St. John's Restaurant

Located in Chattanooga, TN

"This restaurant cooks—no, really boils—with startlingly fresh vegetables and the finest meats, a career wait-staff with a deep knowledge of the menu, and a genius in the kitchen. Chef/Owner Daniel Lindley, a Chattanooga native, worked in some of New York's most famous kitchens before moving home to found St. John's. The result is a blessing." — Southern Living

St. John's Restaurant is located in the former St. John's Hotel building. Built as a hotel at the turn of the 20th century during the bustle of the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo, the flat iron building later served as a brothel. After being condemned and nearly torn down in the 1990s, local architect and preservationist Thomas Johnson purchased the building and began restoration immediately. In addition to St. John's Restaurant and St. John's Meeting Place, the St. John's building houses fine retail shops and luxury apartments.

Chef/Owner Daniel Lindley, a native of Chattanooga, became interested in cooking as a teenager. Upon graduating high school, he went on to cook on the mercy ship "Anastasis" in Europe and West Africa for a crew of 350. After returning from overseas, Lindley spent time working in local Chattanooga restaurants before moving to New York. He worked under Chef Terry Harwood at Harvest On Hudson in Hastings, New York and went on to work at the prestigious Gramercy Tavern for two years. After a season of cooking in the Hamptons on Shelter Island, Lindley returned home for the opening of St. John's Restaurant. Chef Lindley's simple yet innovative cuisine has received both local and national praise.

• Featured Restaurant Archives
• Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store – Jackson, TN
• St. John's Restaurant – Chattanooga, TN
• The Orangery – Knoxville, TN