Bluff View Food Tour: Discover Chattanooga's Artisanal Art District Delights
At the dawn of the 20th century, Chattanooga's elite 'cliff dwellers' constructed elegant European-inspired mansions in the Bluff View neighborhood, perched safely above the Tennessee River's floods. Neglected amid the suburban boom of the 1960s and 1970s, the area was reborn in the early 1990s when Dr. Charles and Mary Portera arrived, sparking a remarkable revival.
The visionary couple swiftly established the Bluff View Art District, now home to three acclaimed restaurants, a renowned bakery, bed-and-breakfast, sculpture garden, chocolate kitchen, banquet hall, and artisanal coffee roaster—all privately owned and meticulously operated by the Porteras. From a single art gallery, it blossomed into a multisensory haven celebrating art, architecture, stunning vistas, lush landscapes, and extraordinary cuisine.
Today, the district's premium food products reach over 40 restaurants, hotels, farmers' markets, and grocers. Dedicate an evening to this urban sanctuary, where art infuses everyday life.
Launch your culinary journey with exclusive glimpses into the artisans' craft through expansive picture windows—no fixed hours, but the magic unfolds before your eyes.
THE BLUFF VIEW BAKERY
Bakers toil nearly around the clock, with public hours from noon to 5 p.m. most days. The entrance hides on the ground floor of the Porteras' residence opposite the Sculpture Garden—follow the irresistible aroma of fresh bread spilling from the open door on sunny days. Grab a loaf or observe Executive Baker Alou Niangadou master his sourdough, whole wheat, and rye wonders. With 400 recipes honed over three decades, this world-class bakery supplies Bluff View kitchens plus local restaurants, shops, and grocers.
REMBRANDT'S ROASTING COMPANY
That smoky scent? It's the intentional essence of coffee roasting onsite below the Bocce Ball Terrace. Catch the roasters in action—request a walkthrough if available. Added in 2003, Rembrandt's excels in innovative flavored blends for restaurants, stores, and hotels since 2004. Night owls have the best shot at witnessing these caffeine-fueled creators.
THE CHOCOLATE KITCHEN
Behind The River Gallery, peer through a vast window into this sweet haven. Chocolatier Jerome Savin, trained among France's finest, crafts handmade confections infused with local gems like Benton's Bacon, garden herbs, or Tennessee whiskey. His batch production (often 1,000+ pieces) means unpredictable hours, but savor his artistry at nearby Rembrandt's Coffee Shop.
THE PASTRY KITCHEN
From the Chocolate Kitchen, stroll the secluded alley to a fountain-adorned courtyard revealing the pastry kitchen. This award-winning hub crafts over 60 handmade delights—including new gluten-free options—for all three restaurants, using minimal machinery for unmatched flavor.
Appetite ignited? Time to dine at Bluff View's trio of restaurants.
BACK INN CAFÉ
Begin on the wisteria-shaded terrace at Back Inn Café, sipping wine or a signature cocktail while riverboats glide by. Rainy days? The glass-enclosed sun porch or cozy library with fireplace offer equal charm. Starters shine: Volcano Roll sushi, lobster bisque, or seasonal sweet potato-crusted shrimp.
TONY'S PASTA SHOP AND TRATTORIA
This beloved Italian gem serves hand-cut pastas and sauces with district-grown tomatoes and herbs, paired with fresh bakery bread, olive oil, and parmesan. A Chattanooga favorite since 1994, Tony's has expanded five times to meet demand.
REMBRANDT'S COFFEE SHOP
Desserts and coffee at restaurants hail from here, but visit the European-style shop for its endless pastry display and stone patio under wisteria. Cozy winter interiors beckon. Choose from specialty roasts, pastries, or take home beans and bread.
