News Summary
Chattanooga’s culinary scene is shining nationally as local restaurants seek MICHELIN Star recognition. The city is featured in the new MICHELIN Guide for the American South, allowing establishments to highlight unique dining experiences. Notable nominees include 2nd American Restaurant, Easy Bistro & Bar, Calliope, and Old Man Rivers. In addition, the city will host its second Vegan Chef Challenge, encouraging plant-based dining with 18 participating local eateries. As the food scene evolves, Chattanooga’s efforts reflect a vibrant and eclectic culinary landscape.
Chattanooga, TN – Chattanooga’s culinary scene is gaining national attention as several local restaurants vie for prestigious MICHELIN Stars. The inclusion of the city in the newly launched MICHELIN Guide for the American South provides an excellent opportunity for local establishments to showcase their unique dining experiences. The MICHELIN Guide is renowned for recognizing outstanding culinary talent around the world, and now Chattanooga’s rising restaurants are in contention for this esteemed honor.
Notable nominated restaurants include 2nd American Restaurant, which draws inspiration from the Sunday family dinners of Chef Daniel Lindley, offering communal dishes like mashed potatoes. Easy Bistro & Bar, founded by James Beard semi-finalist Chef Erik Niel, incorporates flavors from Louisiana as well as classic French cuisine, emphasizing a sophisticated dining atmosphere. Meanwhile, Calliope, another nominee, blends Southern traditions with Levantine cooking, showcasing the city’s diversity in culinary offerings. Old Man Rivers rounds out the list with its neighborhood tavern vibe, serving elevated Southern cuisine that changes weekly based on available local produce.
In addition to the MICHELIN nominations, Chattanooga is set to host its second Vegan Chef Challenge in July. This event features 18 participating restaurants and chefs and promotes vegan dining options across the city. The challenge is organized by Vegan Outreach, an initiative designed to make vegan choices more accessible while raising awareness about animal welfare.
Several local eateries are stepping up their game for the challenge. The Hummus Bowl is expanding its menu to introduce new vegan options such as hummus wraps and roasted cauliflower. Taqueria Jalisco has crafted a vegan Huarache Mx, which is topped with grilled nopales, refried beans, and a tomatillo avocado salsa. Scoop Around Ice Cream Bar has also joined the effort with a vegan mango Italian ice, finished with peach sauce and chamoy seasoning. Be Caffeinated adds variety with its apple cinnamon vegan muffin, set to launch in July.
Among the other participants are well-established local favorites, including 1885 Grill, Public House, Hangry Pinoy, and Bleu Fox Cheese Shop, further highlighting Chattanooga’s vibrant and eclectic food scene. Voting for the Vegan Chef Challenge favorites will remain open until July 31, allowing food enthusiasts to support their favorite plant-based dishes.
As Dusk descends upon the city and fireflies begin to flicker, local food writer and photographer Lyric Lewin continues to spotlight the culinary talent emerging from Chattanooga. With her extensive experience covering food stories across international kitchens and various publications, Lewin provides insight into the local dining scene through her weekly newsletter at whattoeatnextchattanooga.com.
Sabor Modern Latino & Sushi, a restaurant that recently underwent a change in management, reflects the dynamic nature of Chattanooga’s food offerings. Formerly offering a diverse menu that included pupusas, sushi, and waffles for the last two years, the restaurant is now under new leadership, adopting a fresh name and menu that aims to attract new patrons.
As Chattanooga’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, the efforts from local restaurants to earn a MICHELIN Star alongside the ongoing Vegan Chef Challenge highlight the rich tapestry of flavors and cultures present in the city. The recognition from MICHELIN and the push for vegan options illustrate a commitment to excellence and innovation in cooking, making Chattanooga an exciting destination for food lovers.
With local chefs and eateries stepping into the national spotlight, Chattanooga’s dining reputation is poised to grow, offering something for everyone in the community and beyond. The vibrant culinary scene represents both tradition and modernity, creating an appealing mixture that draws food enthusiasts from all walks of life.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: French Bakery Set to Open in Chattanooga
- Wikipedia: Michelin Guide
- Chattanooga Pulse: Chattanooga Dining Guide
- Google Search: Chattanooga cuisine
- Times Free Press: Sabor in Red Bank Has New Name
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga restaurants MICHELIN
- Nooga Today: Michelin Star Worthy Restaurants According to Chattanoogans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga food scene
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga’s Vegan Chef
- Google News: Chattanooga Vegan Chef Challenge
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
