Chattanooga’s Calliope Named One of The New York Times’ Top 50 Restaurants in the U.S. for 2025
Photo Courtesy of Calliope
Food News!
In a major honor for the Scenic City’s culinary scene, Calliope, a modern Levantine restaurant located at 422 East Martin Luther King Blvd in Chattanooga, has been named one of the Top 50 Restaurants in the United States for 2025 by The New York Times.
This recognition places Chattanooga among the nation’s premier food destinations, with Calliope as one of only two Tennessee restaurants to earn this distinction this year.
The accolade highlights Chattanooga’s growing reputation as a vibrant culinary hub and brings well-deserved national attention to its dynamic restaurant community. Founded in 2021 by Jordan-born Chef Khaled Albanna and co-owner Raven Humphrey, Calliope has quickly established itself as a leader in innovative Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, seamlessly blending regional flavors with seasonal Southern ingredients.
Photo Courtesy of Calliope
Since moving to its permanent location on MLK Boulevard in 2022, Calliope has continued to impress both diners and critics. Its menu offers a sophisticated fusion of authentic Levantine dishes with contemporary flair, complemented by a thoughtfully crafted cocktail list that reflects regional flavors.
The restaurant’s unique approach has earned it widespread acclaim, including a feature in Food & Wine magazine’s “Best Meals of 2022,” and Albanna’s honor as a chef at the 2023 Iconoclast Dinner at the James Beard House in New York City.
“This recognition from The New York Times means a great deal not only to our team and restaurant but also to Chattanooga as a whole,” said Chef Albanna. “We believe Chattanooga has a restaurant community that is deserving of recognition, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
For those interested in experiencing Calliope’s innovative cuisine, the restaurant invites guests to visit their website at callioperestaurant.com or stop by at 422 East Martin Luther King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403.
As Chattanooga continues to rise as a culinary destination, the spotlight on Calliope underscores the city’s exciting future and its place on the national food map.
Photo Courtesy of Calliope
SOURCE: Collision Marketing
