20 Best Places to Eat in Chattanooga for Foodies and Travel Enthusiasts
Thinking about visiting Chattanooga, Tennessee? You might not realize it’s a hotspot for diverse restaurants and cultural dishes. But hey, this list could change your mind!
I’ve been living here for a while now and was pleasantly surprised by the variety of dining options. If you’re willing to travel to different corners of the city, you’ll find all kinds of local gems that are serving up seafood, southern flare, and international flavors.
So, mark your calendars and make sure to check out these top recommendations for foodies and travel enthusiasts in Chattanooga.
1. Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar
- Seafood Restaurant
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: Brisket Nachos, Grilled Squid, Rotisserie Chicken
Nestled by the Tennessee River, the Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar is a must-visit for those craving flavors as refreshing as a river breeze.
Their menu is a savory symphony featuring star dishes like the melt-in-your-mouth Brisket Nachos, delicately prepared Trout Almondine, and a Rotisserie Chicken that defines comfort food perfection.
For the culinary adventurers, the grilled squid offers a bold seafood experience – a chance to tantalize your taste buds with deep flavors!
When you’ve finish your meal, take a stroll along the Riverwalk afterward to people-watch and catch views of Lookout Mountain. It’s really the perfect end to a lovely evening at one of Chattanooga’s best restaurants!
2. State of Confusion
- Latin American Restaurant
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: Shrimps and Grits, Jambalaya, Peruvian Ceviche, Po Boy
Delve into bold flavors from around the world at State of Confusion, a vibrant and eclectic restaurant specializing in global street food.
Their menu features dishes from regions like Latin America, New Orleans, & the Carolina Lowcountry, offering an array of options for the adventurous palate.
With its lively atmosphere and creative cocktails, State of Confusion is the perfect spot for a fun night out with friends. Plus, their outdoor patio is a great place to enjoy some sunshine while indulging in delicious food.
3. Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria
- Italian Restaurant
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: Chicken Tetrazzini, Low Country Pasta, Fusilli Pasta, Chilled Wines
Experience the warm hospitality of Italy at Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria. This family-owned restaurant serves up authentic Italian dishes made with love and care.
I chose to dine here on my birthday, and the experience did not disappoint! We ordered a French rose, and it was brought to the table in a chilled wine marble holder.
It was not easy to choose what to order because all of the pasta and sauce options sounded so delicious. I decided to try the Lowcountry Pasta because I love shrimp and crawfish. Can’t wait to enjoy this dish again because I’m still dreaming about the delicious sauce!
Make sure to save room for dessert because Tony’s Tiramisu is out of this world! And remember to pair your meal with one of their many Italian wines for a true taste of Italy.
4. Taco Mamacita Northshore
- Tex-Mex Restaurant
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: Mexican Street Corn, Street Tacos, Margaritas, Queso Blanco
Feast on bold and flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine at Taco Mamacita Northshore. This vibrant restaurant is known for their mouth-watering street tacos, made with fresh ingredients and served on homemade tortillas.
Start off your meal with their famous Mexican Street Corn, grilled to perfection and topped with cheese, lime mayo, chili powder and cotija cheese. For the main course, try their Low Country Pasta or the fusion favorite, Tamales and Grits.
But don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their delicious margaritas, including the Margarita Flight for a taste of different flavors. And make sure to save room for their creamy Queso Blanco as a tasty dip for your tortilla chips.
5. Sticky Fingers Rib House
- Barbecue Restaurant
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: Brisket Nachos, Smoked Wings, Sweet Potato Casserole
Get your hands dirty at Sticky Fingers Rib House! This barbecue joint serves up some of the best smoked meats in town.
Start off with their famous Pulled Pork Sandwich, packed with tender and flavorful meat. Or try the Brisket Nachos, loaded with cheese, jalapenos, and a special BBQ sauce.
Be sure to order a side of their Sweet Potato Casserole – it’s a customer favorite! And for something different, try the Smoked Wings with your choice of sauce.
6. Community Pie
- Pizza Restaurant
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: Detroit & New York Style Pizzas, Garlic Knots, Grown-Up Fried Cheese
Looking for the perfect slice of pizza? Look no further than Community Pie! This neighborhood pizzeria offers both Detroit and New York style pizzas with a variety of toppings to choose from.
Don’t forget to try their famous Garlic Knots, served with marinara sauce for dipping. And for a unique twist on fried cheese, order the Grown-Up Fried Cheese – fried ricotta with spicy honey and pistachios.
With its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food, Community Pie is the perfect spot for a casual dinner with friends or family.
7. Stir
- Modern American Restaurant
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: Oysters, Shrimp and Grits, Crab Bisque, Brunch & Mimosas
Step into Stir and prepare to be wowed by their modern American cuisine. Start your meal off with some delicious oysters or the rich and creamy Crab Bisque.
For a main course, try their famous Shrimp and Grits – perfectly cooked shrimp served over creamy grits with a bacon butter sauce. And don’t miss out on their weekend brunch, complete with bottomless mimosas.
With its warm and inviting atmosphere, Stir is the perfect place to gather with friends or family and enjoy a delicious meal together. And don’t forget to save room for dessert – their famous Bread Pudding is not to be missed! So come on in, we can’t wait to see you at Stir!
8. The Daily Ration
- Brunch Restaurant
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: Chicken and Waffles, Beignets, Mimosas
Looking for the perfect spot for brunch? Look no further than The Daily Ration! With its cozy and inviting atmosphere, this neighborhood restaurant is the ideal place to start your day off right.
Indulge in their famous Chicken and Waffles – crispy fried chicken served on top of fluffy waffles with a side of maple syrup. And don’t miss out on their delicious beignets, served hot and fresh.
9. Embargo 62
- Cuban Restaurant
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: Oxtail, Ceviche, Congri Rice
Transport yourself to Cuba at Embargo 62, where you’ll find authentic Cuban cuisine in a vibrant and lively setting. Start your meal off with their flavorful ceviche or the classic Cuban dish, oxtail.
And for a true taste of Cuba, don’t miss their Congri Rice – a savory mix of rice and black beans that will leave your taste buds begging for more. So come on in and enjoy a taste of Havana at Embargo 62!
10. Aretha Frankensteins
- Breakfast Restaurant
- Budget: $
- Menu Highlights: Pancakes, Shrimp and Grits
Absolutely one-of-a-kind and incredibly delicious from start to finish, Aretha’s is truly exceptional!
This quirky and unique restaurant is known for its delicious pancakes – try the famous Carrot Cake or Blueberry Pancakes for a sweet start to your day.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t miss their mouth-watering Breakfast Burrito or classic Eggs Benedict.
11. Taqueria Jalisco Ania
- Mexican Restaurant
- Budget: $$$
- Menu Highlights: Margaritas and Chicken Tinga
Looking for authentic and delicious Mexican food? Look no further than Taqueria Jalisco Ania! Their flavorful and perfectly seasoned chicken tinga tacos are a must-try, along with their famous margaritas.
My go-to picks are the pork tamales and street tacos with carnitas, barbacoa, & chicken tinga. This time, I switched it up and tried the Chile Rellano, and to amp it up, I added carnitas on top.
There is a Happy Hour from 4pm – 6pm, every Tuesday to Friday! Enjoy $5 margaritas, $5 Paloma, & $2 Tecate.
Plus, the warm and inviting atmosphere of this restaurant will make you feel like you’re dining in the heart of Mexico.
12. Champy’s
- Chicken Restaurant
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: Tamales, Baked Beans, Fried Pickles, Gumbo
Get ready to experience some of the best fried chicken around at Champy’s! This cozy and inviting restaurant is famous for its crispy, juicy chicken, as well as its tasty sides.
Don’t miss out on their homemade tamales or mouth-watering baked beans. And be sure to start your meal with a basket of crunchy fried pickles for the perfect southern comfort food experience. Plus, their gumbo is not to be missed – packed with flavor and just the right amount of spice. Come on in and enjoy some good old-fashioned southern cooking at Champy’s!
13. Urban Stack
- American Restaurant
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: Whiskey Selections, Turkey Burger, Philly Burger, and French Onion Soup
Looking for a trendy spot with delicious food and drinks? Check out Urban Stack, a modern American restaurant located in the heart of downtown.
Their extensive whiskey selection is a must-try – perfect for those looking to unwind after a long day. And don’t forget to try their famous turkey burger or classic Philly burger for a mouth-watering twist on traditional favorites.
But the star of the show is their French Onion Soup – rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Make sure to add Urban Stack to your list of must-visit restaurants in the city! So come on in and enjoy a fun and delicious dining experience at Urban Stack.
14. Feed Table and Tavern
- Southern Restaurant
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: French Dip, Sloppy Joe’s, Wagyu Burgers, and Fried Chicken
End your day on a high note at Feed Table and Tavern. This Southern restaurant offers up a unique twist on classic comfort food.
Try their tasty French Dip or indulge in their Sloppy Joe’s – both sure to hit the spot. And for the burger lovers out there, their Wagyu burgers are not to be missed. But the real star of the show is their perfectly crispy and juicy fried chicken.
With a friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and mouth-watering food, Feed Table and Tavern is the perfect spot for anyone looking to relax and enjoy some delicious southern cuisine.
15. Portofino’s Greek and Italian Restaurant
- Greek and Italian Restaurant
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: Bread Sticks, Gyro, Grouper, and classic Italian dishes
Looking for authentic Greek and Italian flavors? Look no further than Portofino’s – a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up delicious dishes since 1974.
Start your meal off with their famous bread sticks, freshly baked and served with marinara sauce. Then, dive into their flavorful gyro or try one of their classic Italian dishes like the Grouper Al Forno.
But what really sets Portofino’s apart is their warm and welcoming atmosphere. You’ll feel right at home as you enjoy the delicious food and friendly service.
16. Alleia
- Italian Restaurant
- Budget: $$$
- Menu Highlights: Pork Shoulder, New York Strip, Bacon Wrapped Dates
Savor the rustic charm of Chattanooga with a visit to Alleia, nestled in the historic South Side neighborhood.
Their Mediterranean-inspired menu highlights local ingredients and traditional Italian cooking techniques, resulting in dishes that are both comforting and exciting.
Indulge in their signature house-made pastas, like the crowd-favorite Ravioli di Zucca, or opt for the wood-fired pizzas that are a perfect blend of crispy and chewy.
The cozy ambiance and charming decor make Alleia an ideal setting for a date night or intimate gathering with friends.
17. Tremont Tavern
- Casual Bar
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: Burgers and Pub Fare
Located in the hip North Shore neighborhood, Tremont Tavern is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This casual bar offers up some of the best burgers in town and a variety of tasty pub fare.
From their classic Cheeseburger to their more unique options like the El Matador with jalapeno aioli, there’s something for everyone at this lively spot.
But it’s not just the delicious food that keeps people coming back.
18. Mayan Kitchen
- Latin American Restaurant
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: Pupusas, Brisket, Hanger Steak
For a taste of Latin American cuisine, head to Mayan Kitchen in the heart of downtown. Their Pupusas, stuffed with your choice of savory fillings, are a must-try. And don’t miss their Brisket and Hanger Steak dishes for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
The cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food make Mayan Kitchen a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.
19. Mezcla Cocina Y Cantina
- Mexican Restaurant
- Budget: $$
- Menu Highlights: Inventive Margaritas and Tacos
20. Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
- Burger Restaurant
- Budget: $
- Menu Highlights: Cheeseburger, El Matador, Truffle Fries
Looking for a killer burger? Look no further than Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint.
Their Cheeseburger is a classic favorite, but they also offer unique options like the El Matador with jalapeno aioli and the Cowboy with BBQ sauce and bacon. Don’t forget to order a side of their addictive Truffle Fries for the perfect meal.
With a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff, Jack Brown’s is the perfect spot to grab a burger and a cold beer with friends. So come on in and enjoy some tasty burgers at Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint.
For dessert, you must order the Fried Oreos!
Planning a trip to Chattanooga? Check out these guides!
