Get ready to dive into Memphis’s most mouthwatering and top-rated 5-star fine dining restaurants. From cozy bistros to sizzling hotspots, we’ve got your taste buds covered!
Whether you’re scouting the perfect spot for a romantic date night or aiming to impress your family with an exquisite dining experience, this list has got you covered. Memphis is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored, boasting a lively food scene that reflects the heart and soul of the city.
Gear up to journey into a world of delectable flavors and top-tier hospitality that showcases why Memphis is hailed as a food lover’s paradise.
Location: 255 S. Front St
Downtown
Nestled in Downtown, this spot’s all about top-tier eats with a global twist. Fine wines, killer cocktails, and a freakin’ cheese cart! From the tall windows behind the bar to the chic open kitchen, this place is a visual delight. Their globally-inspired menu will blow your taste buds away! We’re talking about the incredible foie gras macarons and the mouthwatering Wagyu steak tartare. Oh, and the bucatini with saffron? Absolute heaven!
Location: 712 W Brookhaven Cir
East Memphis
Italian cuisine meets our Southern roots in the heart of our city. Born and bred Memphians, Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman are the brains behind this place, bringing innovative Italian flavors blended with our local traditions. These dudes have culinary creds from Charleston, South Carolina, and Italy itself! They’ve got restaurants that have rocked the foodie world, earning nods from James Beard, GQ, Southern Living, and even The New York Times!
Location: 545 S Main St #111 (inside Central Station Hotel)
Downtown
Bishop has some of the best French food on this side of the Mississippi by none other than Memphis restauranteurs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman (masterminds behind Hog and Hominy, Catherine and Mary’s, and many more).
Location: 2519 Broad Ave
Binghampton/Broad Avenue Arts District
This 100% gluten-free eatery is serving up delicacies. Chef Andrew Armstrong’s flipping the script on flavors. It’s all about local freshness and creativity here. Join them for brunch or outside on their patio to see a stellar view of Broad Avenue at sunset.
Location: 6065 Poplar Ave
East Memphis
The epitome of 5-star fine dining and steakhouse experience is right down Poplar Avenue. Succulent steaks, fresh seafood, and a vibe that’s pure Memphis class. From the moment you step in, you’re treated like royalty, and their steaks? They’re legendary. But hey, don’t take our word for it – book your table, gather your crew, and indulge in a Memphis dining experience that’ll have you coming back for more.
Location: 272 S. Main St, Suite 105-A
Downtown
The 5-star spot where the magic of Tuscan and Sicilian cooking meets Downtown vibes. Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman are behind this gem, dishing out flavors that’ll make you feel right at home while hitting you with something new. They’re all about that comforting feel of Grandma’s cooking but with a dash of excitement. Located at the corner of S. Main Street and MLK Dr., this place’s got that Memphis heart and global flavor.
Location: 149 Union Ave
Downtown
Interested in afternoon tea with the girls? Hit up Chez Phillipe at the Peabody and try their divine tea and pastries. Can’t make it to afternoon tea? Try a four or seven course tasting menu blending American and French cuisines.
Location: 415 Great View Drive East
Cordova
A 5-star restaurant in Memphis that serves up seafood that’ll make your taste buds dance the Beale Street blues! With fresh catches (def not straight from the Mississippi), this spot brings the ocean to the heart of the city. Dive into flavors that scream Memphis while you soak in the lake views of Shelby Farms Park.
Location: 1044 South Yates
East Memphis
Chef Erling Jensen, born and bred in Denmark, has been cooking up a storm since he was a teenager and now has accolades like ‘Best Chef in Memphis’. Looking for a quick bite? Check out their bar. We recommend the EJ burger with their delicious truffle parm fries.
Location: 716 West Brookhaven Cir
East Memphis
A small, chef-driven gem in our city that’s all about fresh eats. Chef Dave Krog’s the mastermind here, cookin’ up magic inspired by nature itself. He’s tight with local farmers, bringing in the best seasonal stuff straight to your plate. And let’s talk about their game plan: their menu’s a chameleon, changing with the seasons and what’s growing in our local farms.
Location: 39 S. Main St
Downtown
Step into Flight, smack dab in downtown Memphis. Picture this: multiple dining options all under one roof. Downstairs, it’s alive with chatter and energy, perfect for mingling with friends or sealing the deal. Need a quick bite? The bar’s your spot. Head upstairs for a more intimate vibe, cozy booths, and Main Street views – ideal for business or a romantic evening.
Location: 551 S. Mendenhall
East Memphis
Make your way to Folk’s Folly, a slice of Memphis history since ’77. It’s more than a 5-star restaurant – it’s a story, born from a local visionary turned steakhouse pioneer. Before you savor their legendary prime steaks, though, peep that dress code policy. This spot’s all about classy vibes and heritage.
Location: 4550 Poplar Ave
East Memphis
Memphis-legend Kelly English chefs it up at Restaurant Iris, Memphis’ take on classic Creole dining. They’ve got it all: lunch, dinner, brunch, cocktails, and even a killer to-go menu for those nights you wanna dine in your PJs. After kickin’ it in Midtown for fifteen years, they’ve moved to East Memphis. They’ve got space for your special events and private parties, too!
Location: 145 Beale St
Downtown
Above BB King’s Blues Club and named after BB King’s birthplace, this 5-star joint embodies everything we love about our Southern roots. Whether it’s a chill date night or a big celebration, they’ve got you covered. From juicy Center Cut Filet Mignon to the finger-licking-good Shrimp and Grits, their menu’s a flavor adventure! And the best part? No fancy jackets needed here – just come as you are and soak up that unbeatable Southern hospitality.
Location: 50 Harbor Town Square
Downtown/Harbor Town
Paulette’s isn’t just your run-of-the-mill spot – it’s a 5-star gem that’s been dishing out beloved recipes and chef’s creations for 40 years, earning its stripes as a Memphis institution. It’s the go-to spot for everything from family gatherings to romantic dinners and even weddings – yeah, they’re that good. Tender steaks, fresh fish, Sunday Brunch, and those hot popovers with strawberry butter that’ll make your taste buds sing. Paulette’s boasts an ambiance that’s unparalleled, set against the stunning river backdrop in Harbor Town.
Location: 2125 Madison Ave
Midtown
Step into the inviting ambiance of Porch and Parlor right in Overton Square, where every dish tells a story of Memphis’s culinary heritage. From savory Southern classics to innovative fusions, indulge in flavors that captivate. Don’t miss the chance to savor Memphis differently – reserve your table at Porch and Parlor today and treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience!
Make an Impact in Memphis Schools
Location: 6085 Poplar Ave
East Memphis
Your go-to 5-star restaurant in Memphis for seasonal goodness and a lineup of 52 wines by the glass. Seasons52 is all about fresh eats, oak-fired grilling, and brick oven roasting – no fryers in sight!
Location: 2285 S. Germantown Rd
Germantown
Nestled by the old Southern Railway’s historic Germantown Depot, this 5-star restaurant’s all about Southern vibes and top-notch flavors. From fresh seafood to prime steaks to brunch, their chef-inspired menu’s a winner. And let’s talk drinks – their specialty cocktails and award-winning wine selection? Absolute game-changers!
Location: 7515 Poplar Ave, Suite 101
Germantown
If you’re craving a taste of American goodness, you gotta hit up Stoney River in Germantown. Their menu’s a flavor-packed journey through classic American dishes that’ll make your taste buds sing. Whether it’s a luscious Lobster Roll, juicy Steak & Eggs, or that Southern comfort of Chicken Biscuit, they’ve got your cravings covered. Dive into their $6 Brunch Cocktails. Plus, they’re all about gatherings – so bring your crew or plan that private dinner.
Location: 85 S. Second St
Downtown
Whether it’s a brunch date or a dinner gathering, Supper Club on Second knows how to throw down a meal that’ll make your taste buds dance. Their happy hour Thursdays through Saturdays from 5-7PM is fire. We recommend their Soul Rolls and an ice cold Mule.
Location: 117 Union Ave
Downtown
This 5-star spot’s all about elevating the game with above-the-bar cuisine in a chill setting. Think Southern charm meets top-notch flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing. Sizzling steaks. Executive happy hours. What more could you ask for? Plus, they’ve got the wine game on lock – honored by Wine Spectator for their stellar wine program!
