Ryan Walls heads back the buffet for seconds at Family Diner.Rafael’s Italian Restaurant has moved from 1210 Taft Highway to the former Siren’s Seafood and Steak Market space at 411 Wood St.
Now called Family Diner, the restaurant has added a full-service dining room as well as an all-you-can-eat buffet offering pizza, salad, soup and hand-breaded fried chicken.
Open for four years in its previous location in the old Taco Bell, Rafael’s is part of a local chain of restaurants scattered throughout the Chattanooga area, manager Yovani Montoya said. All are operated in the same style as the old Rafael’s on the mountain, with diners placing their orders at the counter and carrying their own food to the dining room.
“We had very good business there, but we wanted to put in the full [buffet] bar,” Montoya said. “We’ve had no complaints so far; everyone loves the food.”
Eagle Imports owner Ryan Walls said he came to the restaurant on the recommendation of his parents, who had eaten there a few hours before.
“They have the best pizza south of Chicago, and the fried chicken is moist and tender – I’ve never had any better,” he raved, as he returned to the buffet for seconds. “This place is going to do well. I’ll be back.”
Diners at the new location can now sit down and order from the Family Diner menu, which, like Rafael’s, features American and Italian dishes such as pizza, calzones, pastas, pitas, subs, sandwiches and burgers for lunch and dinner. Breakfast options include steak and eggs, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, French toast, biscuits and omelets.
Seating capacity has been expanded from 45 to 60 at the new location, which also includes outdoor seating.
The restaurant is open Sunday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information, call Family Diner at 531-8852 or visit smdiner.com.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.