Primo

5.0

190 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 14, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Good for special occasions
Neighborhood gem
Great for fine wines

Primo, which opened in the spring of 2014, is restaurateur Nathan Lindley’s tribute to his own North Chattanooga neighborhood, presented as a classic American-Italian neighborhood restaurant. Taking its culinary direction from the traditional Italian restaurants of the Northeast, Primo celebrates the rich and comforting dishes that were inspired by Italian cooking and influenced by American prosperity.
As a casual neighborhood bar and restaurant, Primo does not accept reservations for a specific time. A limited number of guests may guarantee a waiting table at the 5:00 opening each night. Also, throughout the night guests may call ahead to the restaurant at 423.602.5555 to be added to the waiting list. The dedicated staff and lively communal environment make for a short and enjoyable wait. Come see us soon.

Additional information

Location
1100 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga, TN 37405
Phone number
(423) 602-5555
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Large, attached private lot. Also, ample street parking.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Nathan Lindley

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Chattanooga

Rigatoni al'Arrabbiata & Sausage$14.00
Garganelli & Shrimp Fra Diavolo$19.00
Mushroom Ravioli$18.00
Orecchiette & Bolognese$15.00
Butternut Squash Risotto & Sea Scallops$19.00
Ricotta Cavatelli, Sage Brown Butter, Bacon, Autumn Vegetables$17.00
Baked Penne & 4 Cheeses$14.00
Lasagna Bolognese, Spinach Pasta$16.00

Secondi / Main Plates

each served with one side

Grilled Trout, Lemon / Thyme Stuffed & Giardiniera$21.00
Simply Grilled Fish
- MP
Sausage and Peppers, Fennel Pollen$21.00
Chicken Picatta$14.00
Chicken Marsala$16.00
Pork Scallopini, Capers & Butter$17.00
Dry Aged Simpson Farms Meatballs & Sunday Sauce$16.00
Grilled 8oz Beef Filet, Roasted Garlic*$34.00

Contorni / Sides

each side $5 / large $10

Spaghetti / Marinara
Polenta / Pecorino
Butternut Squash / Balsamic
Roasted Broccoli / Garlic / Parmesan
Spaghetti Squash
Braised Greens

Beer, Draft

Good People IPA (HG)$7.00
Hutton & Smith Primo Strata$6.00
Peroni$6.00
Seasonal$7.00

Beer, Bottle/Can

Bud Light$3.50
Miller Lite$3.50
Michelob Ultra$3.50
Stella Artois$4.00
Argus Ciderkin$6.50
Narragansett$2.50
Yazoo Nomad Wheat Ale$5.00
Turtle Anarchy Red Ale$4.50
Wiseacre Coffee Stout$5.00
Oddstory Monkey Heart IPA$5.00

White

Italiano

071 Vino Frizzante Prosecco (Bubbly)
- Glass$8.00
- Bottle$28.00
Mia Dolcea Moscato d'Asti
- Bottle$28.00
Primaterra Rosé (Bubbly)
- Glass$8.00
- Bottle$30.00
CasaSmith Vino Rosé (Still)
- Bottle$32.00
Principato Bianco
- Glass$6.00
- Bottle$20.00
Cielo Pinot Grigio
- Glass$7.00
- Bottle$24.00
Scarpetta Pinot Grigio
- Bottle$36.00
Andriano Floreado Sauvignon Blanc
- Bottle$39.00
Beneventano Falanghina
- Bottle$50.00
Tenuta Luisa Friulano
- Bottle$46.00
Ruffino Orvieto Classico
- Can$8.00
- Bottle$28.00
Nozzole "Le Bruniche" Chardonnay
- Bottle$30.00

Americano

Shannon Ridge Sauvignon Blanc
- Glass$7.00
- Bottle$26.00
Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc (Bubbly)
- Bottle$80.00
Boundary Break Ovid Line Riesling
- Glass$9.00
- Bottle$32.00
Albertoni Chardonnay
- Can$6.00
- Bottle$20.00
Raeburn Chardonnay
- Can$12.00
- Bottle$44.00
Stag's Leap "Hands of Time" Chardonnay
- Bottle$74.00

Red

Italiano

Saliceto Lambrusco (Bubbly)
- Bottle$39.00
Anterra Merlot
- Glass$6.00
- Bottle$20.00
Angelin Negro Nebbiolo
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$44.00
Fantini Montepulciano
- Glass$8.00
- Bottle$30.00
Campolietti Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore
- Bottle$46.00
Flaio Primitivo
- Can$8.00
- Bottle$30.00
Aia Vecchia Toscana
- Bottle$48.00
Renzo Masi Chianti Reserva
- Can$9.00
- Bottle$32.00
Villa Antinori Toscana Chianti
- Bottle$52.00
Parusso Barolo
- Bottle$92.00

Americano

Coppola "Votre Sante" Pinot Noir
- Glass$9.00
- Bottle$32.00
Four Graces Pinot Noir
- Bottle$80.00
Duckhorn Decoy Merlot
- Bottle$54.00
Conundrum
- Glass$11.00
- Bottle$42.00
Sycamore Lane Cabernet Sauvignon
- Glass$7.00
- Bottle$26.00
Daniel Cohn Bellacosa Cabernet
- Bottle$54.00
Treana Cabernet Sauvignon
- Can$13.00
- Bottle$48.00
Judge Palmer Cabernet Sauvignon
- Bottle$92.00
Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- Bottle$140.00

Happy Hour

Monday - Friday, 4-6

All Draft Beer$4.00
1/2 Off All Glass Wine
Well Cocktails$4.00

What 190 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

5.0

5 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
5Service
4.9Ambience
4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

East Tennessee
Best Overall
East Tennessee
Best Food
East Tennessee
Best Service
East Tennessee
Best Ambiance
East Tennessee
Best Value
East Tennessee
Neighborhood gem
East Tennessee
Great for fine wines
East Tennessee
Good for special occasions
Chattanooga / Cleveland
Best Overall
Chattanooga / Cleveland
Best Food
Chattanooga / Cleveland
Best Service
Chattanooga / Cleveland
Best Ambiance
Chattanooga / Cleveland
Best Value
Chattanooga / Cleveland
Good for groups
Chattanooga / Cleveland
Hot spot
Chattanooga / Cleveland
Neighborhood gem
Chattanooga / Cleveland
Great for fine wines
Chattanooga / Cleveland
Good for special occasions
Chattanooga / Cleveland
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Primo delights with consistently "excellent" food and "fantastic" service. Guests rave about its "wonderful neighborhood spot" ambiance and "delicious" menu items, including standout fish specials and lasagna. While some find it noisy, the lively atmosphere and attentive staff ensure a memorable dining experience. Reservations recommended due to its popularity.

190 Reviews

b
bryce
E. Tennessee3 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s the best place in Chattanooga. Excellent food and exemplary service.
Is this helpful?
J
Jared
Atlanta1 review
5.0
Dined on February 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I set up reservations (super easily, I might add) for Valentine's Day and, aside from the parking situation, everything was perfect! Fantastic food, great seating (we were able to be seated in their semi-outdoor area, which was quite intimate), and the pricing will keep us coming back! The wait-staff were courteous and attentive and we didn't feel rushed at all. All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better Valentine's Day dinner! Keep it up Il Primo!
Is this helpful?
D
Debbie
E. Tennessee9 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and good service. One of our favorite places for a meal and drinks.
Is this helpful?
M
Marlene
E. Tennessee15 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Brought guests visiting from Atlanta. They were impressed with the delicious food and attentive service. Glad I’d made reservations as it is a popular place. One of the best restaurants in Chattanooga. You can’t go wrong no matter what you order.
Is this helpful?
S
Sherrie
E. Tennessee1 review
5.0
Dined on January 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service! Great place to eat! Great Birthday dinner!
Is this helpful?
K
Ken
E. Tennessee1 review
5.0
Dined on December 31, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have been dining at Primo every New Years Eve for many years. Always a great meal. This evening, the manager even came to the table to ask how everything was, very professional.
Is this helpful?
B
Blake
E. Tennessee1 review
5.0
Dined on December 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best dirty vodka martini in town, and I love the bolognese over the spaghetti squash!
Is this helpful?
M
Melissa
Atlanta4 reviews
5.0
Dined on November 29, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We stop here every year on our trip to Chattanooga. Delicious, fresh food with wonderful service. We always get the 5:00 reservations (the only time reservations are accepted, all other times are walk in and wait until a table is ready) then go see the lights at Rock City.
Is this helpful?
B
Brenda
E. Tennessee1 review
5.0
Dined on November 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was amazing, our server was great and the atmosphere was nice. We will be going back soon.
Is this helpful?
D
Daniel
E. Tennessee5 reviews
5.0
Dined on November 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The staff was very courteous and attentive. The regular menu and evening special dishes were excellent. The restaurant never disappoints.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Primo does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Primo also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (423) 602-5555.

Primo is rated 5 stars by 190 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 14, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

1100 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga, TN 37405

Additional information

Phone number
(423) 602-5555
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Large, attached private lot. Also, ample street parking.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Nathan Lindley

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Chattanooga

Primo

Make a reservation

Additional information

Best Restaurants in Chattanooga

Apertif / Cocktails

Limoncello$8.00

Red Sangria$6.00

Benny Wu$8.00

Pluto Spritz$9.00

Seasonal$10.00

Cider Sangria$6.00

Brooklyn$9.00

Apertivo / Snacks

Olives$5.00

Arancini Telefono$7.00

Fried Ravioli$10.00

Burrata, Blistered Tomatoes, Garlic Crostini$14.00

Carpaccio, Arugula, Horseradish, Parmesan*$8.00

Baked Feta & Spicy Marinara, Garlic Crostini$9.00

Antipasti / Meat & Cheese

Cheese

Saint-Andre

Taleggio

Gorgonzola

Seasonal

Ubriaco del Piave

Salumi

Chef Selection

Bresaola

Sopressata

Pepperoni

Prosciutto di Parma

Insalata / Garden

Café Salad$6.00

Caesar Salad$6.00

Arugula, Ricotta Salata, Aged Balsamic$9.00

Soup$5.00

Pasta / Grains

Rigatoni al'Arrabbiata & Sausage$14.00

Garganelli & Shrimp Fra Diavolo$19.00

Mushroom Ravioli$18.00

Orecchiette & Bolognese$15.00

Butternut Squash Risotto & Sea Scallops$19.00

Ricotta Cavatelli, Sage Brown Butter, Bacon, Autumn Vegetables$17.00

Baked Penne & 4 Cheeses$14.00

Lasagna Bolognese, Spinach Pasta$16.00

Secondi / Main Plates

Grilled Trout, Lemon / Thyme Stuffed & Giardiniera$21.00

Simply Grilled Fish

Sausage and Peppers, Fennel Pollen$21.00

Chicken Picatta$14.00

Chicken Marsala$16.00

Pork Scallopini, Capers & Butter$17.00

Dry Aged Simpson Farms Meatballs & Sunday Sauce$16.00

Grilled 8oz Beef Filet, Roasted Garlic*$34.00

Contorni / Sides

Spaghetti / Marinara

Polenta / Pecorino

Butternut Squash / Balsamic

Roasted Broccoli / Garlic / Parmesan

Spaghetti Squash

Braised Greens

Beer, Draft

Good People IPA (HG)$7.00

Hutton & Smith Primo Strata$6.00

Peroni$6.00

Seasonal$7.00

Beer, Bottle/Can

Bud Light$3.50

Miller Lite$3.50

Michelob Ultra$3.50

Stella Artois$4.00

Argus Ciderkin$6.50

Narragansett$2.50

Yazoo Nomad Wheat Ale$5.00

Turtle Anarchy Red Ale$4.50

Wiseacre Coffee Stout$5.00

Oddstory Monkey Heart IPA$5.00

White

Italiano