Calliope Restaurant & Bar
Restaurant · Chattanooga ·

Calliope Restaurant & Bar

Restaurant · Chattanooga ·

Modern Levantine eatery with unique cocktails & wine

Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null
Calliope Restaurant & Bar by null

Information

422 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403 Get directions

$50–100

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Information

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422 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403 Get directions

+1 423 654 7800
eatcalliope.com
@callioperestaurant

$50–100 · Menu

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Last updated

Dec 3, 2025

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@cntraveler
40,944 Postcards · 5,496 Cities

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Chattanooga

"Chattanooga is also known for its international flavors, such as Calliope Restaurant & Bar to the south of the river on East Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. Headed by Chef Khaled AlBanna, the restaurant serves up some of the best Levantine cuisine in the region; the chicken shawarma and fluffy whipped feta are particular highlights."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-things-to-do-in-chattanooga
Calliope Restaurant & Bar
@eater
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The Best Restaurants and Bars in Chattanooga, Tennessee | Eater Nashville

"The story of Calliope starts in Amman, Jordan, where Khaled Albanna spent his childhood alongside his mother who was a chef and passionate home cook. Fast forward to 2020, and Chef Khaled’s unleashed Calliope on Chattanooga, a warm dining nook mixing his traditional Levantine roots with Southern influences. Case in point: falafel biscuits with preserved lemons and a slow-cooked lamb prepared with hawaij (Yemeni spices) and peach barbecue." - Eater Staff

https://nashville.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-where-to-eat-in-chattanooga
Calliope Restaurant & Bar
@postcardnews
20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

Chef Khaled AlBanna’s modern Levantine cooking—mezze, manaqish, lamb confit—has earned national nods from Condé Nast Traveler and frequent praise from regional writers. The Sofra feast showcases the kitchen’s range and Chattanooga’s global palate.

https://www.callioperestaurant.com/
Best Restaurants in Chattanooga (2025)
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Calliope Restaurant & Bar

Art McKeldin J.

Google
Our Saturday date night dinner at Calliope was a great experience. The spacious, cozy, two-level setting felt elegant but not stuffy. We were seated promptly for our reservation, and our server "Grace", was attentive, professional, and expertly helped us navigate the extensive menu, including the specials and signature dishes. We chose the "Sofra for two", which allowed the chef to select our entire three-course meal, complete with liquor pairings. The meal began with a delightful assorted appetizer of olives, naan, fresh fruit, hummus, mixed root vegetables, and cheeses. The main course was a succulent American Red Snapper, expertly prepared and seasoned. We loved the experience and will return again.

Jim H.

Google
This experience was fantastic, since I saw the restaurant on the Chattanooga news. I was very inspired by the food pictures and the chef. It was out 27th wedding Anniversary. My wife loves Eastern food I was happy to reserve this table to enjoy our dinner. From the time you walk in everyone has a smile and very nice and polite. Lindsey our waitress was fantastic she was on top of everything and knew the menu and was so attentive to our needs. She has a passion to take care of her customers. The food was fantastic great and top notch. My wife had the chicken we shared the carrots, blackened grouper, the pitas were fantastic. Thank you for the experience and the tiramisu was top notch delicious. Thanks Jim H.

Lauren M.

Google
Left here totally blissed out. We took a weekend roadtrip from Knoxville to experience Calliope after they were voted into the Top 50 Restaurants in USA by the New York Times, and it was worth the whole trip. We enjoyed flavor profiles we’ve never experienced before and will be daydreaming about until our return. The jammy figs in the whipped feta dish knocked us off our feet, and our waitress said the figs were grown by her friend up the road, which I loved to hear. The blackened grouper was seasoned with spices that tasted like Christmas, and somehow worked perfectly for a savory dish. We tried a Lebanese wine, which we’ve never had before, and it paired perfectly with everything. Every dish we had (7 in total including dessert) was just perfection. Loved the building as well, and the scruffy side of town it’s in. Thanks for one of the best meals of our lives y’all. Feeling very grateful.

Jean K.

Google
The restaurant certainly lives up to its reputation in most respects — beautifully presented dishes, attentive service, and a menu that reflects true Michelin-level care. However, I was disappointed in the Turkish coffee. It was described as “special” for its cardamom flavor, of which I experienced when I ordered in previous meals, yet the cup I received had none of the distinct aroma or taste that cardamom brings. A small detail, but one that matters when the restaurant highlights it as a signature element. Otherwise, a lovely dining experience overall.

Raissa M.

Google
5 stars all around! My husband & I had a reservation for his birthday and we were so full by the end of dinner! We had the hummus, alabama crab, plums & heirloom tomatoes, sweet potato soup (not pictured), short rib, and batata harra. Our favorite dish was the sweet potato soup, we’ve never had anything like that before! Compliments to chef & staff!

Miley

Google
Best dining experience in Chattanooga so far! We visited after seeing Calliope featured in the NYTimes top 50 restaurants list for 2025. Not having tried Levantine cuisine before, we walked in not knowing what to expect and ended up being thoroughly impressed by everything. We started with the Whipped Feta (Pita Bread included) along with a happy hour cocktail for the Missus. Then we moved on to the Gulf Shrimp and Falafel—very delicious, with a happy hour discount (up to 6pm) for both. We then split the Niman Ranch Beef with a side of Burnt Carrots as the main course. As other reviewers have noted, the burnt carrots are amazing—you must try them. We finished the meal with the Knafeh and Tiramisu and paired the desserts with a cup of Sulaimani Tea. (The desserts are must-try’s!) We appreciated our server, Krystal, walking us through the menu at the beginning and being attentive to our needs throughout the dining experience. She elevated what was already a 5-star dining experience based on the food alone to a very pleasant, memorable Saturday evening for us. We will be back—with family and friends in tow!

Adrienne F.

Google
Calliope offers an incredible dining experience that you definitely don't want to miss. Everything we ate was spectacular, the falafel, lamb, NY Strip, burnt carrots, and drinks. All of it was amazing. This is the best we've ever had! Our waiter was so good, he was very skilled, attentive, and observant.

X3 W.

Google
The mood was awesome as soon as we walked in. Everybody was super nice and smiling and the music playing was very calming. The chicken shawarma was wonderful. The lemonana was amazing as well. Our server, Zeda, was very nice and accommodating for our table. Definitely ask for her if you plan to visit!
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Sean H.

Yelp
A bright, bold, and unforgettable meal! We were excited to try Calliope for its unique take on Levantine-inspired cuisine--and it absolutely delivered. The dishes were fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor from start to finish. We loved the family-style setup, which made it easy to try a little of everything (and trust us, we nearly did!). The falafel is a must--crispy on the outside, soft and herby inside, and totally crave-worthy. Every plate felt thoughtfully prepared, and the atmosphere matched--warm, welcoming, and just a touch adventurous. Calliope is a standout spot for anyone looking to explore something new and delicious in Chattanooga. Can't wait to come back.
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Amanda C.

Yelp
Cute restaurant with delicious and fresh food. Lots of seating but still gets busy - make a reso! Ordered the chicken shwarma hummus, tomato and fig salad, niman ranch beef, and knafeh for dessert. My favorites were the hummus and salad. The pita bread is super delicious warm with the flavorful hummus. Salad was super refreshing and enjoyed the textural contrast between the fruits, candied walnuts, and burrata. The perfect summer salad. The niman ranch beef was a ribeye and it was just ok. Texture good and medium rare, but couldn't help but remind us of a hamburger patty flavor wise. Felt like we were eating a cheeseburger, maybe it was the spices. Dessert was knafeh which I enjoyed but couldn't finish because it was too sweet for me. The service was painfully slow - we don't drink so there wasn't much to keep us occupied between dishes besides chatting. Def expect to spend at least 2 + hours there, maybe because it was a Saturday night. Overall would recommend to try it especially if you are looking for something different and an elevated experience.

Onifre P.

Yelp
I have no idea what people find good about this place. My only thought is they've never had actual good food from a solid restaurant. This place is all hype no substance. Whipped feta was meh, and pita was overcooked and burnt on the bottom. Could've used olive oil to help. Beets - get rid of that from the menu. Couldn't be more underwhelming. Falafels - dense and taste like store bought. My advice, go to NY and taste actual falafel. They should be light and airy. Not a dense ball. Also, the mango sauce makes zero sense. The rice dish - just a bunch of ingredients with no thought into it. The taste was fine I guess. Have had better from food trucks. The grouper - overcooked and bland The wine is mediocre. Overall it's expensive just for the sake of being expensive. Never mind the service - we ordered 5 dishes, 2 arrived and we never saw another dish for two hours. Try it if you want but I'd recommend Sidetrack for a way better experience.
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Kendra L.

Yelp
We've heard they hype and finally tried Calliope out. We went on a Sunday afternoon, since it wasn't an especially busy night, the vibes were chill. We went with the waiter's suggestion and started with hummus and pita and ended up ordering a second pita because the fluffy, fresh bread came straight out of the oven. The cantaloupe gazpacho was new to the menu and AMAZING. So bright, and I loved the little kick of spice. For two, we shared the sea bass, beets, lamb meatballs & octopus (not my favorite of the dishes), blackened carrots, gazpacho and hummus. Needless to say it was plenty of food (we took some home) , and I'm ready to go back as soon as possible to see what they do next.
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Rachel P.

Yelp
If I could get 4.5 stars, I would because some things were amazing and some were just good. I'll start from the top. Chicken shawarma hummus was phenomenal. Probably the best chicken shawarma I have had. Whipped feta dip also very good. We ordered three of the mains- the chicken, the sea bass, and the shrimp. Chicken was definitely the star of the show and well worth the money with the portion that they give. The shrimp was also very good, but the sea bass was just okay in my opinion. I order sea bass at many restaurants, so I have a lot of comparisons. The potato side was just okay as well. Oh, but the bread was so good. They have another bread option for $4, but don't bother. The free bread they give is better. The service was fantastic and the restaurant itself is very pretty. Overall, a really good meal!
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Mechelle C.

Yelp
Parking is on the street. The ambiance is chill. The service is outstanding with friendly and helpful staff. It's similar to Tapas or shared plates. We ordered the Spanish octopus, with black lime, plumbs, honey labneh and smoked oil. Perfect! From 4-5:30, they offer Manaquish, similar to a puffed bread with some amazing toppings. I recommend the Lamb lardon. It's crispy with fig jam and buffalo ricotta for sweet and savory in every bite! If ever in Chattanooga again, we will be back!
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Kevin K.

Yelp
Colorful, flavorful, and engaging. Calliope is a wonderful spot that puts in your new happy place the moment you step in the door. Our group of five were warmly welcomed and seated. The menu bends toward neo-middle eastern faire with innovative takes on fish, hummus, falafel, rice and potatoes. It's delicious with a spicy range that moves from medium to spicy. The desserts are fantastic too! Make your reservation today!
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Rich H.

Yelp
We left Johnson City, TN and headed southwest to Chattanooga; a city I definitely want to come back and visit when I have more time. For dinner, we stopped by Calliope, a modern Levantine restaurant and bar. Levantine cuisine has its roots in Jordan, Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel, and other countries in the region. Calliope's chefs are from that region, so you know the food is legit. I started with a mocktail, the Lemonana. It's like a fancy lemonade made with mint, lemon, and salt. A fantastic drink between bites. The menu is set up tapas style; small plates meant to be shared. We started with some Spanish Octopus. Chargrilled octopus tentacles with diced plums, honey labneh, and black lime. I've had my fair share of a variety of cephalopods, but this rendition was fabulous. It hit all the right notes of sweet, sour, tangy, savory, and texture. A perfect dish. Since it was happy hour when we arrived, we tried a couple of manaqish varietals, only available between 4p-5:30p. Manaqish is a flatbread, usually spiced with zatar. Calliope makes it their own with how they top it. We got the roasted squash made with a miso-goat cheese, torshi (pickled veg), and peanut dukkah. We also got the lamb lardon made with buffalo ricotta, fig jam, chili, and herbs. Both manaqish were fantastic, but the consensus favorite at the table was the lamb lardon. Crispy lamb paired with the ricotta and fig jam was simply irresistible. Give me a bowl of that and I'd die happy. If you're ever in Chattanooga, definitely check out Calliope.

Grace C.

Yelp
Beautiful restaurant! The service was excellent. We had the chicken and it was amazing and enough for two people. We also had kunafe dessert. Although it didn't taste like traditional kunafe, I still loved it!
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Claire C.

Yelp
The food and drinks are great here. The lamb shank was super tender and the rice that came with it was delicious. The fresh pitas and dips were a hit too. The dessert was just ok, not really what I prefer personally. The service started off great but got slow throughout the night. Overall great dinner, would definitely come again and try other dishes.
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Marcy A.

Yelp
We were visiting from out of town and were so glad we changed our dinner reservation to Calliope. Everything was delicious. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu as the sauces and spices are amazing. If I had to pick one favorite, I'd choose the chicken shawarma hummus. The chicken entree comes with rice, which we didn't realize when ordering. Also, the potatoes are super tasty but a have a little bit of a spicy kick. The restaurant itself has a cool vibe but is chill. Our food took some time coming out, but everything was hot and we appreciated the lag as we ordered a lot.
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Adrienne F.

Yelp
Calliope offers an incredible dining experience that you definitely don't want to miss. Everything we ate was spectacular, the falafel, lamb, NY Strip, burnt carrots, and drinks. All of it was amazing. This is the best we've ever had! Our waiter was so good, he was very skilled, attentive, and observant.
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Teresa H.

Yelp
Went here for my friends birthday was his friends! It was all our first time here! Wonderful service! Loved the whole cozy atmosphere and great news they have plans to expand! The food was amazing! Simply superb! My friend and I are foodies and we split the sofra! So worth it! It's a total must! All the dishes were super delicious! But you must get the couscous, beets, burnt carrots, mushrooms. The chicken leg was a little hard to share with the table so not sure if they could debone that. And i ordered Turkish coffee I was hoping to get more than 1 cup but they don't serve the little pot with it. I can't wait to come back and check out their expansion!
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Amy N.

Yelp
This was my first time trying Levantine cuisine and it was absolutely phenomenal! We had the whipped feta (our FAV), flank steak, potatoes and leg of lamb. We quite literally licked the plates clean. Although I'm not a drinker, they had an extensive and interesting drink menu with many cocktails to choose from. Their non-alcoholic choices were also superb! We ordered the pomegranate lemonade and a mixed elixir for $7 each. If you like tart, you'll like these two drinks! The portion size is similar to tapas, made to share and it's honestly not too pricey, I would categorize it as mid $$ range. Our waiter was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. Can't wait to go back!
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Jonathan C.

Yelp
Fine dining here. Laid back atmosphere. Had a table beside the glass where they make their pita bread. Neat to watch this. Staff is awesome. Food is great. Portions are not small. Would recommend the lamb!
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Jane C.

Yelp
Calliope's was a completely random find for us while we were in town, and I'll be forever grateful for all the stars that aligned to bring us here because it's been - by far - the best food I've had in Chattanooga. The restaurant serves up modernized plates of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, with the menu changing up to feature seasonal ingredients. Since we didn't have reservations, we ended up sitting at the bar which turned out to be a fantastic choice as we chatted it up with the friendliest bartender in town (who also happens to dehydrate his own citrus garnishes for the cocktails - see pictures for details). He was also a helpful guide as we picked over the menu trying to plan out our meal. The tapas-style menu is organized by courses, with each plate intended as shareable bites. Each plate came out far faster than we expected, especially considering the 'wow' factor of each one. Our fattoush, or roasted beet appetizer, was a delicious start. As I'm not a terribly big fan of beets, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed these. The ruby red beets were coaxed to a rare sweetness that were beautiful complemented by the bed of herbed goat cheese underneath. Our pasture chicken entree was another winner, with a crackly coating of fifteen mysterious spices that shattered under our knife. The clear highlight of our dinner was the spread so nice we had to order it twice - the chicken shawarma. Throw out everything you know about chicken shawarma, because this plate will defy all your preconceptions. Only God and the chef knows what they did to this chicken, but it was so tender and rich that we peered at it closely, trying to confirm they hadn't accidentally given us pork. The hummus underneath was also rich and beautifully speckled with all the shawarma seasonings. We wiped both plates clean with our pita bread, and still wanted more, even as we exited the restaurant. Service was fast and friendly, and we enjoyed lingering at the bar where we could most fully enjoy the festive holiday ambiance.

Dean H.

Yelp
We loved this restaurant. I recommend the pre fixe. The appetizer plate was amazing and the snapper was 10 out of 10. Evan did a great job guiding us through the service. He's a pro and he's passionate about their food. Highly recommend.
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Irene L.

Yelp
If you ever pondered, "what would perfection taste like?," please, jump in your car or put on those walking shoes and be ready for a one way ticket to a higher dimension. Every single plate we ordered transported us on a flavor journey, each destination flawless. Every plate seasoned and spiced with careful thought. We ordered the labneh (comes with fresh pita bread), grilled eggplant, falafel, the whole branzino, and the olive oil cake to top off our breathtaking meal. There is no rice as a side on the menu, although if you do a "sofra" meal experience it is included. I asked if there was any way to do a side of rice and they made it happen. My boyfriend and I shared everything and it was exactly enough for the two of us. For drinks I ordered the "kiralyudvar kings court" and my boyfriend ordered the "pullus" (definitely will change your perception of Pinot Grigio. Service was top notch, the ambiance was great. Definitely high class dining experience for Chattanooga. No where comes in comparison. As someone born and raised in Chicago, this has been by far my favorite restaurant I have wined and dined at. You can taste the hard work, love and passion Chef Khaled has. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to try such an incredible restaurant, with outstanding dishes. After the first bite I was messaging friends and family that they had to come, after dessert I knew I wanted catering. I am blown away. I had an amazing experience, I absolutely loved our waitress (and all those who had assisted were amazing as well), I appreciated her recommendations - as they were all fantastic. I was so appreciative that our food container was labeled, more places should do this! This place will forever hold a special place in our hearts and we cannot wait to be able to be blessed with the opportunity to try again. For being open for a year, this establishment has it ALL together. Standing ovation, BRAVO! Thank you Calliope. If after all of this you still don't buy it- go on their website on their about page and read about the phenomenal team. Once again, you all are a blessing for raising the bar and creating a new community for the new and improved food scene in Chattanooga. You all have most definitely played an integral part in bringing the food scene to life, we solemnly thank you. (If I could give 100 stars I would. If I could give them an award I would. If I could move right next door and eat here all the time, I definitely would)

David G.

Yelp
Amazing food with amazing service. Our waiter Evan was helpful and informative of the cuisine and beverages. Environment is also great with a formal/casual feel.
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Nina C.

Yelp
Finally some great food in Chatt! I had been in town for almost 3 days and wasn't wowed by most of the other places then i convinced my friends to eat dinner here after some rock climbing and we all loved it. It's on an artsy street with an energetic vibe and the place is decorated so nicely. We called in advance and they had a table waiting for us, our server was nice and knew the menu very well. I love that it was sharing-style, as we all ordered a bunch of plates and got to try it all. For starters, we had the chicken, Shawarma hummus, whipped feta, and falafel. They came with fluffy, fresh baked pita, hot and delicious, although I wish there was more for the amount of dip - just 1 pita per dip. But they were delicious, so authentic. And Those 3 little falafels went fast at our table haha. The branzino was delicious, the sauce was creamy and unique, full of flavor and they prepared it well for you by removing the main spines. The lamb kibbeh was also incredible, super savory, but my favorite of the dishes was the sautéed shrimp. Just amazing. Can't wait to come back to Chattanooga and eat here again!
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Jen A.

Yelp
We made a reservation at Calliope for our weekend in Chattanooga, and this will not be our last visit! Everything about this restaurant is incredible - the food is unique and delicious, the vibes are great, and the service is incredible! We had Evan helping us, and he was so kind and thorough when explaining the menu. We decide to do the tasting menu for 2, and no regrets at all - the appetizer sampler was a great mix, the lamb was 10/10, and the dessert was the perfect ending. Couldn't recommend it more!

Seth M.

Yelp
We did the prearranged meal for 2. Everything was wonderful, especially the appetizer platter. Would HIGHLY recommend. Reservations are a must.

Clem C.

Yelp
What an amazing dining experience. I had heard about this from several other customers, so we went on a Friday night. The food is Levantine cuisine with a touch Jordan roots. The service, bar and the atmosphere are by far incredible. Definitely worth the trip to downtown Chattanooga.
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Natalya R.

Yelp
This place was a walking distance from my hostel, and the patio area is pet friendly if you travel with your fur baby as I did. I don't know how it looks indoors as I stayed in the patio area with my dog. The service was fast, and my server was friendly during my stay. The patio area was decorated with overhead lights that made it so cozy and inviting--it made me feel so relaxed during my dinner. I ordered charcoal-roasted chicken, braised okra, and one oasis (a cocktail drink). I loved my dinner and my cocktail drink as well. The braised okra was well-seasoned, and the roasted chicken was tender--so, so delicious. I recommend this place. It's a date spot, too.
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Phillip L.

Yelp
Stopped by for a drink and appetizer. The food was delicious! I can't remember exactly what it was but think it was chicken swarma on a bed of hummus with a big warm flatbread on the side almost like naan.
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Abbas H.

Yelp
Hands down our favorite restaurant. Everything is flavorful, the service is always on point and the ambiance is perfect for date night or night out with friends. We love this place and end up coming here whenever we have friends in town. The menu changes and each item is modified over time so it's always fun to see how our favorite dishes are being morphed (usually for the better)!
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Jade G.

Yelp
To be honest I can't remember all the things we got in the photos. We did the 2 person shared experience and all the food was really good! If you don't like spice then I don't recommend this unless the other person you're with does. I thought it had enough variety that you won't be left hungry. Our waitress was very friendly and answered all our questions. I loved the decor! The lighting was dim and it had an eclectic feel to it.
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Elizabeth B.

Yelp
We came and celebrated our 8 year anniversary on a Sunday, and it was half price bottle night. What a nice surprise! The atmosphere is Incredible - beautiful bar, plants, natural wood. The service was great, and both Armen* and Calvin* (so sorry if I've mistaken the names) were wonderful hosts. The wine list is pretty eclectic, and we selected a Chenin blanc. We were brought a Grenache blanc from the same winery, and we decided to drink it anyway. It was yummy too! The food here is beautiful! I will say that I wasn't the most impressed, but it was good. We did not care for the mushrooms which were recommended, but we nearly cleared every other plate! Definitely get the mujadara and chicken small plate! Overall I would come back, but probably an early reservation when the kitchen wasn't closing, and try other things!

Kimberly S.

Yelp
Food, service, and ambiance were exceptional. The whipped feta and the Mediterranean old fashioned were our favorite.
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Kim B.

Yelp
I really enjoyed my experience here! Let's start with parking: found parking right out front (free after 6pm). We didn't have reservations, but when we arrived at 5:45pm, there was plenty of seating (started to fill up as got closer to 7pm). They had happy hour with drinks ranging from $9-11. I got the pharaoh's tea and it was good and refreshed. The right amount of booze and right amount of refreshing and flavorful. My homegirls got the Aperol spritz and the hanging gardens and enjoyed them. Food: we got the falafel, blistered tomato hummus, batata harra, gulf shrimp and chickpea pilaf. All of it was very flavorful and delicious. The service was great and the menu was explained perfectly. They were attentive and friendly. I'll definitely be coming back here!
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Kim W.

Yelp
We had a group of 8 meet up for dinner at Calliope on 9/20 for dinner ahead of a weekend wedding. None of us had been there before so we weren't sure what to expect but we all said it was one of the best meals we've ever had in our life! We ordered everything but 4 items on the menu, including 4 different desserts! Each plate/entree was delicious! Was it pricey? Yes, but so worth it! We came from ATL and would literally drive the 2 hours to dine there again. We talked about this dinner for days afterward. Our server was Corey and he did an amazing job of explaining the menu, helping us sort out how to order, answered all our questions, made great suggestions and really took care of us. We will be back!

Jc C.

Yelp
Food was maybe the best middle eastern I've ever had. The pita bread is beyond amazing. No pita I've ever eaten comes close. Some of the best rice and falafel I've ever tried as well. The service was exceptional and the ambience was very cool...swanky but not too fancy or stuffy, in an old restored building. You can't go wrong eating here. Top tier.
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Chris M.

Yelp
We were very excited based on the menu and reviews, we went with the Sofra allowing chef to pick the courses. It was fantastic, my wife is typically not a hummus fan but she thought it was great, all the dips with the fresh pita were tasty. Had the lamb shank for the main entree with couscous and a yogurt sauce on the side, was amazing, the flavors and spices with the added texture of nuts was really an experience. Lamb needed no knife, fall off the bone and tender. Drinks were fantastic and dessert was wonderful, was a ricotta base and super delicious. Service was excellent and a wonderful atmosphere, I would have felt comfortable in dress clothes but just as comfortable in casual dress. Bring your appetite, they say the courses are for two, we finished about half, going to have an amazing lunch today!
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Jessica S.

Yelp
Wonderful middle eastern restaurant. It's like my mouth took a vacation. We started off with the falafels. They were my favorite-mango sauce with a spicy onion jam. We shared the shrimp and beet salad. The shrimp were in a sauce that we then asked for bread to soak it up. Then we shared the lamb (enough for 4 people). Great wine list too. Our service was perfect. The restaurant isn't pretentious in spite of the prices. We really enjoyed this meal. Nothing like it.

Todd R.

Yelp
The lamb was incredible and service very good. Sprang for the chefs choice and was no disappointed
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Bob P.

Yelp
Great option in Chattanooga. Small plate style menu with great service. In an old renovated storefront building with good vibes.
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Caleb C.

Yelp
Came here with my colleague Deltone. He spoke highly of the chef, Somalia, and food. I was visiting for work from Orlando and he insisted we go here for dinner one of our nights. It did not disappoint! We ordered one of everything. The server was a nice red headed guy who gave us detailed insight into each plate and what paired well with it. The mushrooms was from a local farm and were to die for. I don't even normally like mushrooms! The vibe is very modern with Edison lights and sleek furniture keeping with the design. We ate upstairs ate had a nice view of the city outside. They also have an outdoor area but we stuck with inside since it was a bit cold. I will be back when I come to Chattanooga again.
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Catalina A.

Yelp
My husband heard of this place and wanted to try it out... all I can say is that it was a 10 out of 10!! From ambiance, service and food, 10 stars all the way!! You get slapped in the face with amazing flavors!! We tried The shawarma chicken pita, the local mushrooms, pasture chicken, lamb neck, carrots, patatas and then the milk cake for dessert... WOW. Absolutely Recommended!!!!
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Charlotte G.

Yelp
Wow !! The best delicious deliciousness wow what a great experience everything that we ordered on menu was so good hummus fresh out of the oven Pita bread ,chicken ,flank steak ,vegetables , shrimp highly recommend. exceptional and service was the best
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Ash K.

Yelp
Loved the food. The staff are busy but go out of their way to care. Im so excited to go back.
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Keith L.

Yelp
Wow! Hard to put into words this experience. The service was polished and pace of services rapid. They had my first plate out before I even got my wine. (This was my only complaint) My first plate was the gulf shrimp. I have never had so much flavor in one bite. The second dish I ordered was the mussels. Again, an explosion of flavors. I'm sorry that I wasn't more hungry as I would have loved to explore the menu more. The chef has done an amazing job pairing flavors and textures. The Cabernet I ordered wasn't your typical tannin or fruit forward wine, it was soft and complimented the powerful flavors in my dished. A wonderful pairing. I will be back when I come back to town!

Mel L.

Yelp
One of the best dining experiences we've had in a long time. Evan was a fabulous server, suggesting the Sofra and other dishes & drinks to complement the meal for our table. Everything we had was delicious. Highlights included the Sofra, Fattoush, and Gulf shrimp. We will definitely be back!
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Surreina G.

Yelp
Absolutely, hands-down, the best restaurant in Chattanooga! And personally, my favorite restaurant I have ever been to. If I could give Calliope 10 stars, I would. The chef is a culinary genius, and food is off the charts incredible! I love how that menu is always changing according to what is seasonally available, so every time I go there, it's like experiencing it for the first time. If you love Mediterranean food, you will lose your mind here. The combination of flavors and textures are so bright and beautiful. And the presentation is nothing short of art. Be sure to get something that includes their handmade pita bread... It's the best you'll ever have! The chef spent months perfecting his recipe and it's truly delicious and unforgettable. The staff is delightful, and the service is always excellent. the ambience is Super positive and uplifting, and you can tell that the staff are so happy working here. Everyone is so kind and happy to see you. They recently expanded their downstairs space so it's easy to get a table, even if you just drop in. But I would highly recommend making a reservation. Thank you Calliope For sharing your love and passion for beautiful food and warm community.
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Marinda C.

Yelp
Everything was fresh and delicious. They were making the bread right beside the table! We had whipped feta, hummus, branzino, roasted chicken, carrots, green beans, and more. My sixteen-year-old stepdaughter had never had food like this, but even she ate everything and really enjoyed herself. we will be coming back to try more of the appetizers and veggies. Really the vegetables stole the show they were amazing.
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Jonathan G.

Yelp
This is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. Cozy dining area with great service. The food is amazing Lebanese and Syrian food. Everything we had was delicious! We had several vegetable starter dishes, lamb sausage, branding and flank steak and then gelato for desert. I cannot wait to go back!
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Tesh R.

Yelp
spectacular from start to finish. started with the gulf shrimp with saffron garlic sauce; then the lamb chop with ramps, anchovy butter, and pistacio; mahi mahi with caramelized leeks, saffron broth, and pomelo; and roz hashweh. definitely order bread to soak up the sauce around the shrimp. finished with knafeh. service was impeccable and personable.

Catherine S.

Yelp
The food was good. I loved the fish and octopus.....amazing. The only salad like option was not so great...swimming in dressing and just not good. They replaced it with their pita which is amazing. Overall a good experience
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Niki W.

Yelp
We're in town for the holidays & wanted to have a nice dinner out one night. We were undecided & not really stoked about anything until we looked up reviews for Calliope. We made a reservation for the next day & we really enjoyed it! We got the vegan mushroom hummus, vegan falafel & my mom got the shrimp. All was great! We also got a couple of the non-alcoholic drinks (lemonana & the black tea with mint) & they were lovely as well. Beautiful atmosphere & great service. This lived up to the hype!
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Miriam M.

Yelp
Impeccable food and service! Cute mid-century modern decor. We had the branzino and rice pilaf. AMAZ-ing!