Primo

5.0

190 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

13 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 1 time today

Good for special occasions
Neighbourhood 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 17:00–21:00
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 & SausageUS$14.00
Garganelli & Shrimp Fra DiavoloUS$19.00
Mushroom RavioliUS$18.00
Orecchiette & BologneseUS$15.00
Butternut Squash Risotto & Sea ScallopsUS$19.00
Ricotta Cavatelli, Sage Brown Butter, Bacon, Autumn VegetablesUS$17.00
Baked Penne & 4 CheesesUS$14.00
Lasagna Bolognese, Spinach PastaUS$16.00

Secondi / Main Plates

each served with one side

Grilled Trout, Lemon / Thyme Stuffed & GiardinieraUS$21.00
Simply Grilled Fish
- MP
Sausage and Peppers, Fennel PollenUS$21.00
Chicken PicattaUS$14.00
Chicken MarsalaUS$16.00
Pork Scallopini, Capers & ButterUS$17.00
Dry Aged Simpson Farms Meatballs & Sunday SauceUS$16.00
Grilled 8oz Beef Filet, Roasted Garlic*US$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)US$7.00
Hutton & Smith Primo StrataUS$6.00
PeroniUS$6.00
SeasonalUS$7.00

Beer, Bottle/Can

Bud LightUS$3.50
Miller LiteUS$3.50
Michelob UltraUS$3.50
Stella ArtoisUS$4.00
Argus CiderkinUS$6.50
NarragansettUS$2.50
Yazoo Nomad Wheat AleUS$5.00
Turtle Anarchy Red AleUS$4.50
Wiseacre Coffee StoutUS$5.00
Oddstory Monkey Heart IPAUS$5.00

White

Italiano

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

Americano

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

Red

Italiano

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

Americano

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

Happy Hour

Monday - Friday, 4-6

All Draft BeerUS$4.00
1/2 Off All Glass Wine
Well CocktailsUS$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 Ambience
East Tennessee
Best Value
East Tennessee
Neighbourhood 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 Ambience
Chattanooga / Cleveland
Best Value
Chattanooga / Cleveland
Good for groups
Chattanooga / Cleveland
Hot spot
Chattanooga / Cleveland
Neighbourhood 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 1 March 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 14 February 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 8 February 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 24 January 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 4 January 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 31 December 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 23 December 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 29 November 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 23 November 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 2 November 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 booking

2 people

13 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 1 time 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 17:00–21:00
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 booking

Additional information

Best Restaurants in Chattanooga

Apertif / Cocktails

LimoncelloUS$8.00

Red SangriaUS$6.00

Benny WuUS$8.00

Pluto SpritzUS$9.00

SeasonalUS$10.00

Cider SangriaUS$6.00

BrooklynUS$9.00

Apertivo / Snacks

OlivesUS$5.00

Arancini TelefonoUS$7.00

Fried RavioliUS$10.00

Burrata, Blistered Tomatoes, Garlic CrostiniUS$14.00

Carpaccio, Arugula, Horseradish, Parmesan*US$8.00

Baked Feta & Spicy Marinara, Garlic CrostiniUS$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 SaladUS$6.00

Caesar SaladUS$6.00

Arugula, Ricotta Salata, Aged BalsamicUS$9.00

SoupUS$5.00

Pasta / Grains

Rigatoni al'Arrabbiata & SausageUS$14.00

Garganelli & Shrimp Fra DiavoloUS$19.00

Mushroom RavioliUS$18.00

Orecchiette & BologneseUS$15.00

Butternut Squash Risotto & Sea ScallopsUS$19.00

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

Baked Penne & 4 CheesesUS$14.00

Lasagna Bolognese, Spinach PastaUS$16.00

Secondi / Main Plates

Grilled Trout, Lemon / Thyme Stuffed & GiardinieraUS$21.00

Simply Grilled Fish

Sausage and Peppers, Fennel PollenUS$21.00

Chicken PicattaUS$14.00

Chicken MarsalaUS$16.00

Pork Scallopini, Capers & ButterUS$17.00

Dry Aged Simpson Farms Meatballs & Sunday SauceUS$16.00

Grilled 8oz Beef Filet, Roasted Garlic*US$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)US$7.00

Hutton & Smith Primo StrataUS$6.00

PeroniUS$6.00

SeasonalUS$7.00

Beer, Bottle/Can

Bud LightUS$3.50

Miller LiteUS$3.50

Michelob UltraUS$3.50

Stella ArtoisUS$4.00

Argus CiderkinUS$6.50

NarragansettUS$2.50

Yazoo Nomad Wheat AleUS$5.00

Turtle Anarchy Red AleUS$4.50

Wiseacre Coffee StoutUS$5.00

Oddstory Monkey Heart IPAUS$5.00

White

Italiano