Top restaurants list
10 Best Memphis Restaurants
- 10 restaurants
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Updated December 7, 2025
The top restaurants in Memphis include Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar, Folk’s Folly, Porch and Parlor, Tsunami, Napa Cafe, Central BBQ, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, The Four Way, Huey’s, and The Beauty Shop Restaurant. Memphis is world-renowned for its specific style of barbecue, focusing on slow-smoked pork with a signature dry rub. It is also famous for its hot and spicy fried chicken and deep-rooted soul food. Downtown is a center for fine dining and upscale establishments, while the Cooper-Young Historic District is a hub for inventive and chef-driven concepts. Midtown offers a concentration of beloved local favorites and casual dining spots. These neighborhoods host a great number of Memphis restaurants that define the city's character.
Memphis is located in Southwestern Tennessee, on the banks of the Mississippi River. This location in the Mid-South influences its food, with pork being a central ingredient. Among the city's top establishments, Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar stands out for its unique tasting-flight concept, extensive wine list, and sophisticated downtown setting. Central BBQ is a must-visit for authentic Memphis barbecue. For fine dining, Folk’s Folly is one of the best restaurants Memphis, known for its classic prime steakhouse experience and long-standing reputation.
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1
Napa Cafe is a fine dining restaurant in East Memphis that has been open since 1998. It is known for its inviting interior, distinctive American food, and an acclaimed wine list.- Item Prices
- 26
- Average Item Price
- $19.92
Napa Cafe Menu PricesMore about Napa Cafe
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
American
Signature Dishes:
Pan Seared Scallops, Shrimp & Grits, Filet Mignon, Double Stout Braised Short Ribs, Blackened Shrimp Dumplings, Gouda Risotto
Location:
5101 Sanderlin Ave #122, Memphis, TN 38117.
Special Feature:
The restaurant holds a Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for its extensive and well-curated wine list.
What Makes It Special:
Napa Cafe has earned a loyal following and numerous awards for its consistent quality, polished service, and elegant yet comfortable atmosphere.
What Sets It Apart:
It combines a sophisticated, globally influenced menu with the personalized, warm service of a neighborhood bistro.
Operating Hours:
Monday & Tuesday & Sunday: ClosedWednesday - Saturday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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2
Chicken American Wings Fried Chicken Comfort Food Group FriendlyGus's World Famous Fried Chicken is a U.S. fast casual restaurant chain best known for Memphis-style hot and spicy fried chicken fried in peanut oil. Bestsellers on Gus's World Famous...- Item Prices
- 96
- Average Item Price
- $13.04
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken 2 Piece White Snack Price Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken Chocolate Chess Pie Slice PriceGus's World Famous Fried Chicken Menu PricesMore about Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Type of Restaurant:
Casual
Type of Food:
Southern, Fried Chicken
Signature Dishes:
Fried Chicken Plates, Chocolate Chess Pie, White Meat Snack, Chicken Breast, Mac N Cheese Noodles
Location:
310 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103.
Special Feature:
The chicken is known for its spicy kick, which distinguishes it from traditional Southern fried chicken.
What Makes It Special:
The simple, time-tested recipe has earned Gus's a national reputation and a dedicated following for what many consider the best fried chicken in the world.
What Sets It Apart:
Gus's maintains a singular focus on its signature hot and spicy fried chicken, served in a no-frills, welcoming atmosphere.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMFriday & Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Price:
$5 to $20.
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3
Located in the historic Cooper-Young neighborhood, Tsunami is a Pacific Rim-inspired seafood restaurant that opened in 1998. Chef Ben Smith creates unique and flavorful small plates and seafood specialties, drawing inspiration from his travels.- Item Prices
- 2,014
- Average Item Price
- $14.81
Tsunami Menu PricesMore about Tsunami
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Seafood, Pacific Rim.
Signature Dishes:
Roasted Sea Bass, Fish Tacos, Seared Tuna, Crispy Calamari.
Location:
928 S Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104.
Special Feature:
The menu changes daily to incorporate the freshest available seafood and seasonal produce from local farmers and producers.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant has been a fixture in Memphis for over two decades, recognized for its innovative and consistently high-quality seafood dishes.
What Sets It Apart:
Tsunami fuses Asian, South Pacific, French, and American South food styles in a cozy, art-adorned neighborhood setting.
Operating Hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday - Saturday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$31 to $50 per person
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4
Chicken Sandwiches Pork Barbecue RibsCentral BBQ is a popular restaurant chain specializing in Memphis-style pit barbecue. Central BBQ prepares meats using a secret blend of dry-rub spices and slow-smokes them over hickory and pecan...- Item Prices
- 811
- Average Item Price
- $17.67
Central BBQ Menu PricesMore about Central BBQ
Type of Restaurant:
Casual, BBQ Joint
Type of Food:
Barbecue
Signature Dishes:
BBQ Nachos, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Ribs (wet or dry), Memphis BBQ, Rack of Ribs
Location:
2235 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, United States
Special Feature:
Meats are slow-smoked for up to 24 hours using a dry rub before being served with a choice of sauces.
What Makes It Special:
Central BBQ is consistently ranked among the best barbecue spots in Memphis and has received national recognition for its food.
What Sets It Apart:
The restaurant offers a classic, laid-back Memphis barbecue experience, known for its tender meats and homemade sides.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Price:
Under $20.
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5
Huey's is an award-winning burger restaurant in the United States with 10 locations across Tennessee and Mississippi. This popular dining spot built a strong reputation for award-winning World Famous burgers,...- Item Prices
- 668
- Average Item Price
- $10.64
Huey's Menu PricesMore about Huey's
Type of Restaurant:
Casual, Bar & Grill
Type of Food:
American, Burgers
Signature Dishes:
World Famous Huey Burger, Steak Stick Dinner, Bluff City Burger, Old Tyme A1 Burger, Sunshine Burger
Location:
77 S 2nd St Memphis, TN 38103
Special Feature:
Patrons participate in the long-standing tradition of shooting frilled toothpicks into the acoustic ceiling tiles.
What Makes It Special:
Huey's has been voted as having the best burger in Memphis since 1984, making it a local institution.
What Sets It Apart:
It combines a fun, quirky, and laid-back atmosphere with consistently good food, making it a go-to spot for locals of all ages.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PMFriday & Saturday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Next day)Sunday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Price:
Under $15 per person.
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6
6. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar
Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar is an upscale establishment in downtown Memphis that offers American food with a unique "flight" concept. This approach allows guests to sample multiple small-plate entrees, appetizers, and desserts in a single order.More about Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
American, International
Signature Dishes:
Elk Tenderloin, Seafood Flight, Steak Flight, Boursin Stuffed Filet.
Location:
39 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103.
Special Feature:
The restaurant's signature "flight" concept provides a tasting of three different yet related dishes on one plate.
What Makes It Special:
Flight has an extensive wine list with numerous options available by the full glass, half glass, or in wine flights to complement the food.
What Sets It Apart:
The restaurant combines its innovative flight dining experience with a sophisticated atmosphere, offering seating on a main floor, a more private balcony level, and a separate wine cellar for events.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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7
7. Folk’s Folly
Known as Memphis' Original Prime Steak House, Folk's Folly is a traditional steakhouse founded in 1977. It provides a fine dining experience with a focus on prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and Southern hospitality in a comfortable atmosphere.More about Folk’s Folly
Type of Food:
Steak, Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Filet Mignon, Fried Dill Pickles, She-Crab Soup, Calamari, Maker's Mark Medallions
Location:
551 S Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, TN 38117.
Special Feature:
The restaurant features several individual dining rooms for private parties and The Cellar Lounge, which offers live piano music.
What Makes It Special:
Folk's Folly has a long-standing reputation for its high-quality prime steaks and classic, white-tablecloth service.
What Sets It Apart:
It maintains a classic, old-school steakhouse ambiance, pairing fine dining with a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PMSunday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price:
$100+ per person
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8
8. Porch and Parlor
Porch and Parlor is a high-end, prime steakhouse located in Overton Square. The restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with a menu centered on prime steaks, including Japanese Wagyu, fresh seafood, and an extensive whiskey collection.More about Porch and Parlor
Type of Restaurant:
Steakhouse, Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Steak, Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Wagyu Steak, Seafood Tower, Louisiana Jambalaya Redfish, Millionaire's Potatoes, Butchers Bacon Rack
Location:
2125 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104.
Special Feature:
The restaurant features an elegant "parlor" dining room and a large, comfortable "porch" for outdoor seating, along with a vast whiskey selection.
What Makes It Special:
The opulent decor and a menu focused on premium ingredients create a lavish and upscale dining atmosphere.
What Sets It Apart:
It provides a glamorous, modern steakhouse experience with unique offerings like tableside grilled Wagyu and a focus on high-end spirits.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 4:45 PM - 8:45 PMFriday & Saturday: 4:00 PM - 9:30 PMSunday: 3:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Price:
$80 to $100 per person
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9. The Four Way
The Four Way is a historic soul food restaurant located in the Soulsville neighborhood of South Memphis. Open since 1946, it is celebrated for its traditional Southern dishes and its role as a meeting place for Civil Rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.More about The Four Way
Type of Restaurant:
Casual, Soul Food
Type of Food:
Soul Food, Southern
Signature Dishes:
Fried Catfish, Fried Chicken, Turkey and Dressing, Macaroni and Cheese.
Location:
998 Mississippi Blvd, Memphis, TN 38126.
Special Feature:
The restaurant holds deep historical significance in Memphis and the Civil Rights Movement.
What Makes It Special:
It serves authentic soul food recipes that have been a staple of the community for over 75 years.
What Sets It Apart:
The Four Way combines its rich history as a community cornerstone with classic, homestyle Southern cooking.
Operating Hours:
Monday & Tuesday: ClosedWednesday - Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Price:
$6 to $13
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10
10. The Beauty Shop Restaurant
The Beauty Shop is a stylish and quirky restaurant located in the Cooper-Young neighborhood. It is housed in a former 1950s-era beauty salon where Priscilla Presley once had her hair styled.More about The Beauty Shop Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Upscale Casual
Type of Food:
New American
Signature Dishes:
Watermelon and Wings, Pan Roasted Barramundi, Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Steak Frites.
Location:
966 S Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104.
Special Feature:
The decor features authentic vintage details, including refurbished hooded hair dryers that now serve as seats for diners.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant's one-of-a-kind theme and history create a playful and memorable dining experience.
What Sets It Apart:
It successfully blends a whimsical, retro atmosphere with a creative and sophisticated menu of modern American food.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMFriday & Saturday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 11:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Price:
$31 to $50 per person
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Food is Memphis Famous For?
The best food in Memphis is rooted in Southern tradition. The most famous food in Memphis is its barbecue, specifically slow-smoked, dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. The city is a top destination for barbecue enthusiasts. Another well-known dish is hot and spicy fried chicken, which is made famous by establishments like Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. Soul food is central to the city's identity, with staples like fried catfish, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese found at historic restaurants.
What is the Average Cost of a Meal in Memphis?
The cost of a meal in Memphis varies by the restaurant and time of day. For breakfast, a meal at a casual spot costs between $10 and $18. Lunch prices for a budget-friendly meal, like a barbecue sandwich, are in the $12 to $20 range. A sit-down lunch at a mid-range restaurant costs between $20 and $35 per person. For dinner, a meal at a casual restaurant costs from $18 to $30. A mid-range dinner experience is between $35 and $60 per person. Fine-dining establishments have prices starting at $65 per person.
What are the Most Popular Fast-Food Restaurants in Memphis?
The most popular fast-food restaurants in Memphis include local favorites and national chains. These restaurants are listed below:
- Tops Bar-B-Q: A long-standing Memphis chain known for its pit-smoked barbecue pork sandwiches and classic burgers.
- Jack Pirtle's Chicken: A local family-owned chain operating since 1957, famous for its fried chicken, gravy, and steak sandwiches.
- Krystal: A Southern fast-food icon known for its small, square steam-grilled burgers, often called "Krystals."
- Cook Out: A popular chain in the South, offering a large menu of char-grilled burgers, hot dogs, barbecue plates, and more than 40 flavors of milkshakes.
What are the Newest Restaurants in Memphis?
The new restaurants in Memphis introduce fresh concepts to the city's dining scene, as listed below:
- Amelia Gene’s: A fine dining restaurant downtown offering a menu focused on wine and seasonal ingredients. Located at 255 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103.
- Momma’s: A casual spot in the Crosstown neighborhood serving burgers, patty melts, and boozy milkshakes. Located at 1350 Concourse Ave, Suite 157, Memphis, TN 38104.
- The Lobbyist: Located in The Chisca apartment building, this restaurant serves contemporary American food with a focus on seasonal small plates. Located at 272 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103.
- Cameo: A restaurant in the Cooper-Young area offering seasonal American food with a focus on open-fire cooking. Located at 938 S Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104.
Are There Any New Restaurants in Downtown Memphis with Great Reviews?
Yes, there are several new restaurants downtown Memphis that have opened to positive reviews like the Lobbyist and Amelia Gene’s. These downtown Memphis restaurants contribute new energy to the area's food scene. The Lobbyist, located inside the historic Chisca building, has earned praise for its sophisticated atmosphere and inventive menu of New American small plates. Diners compliment the creative cocktails and seasonal dishes. Amelia Gene's is another of the new restaurants Memphis has welcomed downtown, offering an upscale fine-dining experience with a focus on wine pairings and elegant decor, receiving high marks for its service and refined food.
What are the Coolest Places to Eat in Memphis?
Memphis has many restaurants with a special or fun vibe, making them some of the coolest places to eat in Memphis. These fun places to eat stand out for their unique decor, themes, or entertainment.
- The Beauty Shop Restaurant: This restaurant is set in a former 1950s beauty salon where Priscilla Presley used to get her hair done. The decor includes refurbished hooded hair dryers that serve as dining seats, creating a quirky and stylish retro atmosphere.
- Huey’s: A beloved local institution, Huey's is famous for its award-winning burgers and the tradition of patrons shooting frilled toothpicks into the ceiling. The lively, casual bar setting and live music on Sundays make it a consistently fun spot.
- Railgarten: This unique destination is a large entertainment complex that includes a diner, a tiki bar, a ping-pong bar, and an ice cream shop, all connected by a huge outdoor yard with games, fire pits, and live music. Its size and variety of options make it a cool place to spend an entire evening.
Are There Any Rooftop Restaurants in Memphis?
Yes, Memphis has several rooftop restaurants offering views of the city and river. These rooftop restaurants Memphis TN provide a memorable dining experience. Hu Roof at the Hu Hotel offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the Hernando de Soto Bridge from its downtown location. It has a chic, modern atmosphere perfect for cocktails at sunset. Beck & Call, the rooftop whiskey bar at the Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis, also provides stunning river views in a sophisticated setting. For a more casual vibe, Tiger and Peacock at The Memphian hotel in Overton Square features a colorful, eclectic design and views of the surrounding neighborhood.
Which Restaurants in Memphis Serve Vegan Food?
Memphis has a growing number of restaurants with dedicated vegan menus or significant vegan options. Imagine Vegan Cafe is a fully vegan restaurant serving a large menu of plant-based comfort food, including vegan versions of Memphis barbecue, Philly cheesesteaks, and Southern-style plate lunches. Raw Girls is another key spot, offering plant-based, raw, and healthy grab-and-go meals, juices, and smoothies from multiple locations. City Silo Table + Pantry focuses on clean eating and provides many vegan options, such as the "Sunshine" bowl with tofu scramble and the "Foxy" wrap with buffalo-style tempeh.
Which Restaurants in Memphis Serve Gluten-Free Food?
Many restaurants in Memphis offer gluten-free options and are knowledgeable about accommodating diners. For example, Cheffie’s Cafe, a build-your-own salad and sandwich shop, offers gluten-free bread and clearly marks all gluten-free ingredients for its salads. Global Cafe in the Crosstown Concourse features food stalls from different countries, with many naturally gluten-free dishes like Venezuelan arepas and Sudanese stews. For upscale dining, Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar can modify many of its dishes to be gluten-free, providing an elegant dining experience for those with dietary restrictions.
Are Restaurants in Memphis Healthy?
Memphis is famous for indulgent foods like barbecue and fried chicken, but the city also offers many healthy dining options. A growing number of restaurants focus on fresh, locally sourced, and plant-based ingredients. Establishments like City Silo Table + Pantry and Raw Girls are dedicated to clean eating, offering salads, grain bowls, smoothies, and juices. Many other restaurants provide lighter fare, grilled protein options, and extensive salads, allowing for healthy choices alongside more traditional Southern food.
What are the Most Famous Cuisines in Memphis?
The most popular types of food in Memphis are deeply connected to its Southern heritage. The city's food identity is defined by these key styles.
- Barbecue: This is the most famous food in Memphis. The city is world-renowned for its specific style, which focuses on pork, slow-smoking, and a signature dry rub. Ribs and pulled pork are the most iconic dishes.
- Soul Food: Representing the heart of Southern home cooking, soul food is a cornerstone of the Memphis food scene. Historic restaurants serve classic dishes like fried catfish, fried chicken, collard greens, yams, and macaroni and cheese.
- Southern: This broader category includes many Memphis staples. It encompasses everything from biscuits and gravy to shrimp and grits, reflecting the traditional food of the American South.
- American (Burgers): Memphis has a strong burger culture, with many local pubs and diners famous for their classic, no-frills burgers. Places like Huey's have won "best burger" awards for decades.
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- 10 Best Dinner Restaurants in Nashville
- 10 Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Nashville
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