29 Best Memphis Restaurants in 2024
Located on the scenic Mississippi River in Southwest Tennessee, the home of the Blues and the birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll is not only known for its history of musical allure but also the plethora of lovely Memphis restaurants. Numerous world-renowned artists have recorded albums at the famous Sun Studio, including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash; however, some of the real shining stars of this city are the gastronomical masterpieces that are created daily by the culinary experts found in Memphis restaurants.
So, where does one start when trying to find the best soul food and get the taste buds dancing? We’ve compiled a list so you can discover all the best Memphis restaurants in 2024.
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The 29 Best Restaurants in Memphis, TN
1. Bryant's Breakfast
Look no further than the no-nonsense Bryant’s Breakfast for a hidden gem breakfast restaurant in Memphis, TN. This Memphis restaurant is extremely popular and always busy, often with a line that snakes out the doors.
The Vibe
The exterior of this Memphis restaurant is inconspicuous. You wouldn't think it was a restaurant if you didn’t know it was there. Nevertheless, the interior is spacious, with table seating for groups of two or four.
What to Order
For first-time visitors, we recommend the sampler. You get three eggs, any style, as well as bacon, sausage, country ham, pork tenderloin and two house-made biscuits with country gravy.
Bryant’s Breakfast | 3965 Summer Ave., Memphis, TN 38122 | $$
2. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar
Easily praised as one of the best restaurants in Memphis, Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar feels like two eateries in one. This Memphis restaurant offers an upscale dining experience with a unique take on tasting menus.
The Vibe
This Memphis restaurant offers guests distinct dining options — for a romantic and intimate setting, dine on the balcony at one of the booths or small tables, and for a more lively atmosphere, dine on the main floor.
What to Order
The menu here eliminates guesswork by portioning three dishes in a single flight. For example, in the soup flight, you get lobster bisque, seafood gumbo and the soup of the day.
Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar | 39 S. Main St., Memphis, TN 38103 | $$$
3. The Four Way
If you are looking for classic Memphis cuisine crafted to perfection, then The Four Way has you covered with its iconic soul food. This Memphis restaurant has been open since 1946, with a rich history to share.
The Vibe
This historic Memphis restaurant makes you feel like you're right at home with your family. The walls are decorated with historical photos, and recently, Danielle Sierra, a renowned artist, created a mural that captures the beauty and vitality of Memphis.
What to Order
For some of the most delicious soul food in Memphis, try the catfish filet, fried chicken wings and country fried steak, among many more.
The Four Way | 998 Mississippi Blvd., Memphis, TN 38126 | $
4. Folk's Folly
Established in 1977, Folk's Folly is the original prime steakhouse in Memphis. This Memphis restaurant got its name as an homage and an “I told you so” from the owner to his friends who warned him that opening a restaurant would likely result in failure.
The Vibe
Seven distinct dining rooms and 12 private dining rooms are found in this Memphis restaurant. The cellar lounge is an intimate piano lounge that offers live music Monday through Saturday.
What to Order
Enjoy a hearty steak dinner with specialty sides and sauces, with popular meals such as the filet mignon and the Australian rack of lamb.
Folk's Folly | 551 S. Mendenhall Road, Memphis, TN 38117 | $$$$
5. The Beauty Shop Restaurant
Located in the heart of the Cooper-Young neighborhood is The Beauty Shop Restaurant. This upscale Memphis restaurant was established in 2002 and keeps true to its motto: “Look Good. Eat Good.”
The Vibe
Styled after a 50s-style beauty shop, with the exterior resembling Jetsons-era vitrolite, this hip and trendy Memphis restaurant used to be a beauty shop where Priscilla Presley would have her hair done.
What to Order
This swanky restaurant in Memphis, TN, offers an eclectic menu with many delicious dishes, including the espresso honey lamb chops and the lucky pot with steak or tofu.
The Beauty Shop Restaurant | 966 S. Cooper St., Memphis, TN 38104 | $$
6. Arcade Restaurant
Founded in 1919, Arcade Restaurant holds the honor of being the oldest Memphis restaurant. To this day, it is still run and owned by the same family, with the fourth generation of Zapatos now in charge.
The Vibe
With such a long history, this Memphis restaurant takes great care to preserve its old-time charm. The restaurant is designed with 1920s architecture and uses neon signs to maintain the old-school arcade theme.
What to Order
Come and discover the best Memphis food, which had the King of Rock, Elvis Presley, coming back regularly. From French toast to eggs Redneck, the meals here will have you returning time and time again.
Arcade Restaurant | 540 S. Main St., Memphis, TN 38103 | $$
7. The Lookout
Situated at the top of the Pyramid is Memphis restaurant The Lookout. To access this upscale restaurant, you must ride up the country’s largest free-standing elevator — a daring 28-story ride.
The Vibe
While dining in this upscale restaurant, take in a 270-degree view of Memphis City, the Mississippi River and Arkansas. The breathtaking views really create a unique experience.
What to Order
Enjoy a delicious meal atop the tallest freestanding elevator in North America. This Memphis restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including crab cakes and BBQ shrimp.
The Lookout | 1 Bass Pro Drive, Memphis, TN 38105 | $$
8. Kooky Canuck
Established in 2005 by Shawn Danko and his wife, Kooky Canuck is a Memphis restaurant that offers Southern cuisine with a Canadian twist.
The Vibe
You'll feel like you are in a fancy upscale lodge in the woods or mountains while dining at this Memphis restaurant. The atmosphere is lively and fun, to say the least.
What to Order
The menu offers a range of delicious foods, from poutine to burgers. Try the pick-three sampler to get a taste of the options.
Kooky Canuck | 87 S. 2nd St., Memphis, TN 38103 | $$
9. B.B. King's Blues Club
If you are looking for a BBQ diner with live music, then Memphis restaurant B.B. King’s Blues Club has you covered.
The Vibe
The friendly staff, who provide exceptional service coupled with feel-good live music, create a lively and fun atmosphere at this Memphis restaurant.
What to Order
The specialty food served here is ribs, but the menu also offers shrimp and grits, BBQ chicken, burgers and more.
B.B. King’s Blues Club | 143 Beale St., Memphis, TN 38103 | $$
10. Cozy Corner BBQ
Memphis is well known for its BBQ, with Cozy Corner BBQ being one of the standout joints. Owner and matriarch Desiree Robinson was the first black woman to be inducted into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame.
The Vibe
The exterior of this Memphis restaurant could be mistaken for an old grocery store. The cozy interior is neat and the staff are friendly.
What to Order
This Memphis restaurant offers BBQ classics, including smoked pork, bologna sandwiches and ribs. The Cornish hen is another standout dish.
Cozy Corner BBQ | 735 N. Parkway., Memphis, TN 38105 | $$
11. Interstate Barbecue
What used to be a grocery store, Memphis restaurant Interstate Barbecue is now one of the best small businesses in the area, according to the Memphis Business Journal's 15th annual Small Business Awards.
The Vibe
The old grocery store turned restaurant boasts large dining rooms that can accommodate substantial crowds. The BBQ joint has a hole-in-the-wall vibe, with good service and friendly staff.
What to Order
This Memphis restaurant has a large menu with endless meat dishes and various Southern-inspired desserts, including its famous BBQ spaghetti.
Interstate Barbecue | 2265 S. 3rd St., Memphis, TN 38109 | $$
12. Payne's Bar-B-Que
Established in 1972, Payne’s Bar-B-Que is a family-owned Memphis restaurant that serves some of the best Memphis food you'll ever taste.
The Vibe
Take a step back in time; this mom-and-pop Memphis restaurant keeps the ambiance old school while focusing on the food rather than the appearance of the building.
What to Order
The menu is minimal yet inviting. Its main focus is chopped pork and ribs, with a small amount of sausage and bologna. The chopped pork is a must-try.
Payne’s Bar-B-Que | 1762 Lamar Ave., Memphis, TN 38114 | $
13. Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous
Opened in 1948, Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous is the revered home of the Memphis-style dry-rubbed ribs. This Memphis restaurant is world-renowned for its signature rack of ribs.
The Vibe
This iconic Memphis restaurant has served customers for over 30 years and is known for its hospitality and lively atmosphere.
What to Order
Bring your friends and family to indulge in authentic barbecue with outstanding beef brisket, Mama's real Greek salad or the delicious chopped chicken sandwich.
Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous | 52 S. 2nd St., Memphis, TN 38103 | $$
14. Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken
Featured on the Food Network’s popular "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken is a Memphis restaurant famous for, you guessed it — fried chicken. The chicken is so good that even Guy Fieri swears by it.
The Vibe
The popular dive venue is down to earth and has a warm vibe inside. The exterior may look sketchy, but trust us when we say this Memphis restaurant is a must-try.
What to Order
If Guy Fieri swears by the fried chicken here, it must be good. That said, while it may be the star of the show, don’t sleep on the 14 oz cheeseburger or the delicious biscuits.
Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken | 3633 Millbranch Road, Memphis, TN 38116 | $
15. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Founded in 1953 in Mason, Tennessee, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is a renowned and beloved fried chicken spot. A second location was opened in Memphis by a patron who loved the chicken so much, she franchised it.
The Vibe
As you enter this Memphis restaurant, you are greeted by divey decorations and checkerboard tablecloths. The staff are friendly and attentive, bringing you true Southern hospitality.
What to Order
Discover what makes this Memphis restaurant famous with dishes such as its three-piece white (two breasts and a wing) with baked beans, slaw and white bread.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken | 310 S. Front St., Memphis, TN 38103 | $$
16. Dyer's Burgers
If you're in the mood for a Memphis restaurant that serves up unbeatable classics, Dyer's Burgers has you covered. This historic burger joint has been using the same vat of oil (strained daily) to fry delicious burgers since 1912.
The Vibe
This Memphis restaurant offers an old-school diner setting with excellent service. The fun atmosphere adds to the experience of the 50s-style diner.
What to Order
Learn what makes this burger joint unique from others with dishes such as the Double-Double Combo or the deep-fried PB&J.
Dyer’s Burgers | 205 Beale St., Memphis, TN 38103 | $$
17. Huey's Burger
Established in 1970 by Alan Gary, Huey’s Burger is another great spot for burgers, and the delicious sandwiches are equally tempting. This Memphis restaurant's name comes from the owner's childhood nickname — Huey.
The Vibe
It's the ideal spot to meet with friends and enjoy a good burger. This Memphis restaurant is well known for its live music on Sundays.
What to Order
Huey’s is known for its delicious burgers and sides, including the world-famous Huey burger and the Old Tyme A1 burger.
Huey’s Burger | 77 S. 2nd St., Memphis, TN 38103 | $$
18. Alcenia's
Betty Joyce Chester-Tamayo opened Alcenia’s in 1966. She founded this Memphis restaurant as a way to heal after losing her only child to a motorcycle accident.
The Vibe
Enjoy the familial vibe of this Memphis restaurant, where the owner and the staff make you feel loved while still remaining professional.
What to Order
Indulge in the best Memphis cuisine with soul food at Alcenia’s, including fried catfish and delicious pork chops.
Alcenia’s | 317 N. Main St., Memphis, TN 38103 | $$
19. Brother Juniper’s
For the best breakfast in Memphis, head on over to Brother Juniper’s. Year after year, this Memphis restaurant has been voted as the best breakfast spot in town.
The Vibe
This quaint and cute breakfast spot is very popular, so it's best to arrive earlier on weekends to avoid a longer wait.
What to Order
Discover why this renowned spot has the best breakfasts in Memphis with dishes like the San Diegan and the Hungry Tiger.
Brother Juniper’s | 3519 Walker Ave., Memphis, TN 38111 | $$
20. Slider Inn
Located in the heart of the South Main Arts District is Slider Inn, a bar and burger joint that offers more than just great food.
The Vibe
The sleek space offers patrons a fun, casual and fast dining experience. This Memphis restaurant is the perfect group hangout spot.
What to Order
Famous for its Jameson slushies, Slider Inn also serves delicious bite-sized burgers and vegan-friendly sides such as cauliflower and tofu wings.
Slider Inn | 363 Mulberry St., Memphis, TN 38103 | $$
21. Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos
For amazing tacos and other authentic, fresh Mexican food, come to Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos, owned by Manuel Martinez.
The Vibe
Located in the heart of Downtown, this Memphis restaurant is a quaint renovated house near the Cooper-Young neighborhood. This warm and cozy restaurant will have you wanting to stay on long after closing time.
What to Order
Indulge in delicious, authentic Mexican food with fajita shrimp tacos or steak fajita tacos.
Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos | 820 Cooper St., Memphis, TN 38104 | $$
22. Restaurant Iris
Discover a Memphis take on classic creole dining at Restaurant Iris. Established in 2008, this Memphis restaurant was originally located in Midtown Memphis but has recently moved to East Memphis.
The Vibe
Restaurant Iris has a sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for couples to enjoy a romantic and intimate dining experience. The restaurant has a large, beautifully decorated interior.
What to Order
Share a crab au gratin or fried oysters with your date before digging into your main meal, such as grilled Scottish salmon or steak Iris.
Restaurant Iris | 4550 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38117 | $$$
23. Bishop
A former 20th-century train station houses one of the newer Memphis restaurants — Bishop. This French restaurant is led by Chefs Michael Hudman and Andy Ticer.
The Vibe
Bringing a new class of fine dining to Memphis, its interior is chic with beautiful décor. The friendly and knowledgeable staff provides helpful and professional service.
What to Order
Bishop has become famous in Memphis for its upscale French cuisine, which includes French onion soup, escargot and crème brûlée.
Bishop | 545 S. Main St., Memphis, TN 38103 | $$$
24. Hog & Hominy
The award-winning Memphis restaurant Hog & Hominy is located in East Memphis. It is the second restaurant opened by Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman.
The Vibe
This James Beard Award semi-finalist restaurant is an Italian wood-burning neighborhood eatery. One aspect that truly sets the restaurant apart is its exceptional customer service.
What to Order
Be transported to Bel Paese with truly delectable Italian cuisine, including the flavorful red-eye pizza and the perfectly crispy pig ears.
Hog & Hominy | 707 W. Brookhaven Cir., Memphis, TN 38117 | $$
25. 17 Berkshire
A bakery and patisserie, 17 Berkshire is located in Overton Square. Owner Nuha Abuduhair named this Memphis restaurant after the address of her childhood home.
The Vibe
This small midtown patisserie storefront is bathed in white and beautifully decorated. The quiet ambiance makes for a relaxing and enjoyable high tea experience.
What to Order
Indulge in various tasty pastries and baked goods, enjoy a relaxing high tea or order one of the delicious cakes for your next event. We highly recommend trying the French macarons.
17 Berkshire | 2094 Trimble Pl., Memphis, TN 38104 | $$
26. Tuyen’s Asian Bistro
For a farm-to-table Memphis restaurant experience, head to Tuyen’s Asian Bistro. Tuyen Le opened the Asian bistro after the beloved restaurant Saigon Le (her parent's restaurant) closed down.
The Vibe
This homely, authentic Vietnamese restaurant has a small but welcoming space. As you enter you will be warmly greeted by the front-of-house staff before being seated.
What to Order
Everything on the menu here is incredible, but if we had to choose, we'd go with the eggrolls and lemongrass tofu.
Tuyen’s Asian Bistro | 288 N. Cleveland St., Memphis, TN 38104 | $$
27. Bog & Barley
A newcomer to the Memphis restaurant scene is Bog & Barley, an upscale Irish pub that first opened its doors in East Memphis in 2023.
The Vibe
The atmosphere is lively, transporting you to a rustic Irish pub. The staff are warm and friendly and will happily help you with recommendations on what to try.
What to Order
For a classic United Kingdom meal, try the bangers and mash. We also highly recommend the scotch egg paired with an Irish red beer.
Bog & Barley | 6150 Poplar Ave., Ste. 124, Memphis, TN 38119 | $$
28. Celtic Crossing
Come experience a piece of Ireland at Celtic Crossing, an authentic pub that's one of the best restaurants in Memphis for Irish food.
The Vibe
Enjoy a beer and meal while listening to live music at this Memphis restaurant. The casual atmosphere offers a chance to experience a piece of Irish culture.
What to Order
Enjoy a range of classic Irish meals and drinks at this Memphis restaurant, including fish and chips and shepherd's pie. It wouldn’t be a true Irish experience without trying a pint of Guinness.
Celtic Crossing | 903 S. Cooper St., Memphis, TN 38104 | $$
29. Casablanca
Head to Casablanca in Midtown Memphis for an exceptional Mediterranean dining experience where the food and vibes are equally as excellent.
The Vibe
As you enter this Memphis restaurant, you'll be greeted by a warm and cozy ambiance enhanced by traditional Mediterranean décor.
What to Order
The house-made hummus and pita bread are unbeatable. For dessert, indulge in a smooth and delectable chocolate mousse.
Casablanca | 1707 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38104 | $$
Try Cooking Memphis Foods
It is a foodie’s dream to eat at all the best restaurants in Memphis, but sometimes, cooking and eating at home is better for creating a comfortable and intimate dining experience. A range of cooking classes in Memphis will help you discover the secrets to making the perfect soul food and master the basics of cooking, along with more complex techniques for creating a delicious Memphis menu. Book an experience and learn from a renowned chef while sharing smiles and laughs with loved ones.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Memphis is home to many highly rated restaurants and delicious foods, as well as a rich history with myriad sights and attractions to visit and explore. Discover what makes Memphis so special by eating like a local, soaking up Home of the Blues' incredible foodie culture.
For even more ways to explore Memphis and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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