Southern comfort, global influence, local ingredients

Sally Walker Davies

By Sally Walker Davies, Local Expert, Memphis
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Out of all the restaurants in a city, 10Best narrows the options to those places with the most appeal and the best reputations. We offer carefully vetted selections to let you explore Memphis dining on your own. If time is really tight, though, and you don't have the leisure to look through all our offerings, we present our Memphis Best Restaurants list. Here, we distill the best businesses down to a special selection of ten. These places promise a stellar experience and a taste of the city that you just can't miss.
  • 1

    Restaurant Iris

    Local Expert Tip: "English opens one Sunday a month for a scrumptious brunch; call ahead or check the Web site for updated information. "

     
     
  • 2

    Mosa Asian Bistro

    Local Expert Tip: "Hit the White Station location on nice nights to take advantage of the al fresco dining - and the evening happy hour, when glasses of wine are just $3."

     
     
  • 3

    Sweet Grass

    Local Expert Tip: "This is a SABS (Seen And Be Seen) kind of spot, so reservations are a must. "

     
     
  • 4

    Acre Restaurant

    Local Expert Tip: "Do try Acre's signature blackberry martini - it's a must-drink, not too sweet and blissfully strong. "

     
     
  • 5

    Paulette's

    Local Expert Tip: "Save a little money by trying Paulette's for Sunday breakfast; the signature popovers and strawberry butter and excellent service are in evidence during brunch, with egg dishes and many entrees offered for under $10. "

     
     
  • 6

    Chez Philippe

    4

    based on 23 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "A Petit Philippe menu is offered after 9 p.m. in the hotel's Lobby Bar - a great way to try small plates of the famed cuisine without breaking the bank."

     
     
  • 7

    Folk's Folly Prime Steak House

    4

    based on 38 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "When reserving a table at Folk's Folly, be sure to ask for a spot in one of the smaller dining rooms. The largest room, while certainly comfortable, lacks intimacy and is best for business-style get-togethers. "

     
     
  • 8

    Alchemy

    Local Expert Tip: "Arrive before 7:00 if you want to be sure of a table; parking in Cooper-Young is limited but Alchemy offers a $6 valet option."

     
     
  • 9

    Central BBQ

    5

    based on 232 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "Barbecue joints in Memphis tend to close shop earlier than most other restaurants, so be sure to arrive at Central with plenty of time to enjoy your meal - by 8:30 most nights, as the restaurant closes at 9 daily."

     
     
  • 10

    Erling Jensen - The Restaurant

    5

    based on 41 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "An extensive bar menu is a delightful way to enjoy Erling Jensen's creative flair with food; his take on pizza combines duck confit with lemon and arugula, while the traditional bar burger goes upscale through the use of buffalo instead of traditional ground beef. "