This month in Memphis, we welcomed back a much-missed bistro in Germantown and celebrated a new one in Cooper-Young. Fine dining got a boost downtown; Collierville welcomed Italian fare; the Medical District gave a cheer for authentic Mexican cuisine, and both coffee and cat lovers have a cozy new spot to hang out. Add these spots to your must-try list!
Amelia Gene’s
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: ameliagenes.com
Enjoy contemporary, globally-inspired dishes at Amelia Gene’s, downtown Memphis’s newest fine dining experience. The beautifully decorated space makes the most of soaring ceilings, large windows, exposed brick, gorgeous lighting, and historic charm — and the menu is just as delightful.
Start your meal with one of the chef’s “Proper Bites” that include temptations such as a blackberry oyster with cauliflower soubis, pickled cucumber, and bay leaf, a foie gras macaron; and lemon arancini. Follow up with delicious starters and pasta dishes, then on to the main course! You’ll find entrees like artfully prepared tuna, elk short ribs, Rohan duck, and Wagyu filet among the choices. A carefully curated wine list offers perfect pairings for your meal.
Blue Honey Bistro
Neighborhood: Germantown
More info: bluehoneybistro.com
After a several-month closure for renovations, Blue Honey Bistro is back in business, and we could not be more excited! The new menu offers tasty treats such as Chicken Paillard, Spiced Ahi Tuna, and Pan-Roasted Black Angus Beef Tenderloin. Starters include a warm bread service, creamy caramelized onion soup, and fresh salad options. Save room for one of the mouthwatering desserts! We recommend the Skrewball Affogato, a decadent concoction of vanilla bean gelato, espresso, and Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey.
The Cats Cottage
Neighborhood: Summer Avenue
More info: Instagram
How fun is this concept from Christian Brothers University student (and major cat lover) Sahra Hernandez? The Cats Cottage is a new coffee shop with a full espresso menu, tasty pastries, boba teas, and more — all served with a creative cat-themed twist. You’ll find cat cookies, donuts, and a Calico Americana or Strays black coffee to sip. Follow The Cats Cottage on Instagram to learn about the next trivia night!
David Grisanti’s on Main
Neighborhood: Collierville
More info: davidgrisanti.com
In Memphis, the name “Grisanti” is synonymous with great food. The youngest son of “Big John” Gristani, David Grisanti, has followed in the family’s footsteps to great acclaim. With a signature passion for Italian cuisine, he is now serving up the classics in a new location just off the Historic Collierville Town Square. At David Grisanti’s on Main, you’ll find a hearty menu of mouthwatering apps, salads, pizza, and entrées. Start your meal with Handmade Toasted Ravioli, Calamari, or Tuscan Bread. Pizzas include the popular David Grisanti Pie, with pesto, mozzarella, grilled chicken, crimini mushrooms, scallions, artichoke, and Parmesan cheese. The entrées are varied and tempting, ranging from steak or salmon to traditional Italian dishes. Choose a wine or cocktail to complete the meal!
Guac Fresh Mex
Neighborhood: Medical District
More info: guacmemphis.com
Family-owned-and-operated Guac Fresh Mex blends the soul of Mexico with Southern charm. And you can order from the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus all day! You’ll find authentic burritos, chimichangas, tacos, and tortas, carefully crafted with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Lunch and dinner include favorites such as fajita nachos, quesadillas, and The Guac Bowl.
All items are customizable with your choice of proteins, such as barbacoa, carnitas, fajita veggies, and more. For breakfast, you can suit yourself with a choice of proteins for the breakfast burritos, tacos, sandwiches, and tortas. Deliciously filling plates complete the breakfast menu.
The Public Bistro
Neighborhood: Cooper-Young
More info: thepublicbistro.com
Meet your friendly neighborhood bistro! Tucked into the hip-and-happening Cooper Young neighborhood, The Public Bistro serves up a menu of delightful, comforting options. Roasted half chicken with mashed potatoes, anyone? You can also enjoy fresh, crisp salads, including one of our favorites, burrata with basil pesto, roasted tomatoes, arugula, and balsamic.
The cocktail options are super-fun and inviting, especially the $7 Icebreaker, a tasty little rotating treat to get you started while you peruse your entrée options. And we can attest that the service is outstanding!
Looking for more great dining options in Memphis? Check out our archives!
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Published November 2023
Written by Alissa Harb
We’re back this month with another round of recently opened eateries in the Memphis area. Whether you’re looking for a New York-style bagel smeared with cream cheese, a hoagie piled high with your favorite fixings, or a little something to cure your sweet tooth, you’ll want to save this list. Hope you’re hungry, Memphis!
Elwood’s Shack Park Ave
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More info: elwoodsshack.com
Local favorite comfort food shack, Elwood’s just opened a second location on Park Avenue — though this second, larger location can hardly be called a shack. The new addition offers significantly more seating but maintains a menu of familiar favorites, offering everything from burgers and deli sandwiches to BBQ, tacos, and even pizza. Both locations are serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, plus a special brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m.
Belltower Coffee Shelby Farms
Neighborhood: Shelby Farms Park
More info: belltowercoffee.com
Belltower Coffee, known for its delicious coffee and neighboring pottery studio, has just opened a picturesque second location inside the First Horizon Foundation Visitor Center at Shelby Farms Park. Offering both outdoor and indoor seating, guests can enjoy coffee and light bites with a beautiful view. No time to sit and stay a while? Mobile orders are accepted, too!
Hive Bagel & Deli
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: hivebagelanddeli.com
You can now find authentic New York-style bagels in downtown Memphis at Hive, now open on South Front Street. The eatery offers a selection of scratch-made bagels paired with butter, jam, or your choice of cream cheese. Looking for something more substantial? Opt for a loaded salad or choose from their hearty specialty sandwiches like the ‘Everything Avocado,’ topped with smashed avocado, pickled onions, eggs, scallions, sprouts, and pepitas.
South of Beale Collierville
Neighborhood: Collierville
More info: southofbeale.com
South of Beale has added a third location to its lineup! The new Collierville location keeps the same hours as its East Memphis and Downtown counterparts — 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday. You can also expect the same South of Beale fusion favorites like Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, fried chicken bao buns, and the duck patty melt.
Relocated: Primas Bakery + Boutique
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More info: primasbakeryandboutique.com
Primas Bakery + Boutique recently relocated from Downtown to a new East Memphis location on Moriah Avenue. You’ll find the same dual concept at the new location — a mouthwatering bakery on one side and a colorful boutique with clothing, accessories, and gifts on the other. The bakery offers beautifully decorated specialty cakes, petit fours, macarons, cupcakes, and so much more. (Custom orders welcome!)
Still hungry? Keep scrolling for more recent Memphis restaurant openings. And subscribe to our daily emails to help you stay in the know!
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Published September 2023
Written by Ivy K. Arnold
It’s time for another month of delicious new additions to the Memphis Culinary scene. From sushi to American classics to a coffee shop that offers pastries to accompany your caffeine fix, the doors to these four eateries are open and ready to welcome you inside.
Options Restaurant
Neighborhood: Cordova
More Info: options901.com
Whether you have a hearty appetite or you’re simply looking to graze, Options Restaurant is the place to be. You may have heard about it — it’s the home of the Options Sample Box, which recently went viral on social media. Featuring a host of different bites, you can feast on three chicken wings in a flavor of your choice, a six-inch steak or chicken Philly, two catfish tenders, a cheeseburger, fries, a drink, and dessert — all for 30 dollars!
Muggin Coffeehouse
Neighborhood: Uptown
More info: muggincoffeehouse.com
Known for its signature Zippin Pippin Frap, Muggin Coffeehouse recently opened its second location in Uptown Memphis. Whether you need a caffeinated pick-me-up as you run errands or are looking for a great place to meet for business, Muggin should be on your list of go-to stops. The menu offers cold and hot drinks and a small selection of “pastries and such.”
T.C.E. Restaurant
Neighborhood: Hickory Hill
More info: tcememphis.com
The T.C.E. Restaurant truly embodies its namesake: The Culinary Experience. Open Wednesday through Saturday for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, the restaurant is a great spot for everything from chicken and waffles to shrimp and grits. Additionally, stop in on Sundays for a brunch featuring your favorite soul food staples!
Sushi Kingdom
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More info: sushikingdommemphis.com
New to the Mid-South, Sushi Kingdom is known for its all-you-can-eat sushi menu — from rolls to sashimi. In addition, you can order all of your favorite accompaniments, such as edamame, miso soup, gyoza, and seaweed salad. Plus, there’s a full menu of non-sushi entrées like hibachi chicken and scallops, seafood udon, and shrimp fried rice.
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Published August 2023
Written by Ivy K. Arnold
We’re back with another month’s worth of mouthwatering additions to the Memphis dining scene, just in time to help us usher in a new season. From loaded burgers and wings to authentic Italian and Asian cuisine, this list has a little something for everyone. Check out these six new dining options in the 901!
WingMan Restaurant
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: wingmanrestaurant.com
WingMan is on to something with its late-night eats! With only a handful of establishments open past midnight, we’re welcoming WingMan with open arms — the new eatery is serving from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Fridays. Located in the heart of Downtown, the spot delivers a bottomless brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, featuring unlimited wings, fries, your choice of drink, and even a 90-minute hookah experience for $50. For dinner and late-night grub, you can look forward to chicken sandwiches, wings, nachos, egg rolls, and more.
Serv Restaurant & Bar
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More info: facebook.com
Serv Restaurant & Bar offers East Memphis a new go-to for brunch. An eclectic menu of dishes complements the eye-catching decor and great customer service — feast on everything from shrimp and grits or street tacos to gourmet egg rolls and even sliders. Plus, if you’re feeling a bit of dance fever, stop in on a night when there’s a guest DJ. Talk about vibing while you dine!
Cocozza Restaurant
Neighborhood: Harbor Town
More info: eatcocozza.com
The Cocozza motto is “The red sauce joint of your dreams,” and that’s an understatement. You can enjoy hearty American-Italian fare — classics like baked garlic bread, veal parmesan, baked lasagna, and spaghetti marinara. Of course, you can also snag a few lighter dishes, such as the Salmon Oreganata or a side of sautéed spinach. And don’t skip the cannoli for dessert! Located in Harbor Town, you’ll feel right at home as you dine. Be sure to check out its sister restaurant, The Majestic Grille on Main.
Momma’s
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: mommasbar.com
Embracing a serious trucker theme and calling itself the “Blue-collar diner’s destination for the earliest weekday breakfast in Downtown Memphis,” Momma’s is the place to be for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Try the smoked wings, Long-Hauler breakfast platter, Bubba Goes to Poundtown Burger, or Bravo Lima Tango sandwich on Texas toast. Whatever you do, show up with a big appetite!
Boujee Bistro
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: boujee-bistro.com
Whether dining solo or gathering with a large group of friends, Boujee Bistro has ample space to accommodate your plans. The menu is chock full of comfort food classics, with wings, burgers, tacos, pasta, and even a catfish platter with shrimp and grits. On the lighter side, there are several salads, and you’re also in luck if you’re looking to enjoy an after-work cocktail or hookah. Stop in for half-off happy hour specials from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.!
Petals of a Peony
Neighborhood: Germantown
More info: instagram.com/petalsofapeony
If you’ve been on the hunt for an authentic Sichuan restaurant, you’re in luck! Located in the former Flame Ramen location, Petals of a Peony is serving up an extensive menu of flavorful dishes. Get ready to dine on sizzling soups, noodles, and beyond, with weekly chef’s specials and even a vegan selection.
For more must-try dining spots in Memphis, visit our restaurant archives!
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Published July 2023
Written by Alissa Harb
In recent weeks, the Memphis area has welcomed several new eateries to satisfy your cravings. Banana pudding lovers, we’re talking to you — there’s not one but two new shops slinging multiple variations of this sweet Southern staple. Beyond that, you’ll also find new options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and even high tea. Check out these five new spots to add to your rotation!
Peach Cobbler Factory
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More info: peachcobblerfactory.com
The second Memphis area location of Peach Cobbler Factory celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, July 22. Local franchise owners Janie and Otis Jackson (well-known for his time playing for the Memphis Tigers) opened a Collierville location last year and expect to continue expansion in the coming years.
From classic peach to sweet potato pecan, the new Peach Cobbler Factory on Sanderlin Avenue will offer up 12 flavors of cobbler. Beyond the eatery’s signature dessert, they also have a lineup of other decadent options on deck. Order from a selection of cookies, cinnamon rolls, banana pudding, and ice cream pudd’n shakes, all loaded down with the toppings of your choice.
Fino’s Corner Market
Neighborhood: Germantown
More info: finosmemphis.com
Germantown recently welcomed an outpost of Fino’s, following their popular Midtown location. The new spot, dubbed Fino’s Corner Market, features a shorter menu than the Midtown location, Fino’s from the Hill. The menu includes pizzas and fresh baguette deli sandwiches like the veggie sub pictured here or ultra-meaty options like the Acquisto featuring ham, mortadella, salami, provel cheese, and green olive dressing. And if you see a sandwich combo that suits your fancy but you’re cutting back on carbs, ask them to make it a salad!
Eggs Up Grill
Neighborhood: Germantown
More info: eggsupgrill.com
Eggs Up Grill on Poplar Avenue is welcoming diners with classic American fare for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. You can start the day at Eggs Up with comforting breakfast favorites like omelets, benedicts, pancakes, waffles, and some creative sandwich combos. For brunch and lunch, choose from a selection of salads and hearty off-the-grill options like cheesesteaks and burgers made with two (or three) 3.2-ounce steak patties.
Elise Dessert Co.
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More info: elisedessertco.com
After her renowned banana puddings became a mainstay at local retailers like Cordelia’s and South Point Market, Bria Walls’s products landed in 94 Kroger locations late last summer. Now, Elise Dessert Co. has a permanent home on Walker Avenue at the dedicated brick-and-mortar location. The shop is serving up various sizes of the brand’s beloved pudding flavors — classic banana, caramel banana, strawberry banana, and cookie pudding. You can also find Key lime pies and scratch-made quiches in stock!
Nostalgic Tea Rooms
Neighborhood: Collierville
More info: nostalgictearooms.com
Looking for a unique spot to catch up with friends or celebrate a special occasion in the Collierville area? Look no further than Nostalgic Tea Rooms, now open inside the Sheffield Antiques Mall. They’re offering a full high tea service with a traditional selection of finger sandwiches (cucumber, ham and apricot, and egg salad), miniature desserts (scones, red velvet cakes, macarons, and Victorian sandwich cakes), and of course, your choice of tea or coffee. If you’re not up for the full tea service, you can also serve from a full menu of coffee drinks, sandwiches, and desserts — perfect for fueling up before or after browsing antiques.
Still hungry? Keep scrolling for even MORE recent Memphis restaurant openings! And be sure to subscribe to our emails to stay in the know on the best of the 901.
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Published June 2023
Written by Alissa Harb
We’re back to welcome the newest additions to the Memphis restaurant scene! This month, downtown Memphis welcomed three new eateries — a stellar brunch spot, an updated Asian concept, and a taco joint that’s perfect for laid-back margs and a bite to eat. And over on East Person Avenue, carnivores and vegans alike can now gather over a spread of comforting smokehouse flavors. Add these four spots to your must-try list!
The Garden Brunch Cafe
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: Facebook.com
Longtime Nashville-favorite brunch spot, The Garden Brunch Cafe, has made its long-awaited move to the 901. It is now open on South Main, just a stone’s throw from the Blues Hall of Fame Museum and the National Civil Rights Museum. They’re open Friday through Sunday for breakfast and brunch. Expect classics like omelets packed with meat and veggies, decadent sweet entrées like butter pecan pancakes, a selection of Benedicts, and more!
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Order from Garden Brunch Cafe’s signature offerings or build your own ultimate breakfast from the à la carte menu. Image: @sarahs.eatss on Instagram
Pretty Taco
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: facebook.com
Located downtown on South Front Street, Pretty Taco is slinging margaritas, queso, quesadillas, and a short and sweet selection of tacos. The tacos aren’t traditional Mexican combinations, though. Expect local twists like the BBQ Taco loaded with pulled pork from Central BBQ, the SoulBurger Taco featuring Ernestine and Hazel’s SoulBurger patty, and the vegan- and keto-friendly Beach Body Taco. The restaurant’s interior is also totally Instagrammable!
Momoya
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: momoyamemphis.com
Another change to the South Main lineup is the opening of Momoya (formerly Blue Fin), a casual spot already known for its generously portioned sushi rolls, poke bowls, and its unexpected offering of chicken wings and seafood platters. The doors are officially open, and the eatery is serving up an all-day sushi list, hibachi lunch specials, and a full dinner menu every day of the week. (SB Tip: They offer a 10% birthday discount with a photo ID!)
Arnold’s Smokehouse
Neighborhood: Castalia Heights
More info: facebook.com
The name “Arnold’s Smokehouse” conjures visions of traditional, meaty Memphis BBQ, but this spot offers something different. Don’t get us wrong; they’ve got all the classics like brisket, rib tips, and BBQ nachos — but they also have an entirely vegan version of their menu with meat- and dairy-free alternatives to each and every item on the carnivore-friendly menu! Both menus include a selection of sandwiches, bowls, baskets, flatbreads, and hearty pasta. But heads up: Arnold’s is cashless, so be sure to bring a credit or debit card.
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Published June 2023
Written by Alissa Harb
Offering a steady supply of new eateries to try each month, the Memphis restaurant scene continues to wow. From scratch-made beignets buried in powdered sugar to an East Memphis fast food joint that serves just about everything, we’re back to celebrate six recent restaurant openings in the 901. Hope you’re hungry, Memphis!
Belle Meade Social
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More info: bellemeadesocial.com
Great for celebratory dinners, date nights, and catching up with girlfriends over cocktails, Belle Meade Social is now open in East Memphis. Expect a moody, intimate atmosphere and a menu of elevated comfort foods like whipped feta dip, lamb lollipops, and spicy seafood pasta. The complementary cocktail list features classics like a house whiskey sour, plus carefully crafted options like the smoky-sweet “Pining for You,” featuring pineapple-infused tequila, mezcal, Cointreau, lime, and pineapple. Be sure to save room for dessert — the Screwball Whiskey Banana Bread Pudding is pretty irresistible.
Mo’Bay Beignet Co.
Neighborhood: Cooper-Young
More info: mobaybeignetco.com
Memphis just welcomed its very own location of Mo’Bay Beignet, a Deep South favorite with locations in Mississippi and Alabama. True to its name, Mo’Bay’s specialty is beignets, scratch-made daily and served with an always-generous dusting of powdered sugar (plus a seasonal rotation of flavored syrups for dipping and drizzling). You’ll need something to wash down all that goodness — order from a selection of coffee drinks, lemonade, frozen lemonade, and more!
Perch 74 Bistro
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More info: instagram.com/perch74bistro
Open for breakfast and lunch on weekdays, Perch 74 Bistro is a great spot to start your workday or enjoy a long lunch with good conversation. For breakfast, they offer everything from fried chicken biscuits to freshly pressed juice, while lunchtime offerings range from a decadent Angus Beef Burger with Bacon Onion Jam to a light, refreshing green salad with feta and berries. Check them out next time you’re on Ridge Lake Boulevard!
Oh, Grate!
Neighborhood: Collierville
More info: oh-grate.com
Collierville recently welcomed a brick-and-mortar location of a longtime local favorite — Oh, Grate! The concept was launched in 2019 as a meal prep service, offering home delivery and grab-and-go options at various local retailers like Cordelia’s Market, High Point Grocery, Superlo, and more. Now you can also visit their permanent location to browse breakfast burritos and biscuits, take-and-bake dinners like baked spaghetti and chicken casserole, and even appetizers like smoked salmon dip and spinach-artichoke dip. Perfect for busy weeknights and impromptu gatherings!
Kukuruku Crispy Chicken
Neighborhood: Lakeland
More info: instagram.com/kukurukuchickenph
Lakeland is now home to the very first United States location of the Filipino fried chicken chain, Kukuruku Crispy Chicken (named to mimic the sound of a rooster crowing). To accompany your fried chicken, you can expect typical sides like fries and mashed potatoes, along with one unexpected option. The Kukuruku team swears by their favorite combination of crispy fried chicken and spaghetti with meat sauce!
Tommy’s Burgers
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More info: tommysburgercastyle.com
Tommy’s Burgers just joined the ranks of delicious East Memphis eateries — but it’s not your typical burger joint. This spot is proudly “California Style” and serves much more than just delicious burgers. You can order a full breakfast of pancakes, bacon, burritos, and an omelet to start the day. If it’s lunch or dinner you’re after, customize your ultimate burger order, grab a hot dog, or order from a selection of Mexican favorites like tacos, fajita plates, and quesadillas. There aren’t many cravings this spot can’t satisfy!
Enjoy your dining adventures, Memphis!
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