.
5. Flying Squirrel Bar
Flying Squirrel is technically a bar, but the food is strong enough that it easily counts as one of Chattanooga’s more interesting dining options.
The architecture is striking—lots of glass, wood, and open space—and the atmosphere is casual but design-forward.
The menu features shareable plates that borrow ideas from all over: Asian-inspired bites, Southern-inflected comfort food, rich bar snacks, and seasonal specials that reward repeat visits.
The beer list is solid, the cocktails are creative, and the whole place feels like a gathering spot for the city’s younger, food-curious crowd.
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