Old Gilman Grill
Fresh Flavors. Inspired Ingredients.
The Heart of West Village
Located at the corner of Pine Street and West 8th Street, Old Gilman Grill is nestled in the heart of Chattanooga’s West Village, one of downtown’s most walkable neighborhoods. With restaurants, hotels, shops and gathering spaces all within an easy stroll, West Village has developed an energy of its own, and Old Gilman feels very much a part of it.
One of the first things you notice when you walk through the door is the openness. The dining room feels bright and welcoming, with generous space between the tables and plenty of room to settle in without feeling crowded. Large windows bring the activity of West Village into the restaurant, while the patio extends the experience outdoors.
The patio may be my favorite part of the setting. With tables spilling into the open air and the activity of the neighborhood happening around you, it has the feel of a European sidewalk café. It’s an inviting place for a leisurely dinner, an afternoon drink or an evening with friends.
For visitors staying in the area, the location is particularly convenient. The Westin Chattanooga is directly across from the restaurant, making Old Gilman an easy walk for out-of-town guests looking for a memorable dinner without having to get back in the car.
Fresh Flavors, Inspired Ingredients
The food at Old Gilman Grill falls comfortably into the category of upscale American with a French-inspired influence. The menu feels sophisticated without being intimidating, combining familiar ingredients and approachable dishes with thoughtful preparation.
Seasonality plays an important role, and that’s reflected in a menu that doesn’t feel static. The appetizer selections, in particular, change frequently, with new offerings appearing throughout the year. That gives returning guests something new to discover and keeps the menu interesting.
There is also a nice balance between comfort and creativity. The dishes are thoughtfully prepared, but the emphasis remains on allowing quality ingredients and fresh flavors to take center stage. It’s the kind of menu that can work equally well for a special occasion or a relaxed evening when you simply want to enjoy a really good meal.
The Bar
The bar is an important part of the Old Gilman experience, and the restaurant’s cocktail program complements the food beautifully.
Classic cocktails have a place alongside more creative offerings, with the bar team paying attention to balance, flavor and presentation. It’s a place where you can settle in with a well-made cocktail before dinner or make an evening of drinks and appetizers without necessarily sitting down for a full meal.
That flexibility adds to the restaurant’s appeal. Old Gilman can be a destination for dinner, but it can just as easily be the place where an evening begins, or where you decide to stay a little longer than you originally planned.
More Than Dinner
While dinner may be the centerpiece of the Old Gilman experience, the restaurant offers several other ways to enjoy the space.
Weekend brunch brings a different energy to the restaurant, particularly when the patio is open and filled with morning light. Handcrafted cocktails and seasonal brunch offerings make it an appealing Saturday or Sunday destination.
The monthly Chef’s Table offers something altogether different. Held on the final Sunday of each month, these intimate themed dinners give the kitchen an opportunity to showcase seasonal creativity through a curated menu and wine pairings. For diners who enjoy discovering the story behind a meal, it’s a more immersive way to experience Old Gilman.
The Latest Dish
Our first visit to Old Gilman Grill in 2026 came last winter when we welcomed guests from out of town and wanted to choose a restaurant that would make the evening special. It was a particularly cold winter night, so although the patio is always my first choice, we settled into a table inside.
We were seated toward the back of the restaurant, which turned out to be perfect for conversation. The setting was intimate and comfortable, and we were able to relax and enjoy catching up with our guests. I chose the Chicken Marsala, while our guests selected the Macro Bowl and two fish entrées. Each dish was beautifully prepared, and our server helped make the evening even more enjoyable by recommending a wine that paired perfectly with our meals.
But it was what happened at the end of the evening that made the experience unforgettable.
As we stepped outside, snow had begun to fall. The bright lights of West Village reflected against the snow, and the normally lively streets had taken on an almost magical quality. We stood there for a moment taking it all in, and I remember thinking how fortunate we were to have chosen this particular evening and this particular restaurant for our dinner.
When spring arrived and the weather finally warmed, my husband and I returned to Old Gilman, this time determined to experience the patio. It was an entirely different evening, but every bit as enjoyable.
We started with the Creamy Hummus & Hot Pita and the Burnt Brussels Sprouts. As we settled into our seats, we took in the activity around us. The patio was lively without feeling crowded, with people strolling through West Village and enjoying the beautiful spring evening.
And then there was the entertainment that no restaurant could plan. During our meal, a horse-drawn carriage passed by our table. Sitting there with a good meal, a drink and the activity of the neighborhood happening around us, I was reminded of what makes the patio so special. It was one of those evenings when you find yourself in no hurry to leave.
Our winter and spring visits couldn’t have been more different, yet both provided memorable dining experiences. One evening gave us an intimate dinner followed by a magical snowfall; the other gave us sunshine, fresh air and the lively atmosphere of West Village.
That’s perhaps what I appreciate most about Old Gilman Grill. It isn’t limited to one particular kind of dining experience. It changes with the season, the setting and the occasion, and somehow manages to make each one feel special.
