Best Restaurants in Memphis

Located in a former 1940s beauty parlor, dining at The Beauty Shop is a completely unique experience. The chairs still have the retro hair dryers, and the decor is slightly funky and eclectic.

Brunch here is a fan favorite, with all the classic brunch offerings served with a Southern twist. Top picks include the Beneduck and BBQ shrimp. The dinner menu features everything from fresh whole fish to the flavorful Grilled Pork and Peaches.

Barbecue is a Memphis staple, and Central BBQ is just one restaurant serving up top-notch grilled fare.

Their raison d’être is their slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone Memphis-style barbecue. Order a full slab of ribs for yourself or share a plate of their crispy, fresh nachos. Sit and stay for a while or place an order to go either way, you're in for a satisfying Memphis barbecue experience.

Chef Kelly English is shaking up the Memphis dining scene with restaurants that are beloved by locals and visitors alike. The Second Line takes diners down to New Orleans with a menu packed with Cajun-Creole classics.

From Crawfish Cornbread to Catfish Po' Boys, this is Southern comfort food with an elevated twist. Stop by for Steak Night on Sunday or come for brunch and enjoy the Crabcake Benedict or a classic shrimp and grits.

We weren't kidding when we said Chef Kelly English is a Memphis staple. With another outstanding Southern-inspired restaurant, Restaurant Iris’s French-Creole menu is the perfect choice for a memorable meal.

While a bit on the pricier side, this restaurant is worth every penny. From the raw seafood towers to the seared foie gras, Restaurant Iris deserves a spot on every food lover's list.

The menu is constantly changing to take advantage of the freshest catch and seasonal produce, and guests often return to discover what's new.

Sunday Jazz Brunch is a treat with live jazz music and special menu items every week.

Sliders are the name of the game at The Slider Inn as the name would suggest. From shrimp po' boys to jerk chicken, there are sliders for every taste.

For a starter, we recommend trying the Reuben & Cuban Egg Rolls. They offer a unique twist and are incredibly delicious.

Sliders aren't just for dinner anymore. On weekends, the brunch menu features breakfast-inspired sliders that make for a fun and flavorful start to the day.

Don't let the name fool you The Liquor Store isn't actually a store at all. Rather, it's a diner serving all-day breakfast and lunch favorites.

Although you can definitely get liquor and delicious cocktails here. For those of age, try the Lucky Charms or Cinnamon Toast Crunch shots playful drinks that have become local favorites.

Nestled inside a quaint white brick building with neon signs, The Liquor Store is just steps away from Overton Park, making it a convenient stop before or after exploring the neighborhood.

The food here has soul—literally. Four Way Restaurant has been serving Southern soul food staples since 1946. As one of the first restaurants where Black and white patrons could dine together, the restaurant holds an important place in Memphis history.

Notable diners include Martin Luther King Jr. and Rev. Jesse Jackson.

From fried catfish to fried green tomatoes, diners rave about everything on Four Way's menu. It can get busy here at times, so arriving early is often a good idea.

This casual Mexican spot serves up you guessed it tortas and tacos, along with other Mexican street food favorites. Tortas are Mexican sandwiches that are perfectly seasoned and generously filled with your protein of choice.

Everything here is made to order at fantastic prices. Reviewers love complimentary house-made chips and salsa.

Whether you choose classics like Pollo (chicken) and Asada (steak) or weekend tamales, there's plenty to enjoy every visit.

Maciel's has two Memphis locations, Downtown and Midtown. In a hurry? Place your order online ahead of time for pickup.

Memphis has a long history, which means so do many of its restaurants. Brother Juniper's is no exception. With a unique spiritual history, this casual restaurant serves a nationally acclaimed breakfast.

They're known for signature dishes like the Garden and Lamb Omelet and Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Varieties of potatoes and open-faced omelets remain menu favorites.

For vegans, Brother Juniper's also serves a fantastic tofu scramble.

While you're here, make sure to grab a cup of freshly ground coffee and some homemade bread for a comforting start to your day.

Southern food and Italian cuisine might not sound like a perfect match, but Hog & Hominy is ready to change your mind. This popular East Memphis eatery is known for pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven.

The menu changes seasonally, so you'll find classics like Margherita and the slightly spicy Red Eye alongside rotating specialties.

You'll find much of the Southern influence in the Snacks section of the menu, featuring favorites like pig ears and collards. 

The combination of Southern flavors and Italian inspiration makes every visit feel a little different.

By the same chefs behind Hog & Hominy, Catherine & Mary's brings a Tuscan flair to Downtown Memphis. Inspired by the comforting flavors of family recipes, the menu features classic Italian antipasti alongside mouthwatering fresh pasta dishes. 

Their extensive wine list means there's a perfect pairing for nearly every dish. The elegant yet industrial-inspired dining room creates a welcoming atmosphere, making it a wonderful place to unwind after a day of exploring Memphis. 

Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn has been a Memphis favorite for nearly 50 years. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between, Paulette's menu is both comforting and distinctive. The family-friendly atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for gatherings of all sizes.

If you're visiting for weekend brunch, be sure to try Paulette's signature strawberry butter served with their famous fresh-baked popovers, a menu favorite that keeps guests coming back.

As you stroll down Beale Street, you can't miss the neon signs and retro charm of Blues City Cafe. This casual dining spot serves classic Memphis barbecue and Southern comfort food in the heart of the city's entertainment district.

The self-proclaimed "World's Best Tamales" make a great appetizer or snack, but the ribs remain the star attraction. Featured on national television, these fall-off-the-bone ribs are slow-cooked to perfection.

And since Memphis is famous for its music, stay after dinner and enjoy live performances in the Band Box next door, adding even more local flavor to your evening.

Sometimes you just need a quick bite or a refreshing treat to cool off from the Memphis heat. In all its bright pink glory, Jerry's has plenty to offer.

A longtime Memphis favorite, Jerry's extensive and delightfully eclectic menu includes burgers, hot dogs, corn nuggets, egg rolls, and more. Of course, you'll also find an impressive dessert menu featuring more than 30 sno cone flavors.

Visit the original location on Wells Station Road or stop by the Cordova location and discover why this local favorite has stood the test of time.

There's no shortage of barbecue restaurants in Memphis, but Rendezvous has earned a reputation that extends far beyond the city limits.

Since 1948, Rendezvous has been serving its famous dry-rub ribs cooked over charcoal from its iconic Downtown Memphis location. The menu focuses on barbecue favorites and classic sides, along with a surprisingly popular Greek Salad.

Located just steps from the Peabody Hotel, it's an easy stop after watching the famous Peabody Ducks, making it a memorable addition to any Memphis itinerary.

Serving soul food for more than 25 years, Alcenia's has become one of Memphis's most beloved dining destinations. The Southern-inspired dishes are made from scratch and prepared with the kind of care that feels like a home-cooked meal.

Stop by for one of the daily lunch specials or enjoy Alcenia's popular Saturday brunch featuring fried chicken, salmon croquettes, and classic biscuits and gravy.

And if you still have room for dessert, Alcenia's homemade pies and cakes are the perfect sweet ending to your meal.

If you're looking for a memorable dining experience in Memphis, Itta Bena deserves a place on your list.

Tucked away above BB King's Blues Club, this contemporary restaurant offers a Southern-inspired take on steakhouse and seafood classics. Guests can enjoy appetizers like lump crab stuffed avocado or indulge in a filet mignon topped with lump crab.

The experience begins with a walk up the unmarked staircase on Beale Street and continues in a cozy dining room overlooking the energy of Downtown Memphis. While it sits at a higher price point, many visitors consider it well worth the experience for special occasions and celebrations.

Blink and you might drive right past Payne's modest white-and-red exterior. The building may be simple, but the barbecue is anything but.

In a city known for outstanding barbecue, Payne's has built a loyal following thanks to its freshly prepared dishes and signature pork sandwich. Every order is made fresh, helping maintain the quality that keeps guests returning.

Payne's may be slightly removed from some of Memphis's main attractions, but many barbecue enthusiasts consider the trip worthwhile.

If you can think of a sandwich, there's a good chance Elwood's Shack serves it. This casual Memphis favorite is known for flavorful, reasonably priced meals that appeal to a wide variety of tastes.

From Memphis barbecue and tacos to pizza and sandwiches, the menu offers an impressive selection of options.

The indoor space may be small, but the outdoor picnic tables provide a comfortable place to enjoy your meal under the Tennessee sunshine, especially on pleasant afternoons.

One of the oldest restaurants in Memphis, The Arcade Restaurant has been welcoming diners since the early 1900s.

Today, dining at The Arcade feels like stepping back into the 1950s. The beautifully preserved interior creates a nostalgic atmosphere while serving classic Southern diner fare for breakfast and lunch.

Make your meal even more memorable with one of their popular spiked shakes. Located in the historic South Main Arts District, The Arcade Restaurant is an excellent place to start your morning before exploring the surrounding neighborhood.

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