Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Shared Dining Experiences
Founded in 2005 by husband-and-wife team Erik and Amanda Niel, Easy Bistro has evolved into one of Chattanooga's most celebrated dining destinations. Our culinary philosophy merges French technique with Southern soul, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients and a shared dining experience. The menu features house-made pasta, wood-fired dishes, and a raw bar with Gulf and East/West coast oysters. Our nationally recognized beverage program includes over 300 whiskies and seasonal cocktails.Located in Chattanooga's West Village, we offer a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere with private dining and catering services. Chef Erik Niel, a two-time James Beard Award nominee, leads our culinary team, while Amanda oversees operations and guest experience. Our approach prioritizes creativity, quality, and hospitality, creating memorable experiences for both casual and special occasions.
Services
Restaurant
Raw Bar
Private Dining
Catering
Wine & Cocktail Program
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer over 15 years of culinary expertise in French and Southern cuisine.
- Our menu is designed for sharing, featuring house-made pasta and fresh seafood.
- We have a nationally recognized wine and craft cocktail program.
- Our team includes a James Beard Award-nominated chef.
- We provide customizable private dining and catering services.
Services
Restaurant
Our restaurant offers a unique shared dining experience combining French technique with Southern soul. The menu features house-made pasta, wood-fired dishes, and fresh seafood sourced from local waters. Guests enjoy a collaborative dining atmosphere where small and large plates are designed to be shared, reflecting our philosophy of communal eating and creative flavor combinations.
Raw Bar
The raw bar showcases fresh oysters from Gulf, East, and West coasts, with daily changing selections. Hearth-roasted oysters, whole fish, and octopus prepared in our wood-fired hearth complement the raw offerings. Our knowledgeable staff educates guests about regional flavor differences while providing an immersive seafood experience in a vibrant dining setting.
Private Dining
Our private dining space accommodates events from intimate dinners to large celebrations. The configurable room features professional A/V equipment and customizable layouts with seating options for various group sizes. Complete with tailored dining packages, this space offers a stylish environment for weddings, corporate events, or special occasions with dedicated staff support.
Catering
Customizable catering services bring our restaurant experience to your location. We specialize in intimate gatherings of 2-20 people with family-style or plated multi-course meals and cocktail party options. Our team handles rentals, dinnerware selection, and vendor coordination while providing wine/cocktail pairings curated by our beverage experts for complete event management.
Wine & Cocktail Program
Our nationally recognized beverage program features over 300 whiskies, including Scotch, Irish, Japanese, and Taiwanese varieties. The wine list showcases new and old-world producers, while seasonal cocktails rotate regularly. Beverage Director Garth Poe curates pairings that complement our cuisine, offering tastings and expert guidance to enhance every dining experience.
People
Erik Niel
Owner/Chef
James Beard Award-nominated chef Erik Niel combines Louisiana roots with French culinary training. He studied at Johnson & Wales Culinary School and has led Easy Bistro since 2005, creating innovative menus that celebrate local ingredients while co-founding two additional Chattanooga restaurants.
Amanda Niel
Owner/Managing Partner
Amanda Niel oversees operations and guest experience at all three Niel-owned restaurants. With hospitality expertise developed through fine dining roles and business experience in New York, she shapes the restaurant group's strategic vision while managing marketing, events, and human resources operations.
Questions
What are your operating hours?
We're open Sunday-Thursday 4-9PM and Friday-Saturday 4-10PM.
Do you offer private dining options?
Yes, our private dining space accommodates events with customizable layouts and dedicated staff support.
What makes your menu unique?
Our shareable plates combine French technique with Southern ingredients, featuring house-made pasta and fresh seafood.
Do you provide catering services?
Yes, we offer customized catering for intimate gatherings of 2-20 people at your preferred location.
What beverage options do you have?
We feature over 300 whiskies, seasonal cocktails, and a curated wine list with new and old-world producers.
