The Local Dining Guide for Non-Locals in Memphis, TN

A lot of people think that Memphis has only fried chicken and good BBQ, which it definitely does because that’s what it’s known for however it definitely holds some hidden gems that are perfect for foodies. I went to college in the heart of Memphis and then I lived in the city for a year after that so I had a lot of time to explore. This list encompasses some of the best places to eat in Memphis though it only touches a handful of them.

Wine'ing & Dining Night Out

Flight: This is a well known downtown restaurant to all local Memphians. The concept is exceptionally unique as it serves flights of everything– wine, appetizers, main courses, and dessert. You can choose 3 different dishes and supplement them with 3 different wines or drinks of your choice. It truly is a foodie's dream with a hodge podge of choices. The quality of the food is why I continue to return along with the eclectic ingredients and fresh flavors in every dish. I recommend ordering the flights of food that sound the most delicious to you and then have your server request to have the sommelier to pick the wine pairings based on your dish choices. I promise you will not be disappointed!

McCewens: The white table cloth, dim lighting, and extensive wine list make for a perfect fancy date night or small group gathering. The entrees are larger with different meat and fish options, along with a vegetarian plate that consists of fresh roasted vegetables. The selection of appetizers and salads vary seasonally and are all recommended.

Folks Folly: The original Memphis Steakhouse that never disappoints and continues to measure up to its standards every visit. The steaks are delivered on sizzling plates with a perfectly tender center and dripping of peppercorn marinade. The cuts of meat are always fresh from the butcher shop next door and are made thick with your accompaniment of choice. I usually get the petite filet & vegetables– simple, delicious and dependable however their fish options and specials of the evening are always worth peeking at. This is a splurge dinner in terms of the bill because it will rack up fast with prime steaks, wine, appetizers, vegetable sides, and desserts, but it’s all insanely worth it.

The Gray Canary: A Fancy restaurant in downtown Memphis located on the Mississippi River, located right next to Old Dominick distillery (worth checking it out afterwards). Their food plate style is similar to tapas with smaller plates made to share. With the restaurant being on the water and one of the newer and more modern restaurants in the downtown area, it's a great sport for a date night or for a group of friends looking to drink and nibble. Take caution though in that you have to like interesting food to make this evening worth it. All of their tapas are super tasty and unique so order what looks good and be sure to ask your waiter or waitress what is popular and in season for the best experience.

Tsunami: A charming reAnother beautiful eatery transformed into an open waterfront kitchen with a variety of delicious seafood dishes. The restaurant sits beside a lake in the heart of Shelby Farms, providing a picturesque view for a spectacular dinner evening. My biggest recommendation for this restaurant is to go big and order an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert because you won't want to miss out on any of the house-made options.

Catherine & Mary’s: An upscale Italian restaurant on South Main St. in downtown Memphis. The pasta is house made and the menu is seasonal, need I say more? It is that restaurant where whatever you decide to order after debating every possible dish for the entirety of your first glass of wine will not fail you or your taste buds. They do a (non-tapa style) traditional smaller plate serving of pasta, meats, salads, and appetizer in addition to the optional bigger entree. I recommend starting with a few pasta dishes for the table, or just order a big bowl for yourself.

Porch and Parlor: A comfortable upscale inspired spot for a trendy and delicious night out in Midtown Memphis. This classy spot took the place of a raging bar that sold beer by the buckets to college students. I know because I was there spending $5 on Bucket Night every Wednesday night back when I was at Rhodes. The outdoor patio has been transformed with white table clothes, candles, and a sight that overlooks the gems of midtown Memphis, creating a cozy backyard porch dining experience. The indoor parlor is exquisite with comfortable leather chairs, a fully stacked bar, and dishes that will expose your taste buds to an entirely new meaning on Memphis food. It's classic country meets steakhouse inspiration with a marvelous Memphis twist.

Coastal Fish Company: Another beautiful eatery transformed into an open waterfront kitchen with a variety of delicious seafood dishes. The restaurant sits beside a lake in the heart of Shelby Farms, providing a picturesque view for a spectacular dinner evening. A fully stacked bar with navy blue brick walls line the entrance, immediately putting you in the mood to indulge. No dish is the wrong dish on this menu as each plate is inspired by a famous authentic meals. The fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes with the cozy and classic environment will have you becoming a regular in no time.

Tasty and Easy

Bhan Thai: This is the only place in Memphis where I will go for Thai food. The cuisine is very flavorful and the portions are enormous so you can always rely on leftovers. This spot is very authentic to Thai flavors such as lemongrass, peanut, basil, cilantro, garlic, and so many more bold seasonings that can dominate a dish in an entirely new way. The sautéed dishes are a combination of light sauce with rich taste that is not too overpowering. The noodles are perfectly tender and not dry with a balance of preferred meat and vegetables. The food also transfers ideally when getting takeout, which is always a large check mark in my book.

Babalu: This trendy spot in the hear of midtown is tapas style with a Mexican twist. The homemade table-side guacamole with everything in it, including bacon and jalepanõs is a must and always remains a crowd pleaser. The special that they pride themselves on, and rightfully so is their flight of 3 tacos for $9. I almost always do the Grilled Redfish, Grilled Shrimp, and then the last is a wild card every time, though I must say how they prepare their duck belly is purely decadent. They recently added the option of lettuce wraps, corn, or flour tortillas for the tacos. If you're not a fan of tacos, you're in luck because all of their tapas are delicious. The Babalu Chop Salad is a great option to start and then their Chicken Satay and Steak on a Stick tapa plates are always gone within the first few minutes after being placed on the table.

Maciels Tacos: The best family owned Mexican restaurant in downtown Memphis. This small joint is the perfect walking distance lunch spot if you work downtown or even on a warm Saturday afternoon strolling down Main St. You can see everything being made in the kitchen and it’s all authentic. The second floor actually collapsed into the restaurant on the first floor a couple of years ago, though no one was hurt and the entire city of Memphis came together to fundraise money so that Maciels could be up and running again. If that doesn't show a city's true dedication to a family owned operation then I don't know what does!

Beauty Shop: This trendy yet cozy diner inspired joint is a great place to dine any time of day. Whether you are looking for an early rise breakfast, boozy brunch, late lunch, or a charming date night the eclectic dishes on this menu will not disappoint. Real food dishes that are both hearty and healthy with a focus on southern inspiration, pampering flavors, and garden-fresh fixings. The diner is lined with booths, mirrored walls, high tables, and quaint low lighting that compliments any type of enjoyable outing.

Healthy Eats and Treats

City Silo: This is probably one of my favorite places in Memphis because it is #basic, but also a great healthy and delicious option for lunch or meeting up with a friend. Everything I have ever eaten here has been healthy, hearty, and satisfying. This hip cafe serves up a health foodie's dream menu with açaí bowls, smoothies, grain bowls, salads, sandwiches, desserts, etc. It’s a casual spot, but definitely one to visit for a nutritious meal and tasty treat.

Cheffies: This make-your-own salad or sandwich bar is a Memphis favorite, known for their tangy salad dressings and unique sandwich and salad combinations. It's a small local place with an outdoor eating area providing you with large portions to sit, chat, and enjoy your food. It’s all fresh ingredients, not too pricey, and you even have the option to toss and chop your salad. It's a great way to satisfy a major salad, sandwich, or soup craving that is a local step up from Panera.

Juice Bar: Hearty smoothies, green juices, acai bowls or grab and go food, the options are lean and clean. I recommend the juices and the smoothies above anything else, but their grab and go food in the mini refrigerator is definitely a game changer when you need something fast, easy, and healthy. Very rarely will I pay for juices and smoothies now because they can be overly priced, but Juice Bar does it right and makes every sip worth every penny.

Purely Memphis

Cafe Eclectic: A Memphis favorite and original spot for good food and a cozy atmosphere. The place speaks for itself because the menu has so many different options from breakfast wraps and berry pancakes to smoothie bowls and French Dips. The food is made with a touch of Memphis love. Their coffee drinks are must if you go!

Muddy’s: The only place I’ll go to for cupcakes in Memphis. Order your favorite cupcake, but definitely try a creative one. Pair it with a cup of drip coffee and you have the perfect decadent combination. I challenge you to not finish the cupcake in less than 10 seconds :)

Deli on the Square: The best deli in Memphis! From breakfast bagels to sandwiches to salads, this place was my go-to in college. It’s a cheap, fun, casual deli with outdoor seating right in the heart of Overton Square in Midtown. If you're craving a breakfast taco, look no further for their egg and avocado taco served with tangy salsa. Their homemade additions such as the tarragon chicken salad, pasta salad, and their delightful desserts made daily.

Ecco: A classic Italian farm to table restaurant providing a cozy and enchanting dining experience in the historic district of midtown Memphis. Serving high quality food bursting with flavor and offering the warmest service, this restaurant is a true Memphis must when it comes to dining out. Their bread and pasta is house made daily and their vegetables are locally produced. To add to the comforting ambiance, the restaurant is an old Memphis home renovated with larger kitchen and fantastic built in bar to welcome you when you enter. Visit this exquisite restaurant for a delicious meal with the family, or for a glistening date night.

Enjoy your trip to Memphis and stay vibrant!