Celebrate National Noodle Month at Tennessee’s Top Noodle Spot

Noodles are one of the most versatile foods, embraced by cultures around the world. Whether you're looking for savory, spicy, cheesy, or tangy, there's a noodle dish that promises to please. Here in Tennessee, we're lucky to have our pick of fantastic noodle shops, and one of our current favorites is Attack of the Tatsu in Chattanooga. Inspired by Japanese food culture, this kitchen is serving up mouthwatering noodles and other must-try dishes. Come with us as we explore what makes this spot so crave-worthy.

Why Tennessee Is a Noodle Lover’s Dream

When people think of the best eats in Tennessee, it's typically barbecue or Nashville hot chicken that comes to mind. But noodle enthusiasts will find a lot to love about the Volunteer State, especially if they venture to Attack of the Tatsu in Chattanooga. This restaurant was a vision of James Heeley and Daniel Starkey, who were fueled by their love for Japanese culture and food. Their restaurant is best described as an Izakaya shop—a casual spot with an impressive variety of small bites and, of course, some of the best ramen and noodles in Tennessee.

The Best Ramen in Tennessee

There are lots of delicious things on the menu, but let's start with the ramen. These traditional noodles-and-broth dishes are rich and savory, drawing on traditional Japanese culinary techniques. You'll love the flavorful base, with your option of miso, pork, or chicken broth, plus delicious ingredients like chicken katsu (breaded and fried), soft ramen eggs, scallions, and more. Further customize your order with add-ins like burnt garlic oil, nori, or bamboo shoots, and you'll have created a culinary masterpiece.

Other Must-Try Dishes

If you're not in the mood for ramen, there are plenty of other must-try items to impress. Creative sandwiches and bowls feature flavors and ingredients similar to those in the ramen, offering you an incredible flavor journey. There's even a chilled noodle bowl featuring ingredients like egg yolk, ginger oil, and chili crunch. When you're ready to top it all off with a little something sweet, you can't go wrong with the mochi ice cream or mochi donuts. Oh, and did we mention there's a Japanese whisky bar?

One recent review sums up the experience perfectly:

"I said I'd go after some top-notch BBQ in TN and ended up finding some top-notch Japanese instead. Wow...[I] had the Shishitos peppers for appetizer, the Shoyu Ramen for entrée and a Matcha Cheesecake for dessert. The star was definitely the Ramen... definitely the best I've ever had. Would definitely come back if I'm in the area."

Attack of the Tatsu is open daily from 11 am until midnight. There's even a late-night menu for anyone who stops by after 10 pm. Learn more when you visit Attack of the Tatsu online. Looking for more to do while you're in Chattanooga? Take a beautiful art walk of the city and prepare to be amazed. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.