New restaurant Torikaya brings modern Japanese-inspired dining to Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new restaurant has opened in downtown Chattanooga this week.

Torikaya has officially opened its doors, bringing a modern Japanese-inspired dining experience to a nearly century-old building.

Inside the newly renovated space, the building’s original brick walls and flooring remain intact, while nearly everything else has been completely rebuilt.

Executive Chef Erik Cielo explained that the goal was to combine traditional Japanese influences with approachable Southern flavors.

“Our nori cornbread, so we do have cornbread on our menu, a little Southern with a Japanese twist, in Chattanooga,” Cielo stated. “We do have our fried chicken, not Southern fried chicken, Japanese fried chicken, two-day brine, so it’s really nice and it’s perfect to share among a table with everybody.”

Restaurant leaders say the opening reflects Chattanooga’s continued growth and interest in international dining experiences.

Click here to see their full menu.