A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.
Local favorites & classics
Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous. Downtown · Barbecue — Operating since 1948, the Rendezvous invented the Memphis dry-rub rib style — charcoal-broiled (not smoked) and finished with a proprietary Greek-spiced seasoning blend.…
Central BBQ. Multiple locations (Central Ave. and Downtown) · Barbecue — Consistently voted Memphis's top barbecue, Central BBQ is famous for slow-smoked pulled pork, brisket, and its signature BBQ nachos topped…
Cozy Corner Restaurant. Uptown · Barbecue / Soul — A Memphis institution since 1977 at 735 N. Parkway, Cozy Corner is famous for its smoked Cornish hens, BBQ spaghetti, and barbecue bologna — a beloved local specialty…
McEwen's Memphis. Downtown (Monroe Avenue) · Southern / New American — An upscale yet approachable downtown stalwart since 1997, McEwen's offers an eclectic menu blending Southern comfort with European flair — shrimp…
Hog & Hominy. East Memphis · Italian-Southern Fusion — A nationally acclaimed restaurant blending Italian technique with Southern ingredients — wood-fired pizza, house-made pasta, and creative Southern-Italian…
Second Line. Midtown · New Orleans / Cajun-Creole — Bringing the flavors of New Orleans to Midtown Memphis, Second Line serves gumbo, étouffée, po' boys, and beignets in a convivial, music-infused setting. A…
B.B. King's Blues Club. 143 Beale St · 4.6★ (12,232 reviews)
Blues City Cafe. 138 Beale St · 4.5★ (7,531 reviews)
Cafés, bakeries & casual
The Arcade Restaurant. South Main Arts District · American Diner / Breakfast — Open since 1919, the Arcade is Memphis's oldest café and a historic landmark in the South Main Arts District. Elvis Presley was a regular and…
Soul Fish Cafe. Cooper-Young, Midtown · Southern / Seafood — A Cooper-Young neighborhood staple on South Cooper Street, Soul Fish serves authentic Southern soul food including catfish po' boys, fish tacos, and…
Café Eclectic. 603 N McLean Blvd · 4.4★ (1,787 reviews)
Butteriffic Bakery & Cafe. 488 S 2nd St · 4.8★ (665 reviews)
Aldar Cafe. 4514 Summer Ave Suite 1 · 4.9★ (483 reviews)
Memphis Chess Club. 195 Madison Ave · 4.7★ (608 reviews)
Otherlands Coffee Bar. 641 Cooper St · 4.4★ (926 reviews)
Fine dining & Michelin
Payne's Bar-B-Que. Lamar Avenue · Barbecue — A family-owned pit stop operating since 1972 and widely considered one of America's great pork-sandwich destinations. The chopped pork sandwich topped with mustard-based…
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. Downtown (South Main) · Southern / Fried Chicken — Started in Mason, Tennessee, and now globally recognized, Gus's serves spicy, crunchy fried chicken with a cult following. The downtown location at…
Coastal Fish Company. 415 Great View Dr E · 4.6★ (2,232 reviews)
Southern Social. 2285 S Germantown Rd · 4.7★ (1,622 reviews)
Porch and Parlor. 2125 Madison Ave · 4.8★ (1,278 reviews)
Folk's Folly Prime Steak House. 551 S Mendenhall Rd · 4.6★ (1,741 reviews)
The Capital Grille. 6065 Poplar Ave · 4.6★ (1,663 reviews)
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. 6245 Poplar Ave · 4.5★ (1,420 reviews)