Restaurants in Memphis

Chez Philippe is Memphis's most established fine dining address, set inside the historic Peabody hotel on Union Avenue. Book here for anniversaries, business dinners, or any occasion that calls for proper formality — it is the city's most reliable four-star option. For a more contemporary splurge, Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen is the main alternative worth considering.

Ranked #45 on OAD's Cheap Eats in North America 2024 and rated 4.5 across nearly 4,000 Google reviews, Hattie B's on Cooper Street is the most credible hot chicken stop in Memphis. Counter-service format, walk-in only, and open from 11 am daily. Go at lunch to skip the peak-hour queue.

Amerigo is a reliable Italian-American dinner option in East Memphis — easy to book, comfortable for regulars, and supported by a wine list that works with the food without demanding much from it. Not a destination for ambitious cooking, but a solid choice for low-pressure occasions and return visits. Compare with Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen if you want more ambition at a similar price point.

Babalu Tacos & Tapas on Madison Avenue is Midtown Memphis's most practical late-night sit-down option: easy to book, casual in format, and well-suited to groups or solo diners who want small plates and flexibility without a big commitment. The tacos-and-tapas format keeps the tab manageable and the pace in your hands. A solid neighbourhood anchor, not a destination dinner.

Brooklyn Bridge is a neighborhood venue on Kirby Parkway in East Memphis, rated easy to book and suited to local, low-key dining rather than destination occasions. Confirmed details are limited — no published cuisine type, price tier, or awards on record — so verify hours and menu before visiting. For a special occasion with more certainty, consider Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen instead.

Cafe Med is a Mediterranean option in Germantown, the suburban Memphis corridor where the cuisine type is thin on the ground. Booking is easy and the strip-mall setting runs quiet enough for conversation. Data on hours, pricing, and menus is limited, so call ahead. For a broader view of Memphis dining, see Pearl's full guide.

Catherine & Mary's anchors Memphis's South Main Arts District as a venue worth returning to rather than visiting once. Booking is easy and the neighborhood rewards a longer evening across multiple spots. Specific pricing and hours are not confirmed in our data — verify directly before visiting.

Coastal Fish Company fills a genuine gap in Memphis's dining picture — a seafood-focused option in a city built around barbecue and hot chicken. Booking is easy, the location near Shelby Farms suggests a quieter room than downtown alternatives, and it's a practical choice for weekend brunch if you want something off the city's usual protein rotation.

Flying Fish is a casual, easy-to-book downtown Memphis option at 105 S 2nd St, suited to first-timers and walk-in diners who want a low-pressure meal near the riverfront and Beale Street. It is not a destination restaurant, but it delivers convenience in a part of the city where that counts. For a more serious meal, Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen is the better call.

Gus's World Famous Chicken is the Memphis hot chicken reference worth building an evening around. Ranked #94 on OAD Cheap Eats North America (2024) and rated 4.6 from over 6,400 reviews, it runs evening-only hours Thursday to Monday. Walk-ins work fine — arrive at 7 PM on peak nights to avoid a wait. Casual, accessible, and worth repeat visits to dial in your heat level.

Iris on Poplar Ave is an accessible East Memphis dining option suited to unhurried evenings and group bookings without the reservation stress. Booking is easy — a real advantage over harder-to-book Memphis peers. Confirm hours before a late visit, but for a considered night out in this part of the city, Iris is a practical and rewarding choice.

Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana is East Memphis's most reliable counter-service Mexican option, offering home-style regional cooking at deli prices in a no-frills strip-mall setting. It is not a destination dinner, but for a weekday lunch or casual group meal in a part of town dominated by chains and upscale American spots, it earns a clear recommendation.