Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Memphis

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Memphis? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

McEwen's on Monroe

4.9

4.9 (2098)

$30 and under

Southern

Downtown

About the restaurant

McEwen’s on Monroe is passionate. Passionate about food, passionate about wine, and passionate about creating a place you long to come back to again and again. An eclectic blend of styles with the largest emphasis on Southern food raised to new and unusual heights. Lunch offers a wide array of excellent sandwiches, salads and business entrees, while dinner leans toward the more elaborate and inventive. Our commitment to a relaxed atmosphere and charming personality has enabled McEwen’s on Monroe to become one of Downtown’s most comfortable restaurants. Employing a knowledgeable and attentive staff always at the ready. In addition to the bar and dining room, our wine cellar is available for parties up to 20 people.

Top review

Rafe

Dined 1 day ago

McEwen’s is a downtown staple for fine dining. I’ve never had an anything but amazing food and excellent service.

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Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (9850)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar is a full service restaurant with multiple dining selections for a guest to enjoy in a single dining experience. Flight offers the finest service featuring a knowledgeable wait staff from which guests can gain valuable insight to enhance their dining experience.

Flight offers several distinct dining options: On the main floor, there is the hustle and bustle of friends and business people gathering together. The bar is a welcoming place for those dining alone to meet friends yet unmet, or for those who want a quick bite. On the balcony level, the booths and small tables, some overlooking Main Street, offer more privacy for business or a romantic date night.

Please check The Wine Cellar at Flight Restaurant for additional dining options.

Top review

Morthon

Dined 4 days ago

Amazing food and service. One of the best in Memphis

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4.9

4.9 (808)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Memphis

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Cooper Young, a historic Midtown restaurant and retail destination, Tsunami is a Pacific Rim-inspired restaurant where guests can feel like globetrotters from the comfort of their own table.

Award-winning owner and Chef Ben Smith fuses various ethnic cuisines—from Asia and the South Pacific to France and the American South—to create unique and flavorful small plates and seafood specialties.

The cozy restaurant, adorned with local art and handmade accents, offers a unique bar centerpiece with fine wines and liquors, local draft beers, and daily-rotating specialty cocktails.

Consistently named “Best Seafood Restaurant” in the Memphis Magazine and Memphis Flyer, coveted Tsunami entrées including a spice-crusted tuna with wasabi vinaigrette, beef tenderloin with smoked chile butter, and roasted seabass with black Thai rice and soy beurre blanc.

Top review

Mary

Dined 3 days ago

This is by far one of my favorite restaurants! The food is exceptional and always consistent, as is the service.

Amelia Gene's

4.8

4.8 (410)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Amelia Gene’s, Downtown’s finest dining experience, welcomes a contemporary, globally inspired palate artfully designed to impress. Fine wines, classic cocktails, proper bites, and a can’t-miss cheese cart transport diners through a culinary journey with distinct hospitality that can only be found in this state-of-the-art, reclaimed space in Downtown Memphis.

Our menu emphasizes seasonality and a dedication to ingredient-driven preparations. Our Chef's culinary philosophy is characterized by restraint, allowing the innate qualities of the ingredients to eloquently express themselves. Our establishment is located adjacent to the Caption by Hyatt Hotel.

Top review

Greg

Dined 2 days ago

Victor was our server. He was outstanding. We ordered several things from the menu. All the food was great. I will be back to try more food. This is a Memphis Must !!!😀

The Beauty Shop

4.7

4.7 (2810)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Memphis

About the restaurant

Due to Covid regulations and our assurance of social distancing, we have decided to incorporate, The Beauty Shop, our sister music club, Bar DKDC, our newest Back Dō Oasis Patio behind the Beauty Shop and our patio out front of the Beauty Shop.

In addition to the two outdoor igloos, we also now have multiple greenhouses outside to assist in social distancing and outdoor eating even during cold or rainy weather. These can be reserved via outdoor table bookings.

This is one way we can keep social distancing in place and still give all of you a great experience when you come back to see us.
We are looking forward to seeing all of you! We are doing everything we can to make sure your dining experience is comfortable and safe.

Top review

Cynthia

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

I had a lovely lunch with an old friend. The atmosphere was completely comfortable. The waitress was attentive but not cloying, and the food was out of this world! The grilled cheese sandwich was super . I’ll definitely order again the next time I eat there, which will be soon, I hope!

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Popular dish

Steak & Eggs

Tiger and Peacock

4.7

4.7 (491)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Midtown / Cooper

About the restaurant

For parties of six or more please call 901-538-7313 to make your reservation.

You won’t want to miss the commanding views at our rooftop bar, situated right in the midst of all of the action. Like Overton Square below, this is a destination dedicated to celebrating the best of the Memphis way of life – the art, music, culture and soul. Showcasing ingredient-forward cocktails and approachable bar fare ideal for sharing, this is the place to take in all that Midtown has to offer.

Dress Code-Smart casual. Dress to impress. Baseball caps and beanies are not allowed and men must have on a collared shirt, sweater or blazer. All genders no athletic apparel (tank tops, spandex, or sweatpants). Undergarments should not be exposed.

Our parking lot is for overnight hotel guests only. Parking is located at the Overton Square Garage. Please bring a valid ID.

This is a smoke free and weapon free environment. We encourage synergy between all of our guests. We look forward to your visit.

Top review

MichaelVIP

Dined on Nov 23, 2024

Great place for drinks after a show in the heart of the performing arts district in Memphis!

Complicated Pilgrim

4.6

4.6 (251)

$30 and under

American

Midtown / Cooper

About the restaurant

Located at the cultural heart of Overton Square, Complicated Pilgrim is an ideal respite for the weary traveler or local city slicker. Here our eclectic menu is served with a side of world-class service and a “door is always open” vibe. Enjoy local and regional fare inspired by our own distinctly Memphian perspective, paying special mind to fresh ingredients and partners who share our values of community and quality. Stop by the coffee-to-cocktail bar to get your day started and to end your night on a high note. Now serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Complicated Pilgrim parking is located at the Overton Square Garage. We look forward to your visit.

Top review

Rey

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Good food, nice selection in a beautiful setting.

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Popular dish

Brussels Sprouts

Esco Memphis Restaurant & Tapas

4.5

4.5 (182)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Experience Culinary Excellence at ESCO Memphis!

Indulge in a culinary journey where dining becomes an art form.

Signature Dish: Delight in Chef P's masterpiece, Blackened Catfish, a culinary work of art that captures the essence of ESCO Memphis' creativity.

Nearby Landmarks: Located in the heart of the city, ESCO offers easy access to iconic landmarks like the Fedex Forum and steps away from Beale Street, providing a perfect backdrop for your dining experience.

Atmosphere: ESCO's ambiance is an enchanting blend of chic sophistication and inviting comfort. Whether you seek an intimate, romantic evening or a lively gathering with friends, our setting caters to all occasions.

Join us at ESCO Memphis and immerse yourself in a world where dining is elevated to an art form. Reserve your table now to savor the ESCO experience, where every meal is a masterpiece and every visit is a memorable celebration of taste and aesthetics.

Top review

Nikita

Dined 2 days ago

Always a great experience at Esco service is great drinks are a plus

Tekila Mexican Cuisine / Steakhouse

4.3

4.3 (122)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Memphis

About the restaurant

Welcome to our inaugural Mexican Steak House, where we proudly introduce a pioneering concept to the Mid-South region. Our esteemed chefs from Mexico have meticulously curated the menu, infusing it with their expertise and craftsmanship. Prepare to embark on an unparalleled culinary journey, promising an experience unlike any other in the Mid-South. (DRESS CODE:SMART CASUAL).

Top review

Kimberly

Dined on Dec 4, 2024

The whole experience was amazing! From entry to exit, everyone was so nice. The food was amazing! The drinks! Omg the drinks! I especially loved the cute cart and the drink that was made in front of me! Soooo cute! We will be back! 10’s across the board!

Benihana - Memphis, TN

4.2

4.2 (2762)

$30 and under

Japanese

Memphis

About the restaurant

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

Top review

Janet

Dined 6 days ago

Chef C did a great job! Very funny I had a great time thank you

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