Alleia
25 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN, 37408
Alleia Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Chattanooga for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
25 E Main St
Chattanooga, TN, 37408 - Phone (423) 305-6990
- Website https://www.alleiarestaurant.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 10:00pm
- Mon : 5:00 pm - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
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Angela C.
Wow. This was the best dinner I have had in a while. Alleia boast of simple farm-to-table, Northern Italian-inspired food. It's amazing. My group shared the caprese (incredible, with fresh heirloom tomatos- seasonal dish), bacon-wrapped figs (!!!!!), calamari, and these fried, filled, rice balls to start. I had the gnocchi with kale and alleia chicken sausage, which was great. All of their pastas are house made. Everything on the menu sounded incredible. To top the food, the restaurant itself was gorgeous- renovated warehouse with high ceilings, lots of cool wood paneling, hanging lamps with gas flames.. I could go on. The prices are on the higher end but I've paid way more for less delicious food and lesser service. So glad I got to experience this place during my short trip to Chattanooga!
(5)Jess I.
Pros: Beautiful atmosphere. The restaurant is gorgeous inside. I recommend Alleia for a date night or a special occasion. Good service. Our server was attentive. She knew a lot about the menu and answered our questions about the wine and the food. Great wine selection. Great food selection. Everything we had was delicious. People describe this as an Italian place. To me, the fare is American more than Italian American. (I'm from the North, and I have a very specific picture in mind of what an Italian American restaurant is.) The menu changes seasonally. Overall, you'll find things like beef, pork, and pasta on the menu. Free dessert on your birthday! Valet parking. We didn't use the valet parking, but the amenity is a nice touch. Cons: Too. much. salt. Everything was too salty except for the bread. My mouth tasted like dry salt after I finished eating. It's unfortunate that they use a ton of salt. They don't need to. It overwhelms you and kills the actual flavor of the food. If they eased up on the salt, the food would be fantastic. I should clarify that I'm more sensitive to salt than most people. If you like a lot of salt in your food, you'll be a happy customer.
(3)Erica T.
Alleia is our favorite restaurant. You can't beat the ambiance, knowledgeable servers, or the amazing food. Compared to comparable restaurants, the food and drinks are much higher quality. We highly recommend the antipasto platter and beef short rib with risotto. The only caveat that I offer is be careful where you sit. In summer, the front glass room gets quite toasty.
(5)Gary N.
This hidden gem is one of the best restaurants in Chattanooga. Short walk from the Choo Choo it's in the area that is spitting out new hot spots every month. Normally here on business dinners with suppliers to my company. They keep requesting to come back. They live the seafood, which is excellent. I think the pasta served here might be the best I've had since returning from Italy. This is a great date night spot if you want a low lit place to impress a special someone. They so have s good wine selection for your meals and do s good job recommending a good match to the meal. This will be on my rotation for date nights.
(5)Patrick L.
Believe the reviews. This place has it entirely dialed in. The food, decor, lighting, seating layout, ambiance, service and music is spot on. Even the bathrooms are great, with 4 individual rooms (2 per sex) with hand painted details reminiscent of DaVinci drawing studies of the human form. This is as close to the perfect restaurant as I've been to in some time.
(5)Paisley B.
Very good. Very Very good. Eat here. I ordered a pizza with prosciutto, mozzarella and arugula. Cuz every pizza needs to look like Christmas, right? It was great! My only complaint is that the pizza dough and the bread for the table was lacking something. Ya know..this crazy carb-eater needs a proper piece of bread. The table bread was lacking flavor and the pizza crust was dry and tasted like the dough didn't rise quite enough yet. But don't let this keep you from coming in. The real show-stopper for me was the risotto. I tasted a hint of the summer squash, but the zest of lemon absolutely hit the spot in this dish. All of it was really good. The ambience is unforgettable. I'm overdue for a swanky dinner in the lounge area or near the great-expectations-esque-almost creepy-but actually-really-cool candles in the back. Alleia really elevates the swanky level in Chattanooga. I'm waiting for Batman to pull up in his fancy mobile and swagger in with his cape and all. You know he enjoys a good red wine in the cave. I think this outdoor patio charmed the bejeezuz out of me. Let me dedicate a paragraph to this: Cuz I feel like I'm hanging out with my (Italian) family right on the back terrace with wine glasses overflowing and antipiasti filling my happy tummy. The greenery was just enough without being cheesy and the retro chairs gave a nice modern contrast to the romantic brick. And the string lights makes this a perfect setting for parties. And of course the night I popped in there were at least 3 birthday/wedding/whatever celebrations going on. My server was attentive and helpful despite the busy rush drawing his attention in every direction. I can't say enough about this spot. I can't wait to come back to Alleia.
(5)Gregg G.
While I am by no means a world traveler, I have been to my share of great restaurants growing up in Chicago. With that said, this is one of the best restaurants that I have ever been to. Everything we ordered was outstanding! From the Honey Ricotta Bruschetta to the Kale & Onion Salad. Our server, Becky, was OUTSTANDING and her recommendation of the Pork Shoulder and Angel Hair was dead on. The chef's pairing of all the different flavors in the pork shoulder was perfect. My wife ordered the angel hair and shrimp pasta and it was so delicious. We also ordered the watermelon sorbet and it was one of the best deserts we have ever had and we never even order sorbet. I also can't complement the atmosphere enough. The lighting and sound of the place is perfect for a night out.
(5)Alice B.
Besides the fact that the 'za was deeelicious, the atmosphere was two of my favorite things: magical AND enchanting. I got the prosciutto, fig, arugula, and Gorgonzola pizza. It was the bomb. Literally humongous and scrumptious.
(5)Amy T.
Amazing farm to table locally resourced food. Bacon wrapped dates unparalleled. Ravioli delicious Beautiful atmosphere and the waiter was extremely knowledgable. All waitstaff served our table and refreshed drinks. Very attentive.
(5)Jane C.
Always a pleasure dining at Alleia's. The food never fails to be delicious and the service is fantastic. This is my favorite restaurant. My most recent visit was in a party of six and our server, Kara, helped us decide what dishes to order so we could eat "family style". What a feast!! One of the most memorable meals I've ever enjoyed.
(5)Kris D.
If I could give 6 stars, I would! This review is based on my parents experience and let me tell you why & how. I selected Alleia for my parents 45th Wedding Anniversary dinner from RI. My parents were spending their anniversary in Chattanooga and I wanted to surprise them with a special dinner! Days before their arrival I called Alleia and spoke with Nate the manager. He was immediately helpful and accommodating! He even emailed me the wine list promptly to make my selection. I was pleased with phone call and email and had a good feeling about Alleia. We spoke one more time before the dinner and finalized the details and again Nate couldn't have been more helpful and friendly. My parents arrived for their dinner and here are their text, "The service is like no other" "Wow" "Impeccable" "The pork melts in your mouth" "Grilled romaine is specialty from a local farm" "This restaurant rocks" "We are getting the most amazing treatment we've ever had" "Exquisite food" "Great people we will be back" After they left my parents called me, Nate even took time on a busy Friday evening to speak with them. My parents were overjoyed on how incredible their Anniversary dinner was! Needless to say I am too! If this does not make you want to run not walk to Alleia I don't know what would! I live in RI and wish I could go NOW! Don't forget to check out the pictures that my parents took too!
(5)Dan W.
Fantastic! By far, the best service, food, and atmosphere in Chattanooga. Upon entering you are greeted by a space that is cavernous and warm. Every server is on point and knowledgable. The dishes and platings are compelling. The aromas and tastes and mouthwatering. Delicious. This place reminds me of some of my favorite places here in Brooklyn. Sure the prices are high, but it is well worth it. Great for someone scouting for a nice date spot or for gourmands in search of culinary adventure.
(5)Lou G.
"Esse nufesso qui dice male di macaroni." ("One has to be an idiot to speak badly of macaroni.") Italian Proverb Likewise it would be hard for me to speak ill of Alleia. Within walking distance of The Chattanooga Choo Choo we went in to Alleia on Saturday of a Christmas weekend. No reservations, of course. We were told that the next table would be available in four hours, but before we about faced it, we were offered the option of dining in the lounge. We got lucky and grabbed the last table. They have a good thing going here. A beautiful, impressive dining room and lounge. An inspired and creative menu which respects the flavors of classic Italian. Great service. This is better than fine dining, it is fine Italian dining! Expect to pay to play here, dinner for two will easily run over $100, but even a Grinch like me couldn't complain. Molto buona...Very good, Alleia.
(5)Reginald W.
I'll write more later but let me start by saying that anybody who likes pork hasn't REALLY had pork until the try the pork shoulder here, roasted with rosemary, spices and marinated in balsamic vinegar for more then twelve hours, this dish melts in your mouth like butter even while they manage to maintain a crisp outer for textural contrast. A very unique dish, also, is their grilled romaine lettuce appetizer. Everyone who saw mine wanted to try it and raves about it, all while I was grudgingly parting with bites for all, wishing I could keep it all for myself.
(5)Missy D.
Bad service. Bad management. I've been a patron of Alleia since they opened. I've become a accustomed to excellent service and food. Dined there this past weekend on the patio with 6 others. Service was terrible. A complaint was given to management half way through evening & service got worse. Another complaint was given at the end of the meal. Manager took my email address and said she'd be in contact. I haven't heard a peep. I'm so disappointed. Server forgot to bring bread, water was empty, server seemed to be missing when we needed drink orders, didn't want to give clean utensils with new course, and wasn't friendly towards end of evening (likely because we had complained). Alleia, please bring back the next level service I'm accustomed to!
(1)Stuart P.
I took my girlfriend to Alleias for her birthday and we were not disappointed! We are both vegetarians and were blown away with the food we got. The Gnocchi was amazing and so was the pumpkin tortellini! Also, our waiter mixed and matched the antipasto! So we got to try two of the appetizers for the price of one! We got the katellini bean bruschetta and hand dipped bruschetta with ricotta and truffle honey! We got drinks, the antipasto, both our main courses and free dessert (since it was my girlfriends birthday) and we paid only $51.39 plus a large tip because the service was excellent! Definitely one of my favorites...I'll be going back and I recommend you do as well.
(5)Greta R.
Dinner and service was 5 stars. Decor is very cool. i would recommend them for business entertaining, romantic or other special evening. The entrees really were very inventive and special, and I eat in a lot of fine restaurants on business travel. The servers were attentive and helpful. The fish was cooked to absolute perfection. My ONLY complaint (and reason for 4 vs. 5 stars) is the dessert course. We ordered 2 desserts to share and both of them were a let down after such a great meal. The panna cotta was OK, but not memorable. I made a joke that we should get the tiramisu as well because how can you mess that up. They did. They put it in a glass so the top was dry and the bottom was soaked. And there was not cocoa powder. If I were them I'd just keep it classic.
(4)Rebecca T.
We enjoyed a fantastic night out at Alleia last weekend while visiting Chattanooga. The atmosphere was so unique and the food was delicious. While the rest of our party chose entrees from the second course list, I went for a pizza. It was the best pizza I've ever put in my mouth. Bacon, cheese and rosemary--yum--I'm still thinking about it. The hosts, bartenders and wait staff were all knowledgeable and helpful to make this an evening to remember.
(5)jen r.
next time, i'll skip the hefty price-tag and just turn the lights off in my dining room while i eat unseasoned ravioli. there were quite a few pizzas coming out of the kitchen; maybe that's their thing. although, i cannot imagine going to a very dark (why am i in a dungeon?), very heavy-handed in the decor (never change, chattanooga!), and very pretentious (hey, hostess, does smiling hurt?) place like this for a pizza. the heirloom tomato salad gets the stars. really tasty compared to the otherwise bland experience. as far as italian in chattanooga, i enjoyed il primo much better.
(3)Frank M.
We've moved to Tennessee & have been in the Knoxville area for the past 6+months. Just visited Chattanooga & found restaurant called ALLEIA- my god I thought I had died and landed in heaven. It's a New York Italian spot landed in Tennessee. The apps were tremendous, calamari like it was meant to be not southern fried squid. Homemade angel hair pasta like nonna's with fresh yes fresh shrimp & seasoned properly. We also had a homemade pasta w/parpadella sauce that was w/o equal anywhere. Cocktails by a bartender that created them didn't just pour liquor. Can't wait till our friends from the east come to visit cause this spot is where we're goin.
(4)Donna M.
Service was excellent as it is everytime! Had guests with us who asked for what I would consider high-demand dietary restriction requests and they were met with respect and taste. The table had the bacon-wrapped dates as an appetizer and they are a crowd-pleaser. My first was the heirloom tomato and caprese salad. Just the right sprinkle of basil and dresssing. Delicious. I had the pork shoulder and it had heirloom potatoes and yellow and green beans. The pork was moist and flavorful, the beans cooked just right--crisp and fresh. Very filling. I had to take some home. Also, I had the summer sangria which supposedly had heirloom tomato in it somewhere. It was delightful, very refreshing. Overall, an excellent meal.
(5)Elden F.
We've lived in the Chattanooga area for three years, but just got around to trying this. First off, the valet is complementary, so make sure you have a tip (we definitely didn't realize this). And use them because parking is horrible. The atmosphere was very nice: dim lighting and personal. The food was excellent! My wife and I split squash risotto, a pizza, and kale ravioli. The meals are served family style, so they are meant for sharing. There is complimentary bread, but I'd pass on that. It wasn't the best. The only problem with the food is that their wasn't enough and we felt we spent too much money. The risotto was "family style", but either one of us could have easily eaten that alone. The ravioli was $16, but it definitely didn't come with that much. Life the food was nasty, we would have been more upset, but it was all delicious. Our server was very sweet and helpful. We even upped her tip so she could give us cash for the valet. I would probably say that we won't go back simply because of bad portion sizes and high prices.
(4)Matthew C.
This is my favorite Italian restaurant. The food is so good, my wife and I always let gluttony get the best of us. Do I go with my favorite, Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp, or do I try one of their new dishes they recently added? If you can't decide, I recommend ordering too much, and having left overs for the grandparents who are watching your kids while you enjoy a night out, or save it for lunch the next day. They also have great cocktails. No boxed syrups here. They infuse herbs, fruits, and spices to make true craft cocktails. Don't forget to try one of their pizzas. Pork Diablo with smoked mozzarella or Mushroom with truffles are my recommendations. My wife prefers the Fig and Gorgonzola pizza. I love this place.
(5)Bailey K.
We went while visiting from out of town, and we were so glad we did! This was hands down the best meal we had while in Chattanooga. We did not have a reservation but were seated immediately. Our waitress was extremely friendly and knowledgable and provided great recommendations from the menu. Both our appetizers and main dishes far exceeded our expectations!
(5)Joshua K.
How this dude has won the James Beard award is beyond me. I have been twice and between me and my date we've had a lot, if not all of their signature dishes, and several small plates. The service is the best in Chattanooga. The food is several steps below great. It's good, but that's it. If you want good rustic Italian go to Nashville and check out City House.
(3)Patrick R.
This place was great. Came with a large family group to celebrate my niece's graduation. The service was beyond great and the food was terrific. Our servers were friendly and helpful with recommendations. I would come here on a regular basis if I lived in Chattanooga.
(4)Lauren P.
This place truly is as good as it gets for fine Italian food in Chattanooga. On a Saturday night, my friend and I made our way in around 8:30 p.m. without a reservation. The hostess was super accommodating and said that if we waited at the bar she should have a table ready for us within 20 minutes. I loved the space, with its huge ceilings and modern architecture, yet it didn't feel imposing due to the warm colors and candlelit tables. When we settled in at the bar, I was pleasantly surprised to see one of my favorite Italian cocktails on the menu: the Spritz! Made with Aperol, Prosecco, club soda, and garnished with an orange slice, this is one of my favorite drinks to kickstart a meal. Our lovely hostess sat us within 15 minutes. Our water, Tim, was exceptional. Our drink glasses were never empty and he made some excellent recommendations. We started off with the flatbread and calamari, then for our primi we had the homemade angel hair pasta with shrimp, and for our secondi we had the braised short rib with polenta. Everything was delicious. Alleia is definitely one of the best restaurants in Chattanooga. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Carrie Neal W.
Delightful! I needed a little treat last night to celebrate a recent event, just a bit of time to myself - and I thought of this classy, pretty spot down the street from me. I'd heard good things and peeked in once but never visited. Short and simple- gorgeous, dimly but well lit appointments, NPWH, and a great menu. While there were many things I thought looked great, I went simple - I actually let them bring me the bread basket (warm, no less) and ate most of it- with their garlicky butter...so worth it. I will return for the pizza, but last night went with the (half-size - note, the pastas do come in this portion, for about 2/3 price of a full) mushroom ricotta ravioli with baby porcini. So. Good. Light brothy-sagey-sauce. If I'd ordered the whole, I'd have eaten it all and been too full, but next time . . . or maybe a half of the bolognese or . . . Just a lovely place, and as I observed other guests going and coming- perfect for a nice date, a ladies' night out dinner, a birthday . . .most anything when classy Italian is on your menu.
(4)Stephanie F.
Excellent all the way around. We were a table of 6 and had excellent service, excellent table and excellent food. The ambiance is rustic hip and chic. My husbands braised short ribs were simply the best to ever be had. We loved dining here.
(5)Colby H.
Great restaurant. One of those places where you can choose anything from the menu and know it will be fantastic!
(5)Hal H.
We had dinner at Alleia based on input from prior Yelp reviewers and were not disappointed. Food and presentation were excellent (we had the duck wings and calamari, followed by mains of pork shoulder and osso bucco). Service by our experienced waiter Dave was fantastic, including great recommendations and unrushed conversation. We did not like our reservation-based initial table assignment near the bustling entrance, but the front desk staff was able to seat us at a quieter booth instead and we were pleased with the accommodation. Overall it was a pleasant and positive Saturday evening.
(4)Kimberley C.
5 stars for the FOOD & the DECOR. What a hip restaurant! Cool! Total surprise for Chattanooga. I went to my fav place to locate a good restaurant choice (YELP), on my way through this "town", and I located Alleia and got to them in the nick of time before they closed. FOOD: Excellent Decor: Cool, modern, hip, loved the airplane painting on the wall Service: Excellent Parking: Valet People: The older ones sat in the patio area, the younger corporate types utilized the rest of the restaurant. A good division by age....lol! I had beef carpaccio. It was done exactly how I like it to be prepared. And the oven roasted okra. SALT awareness: Those who are cutting back on salt or need to be careful of how much salt they put in their diet (doctor's orders), please be aware that they salt everything first. It will be salted to the point where you just might choke on it. However, Since I'm a saltaholic (not good I know), everything was salted to MY taste. Weird. Never been to a restaurant that I can remember where the food was salted EXACTLY to my taste. If it had been salted anymore than it was, it would be too much. It was already at my maximum tolerance.
(4)Matt W.
Don't often give 5 stars at restaurants but this good was amazing. I had the pork shoulder and it was spectacular. Fall off the bone tender and the balsamic glaze was a great compliment. We started with a couple of appetizers (the bruschetta with honey truffle was amazing). Followed by our mains (pork shoulder and home made pasta) obviously and I had the gelato to finish. Which was also very nice. Service was very good and the waiter knew about all the dishes and offered some good recommendations. The atmosphere was cool, with music, art and an open kitchen. I would go back in a heart beat. Visit this place if you come to chatt.
(5)Jimi M.
If you want an authentic Italian experience, this is as authentic as you'll get without going to Italy. The staff was friendly. Our server, Durham, was fantabulous. He answered all of our questions about the menu and helped me select an entre because, let me tell you, I wanted it all. They use local distributors for their food. Everything that can be made in house, is. From the pasta (the actual noodles) to the sauces. We started off with the calamari. I had the gnocchi, my husband had the monkfish, and we had the tiramisu and flourless chocolate cake for dessert. All of it was full of flavor but none of it overpowering. Exquisite. From first bite to last.
(5)Willy M.
Excellent restaruant. Great food. Beautiful atmosphere. Excellent service. This is where I take my wife on date night. Far more sophicated than most other places Chattanooga.
(5)Maria S.
Amazing atmosphere. Coat check gives this place a posh feel. I honestly felt like I was out of town! I recommend trying something crazy. I stayed safe with the spaghetti and was disappointed. I tried other strange sounding dishes and they were amazing! I highly recommend this place.
(5)Kristen W.
Alleia is our favorite dinner spot when we visit Chattanooga, so it was an easy decision where to go New Years Eve. We started at the bar for a glass of wine while we waited on our table. The bar was busy, but not crowded so we immediately got a spot. The bartenders were extremists friendly and knowledgable about the wine selection. At our table, the server was super sweet and made several recommendation. We started with the Bennett's Bacon wrapped Dates, which seemed to have been baked and then seared and topped with a balsamic drizzle. Pure bliss! For our entrees, my husband got the Pumpkin Ravioli with braised pork in red wine. It melted in our mouths and the flavor combination was just right. I got the gnocchi with pork cheeks with spinach and carrots. It was a bit much for me, but not large enough to split. The desserts looked delectable but we were too stuffed to try any. The staff is great and the menu is consistently good. We will definitely make it a point to go back on our next trip!
(5)L M.
BEST DISHES: bolognese, lasagna, pork shoulder, short rib, chocolate flourless cake. Lovely staff and atmosphere!
(5)Desiree S.
Wow!! Awesome waiter. He gave us a first class experience. Great wine suggestion for me. Honey truffle bruschetta was amazing. Quail was tender, butternut squash pasta was great. Pizza was delicious. Even dessert was awesome. They also have free valet. 5 star restaurant for a 3 star price
(5)Tom H.
Dined there on a cold windy night so it was nice and quiet. I can see this place being loud on a normal nIght. Regardless, the food is wonderful. The carpaccio is the finest as long as you enjoy truffle oil. The braised veal primo dish was fabulous, a classic Osso Buco dish. No need for a full meal.
(4)Alex B.
In my opinion, Alleia is the best restaurant in Chattanooga. It has a seasonal menu, great service, and delicious food. The atmosphere is so wonderful. The servers are always knowledgable about which entrees are vegetarian or can be made vegetarian. Highly recommend if you enjoy good food. Don't go if you don't enjoy italian that's served without never-ending salad and breadsticks.
(5)Ginny K.
So lovely!!! Delicious food! Delicious atmosphere! Yay!!! The grilled romaine salad!! Oh My Gawd!!!!
(5)Carl N.
A very nice dining experience. We liked: ambiance, service, food, nice beer selection. Disliked: nothing. Together, our family enjoyed the spaghetti special (with Benton's bacon & pink sauce), angel hair (with gulf shrimp & soffrito sauce) and mushroom pizza. The restaurant looked very nice with a contemporary look. Warm features include the wood fired pizza oven, long bar and 300 year old wood trim. We will definitely come back to Alleia. (Visited on 8.13.13)
(5)Cosmina C.
This place was incredible!!! Have no words to describe how good the food was!! I had the angel pasta with shrimp. Spot on. The shrimp was soooo fresh and cooked to perfection. My friend had a pasta dish with pork and mint pesto... WOW! Mind blowing!! The combo sounds weird but it's an explosion of flavors in ur mouth. The staff was super super nice!! Highly recommend this place!!
(5)Brian K.
My wife and I had a wonderful anniversary meal here. We were in town for the night and decided to try Alleia based on a friend's recommendation. It is a very traditional Italian restaurant and the food was amazing. We tried the Bacon Wrapped Dates and Calamari for an appetizer. Both were great! My wife had the Mushroom Ravioli and I tried the Braised-Beef Short Ribs. My wife loved the ravioli and the ribs were really tender. I found that the were a little rich for my taste though but I still finished the plate. The Flourless Chocolate cake was very tasty for dessert. I really wanted to try one of the pizzas but I'll have to save that for another time. I would recommend Alleia if you are looking for a casual or nice dinner.
(4)Peggy R.
Cannot say enough good things about alleia! Food is wonderful and the service is always fantastic. These folks know what they are doing!
(5)Neda C.
This place is fantastic! They have lovely cocktails and good selection of wine. The food itself is really delicious. Southern food at it's best. The food and ambiance is something you would find in any major city -- and Alleia would still make a statement! I HIGHLY recommend this place!
(5)Sam Y.
The atmosphere here is very nice and lovely. The resturant looks trendy and sophisticated and the service is spot on with the waiters being very knowlegable and friendly. However, that being said...the food is nothing special. We ordered the pork shoulder which was very dry and overly seasoned. The veal pasta was hard to eat because it tasted like straight salt on top of more salt. Maybe they might of just been off their game tonight. The question is, will I be coming back here? Probably not. But the serive is still amazing here! As well as the appetizer and desserrt which was the calamari and flourless chocolate cake.
(3)Matt D.
This place is a big city gem in a very small southern locale. The space is beautiful, the staff is stellar, and the food was fantastic. I visited solo on business, so the bar was a natural choice. I decided on the gin/ginger/grapefruit/thyme cocktail, which was wonderfully herby with a bit of tartness. It was a great summer sipping drink. I really enjoyed the friendly banter of the regulars, and the bartender was amicable as well. You can tell the mark of a good barkeep when he gives tastes of the wine he's serving others. The wine list here is well thought out, unique and well worth a try. I ordered the carpaccio, and it was well done with nice acidity and an interesting twist of paper thin radishes. I loved the texture change and that extra cool pepper crunch was wonderful. My main was the James Beard nominated dish of pork shoulder with red cabbage, potatoes and grilled peaches. This is normally where I would give the disclaimer that I hate warm fruit with meat. That being said, this creative take on a cheap cut of meat changed my mind. The cabbage brought in the briny, vinegar tinged kick to tame the sweetness of the peach, while the savory pork kept everything anchored. The only thing I would change would be to add a little more of the juices/sauce to the pork upon plating. I'd go five stars, but the excruciating wait for my check along with slightly too high prices (Philly/NYC prices in TN is a little tough to swallow) round this one down. Well worth a visit if you're in the area.
(4)Julie C.
That is the best gnocchi ever! It's made fresh daily and you can tell. It's soooo soft and tender!!! The atmosphere is great as well. It's casual but you could definitely have a nice romantic evening. The prices aren't ridiculous either. I'll be back for sure! Yum!!
(4)Bobby W.
Great atmosphere and excellent food! A very unique place and I really enjoyed my dining experience. The service was good. The only thing I was not totally satisfied with was that as the sun dipped below the buildings outside there was no sun shade or curtains to keep from blinding me.
(5)Ray R.
Amazing restaurant. Uptown atmosphere without being pretentious. Food is really good and the staff extremely attentive. The art and attention to detail is impressive. We are from the Atlanta midtown area and this place is on par with what we experience at great restaurants back home
(5)Dan B.
Just excellent Almost perfect in every way !!! Patch cobbler dessert!! Wow Pizza with truffles - amazing!!! Corn and pasta secondi! Scallops with spinach- primi !! Carpaccio , dates with bacon, honey and ricotta bruschetta Just excellent !!!
(5)Robin S.
Let me start by saying I am probably not Alleia's targeted demographic. I was in town by myself for one night on business and chose Alleia because of the Yelp reviews. It definitely has a trendy, romantic vibe and would have been better with loved ones. That said, I'm giving it four stars because the food was hands-down incredible. I had the special of the night: gnocchi with braised lamb shank, pine nuts and mint. Those are some of my favorite ingredients to begin with, but the combined taste was incredibly flavorful and texturally perfect. The cocktail was mediocre, but I'm sure others are better. Go for the food.
(4)Whitley G.
My boyfriend and I came here for a romantic anniversary dinner and really enjoyed ourselves! We had a reservation for 9pm on a Friday night, when we arrived I asked if we could have a cozy table away from the main dining area. They were going to seat us at a 4 person table toward the middle of the dining room. They seemed a little bit flustered that we wanted to switch, we had to wait about 10 minutes but they did seat us in a quieter area. Our waitress was so friendly and attentive. We started with the cheese ravioli because we were starving and it came out right away. I had the pork meatballs (really interesting flavor with the herbs, but so good! Very big portion I couldn't finish it all) and my boyfriend had the angel hair pasta with shrimp. They also brought bread with the dinner - I wish they had brought it out earlier, but they served it with the most delicious herb butter. We passed on dessert because we were so full, but I really enjoyed our dining experience here. The low lighting, high ceilings and cool architectural details make for a very cool ambiance - perfect for a date night, girls night or any upscale occasion. An awesome find in Chattanooga! Note: this place is not walking distance from downtown, but there is valet.
(5)Meredith X.
Not going to lie, after a very enjoyable dinner at Meeting Place, stakes were kind of high. I was reassured that Alleia would be on par. It was good but did not live up to expectations. Started with the honey ricotta bruschetta and had the pork with balsamic reduction for my main. The honey ricotta was incredible, thick, creamy, with just the right drizzle honey, topped with fresh and fragrant herbs. We started off strong but I have to say that my pork shoulder was disappointing. The balsamic reduction was way too sour and strong. I think a glaze would have sufficed but it drenched the entire tender pork shoulder. Overall, a pleasant experience, would have enjoyed dining at the family style table in the middle and watching the chefs at work in the kitchen. Food was okay/good but nothing that truly wowed.
(4)Kush S.
Food was good but service was below average! Went on a weekday night not too busy but the server kept on changing and we did not know who was waiting on us. Mushroom pizza was excellent, my wife ordered caesar salad which was out of this world, I ordered veal pasta which they said was their signature dish but I was disappointed it was very ordinary. We ordered flour less chocolate cake and white chocolate bread pudding which were excellent. Overall experience was good but I prefer Boccacia any day!
(3)JC L.
Really cool atmosphere but food is not so great. Tried the calamari, too greasy. Bruschetta with cannelloni beans was good but a bit boring. Penne with bolognese came out undercooked and dry. Mushroom pizza was pretty good but they overdid the truffles (and I love truffles but it was way too much). Disappointed with food but impressed with atmosphere for Chattanooga. I would recommend for drinks but not dinner.
(2)Neil P.
My girlfriend and I were visiting Chattanooga for our anniversary and had heard great things about Alleia, so we thought we'd give it a try. It did not disappoint. First, I called around 7pm still hoping to somehow grab a table on a Friday night and the hostess was very accommodating and said she'd see us in an hour. The atmosphere is pretty much what you see in pictures: swanky yet tasteful, trendy but not pretentious. Alleia is located on the Southside of downtown, very much an urban area but it had a more relaxed feel compared to the busyness of the Waterfront area. I'm not going to pretend to know how to talk intelligently about food, but suffice it to say I could have just asked the server to order something for me. Perhaps the most satisfying course of the night was our appetizer: "hand dipped ricotta bruschetta * local honey". So simple, but it was soo good. Other than that we had pizza and pasta, both of which were amazing. The other thing to note about Alleia is that for all the attention to decor, menu, presentation, etc.. the prices are actually pretty reasonable. Minus cocktails, it's not unreasonable to get out of there for under $60. Great option for a date or special occasion.
(5)Susan B.
My boyfriend and I drove to Chattanooga instead of Nashville (which is closer to where we live) looking for a special meal. We found it! Our salad and one entree, beef short ribs, were specials (for Valentine's day) but we also order the quail, which is always on the menu. Everything was perfectly prepared. Not over- or under-seasoned. Oh, and the flourless chocolate cake for dessert with a scoop of cinnamon gelatto was a delightful finish! We had a reservation which gave us the advantage of a booth against the wall, opposite the open kitchen. When we return in the future I will be sure to try to get one of these few tables again. They are the quietest and coziest seats in the place. I would not want to be seated on the main floor or in the back room. The space is cool, don't get me wrong, but open and a little loud. Beautiful, delicious food; friendly, helpful staff; nice atmosphere.
(5)Pepper P.
Wine choices = good (per glass could be better), food = really good, atmosphere = great, bartender = stressed out /toxic. The rest of the staff = friendly and fun. Mussels, grilled romaine, carpaccio all fantastic... Such a nice surprise in Chattanooga, Tennessee!
(4)Kim P.
We are new to Chattanooga and Alleia was recommended by a colleague . We made last minute reservations for 6 pm on a friday night, no problem. It was clear later that 7 pm is primè time for this place. Staff was attentive, manager stopped by twice. I had the lettuce salad and hubby had the chickpea... Both delicious! Pork with red cabbage and new potatoes was OUTSTANDING.. My hubby ordered the shrimp with angel hair pasta... It was good, but my pork was better. We switched plates half way thru! We ordered a side of Kale, but waitress forgot and we were full , so it will be a must try our next visit! Wine selection was OK. We found a reasonable bottle $39, that we were familiar with and it was very good! Bread was good and plentiful, herbed butter, great! Would loved the tiramisu for desert, as waitress said it was made on site ( hate deserts that are shipped in)... But no room... Maybe next time less bread! We will definitely return! Dinner for 2 with wine, salad and main course $100 plus tip!
(5)Ryan M.
Whatever you do, avoid the back area at this place. I was taking my wife here for valentine's day (a week early), and when I called for the reservation they asked if I wanted to eat in the front cafe area or private dining room in back. When I asked what the difference was they did a pretty poor job of explaining it, saying that the back area was quieter and more romantic. Quieter? Sure. More romantic? Pffff. The back dining room looks like you're eating in an unfinished basement. Grey walls that look like cement, bright lighting, grey floors, white ceiling. Horrible. The front "main" area is much better. Nice dark wood, cool decorations, and a good atmosphere. Atmosphere of front area = 5 Atmosphere of "private dining room" = 1 On to the food. I've been here three times and don't really remember anything memorable about the food. The braised veal is pretty decent, though I ordered it the 3rd time without remembering that I had gotten it before until I saw it so obviously it wasn't that memorable. Most of the wine isn't available by the glass, and of those few that are they were out of several. Altogether it's a decent place, but for the price (approaching $100 for a dinner for two) there are other places I'd rather eat in Chattanooga.
(3)Keri M.
My scumbag friends (ok, so they're not really...I'm actually quite fond of them all) decided to kidnap me and take me there for a small pre-graduation party (long story). It's very dimly lit in there...just an observation. My bff and I shared the butternut squash ravioli and the mushroom pizza. Both very delicious. The flavor of the ravioli was to die for!! But a bit oily. Everyone loved what they ordered (I can't remember anymore)!
(4)H T.
Excellent service and decor. Shrimp pasta is great!
(5)Brittany M.
Alleia has wonderful food and a great atmosphere! They had a seasonal pumpkin ravioli that I still think about. I have been here about 5 times, and everything I get is delicious. The service is great as well.
(5)Randy T.
My daughter attends UT-Chattanooga and suggested this on our recent visit for a special restaurant for her mom and I. What a find!!! Decor is eclectic Italian, but the food was phenomenal. We started out with the bacon wrapped figs and the antipasto. Then moved right into the pastas and wood-fired pork shoulder. Mmmmmm good. The chef has mastered the art of the balsamic reduction. And the pasta was fresh as well as lots and lots of locally grown ingredients. My only regret is that we were pressed for time because this is definitely a place where you want to linger.
(5)Alison F.
Food has always been amazing, atmosphere as well. Daniel Lindley knows how to run a restaurant and create scrumptious meals with a blend of flavors.
(5)Pedro C.
Great quality, fresh food. Kelly, one of the bartenders is great. Great Service
(5)Deanna G.
One of the best restaurants on the region! Great atmosphere, service and AMAZING food. Always worth the trip to Chattavegas for a good dinner!
(5)Sallie B.
Excellent! Outstanding food, decor & service - the BEST in Chattanooga...
(5)Robert B.
Let me first start off by saying that I probably should have read the other Yelper's reviews more carefully. So let me reiterate what has already been said in a previous review. MAKE A RESERVATION. It's really my own fault, and I should have known better (It being my anniversary and all), but I threw caution to the wind and showed up sans reservation. Consequently, I was told it would be an hour wait. This did not make me happy(especially since their website mentions nothing about reservations), but alas I was determined to have nice night out despite the wait. When we were seated at our booth, I was a tad bit worried about the service at first. The waiter seemed a rather droll fellow, as he filled up our water glasses without a word and moved on. Fortunately, he broke the ice when he came back, and he perked up a bit when he found out we were first-timers at Alleia. He was very informative and quite helpful. We started off with bacon-wrapped asparagus with grilled egg and celery drizzled with truffle oil vinagrette. Talk about flavor explosion, amazing is not even the right word! For the main course my wife ordered ricotta-stuffed ravioli with spring peas and cremini mushrooms in (what we are assuming) was a white wine sauce. I had quail with grilled cherry tomatoes served with potatoes and red cabbage(which is standard fare with all entrees). Both dishes were extremely tasty, and I can honestly say that I have never had ricotta that was that creamy. As a matter of fact, I don't know how I will ever eat ricotta out of a plastic carton ever again. Farm-fresh is pretty hard to beat! I don't know how we had room for it, but after a meal like that, we had to find out what desert is all about. It was a sweet corn cake topped with strawberry compote served with a side of basil gelato. The cake, which was reminiscent of a really good crust on a cobbler, had good flavor along with the strawberries. The gelato was other-worldly (in a good way). I love basil, and I may be sad until I can try this again sometime. Also, it being our anniversary, the waiter brought us some complimentary peach gelato. It was fantastic, but we could not finish it; we were just too full. It was a nice gesture, regardless. Overall, I would say that the evening was a real treat. I look forward to our next trip to Chattanooga, because we most definitely will be coming back to eat at Alleia.
(5)Joey B.
I was very impressed with the variety in the food. It really seemed to branch out from traditional Italian cuisine. I must admit, I half expected to get some red necks take on fine dining, but I was pleased. However, my experience did start with a b*tch hostess with horrible people skills, then we were placed in a VERY unappealing back room. The bar area did look cute, and enjoyable, so I will request to sit there next time(if the b*tch will let us). So I give the food 5 stars, the service and atmosphere get 3....BIG PROPS for the music selection...I heard Tegan and Sarah during our meal, and it made me smile.
(3)Clint M.
What a great place to eat! Pasta- excellent. Pork Shoulder- excellent. Definitely get the Taleggio before your meal. Also, when I do reviews and give my star ratings, I pretty much take into account food only but I will say that the atmosphere of the restaurant is really neat and based on our experience, the servers were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly! I'd say this is a must-eat place in Chattanooga. (Also, it's not near as expensive as some make it out to be- $16-$23 per entree).
(5)Kathleen C.
I was quite impressed with the decor at Alleia. The large wooden door, gas lanterns in the front, and the dark lighting and cavernous feel made for a unique restaurant. A group of 6 of us visited Alleia for dinner during the week with no reservation. We were told that they only had to re-set a table for us. However, even though the table was set quickly (and we were standing in the bar not drinking), we weren't seated for quite a while. We had to ask what the status of our table was - it seemed as if the hostess had forgotten about our group. Atmosphere is a 5. We were seated in front, which has a really nice atmosphere. The group of us ordered a 4-person portion of the charcuterie and cheese platter. This was massive! It could have served 10, but it was delicious and we polished most of it off. I tried the cesear salad, which was good, but nothing outstanding and then had the prosciutto pizza. The pizza was delicious, though I was expecting it to be a bit 'fresher' - with a bit less cheese, and I think if they would have waited a bit to put the arugula on, it wouldn't have wilted as much. In any case, it was really good, but I could barely finish it. Their 'individual sized pizzas' are definitely not individually sized. I'm pretty sure it could have served 4 people. Food is a 4. Our server was really nice, but considering the odd wait, I have to go with a 3 for service. I also had to wait a really long time for a glass of wine - it showed up almost as we were all finishing dinner, so I was unable to finish it. Prices were reasonable and the food is fresh and flavorful. The quality of the meats and cheeses was very high. They have an interesting wine list as well. Value is a 4. The bathrooms were quite nice, decorated well, and clean. I think there should be more ladies rooms (though, technically they can count as unisex I suppose). Definitely a 5 bathroom. I would definitely visit again if I return to Chattanooga! A great spot in a lovely building in an historic part of town.
(4)Ryan C.
The most enjoyable meal I had in Chattanooga. I was told by the concierge at my hotel that I didnt need a reservation. wrong! My wife and I sat at the bar, which ended up being great. The bartender was really personable and had a great knowledge of their wine menu. We had numerous regular customers come and go from the bar which all struck up a conversation with my wife and I. The Carpaccio was great, as was the Fresh Mozz and Proscutto app. Great ambience in a quiet corner of the city.
(4)Carissa C.
Really enjoyed this little gem in the rough. Who would have known that a world-class restaurant would be tucked into the most undeveloped corner of Chattanooga? Great food, great service, great atmosphere... great everything. The food shines, but I also loved the interior design. I can only describe the vibe as Gothic dungeon/renaissance/garage. Highly recommended. Will be stopping here again for sure.
(5)Kathy W.
Great food and great service. The restaurant was uncomfortably warm, but it was 100 degrees outside. Favorite place in Chatt so far!
(4)Gil O.
Great italian. Cool atmosphere too. Worth the money. Wife got pumpkin cannoli that was great and i got the veal pasta and it was awesome.
(5)Jeffrey C.
Great decor, but way too overpriced. If your main ambition is to be seen here, then have at it. However, of you want great Italian food, just go to Tony's.
(2)Tiffany H.
Let me start by saying that Alleia is a bit more upscale than the restaurants my family usually frequents. I consider myself a foodie but they have items on the menu I've only seen in magazines or on Food Network. Alleia opened some new doors for me. We (my family, siome friends & myself-there were 12 of us in all) started with a couple of appetizers, the honey-ricotta bruschetta and the arancini. Not everyone cared for the bruschetta, but those of us who did (myself included) ate several pieces. The ricotta was some of the best I've ever had. But the arancini--OMG is all I can say. It's a fritter-type concoction with pork and cheese and, I believe, marinara, encased in risotto and deep fried. Arancini's one of those things I had heard of but never actually tried, and I honestly could have made a meal of them. I got the pork shoulder for my entree on the advice of family members who had eaten there previously. My grandmother couldn't understand why they were raving about it--to her, pork is pork chops. The pork shoulder had about as much in common with pork chops as a filet mignon has with a hamburger. It was so tender I didn't even need a knife to cut it, and the flavor was wonderful. It was a little like eating the world's best baby-back ribs, only with all the pesky bones removed. It came with roasted new potatoes and braised red cabbage. I never met a potato I didn't like, and these were no exception. But I'd never met a cabbage I did like, and Alleia's braised cabbage was the mouthwatering exception. I considered begging for the recipe. Most everyone at the table had the pork shoulder as well, though a few rebels had pasta or pizza instead. The pickiest one among us had a pizza and ate almost the entire thing, which I guess speaks for itself. I couldn't even think about dessert after all that--until they brought out the flourless chocolate cake with cinnamon gelato that several of us were splitting. I rallied myself enough for a couple of bites, which was enough. A little of that particular dessert goes a long way. We sat at the long table in front of the open kitchen. It was a little loud, but no worse than a lot of places. I enjoyed watching the chefs work. The waitstaff was very attentive. If I ever make it that way again (and have the $$ to do so) I'd like to stop back in and have just the appetizer option, and maybe a mixed drink (they have a huge selection). Like I said, more upscale than my usual dining options but it was a worthwhile experience I hope to repeat sometime.
(5)Karen E.
Alleia opened my eyes to fine dining in Chattanooga's up and coming 'urban' district. By day, rustic pizzas make it family friendly. At night, the decor becomes sexy, and the food matches adequately. Your experience at Alleia's cannot be rushed - please, take time to savor and respect the culinary artistry. I had the quail, The Good Doctor had the duck - both dishes whispered delightfully in our mouths. Alleia has no freezer - everything is fresh. Their bread comes from the popular Niedlove's Breadworks, just up the street. The chef is a five time James Beard Award nominee - we trust that the sixth time will be the charm.
(5)Shamara L.
MAKE A RESERVATION!!! That's my first word of advice. My hubby and I went here during our anniversary weekend in TN. When we arrived, I was starving and not happy that there was a 90 minute wait for a table. The hostess was super professional and offered for us to sit in the lounge area to eat or at least get an appetizer. Although we were sitting on a comfy bench, it was a tad bit uncomfortable trying to lean forward to eat and get my drink. Regardless of that, we had a great time. The waiter was knowledgeable about the menu and made great recommendations as to what to eat. We left satisfied and will definitely come back again. The 1 start hit is for the exterior. We drove past the restaurant three times because neither the name nor street number was visible. The parking lot next to the restaurant was full, so we had to park in a rocky unpaved lot across the street. Won't wear heels next time!
(4)w r.
Normally this place is 4 stars. Tonight, jan 18, 2014 was the worst experience I've ever had here. We had reservations at 7:45 and were directed to the bar. We watched numerous two tops get seated in front of us. We were finally seated around 8:45 in the very back of the private dining room. Took us another 20 minutes to get a server, by waving one down. We got there at 745, had 2 drinks and a meal, and left at 10:50. All in all completely unacceptable for Chattanooga. Full bill, no comps, no explanation. If this is where you're headed Daniel don't expect us to support you. Sadly we won't be back for awhile.
(2)Kyle B.
Ahhhh Alleia, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways... The food is superb. Our server took some time to explain how the chef was trained in Italy and brings his twist to classic Italian dishes. I was not at all disappointed by anything on this menu. It is more of an Italian-American fusion than classic Italian. We really enjoyed a pair of appetizers off the menu, and then I had one of the daily specials. Plenty of food filled me up in no time! The place is very nice too. We were seated in this huge booth with a great view of the open kitchen. My only regret was not trying a pizza out of the wood-fired oven. There is a huge family-style dining table in the middle of the restaurant that could easily seat 30 people. Our service was also excellent. Our server knew the menu very well and was able to make great suggestions and paired things well with the speciality drinks from the bar. As others have said, Alleia is a great hidden gem in Chattanooga. The huge rustic door gives a very "exclusive" feeling when entering the place. I look forward to my next visit!
(5)David D.
This place has a very cool vibe, high ceilings, over sized lantern shades, wood, leather, black, dark, exotic, hip, relaxing. We found our self in a cozy booth in the main room. I had the pork shoulder with a fantastic tamarind glaze of some sort with a creamy parm risotto. Delicious, tender. Calamari, bacon wrapped figs with a brown sugar balsamic glaze. Whoa. Desserts were yum yum yum. This place is the best and I can't wait to return.
(5)Brian L.
Fantastic dining experience - this restaurant would be perfectly at home in Chicago or San Francisco, great ambiance & food, overall very impressed
(4)JR K.
This restaurant executed everything perfectly. Decor, service, food. Stellar job!
(5)Crystal T.
What a treat, what a treat. While driving back from our anniversary trip in Athens, GA, my husband and I stopped for dinner at Alleia in Chattanooga to enjoy some fresh Italian cuisine and drink a glass of wine. We saw it as our second shot at a beautiful anniversary dinner (note to self and others: never ever ever eat at East West Bistro in Athens, GA. It's gross. So gross, in fact, that we paid for a dinner we didn't eat and got out of there). Alleia, located in an early 1900's storefront in Chattanooga, TN, is candle-lit dark and beautiful with old brick walls and tall ceilings. In the middle of the restaurant sits a long, raw wood, community table which seats about 30 people. I suddenly have visions of family dinners and intimate wedding receptions--2 things that make my wheels turn. We walked into Alleia, a bit haggard, wearing our sweatshirts and probably smelling like road-trip (you know, it's that cracker/coffee/gummy candy smell). We are definitely underdressed. I whisper to the hostess, "We've been traveling all day. Are we too trashy to eat here?" She smiles and says of course not and takes us to a booth. For our first course we order Tellagio--a flat bread with a montage of cheeses, sprinkled with garlic and black truffle shavings. We drool over the dinner menu as we eat our Tellagio, wanting to order everything. We finally narrow it down to 2 options and ask our server to choose for us. She describes each, while letting us know there are no bad options at Alleia and we believe her. Then our server does something unthinkable, something which will bring me back to Alleia indefinately--she suggests we split a dinner. I had the feeling that Alleia is more concerned about the experience of their guests than they are about selling mass quantities of things we will never be able to finish. Though our bill was only $54 at the end of the night, we still received the same service we would have had our bill been $154 (what I mean is the service was amazing--I wish for the life of me that I remembered her name). With menu items ranging from $12-$30 and bottles of wine ranging from $22-$220, Alleia is not excluding those of us who can't afford $200 dinners, while, at the same time, making available fine wines and meats for those who can. Alright, on with dinner. Since Alleia makes all of their pasta in house daily, we decide to go with pasta. We narrow it down to the Pappardelle with braised veal breast or the Butternut Squash Ravioli with browned-butter sauce, parmesan, and basil. We just can't decide, so we flip a coin--Ravioli is heads, Pappardelle is tales. Heads it is. Our Butternut Squash Ravioli arrives. They've split it into 2 bowls for us. It's amazing--perfect. It's lightly sprinkled with cheese and sauteed basil. We stop talking and just eat it's so good. We end the night with a cup of lapsang souchong tea and a generations-old recipe of Tiramisu. Our server tells us the Tiramisu is compliments of a little old lady, who has had this recipe in her family for generations. Apparently, she comes in every once in a while to make sure they're still making it correctly. Gotta tell you, Alleia is a win. I can't wait to go back to Chattanooga.
(4)Kat J.
I have to say that this is one of my favorite restaurants in the U.S. The first time I ever ate there I actually went alone. Alleia had been recommended to me by someone in a Starbucks when I mentioned that I was looking for an "Artisan Restaurant" and I was not at all disappointed. It was so delicious that I remember every moment of the meal. I was so impressed by the decorating and architecture and loved that I was seated, by myself, in this huge booth overlooking the kitchen so that I could watch the food being prepared. I have since been back twice and have loved it every time. The wine has always been well recommended with the meal, the staff has always been extremely kind and helpful, they even googled a couple of camping sites for me the first time I went there and printed out directions for me so that I wouldn't get lost. I live in Nashville but if I need a quick get-a-way to clear my head, I go to Chattanooga and am never disappointed by Alleia.
(5)Sarah S.
I saw the menu online and was eager to check this place out as it is the only nice Italian restaurant in Chattanooga. We ordered 4 different appetizers - mussels, bruschetta with ricotta, beef carpaccio, and the calamari. All of them were great but our favorites were the mussels and the beef carpaccio. Make sure you dip the bread in the sauce in the mussels if you get them. Delicious!! Then we had the margarita pizza and lasagne with smoked mozarella. They were both good but how can you go wrong with pizza. Thin crust, enough sauce to just cover the pizza and high quality mozarella cheese with a large basil leaf all cooked in their wood fire oven. Amazing. Next, yes we had more food, we had the pork shoulder and quail. For me, I'm not big on quail so this was good to everyone else but for me, I prefer duck. The pork shoulder was so tender and the outer crust was just perfect. Ok, on to the ambiance, you can tell that the design had very careful thought into it. Grays, Browns, Velvet Red floor to ceiling curtains, wood and mirrors. The design is dark yet enough light to see each other. You are comfortable enough to talk normal and not worry about hearing the people next to you. We went on a wednesday and the place was packed. Service is what you expect at any upper scale restaurant. Plan on spending more than your average restaurant but also take time eating and enjoying this place.
(4)shawn r.
wow, just wow. The food touches your soul, the environment and people touch your heart, and the experience itself is enlightening. The staff are passionate about the dishes and drinks they serve, they look to try to create an amazing experience for you. A true Chattanooga treasure. It's a sin to question to eat here or not. Just go. If it is still there, get the pork shoulder. Be careful though, you could find nirvana in one bite.
(5)Oliver P.
Excellent every time!
(4)Jeff G.
While the atmosphere and service was great,, the food was, at best average. The best thing we had were the appetizers. The main courses were about on par with Olive Garden , but with a 5 star price tag. This was the second time I have been to Alleia, since ever restaurant gets two chances, and I don't think it's worth a third.
(3)Elizabeth H.
Amazing Neapolitan pizza
(5)Jake S.
It's fun to head back to the town where you grew up during the holidays to check out how much has changed. Chattanooga is trying to reviatlize its' Southside, and it seems to be working, if places like this are any indication. I wouldn't exactly call Alleia Italian food; it's more like Italian-American fusion. But give it credit, because it knows exactly what it wants to be, and it succeeds. We begin with the atmosphere; it's unlike anything else in the whole city, really. Very dimly lit, with plenty of art, and thumpy, modern techno music. It took a little while to get used to (this place would more more at home in the trendy districts of NYC and DC than it is in Chattanooga), but it wound up being very enjoyable. The important part is obviously the food, and Alleia didn't disappoint. I started with a Caesar salad, which featured home baked croutons (I think) and shaved Parmesan, and was quite tasty. My dad and I both got pizzas, which were excellent, but the star of the evening was mom's braised beef ravioli. Perfectly cooked, nicely seasoned, with sauce to die for. The service was fantastic. Our waiter was prompt, checked back frequently, and was never overbearing. The prices were fair; not low, but definitely fair. The whole experience was grand, and I would not be disappointed if we came back here every time I was in town. Welcome back to relevance, Southside.
(5)Sia G.
One of my faves in Chattanooga. Absolutely GORGEOUS building and decor. Italian food done simple and perfect. Bring a date to impress or a group of friends and sit in the middle at the family style table and watch the wood fired ovens bake up your pizza to perfection. The waitstaff is attentive, informed, & friendly.
(5)Kendra N.
Alleia is not easy to find, or find your way into. The sign outside is a beautiful statue. Once inside, you will find a helpful hostess or host, a lounge area, a front dining area complete with chandeliers, and a 30 ft table for 'family style' seating. The side booths are huge and against the mirrored back wall is a glass and metal 6 ft candle stand brimming with white candles dripping as they wish. The kitchen is open to the restaurant and the servers bustle about. We had a gift card and a table for two. The menu is heavenly! I had the quail and it was divine and beautifully prestented. They also house a full bar and make their own lemoncello and gelato in house. The waiter we had was exceptional and gave us a tour to the other areas. Try the lemoncello gelato. I have been craving it since we went. I am going back for my birthday in a few days. It is that special a place. Best of luck!
(5)Bethany W.
Really interesting restaurant featuring rustic Italian cuisine. They have a wood burning oven which they fire all of their pizzas in, and the ones that we've tried have been DELICIOUS! Other amazing dishes: the beef carpaccio is my favorite, with a little lemon & truffle oil. The quail breast I've also been craving since we ate there two Saturdays ago. This restaurant has been open for maybe 2 months, and they are doing it right. Another must visit in Chattanooga!
(5)Jerry M.
Really good restaurant! I loved the prosciutto wrapped dates! They also have a truffle flat bread that is as good as it gets. We usually have amazing service, but this last time, we kind of got neglected as our server had a large party next to us
(4)jeremy k.
Phenomenal food, excellent service. My father and I dined here on our way to Louisiana from Boston and were simply blown away. Everyone is very friendly and the space, ambience and decor are simply incredible. The menu is fit for foodies, and not a bit overpriced. Their table wine selection was also very well curated. This restaurant alone made my day and provided a fine first impression of Chattanooga for us.
(5)Max P.
Amazing food and better service. Nice bar area as well.
(5)Brenna S.
Great food and great staff. If you make a reservation, be sure to request the front room as it is much better ambiance than the back room. Though neither is bad!
(5)Matt M.
Recently opened, this is fresh and hand-made Northern Italian cuisine housed in a modern-rustic setting... full-on heavy wood appointments and exposed brick walls. The wine list is completely Italian- giving it some nice outside the box options as well as plenty of the classic Italian wines. As good as the food has been on this trip, this was the highlight. Melted taleggio on a black truffle flat bread drizzled with truffle oil was the opening act... I don't want to try to butcher through a description other than to say it was amazing. A beautiful fresh mozzarella and vegetable in balsamic salad gave way to the main course- quite simply a ricotta ravioli in fresh pomodoro and pesto sauce. The ricotta was fresh and creamy, yet light at the same time- perfectly accented by the tangy pomodoro and pesto. It was simple and perfect. I wanted to skip dessert, but could resist their tiramisu. Served in a tumbler with a mint garnish, it was so good that I almost cried tears of joy while eating it! I may have to plan a weekend in Chattanooga to get another crack at Alleia...
(5)Len R.
Alleia 25 E. Main St. Alleia has established itself as downtown's fine-dining Italian restaurant. Since opening, it has received many accolades for it's interior design and décor. The wait-staff has been unfailingly enthusiastic (almost effuse) and helpful. Chef/owner Daniel Lindley describes the food as "Italian inspired" and rustic. The menu, which changes a little seasonally, lists 8 (or so) antipasti, salads and a soup, 6 pasta dishes -"Primi"- ( house made daily and available in half-portions on request), 6 "simply grilled" entrees-"Secondi", pizze and side dishes-"Contorni". The menu is written in the pretentious "insider" style, referring to a tomato sauce as "pomodoro", with repeated references to "balsamic," "reggiano" and "hand dipped ricotta" and generally not translating/describing the dishes. Antipasti are relatively basic, easily assembled dishes; (unevenly) topped flat-bread, bruschette, and proscuitto with fruit. The steamed mussels were plump and served in a light tomato tinged broth with a dash of pepper-flake, great for sopping up with bread. The calamari are of excellent quality, lightly breaded , fried and served with lemon slices. Unfortunately, there is a consistent problem with poor coordination between cooks and wait staff; four of five times the calamari have been ordered they sat under a heat lamp so long that by the time they reached table they were only warm and had become soft and oily. The finely sliced beef carpaccio was properly dressed, light and elegant. Salads are nicely composed, but not out of the ordinary. The parpadelle- a wide, flat ribbon noodle- with veal breast was dressed in a rich and flavorful veal jus sauce, although chunks of veal had to be cut to be manageable. The goat cheese ravioli benefited from the contrast of the tangy cheese and a simple slightly sweet tomato sauce. The pasta carbonara ( charcoal makers' style) had crisped dice of tasty pork-but not the smoked pork-jowl that is traditional- and was tossed in an egg emulsion sauce, not with fresh egg yolks. It was an interesting dish, but far from a true carbonara, lacking the pleasantly unctuous mouth-feel and rich egginess of the real deal. Sweet, succulent sea scallops were superfluously draped with pureed peperonata (sautéed red bell peppers), but the swordfish benefited from the same sauce. The high quality lamb stood out against it's sauce, but the mild pork tenderloin, unevenly cooked, was lost beneath the currants and grilled red cabbage. The pizza was judged very good. Entrees were served with "risotto" - an Italian pilaf-like dish - which is made daily, not per order. The resulting dish is more like rice gruel; there is no real texture, certainly not al dente or creamy, and no discernible flavor. The house made gelato was chiffon-like, lacking density, richness and intensity of flavors; wild berry was best, the hazelnut tasting more of almond extract and chocolate then filbert. The panacotta was fine and the flourless chocolate cake dense and rich. 12-14 wines are offered by the glass. Eclectic, with an Italian focus, the wine list is adequate, but with a generally high mark-up , up to 3 1/2 times retail. Dinner of two antipasti, 1/2 order of pasta, two entrees, wine, a desert and two coffees totaled $120 without tax or tip. Alleia presents as rustic. There is no great complexity to the food, nor any need for fancy technique. Success requires quality raw product, good conceptualization and consistent, focused execution. The product quality at Alleia is beyond criticism. Conceptually, the product can get lost in superfluous or out of balance flavors, and serving a rice casserole as "risotto" is just ignorant. Execution is inconsistent; without an expeditor coordinating and supervising, too many errors slip by. Compared to Lindley's other two restaurants, Alleia could be much better. 14-Mar, 11
(2)Emily D.
This is a great place for a romantic dinner or intimate dinner with friends/family. I would not recommend this place for young children though. It's a little difficult to find this place unless you are familiar with the area (it's right behind The Terminal brewhouse). It almost feels as though you are entering some "underground" restaurant since the front door is a giant solid wood door that blends in with the building. I would call the atmosphere posh, yet comfortable. The selection of food is so great, it really hard to decide what to get. I had the papardelle with veal and my husband had the nightly special of diver scallops and butternut squash. We shared the dishes and they were both fantastic. Best scallops i have had in a long time. They make a great vodka martini with the cutest lemon twist i have ever seen. Wine selection is down right amazing since they have such a variety in prices. This makes it affordable if you don't want to drop a lot on a bottle of wine or makes it fun if you do! Gelato for dessert, a must. Certainly not a cheap dinner out, but you can keep the cost down or up depending on what your splurge factor is for the night (another plus). This place seems popular, so I would suggest reservations several days in advance, or eat later in the evening.
(4)Giannabrie F.
I liked everything about this place. Affordable, yummy, cool atmosphere, good location, etc etc. We were here with a group and ordered a few of their unique pizzas, the dates appetizer, and the soybean salad which was so tasty!!! I liked the fig and arugula pizza the best but everything we tried was great! Our waitress was new so she wasn't able to steer us very well but she was able to find out and suggest a great bottle of wine which we all enjoyed. Overall a great spot in Chattanooga. Great for dates, great for girls night out, great for groups, etc.
(4)Chris D.
The atmosphere was a little too trendy for my taste. Had trouble getting comfortable in the straight backed boothes. However all that was forgotten when the food started coming. The carpaccio was the best I've had outside of Europe. And the pork shoulder was one of the finest dishes I have ever eaten. The fresh made gnocchi was to die for.
(4)