Whilst unequivocally BBQ is the official cuisine of Memphis, there’s certainly a bigger bite of the cherry (pie) to try.
It would be remiss of us to not wax lyrical on Memphis’ dazzling relationship to all things rib related and of course, we’ll give you the LD on all things BBQ so you can try this charcoaly fare for yourself.
There’s a plethora of amazing eateries available for you to try; from ethnic cuisine and fine dining to brilliant brunch spots and surprising shacks, if the quest is to find the best restaurants in Memphis, then why not grab a glass of ‘Hound Dog’ (you are in Memphis after all) and read our guide to where to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Breakfast
In Memphis, they know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day which is why you will find a great selection of eateries serving up both classic breakfast dishes as well as some slightly more unique signature specialities throughout the city.
If you are set up to smash your ‘things to do in Memphis’ list, you had better start the day right with a hearty morning meal powered by a coffee or two. All of which can be found at any one of these fantastic Memphis restaurants.
Here’s how to do breakfast Memphis style at some of the best restaurants in Memphis.
Brother Junipers
Brother Juniper’s is a must when visiting Memphis. Some say when it comes to breakfast, it’s one of the best restaurants in Memphis.
Not only do they offer a fantastic range of omelettes, – think roasted pepper and portobello mushroom, Gyro meat and omelettes as well as pancakes, waffles and biscuit dishes.
There’s plenty of vegetarian and vegan options and they also have some absolutely delicious baked goods like banana nut bread, cinnamon rolls and more.
Don’t forget to team it with a warming cup of rich, dark coffee and you’re good to go. Brother Juniper’s is popular with both visitors and locals alike and this little restaurant can get busy, but it’s absolutely worth a visit.
Bryant’s Breakfast
If you are looking for the ultimate Southern breakfast joint in Memphis, then Bryant’s Breakfast surely has to top the list of ‘best restaurants in Memphis’.
Bryant’s has been serving the locals breakfast and beyond since 1968 and when you taste their breakfast dishes, it’s easy to see why!
From gravy and biscuits to the most fluffy pancakes, it’s simple Southern fare at its finest and this little restaurant has received a lot of awards, including being named one of the top places to eat breakfast in the U.S. by Esquire magazine and USA Today.
Orbzii Insider Tip – Bryant’s only accepts cash so make sure you pay a visit to the cash machine before you visit.
Lunch
From beauty shop parlours to BBQ joints, if you are looking for not just some of the best restaurants in Memphis, but also the most quirky, you are in the right place.
When it comes to BBQ joints in Memphis, you will find them practically on every corner where you can find everything from big rib racks and pulled pork to slightly quirkier variations of this Southern speciality.
Tom’s Bar-B-Q
Featured on TV’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Tom’s Bar-B-Q is the perfect pit stop for some serious BBQ fare as you navigate your way around the city.
As well as more traditional BBQ fare, you can also try deviled eggs and smoked corn on the cob too.
Tom’s has been featured on many of the best restaurants in Memphis list and has been a perennial favourite for decades now. Don’t forget to try the homemade strawberry shortcake!.
Beauty Shop
Yep, you did read that right and Team Orbzii are waxing lyrical about one of the best restaurants in Memphis and not about where to get yourself prepared to perfection.
The Beauty Shop is a genius restaurant concept which is housed in a former beauty salon. Whilst food is definitely the focus, you can choose to dine under a vintage hair dryer. It’s kitsch, fabulous and eclectic and that’s just the decor.
The menu is excellent for both lunch and dinner; think with a twist. Think watermelon and wings, herb crusted trout, cheese grits and succotash, mustard-seed seared scallops and other delicious dishes.
They also have some of the best cocktails (including the most epic Bloody Marys) and some of the most jaw-dropping desserts in Memphis.
Dinner
From oodles of grits and fried catfish to BBQ, there’s plenty of must-try dishes in the music city of Memphis, but if you are looking for something a little bit different – where do you go?
There’s always been a strong foodie scene in Memphis, but every year more and more enterprising chefs and restaurateurs are adding a frisson of excitement to the Memphis culinary scene which is fast becoming a haven for foodies not just from the USA, but from all around the world.
Flight
Elegant and eclectic, this downtown restaurant serves all dishes in a trio of flights, making it ideal for those who get serious food FOMO from the next table! Flight is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Memphis and it’s certainly not just style over substance.
Choose from a carefully curated selection of dishes including the popular steak flight which emphasises why you really do need to try all three dishes.
You can try Kahlúa-glazed elk tenderloin served with truffle macaroni, a boursin-stuffed fillet as well as the bison rib-eye with wild mushroom risotto. Hungry? You won’t leave Flight wanting more – other than to have this dining experience all over again.
Felicia Suzanne's
Taking Southern staples and elevating them with her own creative riff of dishes inspired by her childhood. Drawing inspiration from Creole cuisine, Gulf Coast seafood cooking and shaped the menu at Felicia Suzanne’s.
Expect to try chicken crepes, duck and mushroom lasagne, crispy Gulf oysters with New Orleans BBQ sauce and more. With these combinations, visitors queue around the block to dine out at one of the best restaurants in Memphis.
