Chef Khaled AlBanna channels his childhood flavors from Amman, Jordan, into Modern Levantine dishes over open coals. Raven Humphrey oversees one of the state’s finest beverage programs, pairing wines seamlessly. It’s cultural storytelling through cuisine, which is a recipe Michelin tends to adore.

"‘Twenty years,’ he said. ‘A 20-year lease.’ A 20-year lease is a bold, all-in, generous declaration, a statement that says to this city: we're here for the long run. We believe in you and want you to believe in us.”

“Chattanooga is also known for its international flavors, such as Calliope Restaurant & Bar to the south of the river on East Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. Headed by Chef Khaled AlBanna, the restaurant serves up some of the best Levantine cuisine in the region; the chicken shawarma and fluffy whipped feta are particular highlights.”

“[…] with inventive spots like Calliope, home to some of the region’s best Levantine cuisine (think fried rice with lamb confit, and fluffy bowls of whipped feta with shatta hot sauce).”

“Calliope is the kind of lively and welcoming joint every neighborhood deserves, offering everything from creative cocktails and small plates to Sofra, a full-on feast of the chef-owner Khaled AlBanna’s picks.”

“This "modern Leventine" restaurant by chef Khaled AlBanna is one of the city's best places for dinner that feels special, both in terms of food and atmosphere, without being stuffy.”

Offering one of Chattanooga’s most unique dining experiences, Calliope Restaurant is a culinary gem that serves up traditional Levantine cuisine with a modern twist.

“… Chattanooga bars well worth a visit are The Bitter Alibi, No Hard Feelings, Calliope Restaurant and Bar, and Matilda Midnight at The Dwell Hotel.”