Alexandra Ramirez
Elvis’s birth place is a popular destination for travelers to visit but there are many other things besides The King of Rock N Roll that bring people here to this bustling city. One of the draws is the abundance of southern food and other types of restaurants that will thrill even the pickiest eater. Foodies will love the different southern style offerings, barbecue joints and fine dining establishments that Memphis has. We’ve listed the best places to eat in Memphis below so you can get started on your culinary adventure with a little bit of direction. With so many places to choose from it can be challenging to know where to start. This list will help get you started on a tasty journey into the food that Memphis has to offer.
Soul Fish Café
Visit: Soul Fish Café
Soul Fish Café is the perfect place to go to have a quick lunch during the work day or to have dinner with the family. The menu is full of southern kitchen favorites like Po’Boys served on New Orleans French bread, salads, fish tacos, and many entrees including Blackened Salmon served with fresh vegetables or the popular shrimp basket with 12 jumbo fried shrimp that is served with vegetables and hushpuppies. They are known for having the best fried catfish and fresh vegetables in Memphis and once you’ve tasted their food you will agree. There is also a variety of craft beers that are made locally and wine that you can add to your meal as well.
Silky O’ Sullivan’s
Visit: Silky O’ Sullivan’s
There are many things that make Silky O’Sullivan’s a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The excellent, tasty menu is full of fresh ingredients that are the highest-quality possible. Whether you start with one of their delicious appetizers or salads or jump straight to the entrees like their famous ribs you will get to experience and enjoy some of the best cooking in the Mid-South. In addition to their delicious ribs there is a selection of Cajun food, chicken, oysters, shrimp, burgers, fish N chips baskets, appetizers, soups and delicious desserts too. No matter what you are craving, Silky’s will have something for everyone at the table. Don’t forget to check out the fully stocked bar that has plenty of beer, wine and cocktails to choose from.
Blue’s City Café
Visit: Blue’s City Café
In 1991, Blues City Café opened under the name of Doc’s Eat Place. The name changed to Blue’s City Café in 1993 with a menu that features foods that the locals of Memphis and Beale Street as well as visitors would love. Ribs were the focal point and still are today along with other items that have been added over the years Blue’s City has been opened including catfish, steaks, tamales and more. Blue’s focuses on serving guests the highest quality food and speedy, professional service that takes care of the guests’ needs while still friendly and welcoming. Blue’s City has been the home of many famous Blue’s Singers including such notables as BB King, Little Jimmy King, Jerry Lee Lewis and many more. It has also been a stopping place for many famous politicians and celebrities like Robert Duval, Tom Cruise, Robert Platt, former President Bill Clinton and others. You never know who you will see when you dine at Blue City Café.
Brooklyn Bridge Italian Restaurant
Visit: Brooklyn Bridge Italian Restaurant
If you are looking for the perfect Italian restaurant to have your romantic dinner or family gathering, Brooklyn Bridge Italian Restaurant is what you’re looking for. Brooklyn Bridge believes in providing guests with superior food, attentive and personal service and an intimate atmosphere to make your dinner something truly special. This full-service restaurant has a casual vibe that still provides the ambience you are looking for when having a special night out. The menu specializes in Italian cuisine and is full of tons of classic pasta dishes and other Italian specialties such as the Shrimp fra Diavolo featuring sautéed shrimp with crushed red pepper and fresh basil served in a white wine marinara over fettuccine. If it’s Italian, then chances are Brooklyn Bridge is going to have it or something close to it to please your palate.
Red Koi JapaneseCuisine
Visit: Red Koi JapaneseCuisine
The goal of the Red Koi staff is that every guest that comes in to dine leaves happy. The restaurant serves fine Japanese cuisine that has been prepared by skilled chefs from the highest quality ingredients. You can enjoy classic Japanese dishes, express hibachi, and delicious sushi in an elegant dining atmosphere that has a decided modern look as well. The full bar serves plenty of your favorite beverages including a large variety of cocktails. The hibachi dinners and combination dinners provide plenty of food and are served with vegetables, fried rice, and either a salad or clear soup. You can choose from steak, lobster, chicken and several selections of seafood and fish. You can also choose from the Japanese classics like chicken tempura, several different kinds of fried rice and much more. The menu at Red Koi is large and provides something for everyone.
Flying Fish
Visit: Flying Fish
This fast casual Fish place will really appeal to those who love laid back atmospheres with no stress. The Flying Fish has an extensive menu of favorites including tilapia, shrimp, and catfish as well as shrimp & oysters, crab legs, crawfish and so much more. They also have a special of the day that can be grilled salmon, tilapia or trout depending on what is in season. In fact, the Flying Fish menu is actually huge, with tons of fish basket meals offered, side dishes like fried okra and pickled green tomatoes, appetizers, salads and more. For those who don’t feel like fish there are burgers, salads, and chicken tenders too. They also offer a kids menu with several selections. The Kid’s boat meals include fries and a drink for the little ones. There are also plenty of homemade margaritas, bottled beer and ice cold beer on tap to go with your meal. Don’t forget to ask about the “Liar’s Wall” when you visit the Flying Fish.
Memphis Pizza Café
Visit: Memphis Pizza Café
Great pizza from an authentic pizza joint that really knows how to create masterpieces is hard to beat. At Memphis Pizza café, they are known for their excellent thin-crust pizzas as well as their cold drinks, fresh salads and delicious sandwiches. The pizza dough is made fresh every day and is never frozen. It does not contain any dairy products or sugar either. Memphis Pizza Café only uses the freshest vegetables, cheeses and meats to create their pizzas and other food offerings. You can get carry out service if you want to take your food home or have a meal in the restaurant with family or friends. Choose one of the specialty pizzas that MPC offers such as the Cajun Chicken Supreme or the “Hey Meat!” pizza loaded with all your favorite meats like pepperoni, sausage, bacon, Canadian bacon and beef, or create your own from a huge list of delicious, fresh ingredients that include sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, artichoke hearts and much more. If you don’t feel like pizza, order from the other selections they offer like delicious calzones or mouth-watering sandwiches.
Salsa Mexican Restaurant
Visit: Salsa Mexican Restaurant
Salsa Mexican Restaurant was opened in 1991 and holds the distinction of being the only restaurant offering Southern California Cuisine in the mid-south area. The owner, Cesar Parra, is from San Diego California and brought all of the unique recipes he used and the Southern California style to Memphis. Salsas is committed to providing every guest with a great dining experience by serving great food that has been prepared with the freshest, high-quality ingredients at a reasonable price too. The innovative dishes on the menu, along with weekly seafood specials please guests time and time again. Come dine in the cozy dining room or you can reserve the balcony dining area for private gatherings if you choose. The bar is also a favorite gathering place for guests where you can enjoy one of their delicious margaritas.
Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Visit: Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar is the perfect place to have a romantic dinner for two or a gathering with friends over great food and drinks. The selection of steaks, including their new Ribeye that is prepared with a popular dry-age process is just the tip of the iceberg. Flemings has a passion for serving their guests the finest selections of fresh seafood, perfectly prepared steaks and other signature dishes. They offer a diverse selection that includes entrees like their double breast of roasted chicken served with a delicious white wine and mushroom sauce or the cold water King Crab Legs. They also offer over 100 wines to choose from that are offered by the glass. There is also a bar where you can order a delicious cocktail, after-dinner drink or dine from the Bar le Carte menu and enjoy some of the dual happy hour specials.
Memphis Chop House
Visit: Memphis Chop House
Grilling over mesquite wood is a popular way to prepare foods so they have a delicious, smoky flavor that can’t be beat. Memphis Chop House grills their fine cuts of pork and beef over mesquite logs that have come all the way from Texas. The menu also includes mouthwatering selections of seafood and chicken for those who may not be in the mood for beef. Each entrée includes side dishes like the sautéed corn and peppers or made-fresh-daily potatoes au gratin to choose from. The steaks served at Memphis Chop House are only USDA Prime steaks so you can be sure that you are getting the best of the best. The restaurant’s standard of service is unmatched, making sure that their dedication to providing guests with an incredible experience starts the second you walk through the door until your last bite of food is savored. The delicious foods you will consistently enjoy at Memphis Chop House come from their personally owned farm in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Woodland Farms.
