Here’s the scoop on four new restaurants that are on our radar this summer. While the inspiration behind their menus might be all over the map, they all happen to be located in the same zip code. Midtown Memphis is exploding with flavor and activity these days, and more doors are planing to open this fall. If you are looking for a place to grab a great breakfast, lunch, dinner or everything in between, pull up a chair at one of these new hip tables and you’ll be saying, “oui, por favor and grazie!”
Tart
Recent FACE of Memphis Colleen DePete turned us on to this new sweet spot in Cooper Young. Tart is a coffeehouse serving up rustic French and New Orleans-inspired cuisine in a quaint former home.
Address: 820 Cooper Street
Known for: fresh, French baked goodness, breakfast, lunch and coffee, kid-friendly and just plain friendly. Outdoor seating and parking abound.
Hours: Mon – Thu: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Fri: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The bakery case starts out full each day but doesn’t stay that way for long! Photos via Facebook.
A peek inside the little white house full of big flavors! Love this action shot of a happy patron from their Facebook page.
Goodness from the Tart bakery. Photo via Tart on Facebook.
Strano
Looking to break the bad-luck streak of previous tenants in this corner Cooper Young spot, Strano serves up its Sicilian brand of Italian cuisine.
Address: 948 S. Cooper Street
Known for: Sicilian Italian cuisine, pizza, fresh pasta.
Hours: Tues – Sat: 10:30 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Will Strano break the curse? Photos via Strano on Facebook.
Oak wood grilled swordfish with red onions,capers,pine nuts,currants,and pistachio crumbs with infused olive oil accompanied by pappardelle pasta topped with Italian breadcrumbs.
Strano is not your spaghetti and meatballs Italian restaurant but they sure do make a yummy looking pizza!
Babalu
The award-winning tacos and tapas restaurant from Jackson, MS, is now open in Overton Square. If you’re lucky enough to get a table in this bustling hot-spot, you won’t be disappointed by the authentic, gourmet tacos and Spanish-style tapas with a signature, Southern twist. Try one of their specialty drinks on the outdoor patio.
Address: 2115 Madison Avenue
Known for: guacamole, seasonal signature cocktails and outdoor seating
Hours: Mon – Sat 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
New Guac on the Block at Babalu. Photos via Babalu on Facebook.
Can’t go wrong with this seasonal cocktail: a Fresh Blueberry Margarita at Babalu.
Ecco on Overton Park
For no-fuss Mediterranean-inspired fare located in the beautiful Evergreen Historic District, stop by Ecco and experience owner Sabine Bachman’s (of Fratelli’s fame) take on fresh, local ingredients in bistro-style for lunch and dinner.
Address: 1585 Overton Park
Known for: fresh ingredients, hearty portions and patio seating
Hours: Tue – Sat: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Hearty Grain and Vegetable Soup at Ecco. Photos via Ecco on Facebook.
Ricotta Cheesecake at Ecco on Overton Park
Nothing beats a big patio for dining! This is the outdoor patio at Ecco on Overton Park.
We hope you indulge in some of these latest and greatest restaurants in town this summer. And save room for the “bounty” of new restaurants set to open their doors this fall including Jackson Kramer’s Bounty on Broad, Belly Acres, Schweinehaus, Lafayette’s and the Zebra Lounge — just to name a few!
