Primo

5.0

190 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

14 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 2 times 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 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 & SausageUSD 14.00
Garganelli & Shrimp Fra DiavoloUSD 19.00
Mushroom RavioliUSD 18.00
Orecchiette & BologneseUSD 15.00
Butternut Squash Risotto & Sea ScallopsUSD 19.00
Ricotta Cavatelli, Sage Brown Butter, Bacon, Autumn VegetablesUSD 17.00
Baked Penne & 4 CheesesUSD 14.00
Lasagna Bolognese, Spinach PastaUSD 16.00

Secondi / Main Plates

each served with one side

Grilled Trout, Lemon / Thyme Stuffed & GiardinieraUSD 21.00
Simply Grilled Fish
- MP
Sausage and Peppers, Fennel PollenUSD 21.00
Chicken PicattaUSD 14.00
Chicken MarsalaUSD 16.00
Pork Scallopini, Capers & ButterUSD 17.00
Dry Aged Simpson Farms Meatballs & Sunday SauceUSD 16.00
Grilled 8oz Beef Filet, Roasted Garlic*USD 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)USD 7.00
Hutton & Smith Primo StrataUSD 6.00
PeroniUSD 6.00
SeasonalUSD 7.00

Beer, Bottle/Can

Bud LightUSD 3.50
Miller LiteUSD 3.50
Michelob UltraUSD 3.50
Stella ArtoisUSD 4.00
Argus CiderkinUSD 6.50
NarragansettUSD 2.50
Yazoo Nomad Wheat AleUSD 5.00
Turtle Anarchy Red AleUSD 4.50
Wiseacre Coffee StoutUSD 5.00
Oddstory Monkey Heart IPAUSD 5.00

White

Italiano

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

Americano

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

Red

Italiano

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

Americano

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

Happy Hour

Monday - Friday, 4-6

All Draft BeerUSD 4.00
1/2 Off All Glass Wine
Well CocktailsUSD 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

14 Mar 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 booking

Additional information

Best Restaurants in Chattanooga

Apertif / Cocktails

LimoncelloUSD 8.00

Red SangriaUSD 6.00

Benny WuUSD 8.00

Pluto SpritzUSD 9.00

SeasonalUSD 10.00

Cider SangriaUSD 6.00

BrooklynUSD 9.00

Apertivo / Snacks

OlivesUSD 5.00

Arancini TelefonoUSD 7.00

Fried RavioliUSD 10.00

Burrata, Blistered Tomatoes, Garlic CrostiniUSD 14.00

Carpaccio, Arugula, Horseradish, Parmesan*USD 8.00

Baked Feta & Spicy Marinara, Garlic CrostiniUSD 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 SaladUSD 6.00

Caesar SaladUSD 6.00

Arugula, Ricotta Salata, Aged BalsamicUSD 9.00

SoupUSD 5.00

Pasta / Grains

Rigatoni al'Arrabbiata & SausageUSD 14.00

Garganelli & Shrimp Fra DiavoloUSD 19.00

Mushroom RavioliUSD 18.00

Orecchiette & BologneseUSD 15.00

Butternut Squash Risotto & Sea ScallopsUSD 19.00

Ricotta Cavatelli, Sage Brown Butter, Bacon, Autumn VegetablesUSD 17.00

Baked Penne & 4 CheesesUSD 14.00

Lasagna Bolognese, Spinach PastaUSD 16.00

Secondi / Main Plates

Grilled Trout, Lemon / Thyme Stuffed & GiardinieraUSD 21.00

Simply Grilled Fish

Sausage and Peppers, Fennel PollenUSD 21.00

Chicken PicattaUSD 14.00

Chicken MarsalaUSD 16.00

Pork Scallopini, Capers & ButterUSD 17.00

Dry Aged Simpson Farms Meatballs & Sunday SauceUSD 16.00

Grilled 8oz Beef Filet, Roasted Garlic*USD 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)USD 7.00

Hutton & Smith Primo StrataUSD 6.00

PeroniUSD 6.00

SeasonalUSD 7.00

Beer, Bottle/Can

Bud LightUSD 3.50

Miller LiteUSD 3.50

Michelob UltraUSD 3.50

Stella ArtoisUSD 4.00

Argus CiderkinUSD 6.50

NarragansettUSD 2.50

Yazoo Nomad Wheat AleUSD 5.00

Turtle Anarchy Red AleUSD 4.50

Wiseacre Coffee StoutUSD 5.00

Oddstory Monkey Heart IPAUSD 5.00

White

Italiano