Looking for the next new restaurant hitting the Scenic City’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Chattanooga — plus, some spots coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the cuisine curve. And don’t forget to bookmark it.
January openings
Whataburger, 6521 Ringgold Rd. | Burgers + melts
The Texas-based chain is now open at the former Wally’s Restaurant site in East Ridge.
Brothers Bagel, 5231 Brainerd Rd. | Bagel sandwiches
This new location is larger than the one on Hixson, with a kids’ play area and more parking.
Coming soon
Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream, Ooltewah | Pizza + ice cream | Opening: Early 2026
This Chattanooga favorite has been in St. Elmo since 1989 and is now opening a new location in Ooltewah. Pro tip: Try their wings, sandwiches, and salads too.
Torikaya, 1120 Houston St., Suite 150 | Japanese yakitori | Opening: February 2026
Opening in the former Tokyo space downtown, this restaurant will offer yakitori-style dishes, sushi, ramen, and more.
Whataburger, 2332 Shallowford Village Dr. | Burgers + melts | Opening: March 2026
This will be Chattanooga’s second location, opening in the former Fazoli’s space.
The Spritzeria, 3912 Dayton Blvd. | Mediterranean-inspired dishes | Opening: Spring 2026
This restaurant will serve spritzes, flatbreads, and small plates. Keep an eye on its Instagram page for updates.
November openings
Honey Baked Ham, 5450 Hwy. 153 | Hams + turkey breasts
Known for its holiday meats and sides, Honey Baked Ham also serves sandwiches and fast-casual meals.
Raising Cane’s, 1833 Gunbarrel Rd. | Chicken fingers + fries
Known for its chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and Texas toast, this is Chattanooga’s second location, following the first in Hixson that opened in January 2025.
October openings
Camila, 309 E Main St. | European bistro
Taking over the old Slick’s Burgers spot, this new restaurant dishes up shareable bites, fresh oysters, elegant plates, and vibrant desserts.
The Reading Room, 3210 Brainerd Rd. | Bookstore + bar
This new bar-bookstore hybrid is filled with cozy bookshelves + curated cocktails.
Culver’s, 505 Northgate Mall Dr. | Burgers + custard
This Midwest chain, known for its ButterBurgers, cheese curds, and frozen custard, just opened its first Chattanooga location.
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, 5118 Hixson Pike | Hawaiian comfort food
This fast-casual spot offers plate lunches, Dole soft serve, and Spam musubi — all with quick drive-through service.
Dave’s Hot Chicken, 2266 Gunbarrel Rd. | Chicken restaurant
You can get chicken tenders, sliders, fries, shakes, and other fun drinks at this restaurant.
September openings
Beignets & Brew, 7019 Shallowford Dr. | French donuts
Get New Orleans-style beignets without ever leaving Chattanooga, as well as breakfast croissants and specialty coffee.
August openings
Ox2 Buns & Noodles, 2288 Gunbarrel Rd. | Chinese cuisine
From steamed soup dumplings to pork buns and hand-pulled noodles, this restaurant’s menu is packed with mouth-watering options.
Thai Smile, 321 Market St. | Thai cuisine
This downtown restaurant moved just a couple of blocks down the road to a new location, but it still serves the same flavorful dishes — spicy curries, pad Thai, noodles, and fresh salads.
Bela Lisboa, 417 Frazier Ave. | Mediterranean cuisine
This North Shore restaurant is back open after a fire forced it to close last fall. It has new Mediterranean dishes, a full bar, and an expanded wine list.
July openings
Los Mich, 4850 Hwy. 58 | Mexican cuisine
This restaurant offers traditional Mexican dishes, especially specialties from the state of Jalisco, such as torta ahogada, birria tatemada, and carnes en su jugo.
Chattanooga Eats & Chill, 1800 Dayton Blvd. | Tacos
From Mojo Burrito, to Sabor Modern Latino & Sushi, to Chattanooga Eats & Chill. The Red Bank restaurant is under new management and now offers a pared-down menu including tacos and fried green plantains.
Alimentari Cafe & Market, 801 Pine St. | Cafe
This cafe recently found a new home at The Westin Chattanooga downtown. It’s known for its deli sandwiches and fresh salads.
100 Ramen & Bar, 2090 Hamilton Place | Ramen
This fast-casual restaurant inside the Aloft hotel features Boba teas, sushi, ramen + salads.
White Duck Taco Shop has quickly become a Chattanooga favorite.
Photo via @whiteduckgvl
June openings
White Duck Taco Shop, 1519 McCallie Ave. | Tacos
The Asheville-based restaurant is open and bringing its creative + diverse taco offerings to Chattanooga — with plans for a brewery later this year.
Neutral Ground, 338 E. Main St. | West African + Creole
This restaurant headed by Chef Kenyatta Ashford was formerly located inside of Proof Bar and Incubator.
Wanderlinger Brewing Co., 55 Station St. | Brewery
Get ice cold craft beer. If you’re headed straight to the patio, don’t miss the eclectic art inside.
Hungry Mother, 825 Houston St. | Cafe
This cafe recently joined The Bitter Alibi in its downtown space with menu items like bagels, cookies, and sandwiches.
May openings
The Milky Cow Bakery, 5906 Main St., Ooltewah | Bakery
Step into this storefront with French vibes and baked goods like pies, cookies, cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls.
West Coast Sourdough, 6025 E. Brainerd Rd. | Soups + sandwiches
This eatery known for its sandwiches, soups, and bread bowls opened its doors with hearty, cheesy, and toasted menu items.
Peet’s Coffee, Hotel Clemons | Coffee
Stop inside the boutique West Village hotel for your cup of joe.
April openings
Central Park, Hamilton Place Mall | Burgers
The burger joint that got its start in Chattanooga in 1982 opened a second location offering its selection of “Bubba” burgers, chicken dishes, hot dogs, and fries.
March openings
Keystone, 440 Frazier Ave. B | Sandwiches
This to-go spot serves up breakfast + lunch sandwiches, house-made dips, and desserts.
Southside Food Truck Park, 1511 Williams St. | Varies
Stay updated on which food trucks will be parked and serving up delicacies each week via social media.
