If you're seeking a quintessential Chattanooga neighborhood with an up-and-coming food scene, look no further than Forest Highlands. Tucked between East Brainerd and Missionary Ridge, this leafy enclave holds more than its share of delectable surprises—think indie cafés, family-owned bakeries, and global flavors tucked into walkable corners along Shaw Avenue, Greenhill Drive, and the intersections near Twin Brook Drive. Whether you’re a brunch lover, a foodie on a budget, or searching for your next “hidden gem,” this guide is your passport to the very best dining in Forest Highlands.
The Heart of the Neighborhood: Forest Highlands’ Main Eats
Forest Highlands has blossomed into a hub for flavor seekers, with charming storefronts and a healthy dose of Southern hospitality. Most of the dining action pulses along Greenhill Drive and the crossroads with Twin Brook, where locals flock for everything from soul-food staples to international fare. Here are a few highlights:
- Highland Table & Tavern (Greenhill Dr. & Twin Brook Dr.)
- Cuisine: New American / Southern Fusion
- Price: $$-$$$
- Why Go: Set in a cozy, converted bungalow, Highland Table & Tavern is the neighborhood’s culinary anchor. Expect creative spins on comfort food: fried green tomato BLTs, smoked brisket mac and cheese, and a rotating seasonal menu featuring local produce. The rustic-chic vibe and welcoming porch make it ideal for a weekend dinner or casual date night.
- Chatt Vegan Café (Shaw Ave. near Greenhill Dr.)
- Cuisine: Vegan, Healthy Fare
- Price: $$
- Why Go: A local favorite for plant-based eats, this art-filled café turns classic Southern dishes plant-friendly—think jackfruit barbecue, savory veggie grits, and daily smoothie specials. Don’t miss their house-made pecan pie or the sweet potato hash for brunch. It’s bright, inclusive, and popular with families and students alike.
Bakeries and Sweet Spots: Morning and Afternoon Delights
If you're on an early-morning stroll or just need a sugar fix, Forest Highlands offers several sweet retreats worth exploring:
- Willow & Rye Bakery (Greenhill Dr.)
- Cuisine: European-style Bakery
- Price: $
- Why Go: The scent of fresh sourdough and buttery croissants practically floats down Greenhill every morning thanks to Willow & Rye. Their almond kouign-amann and honey-cardamom buns are local legends, and the cozy seating makes it easy to linger over a perfectly pulled cappuccino.
- Tennessee Creamery (Shaw Ave.)
- Cuisine: Ice Cream & Sweets
- Price: $
- Why Go: Vintage vibes, playful flavors, and house-made waffle cones make Tennessee Creamery a destination all year round. Their blueberry-lavender swirl is a must-try, especially on summer afternoons.
Foodie Finds: Ethnic Eats and Family Favorites
What makes Forest Highlands truly exciting is its diversity. Clustered near Twin Brook’s main strip and tucked into quiet side streets, you’ll find a few international standouts and time-tested classics:
- Bella Roma Trattoria (Greenhill Dr.)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Price: $$-$$$
- Why Go: Family-run for over a decade, Bella Roma dishes up hand-tossed pizzas, hearty pastas, and a garlic bread that deserves its own fan club. The back patio is a hidden oasis—perfect for an al fresco dinner with a bottle of Chianti.
- Momo House (near Forest Highland Park)
- Cuisine: Nepalese / Himalayan
- Price: $$
- Why Go: Don’t blink or you’ll miss it! This tiny eatery specializes in steamed momo dumplings, savory thukpa soup, and vibrant curries. The momos (order chicken, veggie, or even wild mushroom) come out steaming and full of flavor—ideal comfort food for chilly evenings.
- Big Al’s Bar-B-Q Truck (rotates along Twin Brook Dr.)
- Cuisine: Southern BBQ
- Price: $
- Why Go: Forest Highlands locals know to follow Big Al’s signature red truck, which parks regularly near Twin Brook and Forest Ave. Pulled pork sandwiches, smoked turkey legs, and tangy slaw rule the menu, and the peach cobbler is Southern perfection. Prices are wallet-friendly, and portions are generous—just order early, as favorites sell out fast.
Cafés and Casual Hangouts: Sips and Small Plates
For relaxed afternoons or a mobile work session, Forest Highlands serves up plenty of options:
- The Cozy Nook (Twin Brook Dr.)
- Cuisine: Coffeehouse & Light Bites
- Price: $
- Why Go: With overstuffed armchairs and local art on the walls, The Cozy Nook is the village living room. Choose from a strong espresso lineup, decadent brownies, or a savory zucchini bread. Their book swap shelf means you’ll always have reading material while you sip.
- Hibiscus Tea Lounge (Greenhill Dr.)
- Cuisine: Tea Bar & Vegetarian Snacks
- Price: $
- Why Go: Specializing in loose-leaf teas sourced from around the globe, the Hibiscus Tea Lounge offers a tranquil escape from the daily hustle. Try the house hibiscus blend or masala chai, paired with samosas or fresh-baked scones.
Hidden Gems and Local Traditions
No guide would be complete without a nod to the neighborhood’s special food traditions and overlooked favorites:
- Forest Highlands Farmers’ Market (Saturdays at Greenhill Park)
- Why Go: The weekend market isn’t just for local produce—expect a rotating lineup of food trucks, pop-up bakeries, and family-run tamale stands. Some Forest Highlands chefs even trial new recipes here before they hit their main menus.
- Mama Bea’s Tamales (pop-up stand, various locations)
- Why Go: If you spot Mama Bea’s hand-lettered sign, pull over immediately. Her chicken mole tamales and sweet corn tamales are the best-kept secret in Forest Highlands and usually sell out before noon.
Final Bites: Embrace the Neighborhood Vibe
Forest Highlands might not be Chattanooga’s trendiest zip code—yet—but its food landscape is truly spirited. With every visit, you’ll uncover a new bakery, café, or international bite, all served with authentic Southern warmth. Whether you’re catching up with friends over brunch or hunting for the city’s best hidden dumplings, you’ll find an eatery for every mood and every meal right here in Forest Highlands. So, next time hunger strikes, skip the downtown crowds and savor the flavors waiting just around the corner!