Calliope Restaurant // Chattanooga, Tennessee

Calliope has gained a reputation in the local culinary scene for its exceptional Levantine cuisine. With its menu inspired by the rich and diverse flavors of the Middle East, Calliope offers a unique blend of traditional dishes with a modern twist that is both exciting and familiar. Using only the freshest ingredients, each dish is infused with the vibrant textures and tastes of the Levant. Calliope's outstanding culinary offerings were recognized by Food & Wine as one of the Best Restaurants in 2022. However, what truly sets Calliope apart is not just the food, but also its elegant atmosphere. Whether it's a special occasion or a desire for an exquisite cultural experience, diners are invited to enjoy the exceptional cuisine and refined ambiance at Calliope.

Chef Khaled AlBanna

Co-Owner, Chef

Chef Khaled AlBanna is the chef and co-owner of Calliope, a modern Levantine restaurant and bar in Chattanooga, TN. Born and raised in Amman, Jordan, his passion for cooking was instilled in him from a young age by his mother, where he learned invaluable skills and appreciation for regional ingredients and flavors. After studying Civil Engineering at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chef Khaled realized his true calling and pursued a career in the culinary arts. He made a name for himself as the Executive Chef at Whiskey Thief and Whitebird Restaurant at the Edwin Hotel before co-founding his own concept, Calliope, in 2021. 

At Calliope, he blends influences from travel and time in the South with his Levantine roots and cooking style, bringing the best of both worlds to the table. Chef Khaled has been recognized as an emerging chef in the culinary world. In 2026 he was recognized as Best Chef Semifinalist, Southeast, for the James Beard Awards. He was also invited as an honoree chef to the Iconoclast Dinner at the James Beard House in 2023. From open fire cooking to traditional Levant culture and traditions, Chef Khaled's dishes are a reflection of his journey and culinary expertise.

Raven Humphrey

Co-Owner, Beverage Director, Events Director

Meet Raven Humphrey, a master of mixology and event planning, whose passion for crafting the perfect drink is only matched by her attention to detail. Originally from a small town, Raven danced her way to New York and Vegas before settling in Chattanooga at the age of 18. Starting off as a waitress and bartender, she quickly made a name for herself in the local scene, creating innovative cocktails and bringing new life to the beverage industry in the area. Her bar was always bustling with patrons, all drawn to her infectious personality and warm hospitality. Raven's award-winning cocktails have been featured in both local and national magazines, solidifying her reputation as one of the best in the business.

In addition to her mixology skills, Raven is also an accomplished event planner, having organized numerous weddings, non-profit events, and corporate parties. Her eye for detail is unparalleled, ensuring that every aspect of an event, no matter how small, is executed flawlessly. Raven's love for travel and meeting new people only adds to her creativity, as she constantly seeks out new flavors and ideas to bring to her craft. Whether she's behind the bar or orchestrating an event, Raven's passion and commitment to excellence are evident in every aspect of her work.

Looking to join our growing team?

We welcome and accept applications from those who are looking to grow their hospitality careers, both in back of house and front of house.

APPLY NOW

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We are grateful to host special gatherings throughout the Holiday season 🙏 If you still want to host your group at Calliope and share Modern Levantine dining with your guests, it’s not too late! Visit us at eatcalliope.com/events or send us
We are closed this Thursday for Thanksgiving Day, but otherwise we are open regular hours this week! Come celebrate the holiday with loved ones over a special meal at Calliope.
It’s the time of the year to cherish time around the table with loved ones. Our table at Calliope is open to you! Book your reservation at Calliope at eatcalliope.com and enjoy a shared dining experience with friends and family. For partial
We’re going to break the rules today by not sharing a beautiful finished photo {we ate it before that could happen}, or even an in-depth description. But we can tell you that our newest main for our Sofra makes it an experience well worth tryin
We serve Manaqish all night on Mondays, so it’s a great night to come in and enjoy with a cocktail. Pictured is our Manaqish offering with roasted squash, miso-goat cheese, torshi, and peanut dukkah.
Have you heard the phrase, “see how the sausage is made”? That implies we don’t want to know or see how certain things are done. But when you see our sous Parker making our lamb andouille sausage in-house, you see it as a true craft
Our salata on the menu reflects what is available through our farm partners. Our current salata is made with fried eggplant, heirlooms, pickles, pomegranate. We recommend pairing it with a meat dish like our ember roasted chicken from Joyce Farms.
Event season is in full swing 🥂 Book a special private dinner with Calliope for the holiday season. Start planning by sending us a message or visiting our website at https://www.callioperestaurant.com/events. 📷: @sar.cat.photo