Chattanooga, Tennessee, nestled near the mountains and local farms, offers a surprising number of options for health-conscious diners. While finding restaurants that cater to specific dietary needs can be challenging, especially when traveling with a group, several establishments prioritize fresh, local ingredients and accommodate various restrictions. This guide highlights some of the best places for "clean eating" in Chattanooga, including restaurants with paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
The Importance of Local Sourcing
Many Chattanooga restaurants leverage their proximity to the mountains by sourcing their food locally. Small local farmers typically practice less toxic or even non-toxic, organic farming techniques. This is typical because the use of harmful chemicals like pesticides, fertilizer, herbicides, and GMO products can harm the crop and soil, and also be a large additional cost. This commitment to local sourcing not only supports the community but also often translates to fresher, healthier ingredients on your plate.
Featured Restaurants
Here are some standout restaurants in Chattanooga that cater to healthy eating:
Southern Squeeze: This plant-based kitchen is a top pick for non-toxic food. Located a short drive from North Shore, Southern Squeeze boasts a 100% organic menu that is completely dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. The menu is also labeled for dishes containing nuts or oils, making it easy for those with allergies or sensitivities. Southern Squeeze accommodates menu adjustments and offers a grab-and-go section for those planning hikes or day trips. Highlights include wellness lattes made with house-made dairy-free milk, smoothie bowls, specialty coffees, and gluten-free/dairy-free/grain-free desserts.
Milk and Honey: This local café serves brunch all day, lunch, and specialty coffees. While the menu features many grains and dairy products, the kitchen is willing to make adjustments to accommodate dietary restrictions. The menu also has several vegan options and many dishes that can be made gluten-free. Milk and Honey serves Stumptown Organic Coffee and makes all of their syrups in-house, most of which are sweetened with honey. They also offer non-dairy milk alternatives, including organic coconut milk without added sweetener.
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Flying Squirrel: This tapas-like restaurant features a great indoor/outdoor feel to the space. They use local seasonal produce and meats when available and have a menu that does lend itself a bit too Asian cuisine. The menu is labeled gluten-free and vegan dishes. Overall, this is a good place for gluten-free, paleo, and vegan eaters. Be mindful of sauces and garnishes for soy, gluten, dairy, and sugar exposures, and be very clear with your wait staff as to what your dietary restrictions are! Flying Squirrel is Closed Mondays.
Wildflower Apothecary: Located across from Market St., this apothecary sells local health and wellness goods, tinctures, and tonics. They also serve organic loose leaf teas and have a good selection of organic dark chocolate! Many of their teas have wellness or functional purposes and offer several different sweetening options. The atmosphere is relaxing and calm, making it a perfect place to enjoy a cup of small-batch organic tea. Wildflower is Closed on Mondays.
The Local Juicery + Kitchen: This establishment offers an extensive menu of juices, kinds of milk, snacks, smoothies, smoothie bowls, and coffee drinks. It is perfect for breakfast or a lighter lunch. Everything is made fresh daily using 100% raw ingredients. While their menu is NOT organic, they try to source from local farmers, which is typically less toxic and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals.
Bantam & Biddy: This casual eatery, located downtown on Market Street, is a good spot for gluten-free comfort food. Their chicken is pastured and locally sourced but is NOT organic. The menu offers gluten-free fried chicken & waffles and gluten-free jalapeño cornbread, as well as salad options. This is a perfect spot for takeout if you are feeling a cozy night in.
Cashew: This locally owned 100% plant-based vegan café is on the North Shore, right by Coolidge Park, making it a perfect place to grab lunch or a snack to take to the park. They have a great grab-and-go section with their food and also packaged items/drinks from different health food brands. The owner strives to use the highest quality ingredients and local produce when available. They also use real whole food ingredients to construct their dishes and desserts. However, the menu is NOT organic. The café menu is labeled for gluten-free and soy-free dishes, but the highlight of Cashew is their ever-changing dessert menu. Be sure and get here early so you don\’t miss the gluten-free donuts! Cashew is Closed Sundays and Mondays.
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St. Johns: Located Downtown on Market St., St. Johns is a fancy restaurant with an ever-changing seasonal menu. Smaller upscale local restaurants typically source their food locally, and the chef is inventive and can improvise and get creative with dietary restrictions. The staff is willing to work with dietary restrictions and create custom arrangements of fresh, available ingredients. They also offer “taste” glasses of wine (4oz), which can be a treat for those who enjoy a bit of red wine but don’t want an entire glass. St. Johns is Closed Sundays & be sure to make a reservation!
Thai Smile: This authentic Thai restaurant in Downtown Chattanooga near the Aquarium has a menu with quality fresh ingredients (NOT organic) and gluten-free options labeled on the menu (including curries)! With menu adjustments, the server and chef are happy to accommodate dietary requirements. Be mindful of sauces and dressings that may contain hidden soy, dairy, sugar, bad oils, or MSG! Thai Smile is Closed Tuesdays & paid parking is in the lot next door.
Two Ten Jack: This Japanese restaurant in Warehouse Row offers grilled skewers of different proteins and veggies. The staff is willing to work with restricted diets, offering menu choices that work for you and creating approved drizzles and toppings. Overall, Two Ten Jack has good options for paleo, dairy-free, and gluten-free eaters.
Public House: Located in Warehouse Row Downtown, Public House has a seasonal menu and a commitment to using local farmers, butchers, and fishmongers. They also offer a dedicated gluten-free lunch and dinner menu. With a great selection of proteins and seasonal veggies, the staff is happy to cater to requests to eliminate dairy or gluten in the sides, sauces, or breading. Public House is Closed Sundays.
Clean Eatz: Located at 1414 Jenkins Rd Suite #100, Clean Eatz in Chattanooga is a healthy food restaurant that offers a variety of delicious and affordable options for our customers. Their dine-in cafe menu includes burgers, wraps, flatbreads, meltz, build your own bowls, smoothies and more. You simply place your online order, pick up your meals at Clean Eatz in Chattanooga, take them home, and then just heat and eat. Most meals are under 500 calories. In addition to their café menu and meal plans, healthy food options at Clean Eatz in Chattanooga include Grab ‘N’ Go meals, protein smoothies, healthy snacks, and catering for all occasions.
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Eating In: Grocery Options and Farmers Markets
For those who prefer to cook their own meals, Chattanooga offers several options for sourcing healthy ingredients:
Whole Foods: Located in North Shore Chattanooga, Whole Foods offers grocery delivery and is a great resource for hiking snacks or supplements.
Chattanooga Market: This seasonal farmers market, located at First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Carter Street, is open on Sundays from 11 AM - 4 PM (seasonal & opens mid-April). It features local farm produce, artisan foods, and local art.
The Main Street Market: Open year-round on Wednesdays at 4 PM at 1809 Chestnut Street, The Main Street Market prides itself on being the ONLY Food-Focused Farmers Market in Chattanooga. Vendors must practice environmentally-friendly farming methods, be located within 100 miles of the market, and food artisan vendors must only use local produce when available.
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