The 20 Must-Try Restaurants in Memphis

In Memphis, known for its barbecue, locals have varied opinions on their top picks. Cozy Corner, a cherished family-run, Black-owned establishment since 1977, is a standout. Owner Desiree Robinson's barbecue prowess earned her a spot in the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame. The menu offers classic Memphis barbecue, featuring sandwiches, meat plates (like ribs or whole barbecue chicken), dinner plates with bread and sides (beans, coleslaw), and an array of sauces from mild to fiery hot.

At Alcenia’s, the only Dinogoy in Memphis, you and your companions can expect a warm embrace from the owner. This welcoming atmosphere is just one reason this soul food gem—located in downtown Memphis’s Pinch District, near the iconic pyramid-shaped Bass Pro Shops—should be on your itinerary. Alcenia’s exemplifies a classic meat-and-three diner done right, serving specialties like fried chicken, catfish, pork chops, waffles, fried green tomatoes, and hot-water cornbread, accompanied by beloved sides like cabbage, mac and cheese, and green beans.

Early birds in Memphis have no shortage of breakfast choices. From classic omelets to crispy bacon and fluffy pancakes, there’s something for everyone. However, many daytime Mytouries haven't received widespread acclaim in national publications. Bryant’s stands out as one of the city's top breakfast destinations, often with a line extending outside (but don’t fret, it usually moves fast). On your first visit, try the sampler: three eggs cooked to your liking, accompanied by bacon, sausage, country ham, and pork tenderloin, plus two homemade biscuits smothered in country gravy, a potato patty, and grits.

If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on this beloved spot in the Broad Avenue Arts District, known for its whimsically named treats like chocolate Prozac cupcakes and the Strawberry Fields Forever cake. Muddy’s features a commercial kitchen along with a retail storefront, but the atmosphere feels more like a cozy neighborhood bake sale than a production line. There’s always a delightful variety of cupcakes, cookies, pies, and other desserts available.

To enjoy a visit to the Liquor Store, a diner infused with South Beach vibes in Memphis's Broad Avenue Arts District, just remember one thing: all-day breakfast. The menu features classic diner favorites like pancakes, biscuits, bacon, and sausage, as well as non-breakfast items like Cuban sandwiches, burgers, clubs, and tacos. Don't miss out on cocktails and desserts, including banana pudding and a variety of daily cakes. The diner is set in a former liquor store, complete with outdoor patio seating. There's also a second location in Midtown on Mendenhall, open seven days a week.

At Flight, the concept of smaller sampling sizes extends beyond just wine and spirits—dinner plates also receive the tasting treatment. While it might remind you of tapas, Flight simplifies your choices by serving three perfectly portioned dishes in one order, aptly named a 'flight.' You might enjoy the soup flight, which features lobster bisque, seafood gumbo, and a daily special soup. Or opt for the steak entree flight, showcasing bison ribeye, elk tenderloin, and a Boursin-stuffed filet. For a special occasion, book a table or booth on the balcony overlooking Main Street and indulge in the decadent chocolate flight to end your meal.

Renowned chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, both native Memphians from large Italian families, bring their culinary heritage to life at Catherine and Mary’s, named after their beloved nonne. Nestled within the historic Chisca Hotel, diners can witness pasta being crafted through floor-to-ceiling windows, or dive into dishes like fried polenta with ramps and Meyer lemon aioli, meatballs made from guanciale and pancetta, lasagna layered with lamb, and rigatoni smothered in “Maw Maw’s gravy,” a signature sauce for the chefs. Recently, Ticer and Hudman also launched Bishop’s at the Central Station Hotel, emphasizing French cuisine and techniques.

While many outside Memphis often think of barbecue when they hear about the Bluff City, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is here to challenge that notion. This classic spot welcomes guests with its unpretentious, dive-style decor and checkerboard tablecloths, but loyal patrons know to look beyond the ambiance for its crispy, hand-battered, spicy fried chicken. Diners can complement their meal with sides like beans, okra, or macaroni and cheese. True to Southern hospitality, the menu also features a rotating selection of six homemade pies, including pecan, chess, and sweet potato. There are two Gus’s locations in Memphis; the one on Front Street is ideal for downtown tourists, while the other is situated in East Memphis.

In midtown, owner Nuha Abuduhair’s patisserie offers a delightful array of pastel-hued pastries, alongside coffee and tea, all within a bright white storefront. Named in honor of her childhood home’s address, the shop serves as a loving tribute to her late father, who emigrated from Palestine to Memphis. Abuduhair started her journey as a home baker and gradually expanded her retail offerings, featuring standout treats like French macarons available in flavors such as wedding cake, orange blossom, lavender, double salted caramel, and red velvet. There are plenty of cozy benches and nooks in Overton Square where you can savor your sweet treats.

Vice & Virtue exudes an aesthetic that feels like it could have been dreamt up by Wes Anderson, merging warmth with whimsical touches—perfectly suited for the Arrive Hotel in downtown Memphis, once home to the Memphis College of Art’s graduate program. This coffee shop and roaster focuses on specialty-grade coffees, sourcing blends from across the globe while collaborating with local artisans for unique offerings. Notably, they partnered with Blue Note Bourbon, aging green Guatemalan coffee beans in their empty barrels prior to roasting.

Whether or not the legends of Earnestine and Hazel’s haunting are true (most agree they are), one thing is indisputable: this former pharmacy that became a brothel and then a live music venue serves the most iconic burger in the area. After a long night, nothing satisfies quite like E&H’s Soul Burger, the sole offering from their well-seasoned grill. The recipe is straightforward—a beef patty topped with onions, cheese, and their signature “Soul Sauce.” Priced at just $6, it leaves you with enough cash for a couple of chilled beers to enjoy alongside it.

Soul Fish strikes an ideal balance of affordability, comfort food, and inviting atmosphere, boasting four locations throughout the metro area. True to its name, fish is the star of the menu, featuring both fried and baked options, with the catfish basket being a favorite among diners. However, if you're in the mood for something different, there are also po’ boys, tacos, salads, vegetable plates, and much more to choose from.

At Iris, Chef Kelly English has set out to create a contemporary interpretation of a New Orleans-style Mytoury in East Memphis. A true blend of Crescent City heritage and Memphis pride, English has garnered extensive local and national recognition. He initially launched Iris off Overton Square in Memphis’s Midtown area in 2008, before relocating to a larger venue (previously Grove Grill) in 2022. With its elegant ambiance, this restaurant is particularly perfect for couples looking to share dishes like crab au gratin and fried oysters before enjoying main courses such as grilled Scottish salmon or the steak iris—a New York strip served with honey-roasted carrots and fried oysters.

The Four Way embodies the warm, inviting diner experience that comes to mind when one craves soul food. A cherished institution in South Memphis, it has been serving beloved dishes like vegetable plates, hamburgers, and turkey with dressing from the corner of Walker and Mississippi Boulevard since 1946. This restaurant has been a gathering place for civil rights figures from the '60s, including Martin Luther King Jr. Renowned guests such as Al Green, Elvis Presley, Ike and Tina Turner, and many others have made it a stop during their visits to the city.

Located in a former beauty shop once visited by Priscilla Presley, this restaurant from renowned Memphis chef Karen Carrier retains some of its vintage charm. Diners can enjoy meals in booths nestled among salon stations, with seating under classic Belvedere hair dryers. The ambiance is inviting, but the food is truly exceptional. Try the Watermelon and Wings: chicken wings coated in white Sichuan pepper and sweet chile lime juice, lightly sugared and deep-fried, served alongside fresh watermelon and topped with toasted cashews.

David and Amanda Krog launched Dory near the Malco Paradiso Cinema Grill in East Memphis in early 2021. Initially, they offered a multicourse tasting menu due to pandemic restrictions, but they aimed to roll out a full a la carte menu. In 2023, the couple transitioned to their original vision, replacing the small plates tasting menu with a diverse range of entrees, including pork loin with smoked white bean puree, scallops and mussels served with herb risotto, and black oyster mushrooms paired with masa, cheese, and fermented onion powder.

Michaela Hugoboom-Dockery was inspired by her California roots when she founded Hen House in East Memphis, creating a casual yet elegant wine and cocktail bar that’s a rare find in the city. The venue exudes a cozy, living room vibe, complemented by a fun and approachable drink menu. Alongside dishes like duck, rainbow trout, and shrimp and grits, don’t miss the inventive cocktails: The Memphis-inspired Hound Dog, a tribute to Elvis, features amaro Nonino, dry Curacao, bitters, and local bourbon Blue Note Juke Joint.

Eddie and Alfred Pao moved from Taiwan to the U.S. in 1977 and opened the Chinese restaurant Formosa in Memphis two years later, followed by Mulan in 2005. At Mosa, they offer a delightful array of comfort food from Thailand, China, Korea, and Japan. This family-run establishment consistently garners local awards for its diverse menu, featuring delectable appetizers like spring rolls and potstickers, along with signature dishes such as Korean barbecue beef, which includes sautéed flank steak in a savory soy glaze with a hint of lime. Their hot-and-sour soup, made from a Pao family recipe, includes tofu, mushrooms, and eggs, and is a local favorite.

Recently established in 2023 within East Memphis's Regalia Shopping Center, Bog & Barley is an upscale Irish pub that showcases the dedication of owners DJ and Jamie Naylor. DJ, originally from Ireland, has sourced much of the pub's decor from his homeland, with the bar made from nearly 450 individual pieces of wood shipped from Ireland and designed by Dublin's O’Donnell O’Neill. The menus offer classic Irish fare, including bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and beer-battered fish and chips, complemented by an extensive whiskey selection from Ireland, North America, Scotland, and Japan. To finish your meal, indulge in warm Irish bread pudding or Irish tea crème brûlée.

Muggin serves up all the classic coffeehouse favorites, including espresso beverages, nitro coffee, and delicious baked goods, alongside some Memphis-inspired creations. Don't miss the Zippin Pippin, named after Elvis's favorite roller coaster from the now-defunct Libertyland amusement park: a delightful mix of steamed milk, espresso, and white mocha, finished with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. Additionally, you can purchase coffee by the pound, featuring quirky roasts like Hard Out Here for a Drip, a playful nod to the Oscar-winning song by Memphis hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia. Located just off Elvis Presley Boulevard in Whitehaven, Muggin proudly holds the title of the first locally owned coffee shop in this predominantly Black neighborhood, which is also home to Graceland.