Summary of 17 Best Restaurants in Memphis – Tasting Table

If you’re planning a culinary adventure in Memphis, “Summary of 17 Best Restaurants in Memphis – Tasting Table” is your ultimate guide. You’ll find delectable fine dining at Acre, savor pan-Asian twists on American classics at Alchemy, and enjoy globally inspired eats at Amelia Gene’s. Cocozza American Italian brings classic Italian-American fare to Mud Island, while Dory offers a creative, seasonal menu until June 2024. Don’t miss Garibaldi Taqueria’s Mexican gems, the wide Asian influences at Good Fortune Co., or Hog & Hominy’s unique fusion of Italian and Southern cuisine. From Restaurant Iris’s French-Creole fusion to Kinfolk’s modern Southern comfort food, and Mochi & Mi’s innovative Vietnamese dishes, this guide highlights a rich tapestry of flavors sure to delight your taste buds. Have you ever wondered where to indulge your taste buds in Memphis? Whether you’re a local or just visiting, selecting the best eateries in a city brimming with culinary diversity can be overwhelming. Fear not! We’ve got you covered with a comprehensive summary of the 17 best restaurants in Memphis according to Tasting Table. Let’s dive into a delectable journey that showcases a variety of cuisines and dining experiences.

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Summary of 17 Best Restaurants in Memphis – Tasting Table

Acre

Nestled in a renovated house near the Memphis Botanical Garden, Acre offers an upscale dining experience that combines Modern American cuisine with pan-Asian influences. Expect a sophisticated atmosphere complemented by creative dishes.

Notable Dishes:

  • Maine diver scallops
  • Gulf soft shell crabs
  • Local morel mushrooms

Insider Tip: Reservations are required for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, so plan accordingly to enjoy this fine dining establishment.

Alchemy

Located in the vibrant Cooper-Young neighborhood, Alchemy is not just a restaurant but an upscale bar, well-suited for a night out. Their menu features American cuisine with a twist, notable for small plates and a “Japan meets the South” theme.

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Popular Menu Items:

  • House frites
  • Beef sliders
  • Shrimp and grits
  • Assorted sushi rolls

Note: The venue gets busy on weekends and they offer takeout services if you’d prefer to enjoy their culinary creations at home.

Amelia Gene’s

Amelia Gene’s takes residence in the historic William C. Ellis & Sons Ironworks building, presenting a contemporary and globally inspired menu led by chef Nate Henssler. The blend of history and modernity truly makes this a unique dining spot.

Signature Dishes:

  • Ricotta-stuffed agnolotti
  • Charred octopus
  • Dry aged Prime New York strip

Cocozza American Italian

Situated on Mud Island’s Harbor Town, Cocozza American Italian offers classic Italian-American dishes that promise to satisfy your cravings for hearty, comforting food.

Notable Items:

  • Vodka sauce rigatoni
  • Chicken parm
  • Toasted ravioli

Dory

Dory’s fine dining experience is centered around locally sourced ingredients, offering a constantly changing, creative, seasonal menu by chef Dave Krog. However, make sure to visit soon, as Dory will be closing on June 29, 2024.

Garibaldi Taqueria

For a more casual yet equally satisfying dining experience, head to Garibaldi Taqueria in South Memphis. This diner-like café specializes in Mexican classics, making it a go-to spot for taco lovers.

Popular Items:

  • Tacos al pastor
  • Pambazos
  • Torta ahogada

Good Fortune Co.

A gem for noodle lovers, Good Fortune Co. is located downtown and offers a wide range of Asian-inspired dishes. Their noodle dishes are not only delicious but also have been crafted with an understanding of diverse Asian culinary traditions.

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Honky Tonkatsu ramen
  • GFC Wings

Deals: Enjoy half-off select beers on Thursdays and discounted sake on Sundays.

Hog & Hominy

At Hog & Hominy, Italian cooking meets Southern roots. Known for its wood-fired pizzas and creative fusion items, this restaurant provides a truly unique dining experience.

Signature Dishes:

  • Thunderbird pizza
  • Red Eye pizza
  • John T Burger

Restaurant Iris

Located in East Memphis, Restaurant Iris combines French, Creole, and Southern cuisines into an expanded menu. The eclectic mix of flavors makes it a standout choice for a special night out.

Specialties:

  • Smoked duck gumbo
  • Prime beef filet
  • Seared scallops
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Kinfolk

If Southern comfort food with modern twists is what you’re after, Kinfolk in Harbor Town Square should be on your list. The menu features beloved Southern staples that have been reinvented to charm your palate.

Highlight Dish: Crispy Chick sandwich

Mochi & Mi

With locations in Summer Ave Rio Grande Market and Southaven, MS, Mochi & Mi brings Vietnamese dishes to the forefront, but with modern twists that make them uniquely delightful.

Known For:

  • Bánh mì sandwiches
  • Mochi donuts

These restaurants represent a taste of the diverse culinary landscape of Memphis, each offering something unique while celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of the city.

Table Summary of Restaurants and Their Specialties

Restaurant Type of Cuisine Notable Dishes Location Reservations/Deals
Acre Modern American with Pan-Asian Maine diver scallops, Gulf soft shell crabs Near Memphis Botanical Garden Reservations (Tue-Sat)
Alchemy American (Small Plates, Fusion) House frites, Beef sliders, Shrimp and grits Cooper-Young Takeout available
Amelia Gene’s Contemporary, Globally Inspired Ricotta-stuffed agnolotti, Charred octopus William C. Ellis & Sons Ironworks
Cocozza American Italian Italian-American Vodka sauce rigatoni, Chicken parm Mud Island’s Harbor Town
Dory Fine Dining (Seasonal, Local) Creative seasonal dishes Closing June 29, 2024
Garibaldi Taqueria Mexican Tacos al pastor, Pambazos South Memphis
Good Fortune Co. Asian (Noodles, Fusion) Honky Tonkatsu ramen, GFC Wings Downtown Memphis Beer/Sake deals
Hog & Hominy Italian-Southern Fusion Thunderbird pizza, Red Eye pizza
Restaurant Iris French, Creole, Southern Smoked duck gumbo, Prime beef filet East Memphis
Kinfolk Southern Comfort Crispy Chick sandwich Harbor Town Square
Mochi & Mi Vietnamese with Modern Twists Bánh mì sandwiches, Mochi donuts Summer Ave Rio Grande Market, Southaven, MS

Exploring Fine Dining in Memphis

To truly experience the essence of Memphis cuisine, a visit to these fine-dining establishments is crucial. They represent the city’s finest culinary skills, often incorporating locally sourced ingredients and innovative cooking techniques.

Casual Dining and Comfort Food

Comfort food is the heart and soul of many Memphis eateries. From Southern classics to innovative modern twists, restaurants like Kinfolk and Garibaldi Taqueria provide a laid-back yet deeply satisfying dining experience.

Fusion and Global Inspiration

Restaurants like Alchemy and Good Fortune Co. demonstrate Memphis’s culinary diversity by blending flavors from around the world. These spots bring a unique twist to traditional dishes, offering something for every adventurous eater.

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Italian Roots with a Southern Twist

Hog & Hominy exemplifies the beautiful marriage between Italian and Southern culinary traditions. Their wood-fired pizzas and creative fusion items highlight how two distinct culinary philosophies can come together to create magic on a plate.

Dessert and Sweet Treats

Don’t miss out on the dessert offerings at some of these restaurants. Mochi & Mi’s mochi donuts, in particular, are a crowd favorite and offer a delightful ending to any meal.

Summary of 17 Best Restaurants in Memphis - Tasting Table

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Tips for Dining Out in Memphis

To ensure you have the best experience, here are a few tips:

  • Reservations: For fine dining spots like Acre and Dory, reservations are often required or recommended.
  • Busy Days: Some places like Alchemy can get very busy on weekends, so plan ahead or consider off-peak hours.
  • Special Deals: Take advantage of special deals like Good Fortune Co.’s half-off select beers on Thursdays and discounted sake on Sundays.
  • Takeout Options: Several restaurants offer takeout, which is a great alternative if you’re in the mood to enjoy delicious food from the comfort of your home.

Summary of 17 Best Restaurants in Memphis - Tasting Table

Conclusion

Memphis is a culinary playground with something for every palate. From fine dining to comfort food, and innovative fusion to globally inspired dishes, this city is a gastronomic delight waiting to be explored. So, next time you find yourself wondering where to eat, let this summary guide you to some of the best restaurants in Memphis. Happy dining!

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