Memphis Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Memphis. Your complete guide to dining in Memphis.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Memphis! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Memphis has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Memphis's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Memphis like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Memphis offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Memphis.
Esco Memphis Restaurant & Tapas
Highly rated American in Memphis with 4.7 stars from 1982 reviews.
📍 158 Lt. George W Lee Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar
Highly rated Seafood in Memphis with 4.8 stars from 2968 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 39 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Seafood cuisine
Porch and Parlor
Highly rated Steakhouse in Memphis with 4.8 stars from 1131 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 2125 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Steakhouse cuisine
Docks Off 5th
Highly rated Restaurant in Memphis with 4.8 stars from 723 reviews.
📍 310 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
B.B. King's Blues Club
Highly rated Bar in Memphis with 4.6 stars from 11634 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 143 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Blues City Cafe
Highly rated Steakhouse in Memphis with 4.4 stars from 7159 reviews.
📍 138 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Steakhouse cuisine
Amelia Gene’s
Highly rated American in Memphis with 4.7 stars from 242 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 255 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
JEM
Highly rated Restaurant in Memphis with 4.9 stars from 69 reviews.
📍 644 Madison Ave #102, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Sunrise Memphis (Downtown)
Highly rated Restaurant in Memphis with 4.6 stars from 2431 reviews.
📍 670 Jefferson Ave, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Sage Restaurant
Highly rated Seafood in Memphis with 4.5 stars from 1725 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 94 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Seafood cuisine
Elwood's Shack
Highly rated Restaurant in Memphis with 4.7 stars from 2690 reviews.
📍 4523 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous
Highly rated Restaurant in Memphis with 4.4 stars from 6909 reviews.
📍 52 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Memphis.
The Fresh Market
Highly rated Bakery in Memphis with 4.4 stars from 1051 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 2145 Union Ave #110, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
South Point Grocery
Highly rated International in Memphis with 4.7 stars from 266 reviews.
📍 136 Webster Ave, Memphis, TN 38126, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
South Memphis Farmers Market
Highly rated International in Memphis with 4.6 stars from 108 reviews.
📍 1400 Mississippi Blvd, Memphis, TN 38106, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Cordelia's Market
Highly rated Cafe in Memphis with 4.6 stars from 628 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 737 Harbor Bend Rd, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Cordova International Farmer's Market
Highly rated International in Memphis with 4.5 stars from 2605 reviews.
📍 1150 N Germantown Pkwy, Cordova, TN 38016, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Winchester Farmers Market
Highly rated International in Memphis with 4.3 stars from 1680 reviews.
📍 6616 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38115, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
The Fresh Market
Highly rated Bakery in Memphis with 4.3 stars from 528 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 9375 Poplar Ave, Germantown, TN 38138, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
The Fresh Market
Highly rated Bakery in Memphis with 4.3 stars from 481 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 835 S White Station Rd, Memphis, TN 38117, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Memphis.
Tastin' Round Town Food Tours
Highly rated International in Memphis with 4.9 stars from 90 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Memphis.
Crazy Gander Coffee Company
Highly rated Cafe in Memphis with 4.8 stars from 318 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 150 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Humble Drip
Highly rated Bakery in Memphis with 4.9 stars from 70 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 7 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Otherlands Coffee Bar
Highly rated Cafe in Memphis with 4.4 stars from 891 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 641 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Aldar Cafe
Highly rated Pizza in Memphis with 4.9 stars from 382 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 4514 Summer Ave Suite 1, Memphis, TN 38122, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Pizza cuisine
Café Eclectic
Highly rated Restaurant in Memphis with 4.4 stars from 1752 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 603 N McLean Blvd, Memphis, TN 38107, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
The Garden Brunch Cafe Memphis
Highly rated Restaurant in Memphis with 4.8 stars from 602 reviews.
📍 492 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Voodoo Cafe
Highly rated Cafe in Memphis with 4.9 stars from 388 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 2780 Bartlett Blvd, Bartlett, TN 38134, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Cxffeeblack
Highly rated Cafe in Memphis with 4.9 stars from 178 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 3386 Bowen Ave, Memphis, TN 38122, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Memphis.
Signature Dish
A must-try Memphis specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Memphis dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Memphis with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Memphis specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Memphis creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Memphis classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Memphis specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Memphis dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Memphis with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Memphis specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Memphis.
Bardog Tavern
Highly rated Bar in Memphis with 4.5 stars from 1812 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 73 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Earnestine & Hazel's
Highly rated Bar in Memphis with 4.6 stars from 911 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 531 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Silly Goose Lounge
Highly rated Pizza in Memphis with 4.3 stars from 804 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 100 Peabody Pl Suite 190, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Pizza cuisine
Bar Hustle
Highly rated Pizza in Memphis with 4.7 stars from 54 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 477 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Pizza cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Memphis Whistle
Highly rated Bar in Memphis with 4.8 stars from 218 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2299 Young Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Fat Tuesday Downtown Memphis
Highly rated Bar in Memphis with 4.6 stars from 380 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 8 S Main St Suite 101, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Memphis's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Memphis vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Memphis is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Memphis offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Memphis specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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