Fondly referred to as Little Chicago, Johnson City is a must-visit destination, boasting scenic outdoor attractions, historical sites, and of course, a thriving food scene that brings plenty of tourists yearly.
This city is culinary diverse, which allows its visitors to travel the world through their impressive and delicious dishes, leaving them wanting more.
From the sumptuous taste of European cuisine to Asia’s bold and distinct flavors to comforting Southern American meals, any food lover would love their stay in Johnson City.
So if you’re wondering if the hearsay is true about Johnson City being one of Tennessee’s top food spots, here’s a sign that you should plan your next vacation there.
Start packing your bags and get ready to ride a culinary rollercoaster when you visit some of the best restaurants in Johnson City.
1. The Main Street Pizza Company – Johnson City
300 E Main St #101
Johnson City, TN 37601
(423) 631-0180
One of the city’s beloved local restaurants, The Main Street Pizza Company, uses fresh ingredients from its own farm.
This restaurant offers Italian-American dishes, such as chicken wings, subs, and pizza.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re looking for popular Johnson City eats, The Main Street Pizza Company is a shoo-in.
This restaurant has become a crowd favorite because of its generous, delicious offerings, especially pizzas.
Aside from that, the restaurant features a cozy ambiance and exquisite service, making the dining experience better.
What to Eat
We recommend that you try one of The Main Street Pizza Company’s specialty pizzas, the Thai Pie.
It consists of a creamy coconut Sriracha sauce, roasted chicken, mozzarella cheese, apple chutney, onions, and other fresh ingredients.
This pizza flavor will knock the socks off any foodie who tries this.
Plus, the serving is huge, making it worth trying!
2. Freiberg’s
203 E Main Street
Johnson City, TN 37604
423-928-4106
Bringing Germany’s distinct and bold flavors to the city, Freiberg’s has been serving up authentic German dishes, including bratwurst and schnitzel, since 2008.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you haven’t tried German food your whole life, dining at one of the best rated restaurants in Johnson City, Freiberg’s, is an excellent introduction to Germany’s infamous dishes.
Aside from delicious food, this restaurant features a cozy and rustic atmosphere, allowing you to relax while enjoying your meal.
What to Eat
Order the Bratwurst Platte Sampler and get 3 variations of Germany’s traditional sausages.
It includes the original, smoked , and cheddar, along with some sauerkraut and potatoes.
While you enjoy this dish, don’t forget to order an ice-cold glass of Bavarian beer to complement the bratwurst.
3. The Firehouse Restaurant
627 W Walnut Street
Johnson City, TN 37604
(423) 929-7377
Established in 1980, The Firehouse Restaurant, or simply The Firehouse, is widely popular for its flavorful meat and has become one of the top Johnson City restaurants.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
The Firehouse is the place to be if you’re looking for a restaurant that serves some of the top Johnson City restaurants.
This barbecue joint ensures that the meat served is always tender and packed with flavor to make it more enjoyable for everyone who grabs a meal here.
And the coolest thing about this restaurant is the interior and the old-school firetruck displayed inside the restaurant, where you can snap a photo for your next social media post.
What to Eat
Order one of the Smokehouse Combinations so you can try 2 of the restaurant’s infamous meat.
We recommend that you get the Baby Back Ribs & Beef, which comes with a side salad, 2 sides of your choice, and a piece of Tennessee toast.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Carnegie Hotel & Spa
Also See:
Franklin RestaurantsRestaurants in Fairfield Glade, TNBest Restaurants in Brentwood, TN
4. Cafe Lola
1805 N Roan Street B-1
Johnson City, TN 37601
(423) 928-5652
Established in 2006, Cafe Lola has been a staple brunch place in Johnson City, serving refined versions of breakfast food, such as eggs benedict, sandwiches, and waffles.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Cafe Lola is an excellent choice if you have plans to meet up with some friends over coffee and good food but have no idea of where to eat in Johnson City.
Not only does this restaurant offer an impressive menu, but the elegant interior and relaxing ambiance make this place a great place to catch up.
What to Eat
Enjoy a unique and sophisticated take on a sandwich, the Warm Croissant Sandwich with Maryland-Style Crab Cakes, made with Maryland-style crab cakes, homemade remoulade, tomato, and lettuce stuffed in between a sliced flaky croissant.
And a good early meal must include a nice hot cup of joe, right?
You can choose from either black coffee, espresso, cappuccino, or latte.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Johnson City, an IHG Hotel
5. Label Restaurant
112 Tipton Street
Johnson City, TN 37604
(423) 631-0505
Opened in 2016, Label Restaurant serves some of the best food in Johnson City, including steak, burgers, and sushi.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re celebrating your special day in the city’s downtown area and are looking for the best birthday restaurants in Johnson City, head to one of the restaurants near you, Label Restaurant.
Aside from a wide array of food to choose from, this restaurant is a perfect place for a celebration because of its lively ambiance and bar, offering an impressive list of drinks, from margaritas to beers to whiskeys.
What to Eat
Start your birthday feast by ordering a plate of Crab Rangoons, made with a tasty crab and cream cheese mixture stuffed inside some fried wontons.
Another great appetizer would be the Firecracker Shrimp, battered and fried shrimp drizzled with some firecracker aioli.
For your entrees, we highly suggest that you try the Mahi Mahi Tacos, consisting of pan-seared mahi mahi, red cabbage, pico de gallo, and firecracker aioli nestled on flour tortillas.
This dish comes with a side of grilled corn salad.
And of course, you can’t celebrate your special day without having a drink!
You can select from the restaurant’s fine collection of whiskeys or beer on tap.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Johnson City
6. Sahib
1803 W Market Street
Johnson City, TN 37604
(423) 283-7100
Established in 2006, Sahib brings India’s exquisite and bold flavors to the city through its delicious dishes.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Johnson City, dining at Sahib is a fantastic idea.
This restaurant is perfect if you want to taste authentic Indian food without flying across the world.
What to Eat
We recommend that you try the Meat Samosa for your appetizer.
It’s a tasty fried turnover, filled with vegetables and meat.
And for the mains, you should order the Chicken Tikka Masala, one of India’s popular dishes, made with chunks of chicken, cooked in a rich creamy tomato sauce season with flavorful Indian herbs and spices.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Johnson City
7. Gourmet and Company
214 E Mountcastle Dr Suite 1J
Johnson City, TN 37601
(423) 929-9007
Opened in 1988, the Gourmet and Company is an upscale restaurant serving refined dishes, from fresh oysters to high-quality steaks to decadent desserts.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re looking for a place where you and your significant other can experience fine dining in Johnson City, the Gourmet and Company is a must-try.
Aside from top-notch food, this restaurant is an excellent place to enjoy a romantic dinner since the ambiance of this place is quite intimate.
What to Eat
Start your lovely dinner with some Cheese & Charcuterie Board, which comes with local and regional cheeses, spreads, cured meats, pickles, and accompaniments.
This appetizer goes well with a glass of wine, so don’t forget to order some.
And for your main course, we recommend that you Wood Grilled Prime Grade Beef Tenderloin, served with confit local potato, cipollini, shiitake mushrooms, foraged mushroom butter, and some black garlic.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Johnson City
Also See:
Best Restaurants in GallatinPlaces to Eat in GermantownRestaurants in Jonesborough
8. Scratch Brick Oven Woodworks
100 E Unaka Ave
Johnson City, TN 37601
(423) 262-8021
Offering some of the best pizzas in the city, the Scratch Brick Oven Woodworks serves brick oven pizzas that you can customize to your liking.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re looking for good restaurants in Johnson City, head to the Scratch Brick Oven Woodworks.
This restaurant lets guests create their own pizzas using a wide array of toppings, including Peperoni, Andouille Sausage, banana peppers, chimichurri pesto, and more.
You can also choose what music you want to listen to from the restaurant’s impressive vinyl collection.
What to Eat
If you don’t know what topping combinations would go well with each other, we suggest that you order the Trust Pizza, where you’ll leave the fate of your pizza in the hands of the people in the kitchen.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Johnson City
9. Café Pacific (Permanently Closed)
1033 W Oakland Ave
Johnson City, TN 37604
(423) 610-0117
Established in 1998, Café Pacific is an upscale restaurant that uses only fresh ingredients to create delicious gourmet food.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Do you want to take your loved one out for dinner at a fancy restaurant?
Head to Café Pacific and choose from an array of refined dishes and an impressive list of wines that you and your significant other can enjoy.
What to Eat
For starters, we recommend the Chinese Spring Roll, filled with chicken, shredded vegetables, and shrimp, along with some zesty Chinese mustard and sweet and sour sauce.
And for the entrees, you should try the Buckhead Beef Filet Mignon, served with a rosemary demi-glace and creole mustard aioli, cheese potato egg roll, black bean rice egg roll, steamed broccoli, and sweet ginger carrots.
Enjoy this delicious meal with a glass of wine, which you can select from the restaurant’s impressive wine selection.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Johnson City
Related: Best Things to Do in Johnson City, TN
10. Southern Craft BBQ
601 Spring Street #101,
Johnson City, TN 37604
(423) 232-8845
Opened in 2017, the Southern Craft BBQ is one of the most popular casual spots to eat in the city that offers an exquisite menu of delicious Southern food that locals keep coming back for.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re looking for the best dinner places in Johnson City, the Southern Craft BBQ is an excellent choice.
This restaurant is also perfect if you want to treat yourself and indulge in delicious Southern comfort food after a long week.
What to Eat
Order the Tennessee Trinity and enjoy 3 types of meat and 3 sides of your choice.
We highly suggest that you try the ribs, pulled pork, and chopped brisket for the meat options.
And for the sides, you can choose from mac and cheese, french fries, tater tots, sweet potato souffle, and more.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sleep Inn & Suites Johnson City
Related: Things to Do in Johnson City with Kids
11. Red Meze
109 Buffalo Street
Johnson City, TN 37604
(423) 268-2665
Situated in the city’s downtown area, Red Mese highlights the unique flavors of Greece and Turkey through its thoughtfully prepared dishes.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re looking for the best restaurants downtown, Red Mese is a fantastic option.
Dining at this restaurant is perfect if you want to try something different, yet want to be sure that you’ll enjoy your food.
Aside from its flavorful dishes, this restaurant features a cozy ambiance, allowing customers to have a nice meal.
What to Eat
If you enjoy lasagna, you’ll love the Moussaka.
This dish is similar to lasagna, but the noodle part is eggplant.
The eggplant pieces are covered with a creamy bechamel sauce and melted mozzarella cheese and better eaten with rice.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Johnson City, an IHG Hotel
Also See:
Best Restaurants in Maryville
12. Wild Wing Cafe
71 Wilson Ave
Johnson City, TN 37604
(423) 461-0071
Opened in 2016, the Wild Wing Cafe offers a wide variety of chicken wings, with more than a dozen of flavors to choose from, along with nachos, mozzarella sticks, and beer.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Johnson City, head to one of the most popular restaurants to try, the Wild Wing Cafe.
This restaurant is a go-to for people who enjoy some good chicken wings.
With all the flavors available, you’ll surely leave satisfied.
And the great thing about this place is that it doesn’t only offer delicious food, but it features live sports games on tv and some live music too!
What to Eat
You know that you should try out the wings at this place just by the name of the restaurant.
The wings are perfectly crispy and juicy even when smothered with sauce.
We highly recommend that you try the Chipotle Jolt or the Thai flavors.
You should also order a nice ice-cold beer while you indulge in the tasty wings offered at the Wild Wing Cafe.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Carnegie Hotel & Spa
Map of Restaurants in Johnson City
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12 Best Johnson City Restaurants for 2023
- The Main Street Pizza Company – Johnson City
- Freiberg’s
- The Firehouse Restaurant
- Cafe Lola
- Label Restaurant
- Sahib
- Gourmet and Company
- Scratch Brick Oven Woodworks
- Café Pacific (Permanently Closed)
- Southern Craft BBQ
- Red Meze
- Wild Wing Cafe
