Best Restaurants in Chattanooga, TN: Eat & Drink Like a Local
With nicknames ranging from “Scenic City,” referencing the surrounding ridges and valleys, to “River City” for its location on the Tennessee River, to “Gig City,” referencing recent economic development, it’s no surprise that Chattanooga’s food scene is just as diverse. The home of the Moon Pie, headquarters of the modern Double-Cola brand, and one of the best places to get fried catfish in Tennessee, Chattanooga is where foodies come to expand their palates.
Keep reading to discover the best restaurants in Chattanooga, TN, from iconic local institutions to hidden gems longtime residents know and love.
Local Legends
Tourists and locals alike enjoy fantastic eats at Chattanooga’s most famous, longest-running Southern restaurants.
Wally’s Restaurant: Since 1937, Wally’s fried catfish and breakfast specials come hot and quick. Diners relax on counter stools or in quaint booths.
Bea’s Restaurant: The famous all-you-can-eat spot is served on lazy susans, and strangers sit side by side enjoying the fried chicken and peach cobbler.
Special mention to Zarzour’s Cafe, which was family-owned and operated in Chattanooga’s Southside neighborhood from 1918 to 2025. Their famous cheeseburgers and cornbread may continue delighting residents under new ownership post-renovation.
Where to Eat Tonight
Discover great food in Chattanooga, from family-friendly dining spots to some of the city’s most popular restaurants.
Date Night & Upscale Fine Dining
Alleia: Tucked in Southside’s historic Harrington building, this fine dining establishment specializes in Italian dishes made with local ingredients. What to order: Locals swear by the pork shoulder with potatoes and the signature braised beef short rib.
Calliope Restaurant & Bar: The nationally recognized and awarded restaurant is known for its Middle Eastern cuisine with a Southern influence.
STIR: Arguably the best oyster bar in town, this upscale American-style eatery prioritizes local, from-scratch cooking, a moody ambiance, and craft cocktails across dinner, lunch, and brunch.
Everyday Dining for Families & Large Groups
Public House Restaurant: A dependable choice for family dinners in the Southside area, Public House pairs elevated Southern comfort food with a welcoming atmosphere. Plus, a thoughtful children’s menu.
Community Pie: Crowd-pleasing Detroit- and New York-style pizzas, plus gluten-free options, making it easier for everyone to find something they’ll enjoy.
La Santa: Creative Mexican fare alongside flavorful classics with a popular outdoor patio.
What to order: Diners overwhelmingly prefer the Birria Torta and Birria Papas, and appreciate the 15+ types of margaritas.
Game Day & Sports Bars
HiFi Clyde’s Chattanooga: This bar brings sports bar energy with a retro honky-tonk twist, featuring plenty of TVs, BBQ bites, and extra entertainment like ping pong and live music after the final whistle.
Tremont Tavern: Eat your way through their standout burger options amidst a cozy pub atmosphere.
Mike’s Hole in the Wall: Check out burgers, beer, darts, and a dog-friendly patio, along with the famous onion rings.
Quick Bites & International Flavors
Yummy Thai: A cozy local favorite for comforting Southeast Asian flavors with a bestselling Tom Kha Gai dish.
On The Rice: Residents come to this casual, cheap Korean eatery primarily for the Korean-style hot dogs, but the Beef Bulgogi is also a favorite.
Attack of the Tatsu: A trendy international dining spot that specializes in izakaya-style small plates and a memorable scotch egg.
Waterfront Bites
Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar: Boathouse pairs fresh oysters, smoked meats, and crowd-pleasing coastal dishes with one of Chattanooga’s best waterfront views.
Scotties on The River: Beautiful timber-framed restaurant surrounded by gorgeous views. Sit by the patio fire pit and dine on stuffed shrimp and rich she-crab soup.
Coffee, Brews, and Cocktails
Chattanooga’s coffee and drink scene offers far more than the basics. Explore specialty cafes and scenic cocktail spots from dawn till dusk.
Coffee & Community
Milk & Honey: Brunch and coffee spot serving Southern-inspired dishes like Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles.
Rembrandt’s Coffee House: A European-style cafe with full-day service offering a selection of fine pastries in an adorable, peaceful outdoor setting.
Niedlov’s Cafe & Bakery: James Beard semifinalist known for fantastic breads, bagels, and pizzas with rotating scones and unlimited drip coffee.
Craft Beer, Spirits & Nightlife
Elsie’s Daughter: This weekend brunch spot is beloved, but it’s the craft cocktails that have people coming back for more. Try their newest zero-proof options.
Pickle Barrel: Set in a flatiron building and complete with a rooftop deck, the pub is a Nooga staple offering rotating craft beers and crisp fried pickle spears.
Chattanooga Billiard Club Inc: Classic bar food in a historic building with plenty of pool tables and indoor smoking. The club is everything old school and maintains a solid whiskey selection.
Wanderlinger Brewing Company: Sample a wide beer selection, munch on their famous giant pretzel, and listen to live music playing most nights, all in the heart of Southside.
Chattanooga Whiskey Company: Book a 1-hour tour through the city’s only craft whiskey distillery to learn about the innovative process and try award-winning whiskey.
Five Wits Brewing Company: Enjoy excellent beer variety, access to the pickleball court, and fantastic cheese curds before heading to a live show at the connected Barrelhouse Ballroom.
Read more: 5 Breweries to Visit in the Greater Chattanooga Area