11 Memphis Food Finds You’ll Be Talking About for Weeks

Memphis isn’t just known for blues music and the mighty Mississippi River—it’s also a city where food takes center stage. From smoky BBQ joints that have been perfecting their craft for decades to creative restaurants pushing Southern flavors in exciting new directions, this city serves up unforgettable meals at every turn.

Whether you’re a local looking to expand your dining rotation or a visitor eager to taste what makes Memphis special, these eleven spots will leave you craving more long after your plate is empty.

1. Hog & Hominy

Chef Michael Hudman and Andrew Ticer created something truly special when they opened this restaurant. The menu changes with the seasons, but you can always count on bold flavors and creative combinations that surprise your taste buds in the best way possible.

Wood-fired pizzas share menu space with house-made pastas and locally sourced proteins, all prepared with serious attention to detail. The atmosphere feels upscale without being intimidating, making it perfect for date nights or celebrating something special.

2. The Beauty Shop

Walking into this restaurant feels like stepping back in time—because it actually used to be a beauty salon owned by Priscilla Presley. The original hair dryer chairs and vintage fixtures remain, creating one of Memphis’s most unique dining atmospheres you’ll find anywhere in the city.

Chef Karen Blockman Carrier crafts a menu that celebrates regional ingredients with global influences. Expect dishes like duck confit tacos, shrimp and grits with unexpected twists, and desserts that’ll make you want to order two.

3. Catherine & Mary’s

Italian-ish plates that feel special but not stuffy define this Cooper-Young neighborhood gem. Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman (yes, the same duo behind Hog & Hominy) bring their signature style to a more casual setting that still delivers impressive flavors.

The menu leans heavily on handmade pastas, wood-fired dishes, and shareable plates designed for groups. Everything arrives family-style, encouraging conversation and that communal dining experience that makes meals memorable.

Prices remain surprisingly reasonable considering the quality and creativity on every plate. The vibe stays relaxed and welcoming, whether you’re dressed up or keeping it casual in jeans and sneakers.

4. Elwood’s Shack

Beloved local spot with a what CAN’T they do menu pretty much sums up this Berryhill neighborhood favorite. From breakfast biscuits that could make you cry happy tears to po’boys stuffed with fried shrimp, the kitchen somehow nails everything they attempt.

The space itself keeps things simple—counter service, picnic tables, and walls covered in local art. But don’t let the laid-back atmosphere fool you; the food here competes with spots charging twice as much.

5. Central BBQ – Downtown location

When out-of-town guests arrive asking where to get authentic Memphis barbecue without driving all over the city, this location delivers without disappointment.

Ribs come perfectly smoked with that ideal bark on the outside and tender meat that pulls cleanly from the bone. The pulled pork nachos have developed their own cult following, and the BBQ pizza offers a creative twist on traditional plates.

Service moves quickly even during lunch rushes, and the portions are generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetite. Grab extra sauce bottles on your way out—you’ll want them later.

6. Cozy Corner Restaurant

No-frills, big-flavor Memphis BBQ classic describes this North Parkway institution perfectly. The building might not win any beauty contests, but what comes out of the smoker has earned this place a spot in the BBQ history books.

Cornish hen might seem like an unusual BBQ choice, but Cozy Corner made it their signature dish decades ago. Slow-smoked until the meat practically falls off the bone, it’s become the thing knowledgeable locals order first.

The BBQ bologna sandwich surprises first-timers who can’t imagine how good thick-cut smoked bologna can taste. Cash only, limited seating, and absolutely zero pretense—just honest barbecue done right for generations.

7. The Bar-B-Q Shop

Famous for BBQ spaghetti plus half dry half wet rib, this Midtown institution has been serving Memphis since 1982. The BBQ spaghetti—noodles tossed with pulled pork and tangy sauce—might sound strange, but one bite converts even the biggest skeptics.

Ordering ribs half dry and half wet lets you experience both Memphis styles without committing fully to either. The dry rub brings intense spice and smoke, while the wet ribs get basted in sweet, sticky sauce.

Dancing pigs decorate everything from the walls to the menus, creating a fun atmosphere that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

8. Payne’s Bar-B-Que

Iconic chopped pork sandwich with mustard slaw represents everything great about Memphis barbecue stripped down to its essential elements. This tiny orange building on Lamar has been smoking pork shoulders since 1972, and they’ve perfected their craft to an art form.

The chopped pork gets piled high on a soft bun, then topped with tangy mustard-based coleslaw that cuts through the richness perfectly. Hot sauce on the side lets you control the heat level to your preference.

9. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

The spicy-crispy Memphis must on everyone’s food bucket list starts with this downtown location of the legendary fried chicken chain. What began in Mason, Tennessee has spread across the country, but eating it in Memphis just hits different.

That first bite delivers serious heat—the spice builds gradually, so pace yourself and keep plenty of sweet tea nearby. The crust stays incredibly crispy while the chicken inside remains juicy, achieving that perfect texture balance so many places chase but rarely catch.

Sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and fried green tomatoes round out your plate nicely. Come hungry, leave happy, and maybe slightly sweaty from the spice.

10. Sunrise Memphis

Breakfast and brunch that locals keep in rotation makes this spot special in a city where morning meals often get overlooked. Chef Erik Twitty brings fine dining techniques to comfort food classics, elevating everything from scrambled eggs to French toast.

The menu changes seasonally but always features creative twists on familiar favorites alongside Southern staples done exceptionally well. Biscuits arrive fluffy and buttery, pancakes come stacked high, and the coffee stays hot throughout your meal.

11. Global Café

Global small plates plus a community-driven concept make this Cooper-Young restaurant unlike anything else in Memphis. The menu travels the world, offering dishes inspired by Mediterranean, Asian, African, and Latin American cuisines, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients when possible.

Small plate format encourages trying multiple dishes and sharing with your table, turning dinner into an adventure. Vegetarian and vegan options get the same creative attention as meat-based dishes, making it inclusive for diverse dietary preferences.

The restaurant partners with local nonprofits and hosts community events regularly, connecting food with social impact. Prices remain accessible despite the quality and creativity packed into every plate.