The 20 best new Memphis restaurants that have opened since 2020, from fine dining to BBQ
Memphians have grit and grind. And no industry in Memphis has proven this more than the restaurant industry.
In 2020, the future of restaurants looked bleak. The COVID-19 pandemic forever changed the landscape of dining habits and how restaurants are run. How our city’s restaurateurs, chefs and hospitality industry workers joined forces to support each other in the darkest of times was inspiring.
A spark of creativity ignited the Memphis restaurant community, and that flame continues to burn bright.
Since 2020, we have reported on almost 200 new eateries across the Mid-South region.
The new dining options in town run the gamut from casual to fine dining. A few have been opened by chains or restaurant groups, but most are locally owned small businesses. Memphians cooking their specialties for all of us to enjoy.
The new offerings are about as diverse as you can get. To help us narrow down this list, we decided to focus solely on original concepts. We also looked only at traditional restaurant concepts. (Look for follow-up lists featuring the numerous bar concepts, bakeries and other non-traditional eateries that have opened recently to come soon.)
Here are the top 20 restaurants, in alphabetical order, that have opened in Memphis since 2020.
Bain Barbecue
The Neighborhood: Cooper-Young | 993 S. Cooper St.; (901) 310-4759; bainbarbecue.com
Why We Love It: Bain Barbecue is all about barbecue — but not Memphis-style. Bain Barbecue features Texas-style barbecue, including brisket, spare ribs and Texas Twinkies (brisket and cream cheese stuffed bacon-wrapped jalapenos). Owner and pitmaster Bryant Bain cooks the specialties of his home state of Texas in a giant 1,000-gallon, Texas-style offset smoker in the restaurant he runs with his wife, Heather. The spot, which opened in 2022, is run like a Texas barbecue joint with customers ordering at a counter, and then taking their trays full of food to eat in the indoor dining room or at outdoor picnic tables.
Must-Order Item: Order a sampler plate. The Mini-Sampler comes with a half-pound of brisket, a half-rack of spare ribs, two housemade sausages and two sides of your choice. It’s more than enough to feed two.
Belle Meade Social
Neighborhood: East Memphis | 518 Perkins Ext.; bellemeadesocial.com
Why We Love It: At East Memphis restaurant Belle Meade Social, expect an elevated, contemporary spin on classic American favorites, from shareable starters and salads to entrees and sides served in an inviting dining room and bar. Belle Meade Social was founded by Jules Jordan and Paul Stephens in 2023. Jordan said she thinks the new restaurant fills the gap between fast-casual and fine dining. “Belle Meade Social is upscale, but approachable,” she said. Belle Meade Social's name is a nod to the surrounding Belle Meade residential neighborhood.
Must-Order Item: Start with the Poke Nachos. House-made wonton chips are topped with sesame-crusted ahi tuna, queso blanco, pico, sriracha and wasabi sour cream. Just trust me. Seared tuna and queso work together!
Biscuits & Jams
The Neighborhood: Bartlett | 5806 Stage Road; (901) 672-7905; biscuitsandjams.com
Why We Love It: It’s all about brunch and fun at Biscuits & Jams. “You can jam to music while you eat biscuits and jam,” said restaurateur Monique Williams of the inspiration behind the name of eatery that serves breakfast, brunch and lunch. On the menu at this restaurant that opened in 2021 are buttery Southern-style biscuits, frittatas, eggs benedict, French toast and — of course — an assortment of both sweet and savory jams. Tunes are playing every day, with live music on the weekend.
Must-Order Item: Shrimp & Crawfish Creole Eggs Benedict is my go-to order. In lieu of an English muffin, this benedict is served over a cheddar grits cake and topped with garlicky sautéed spinach and shrimp and crawfish in a flavorful Creole roux. It's reminiscent of New Orleans-style shrimp and grits, with lots of flavor and only a mild kick.
Regular's Tip: Biscuits & Jams offers fun and tasty brunch cocktails like seasonal Mimosas and "Cereal Shots." Bartenders pair a favorite cereal with a shot made with Caribbean Spiced Cream Rum and a House Made Liqueur for a weekly brunch bar special.
Bog & Barley
The Neighborhood: East Memphis | 6150 Poplar Ave., Suite 124; (901) 805-2262; bogandbarley.com
Why We Love It: Bog & Barley is the creation of DJ and Jamie Naylor, the couple who own Celtic Crossing Irish Pub in the Cooper-Young neighborhood of Midtown Memphis. The 7,100-square-foot restaurant and bar opened in 2023 in East Memphis’ Regalia Shopping Center. The restaurant and bar offers an elevated Irish pub experience. Everything guests see — booths, tables, chairs, bars — was sourced from Ireland. All the materials were built in Ireland, shipped over in large crates and installed by a team of Irishmen. Expect both traditional and modern Irish fare, as well as an extensive bar menu with more than 200 whiskeys. And, of course, Guinness is on the menu.
Must-Order Item: The Beer-Battered Fish N’ Chips are about as authentic as you can get. Fresh Atlantic Cod is fried until crispy and served with buttered peas, chips (a.k.a. fries) and tartar sauce.
Regular's Tip: Upgrade your side order of chips (fries) to the Rosemary - Duck Fat Chips. These tasty "chips" may just be my current favorite fries in town.
By the Brewery
The Neighborhood: Downtown | 496 Tennessee St.; (901) 310-4341; bythebrewery.com
Why We Love It: It’s not hard to find By the Brewery. This Downtown café is just as its name says, by the historic Tennessee Brewery. Owner Robin Joyce describes her breakfast and lunch spot that opened in 2021 as “the neighborhood hub on the corner.” Joyce has transformed the corner bay of the apartment building into a charming and welcoming café. The breakfast menu features freshly baked biscuit sandwiches and other breakfast fare. The lunch menu includes a variety of sandwiches and salads. Freshly baked goods and grab-and-go items are also available.
Must-Order Item: Can’t decide if you want breakfast or lunch? Get the Avocado Toasted “Egg in the Hole” sandwich. It’s the best of both meals. It's a sandwich melt with sautéed spinach, tomato, mozzarella, avocado and goat cheese on whole grain bread, with an egg cooked into a hole in the middle.
Regular's Tip: Ask for a side of By the Brewery's homemade sweet pickles. If you love them as much as I do, grab a jar of them in the grab-and-go case to take home.
Cocozza American Italian
The Neighborhood: Harbor Town | 110 Harbor Town Square; (901) 609-1111; eatcocozza.com
Why We Love It: A big bowl of pasta, cheesy garlic bread, meatballs simmering in marinara and a glass of Chianti. That is the quintessential meal at an American-Italian red sauce restaurant, and one you can now enjoy at Cocozza American Italian. The Majestic Grille owners Patrick and Deni Reilly opened their Harbor Town restaurant in 2022. They call it “the red sauce joint of your dreams.” The casual restaurant also offers a fun cocktail menu and a curated list of Italian wines.
Must-Order Item: Get the Eggplant Parmesan. Crispy eggplant is slathered in a rich homemade marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. One bite and you think you are in a New Jersey or New York Italian restaurant.
Dim Sum King
The Neighborhood: Summer Avenue | 5266 Summer Ave.; (901) 766-0831; dimsumkingmemphis.com
Why We Love It: Cantonese BBQ, Roasted Duck, Sizzling Hot Plates, Clay Pot dishes and dim sum served daily are just a handful of the dishes to expect at Dim Sum King. The restaurant opened in 2022 in the space that was most recently Asian Palace. The owners of Dim Sum King, King Chow and Kobe Zeng, retained most of the original Asian Palace staff and brought on a few chefs from restaurants in New York and Toronto’s Chinatowns. The restaurant is perfect for large groups, with most of the seating being at large round tables that seat eight with a revolving tray in the middle.
Must-Order Item: Go for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays to experience the traditional Dim Sum cart service. Be adventures and try everything you can. I love the chance to experience a new dish that small dim sum plates offer.
Dory
The Neighborhood: East Memphis | 716 W. Brookhaven Circle; (901) 310-4290; dorymemphis.com
Why We Love It: Since opening in 2021, Dory restaurant has received national attention for its innovative dishes made with local and seasonal ingredients. Dory — a state-of-the-art open-concept kitchen fine-dining restaurant with touches that are equally modern and inviting — is run by couple David and Amanda Krog. The Krogs source ingredients from local farms, using what is in season, and are committed to being a “zero waste" kitchen. The Krogs' attention to detail is unparalleled; each creative dish is as delicious as it is artfully plated.
Must-Order Item: Be sure to try the Scallops & Mussels entrée. This dish is a perfect example of David Krog’s attentional to detail. Beautifully seared scallops are served over a bed of al dente herb risotto with tender and flavorful steamed mussels. A citrus beurre blanc is the finishing touch. Each component is perfectly executed, creating a flawless and delicious dish.
Regular's Tip: Love to watch all the action in a kitchen? Dory has a handful of seats at the kitchen counter that offer a front row seat while you enjoy your meal.
Dos Hermanos
The Neighborhood: Downtown | Cossitt Library, 33 S. Front St.; instagram.com/doshermanoscafe
Why We Love It: Lunch in a library? Cossitt Library now has a café as one of its amenities. Dos Hermanos is the latest venture for Chef Eli Townsend, formerly the chef at Sage. The café opened in 2023. Townsend describes his offerings as “soulful and healthy dishes.” Expect items like a Falafel Waffle topped with Mushroom Jam and a Tzatziki Aioli and a Mediterranean Chicken Salad. Dos Hermanos also offers daily specials, many with themes like Meatless Mondays, Taco Tuesdays and Flatbread Fridays.
Must-Order Item: Zucchini Fritters with Seafood Ceviche makes for a tasty dish. Two large zucchini fritters are topped with a flavorful ceviche that includes shrimp, crab and lobster.
Good Fortune Co.
The Neighborhood: South Main Arts District | 361 S. Main St.; goodfortuneco.com
Why We Love It: Good Fortune Co. is a bright and cheery noodle shop in the South Main Arts District. Chefs and owners Sarah Cai and Arturo Leighton created a hip Asian-inspired restaurant featuring dumpling and noodle dishes made-from scratch. A cocktail bar reflects their food menu vision, featuring Asian-inspired cocktails and a broad selection of Japanese whiskeys and sakes. Good Fortune Co. opened in 2021 and serves dinner only.
Must-Order Item: GFC Wings at Good Fortune Co. are not your ordinary wings. The jumbo wings are brined for 24 hours before being hand-dipped in a batter made from three different gluten-free flours. They are fried twice to make them super crispy and tossed in a house-made Sichuan Honey Butter Sauce. They are finger-licking good!
Regular's Tip: Save room for dessert. I think this might be the only spot in Memphis to get Taiyaki — a Japanese fish-shaped cake cone stuffed with creative soft-serve ice cream flavors.
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Greys Fine Cheeses and Entertaining
The Neighborhood: East Memphis | 709 S. Mendenhall Road; (901) 529-7046; greyscheese.com
Why We Love It: Stinky cheeses, mild cheeses, soft cheeses, firm cheeses. No matter what kind of cheese you love, odds are good you will be able to find it at Greys Fine Cheeses and Entertaining. Jackie Mau and Kurt Mullican are the couple behind the cheese shop and wine bar that opened in 2021. We love all the cheeses, but it’s the lunch and wine bar menu that has me stopping in on a regular basis. Greys has some of the best sandwiches in Memphis on the lunch menu. For happy hour, order a glass of wine with a planche (cheese board) with a selection of artisan cheeses and cured meats for a meal shared with friends.
Must-Order Item: I think that Greys Fine Cheeses and Entertaining’s Wedge Salad is the best version of this steakhouse classic that I have had — not just in Memphis, but anywhere. Chef Harrison Downing created a spectacular salad using ingredients like homemade blue cheese buttermilk dressing, olive oil-preserved heirloom cherry tomatoes, pickled red onions, smoky Benton’s bacon and a generous sprinkling of everything bagel seasoning.
Limelight
The Neighborhood: Germantown | 7724 Poplar Pike, Germantown; (901) 791-2328; limelightgermantown.com
Why We Love It: Limelight is one of Germantown’s newest fine dining eateries. The restaurant is a venture by Kirk Cotham and Chad Foreman of Wolf River Hospitality Group (which owns such Memphis eateries as Pyro's, Abner's and Wolf River Brisket Co.) and opened in 2022. The picturesque and inviting restaurant features a craft-cocktail forward bar menu, a well-balanced wine list and creative Southern dishes inspired by local ingredients. When you walk into the restaurant, your eyes are immediately drawn to the whimsical uplit tree in the middle of the room. Each season, John Mark Enterprises will change out the tree to match the season. This is how you will know the menu has changed for the new season.
Must-Order Item: A handful of the starters are always on the menu, no matter the season. One of my favorites is the Crab & Artichoke Dip, which is served with house-made salt and vinegar chips.
Loaf at Café Brooks
The Neighborhood: Midtown | Brooks Museum, 1934 Poplar Ave.; instagram.com/eat.loaf/
Why We Love It: Since 2021, Kale Carmon has been serving his original, global-inspired fare — first from an Airstream located at First Congo Church in Cooper-Young. In January 2023, Carmon and Loaf made the move from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar home inside the Brooks Museum. At Loaf at Café Brooks, a variety of sandwiches and melts make up the bulk of the core menu, which rotates seasonally. Highlights include the Burrata Toast (with Carrot Top Pesto, Arugula, Pickled Carrots and Blistered Tomatoes) and the Huitlacoche Melt (a grilled cheese that features Mexican corn truffle). Offerings also include a variety of plant-based dishes, like the Black Eyed Pea Falafel. You don’t have to pay museum admission to eat at the café, but Brooks members do get a 10% discount.
Must-Order Item: The Memphis Honey Gold Fried Chicken Sandwich is one of the best chicken sandwiches in Memphis. A crispy battered fried chicken thigh is tossed in a honey gold sauce and served on toasted loaf bread with pickles and mayo.
The Lobbyist at Chisca
The Neighborhood: South Main Arts District | 272 S. Main St.; (901) 249-2170; lobbyistatchisca.com
Why We Love It: The Lobbyist at Chisca opened in early 2023 in the Chisca building, in the space that was once the lobby of the historic building. It’s the latest venture for chef Jimmy Gentry, who also owns Paradox Cuisine catering company. Gentry has a talent for taking common Southern ingredients and transforming them into memorable dishes through his creative use of technique and garnishes. With a focus on locally grown produce and locally raised meats, Gentry’s dishes often depend on the offerings that local farms can produce, sometimes changing weekly but always changing seasonally. Gentry sources as much as he can from farms in the region.
Must-Order Item: A “Produce” section is on the menu — making vegetables a focus, rather than an afterthought. Gentry’s Carrots are a dish I order every time. Carrots cooked sous vide with a kimchi vinaigrette are served al dente and chilled with a velvety house-made kewpie mayo. The flavor of the kimchi is subtle and perfectly balanced. Fried garlic, sesame seeds and furikake add the finishing touch to the dish.
Magnolia & May
The Neighborhood: East Memphis | 718 Mt. Moriah Road; (901) 676-8100; magnoliamay.com
Why We Love It: Touted as a country brasserie, Magnolia & May opened in May 2020. Owners Chip and Amanda Dunham, who previously ran Grove Grill with Chip’s father, Jeff Dunham, transformed an East Memphis insurance office into a charming and quaint dining establishment, complete with a large bar and an inviting patio. Dishes like Tacos Con Mempho (pulled pork tacos), a Home Place Pastures Pork Chop (served with Coconut Rice Grits and Peach Salsa) and Collard Green and Fried Chicken Melt have made this restaurant an East Memphis favorite for a casual night out.
Must-Order Item: Start with the Buffalo Broccoli. This vegan spin on buffalo wings is a fun and tasty starter. Battered and fried broccoli florets are tossed in a buffalo sauce and served with your choice of blue cheese or buttermilk dipping sauce.
Momma’s
The Neighborhood: Downtown | 855 Kentucky St.; (901) 207-5111; mommasbar.com
Why We Love It: Depending which direction you are driving on what Memphians call “the Old Memphis Bridge,” Momma’s is the last bar in Memphis … or the first bar. With a trucker-theme, Momma’s was intentionally designed to take care of all the various folks living and working in the neighborhood — from factory workers down the street to truck drivers coming through town to residents living in the South Bluff neighborhood. Owner Aldo Dean, who also owns restaurants such as Aldo’s Pizza Pies, Slider Inn and Bardog Tavern, said it is meant to be a place for everyone to come and feel at home — and have a good meal and some fun. Stop in for an ice-cold beer and a burger, a plate lunch or even breakfast at this bar and restaurant, which opened in 2023.
Must-Order Item: If a fried chicken sandwich is your go-to, make sure to try “The Firebird.” A crispy fried chicken breast is topped with bacon, pickles, fried onions, two cheeses (Swiss and cheddar) and their spicy “Memphis Mojo” sauce.
Órale Tacos & Bakery
The Neighborhood: In Memphis between Cordova and Bartlett | 2204 Whitten Road, Suite 3-4; (901) 572-1786
Why We Love It: It’s a family affair at Órale Tacos & Bakery. This restaurant and bakery offers the authentic Mexican fare that couples Cirilo and Yeni Flores and Joel and Tatiana Uriostegui grew up eating in the southern region of Mexico. The four are in-laws, as Yeni and Joel are siblings. Tacos, fajitas, gorditas, enchiladas and carnitas are just a handful of the items you can expect on the extensive menu. Everything is made fresh, in-house — down to the salsas at the restaurant, which opened in early 2023.
Must-Order Item: Don’t skip the baked goods. Freshly baked Mexican and South American breads and pastries are also available for dine-in and takeout. Choose from an assortment of pan dulces, including conchas (a sweet and fluffy sweet bread), guava tarts and sweet croissants with an orange-honey glaze. I get the alfajores (dulce de leche sandwich cookies) every visit.
Regular's Tip: The owners of Órale are talented bakers and offer specialty orders for everything from bite-size desserts to wedding cakes.
Sufi’s Mediterranean Grill and Bar
The Neighborhood: Germantown | 7609 Poplar Pike, Germantown; (901) 772-2200; sufigrillbar.com
Why We Love It: Sufi’s Mediterranean Grill and Bar features traditional Persian dishes as well as fare from across the Mediterranean. The menu options at this Germantown restaurant that opened in 2023 range from shawarma to mixed grill plates. Throughout the restaurant are nods to Persia — from light fixtures to artwork, creating an inviting and welcoming space. If the weather is nice, grab a table on the spacious outdoor deck. Sufi’s also features a full bar, serving wine, beer and hand-crafted cocktails.
Must-Order Item: Start your meal with one of Sufi’s Mezze. The appetizer sampler plate comes in two sizes and includes hummus, baba ghanoush and falafel with pita. (The large size also includes grape leaves and tabbouleh.)
Regular's Tip: Order the House-crafted Tea made with ginger, sage, mint and honey. It comes hot or iced, and is a Persian twist on sweet tea.
Supper Club on 2nd
The Neighborhood: Downtown | 85 S. Second St.; (901) 453-6334; ilovesupperclub.com
Why We Love It: Rich deep green velvet chairs, exposed brick, brass accents, art-deco light fixtures and an art projection system marry the old and the new at Supper Club on 2nd. Owners AG Granderson, Joe Johnson, Devin Butler and Robert Higgins designed a restaurant they say is a modern-day twist on a traditional supper club from the 1960s and 1970s. Dishes like a champagne-tempura battered Deep Sea Lobster Dawg, Grand Marnier-glazed French-boned Lamb Chops and an edible 24-karat gold encrusted Golden Tomahawk Steak are much-talked-about dishes in town. The restaurant opened in 2022.
Must-Order Item: The Shawt Rib & Grits is a huge portion of coriander-braised short ribs paired with creamy polenta, red wine jus, and crispy onions atop creamy homemade cheese grits.
Tonica
The Neighborhood: Evergreen | 1545 Overton Park Ave.; (901) 474-7693; tonicamemphis.com
Why We Love It: Tucked away in the historic Evergreen neighborhood of Midtown Memphis sits a lively Spanish bar and tapas restaurant called Tonica. Tonica was opened in 2022 by Ecco and Libro owner Sabine Bachmann, and her three sons Armando, John-Paul and Mario Gagliano. Expect to find traditional Spanish dishes like patatas bravas and paella. The menu features lots of small plate options, many of which are Spanish-influenced but not necessarily traditional dishes. Each is rooted in Spanish tradition, but with Bachmann and her sons' unique spin. Gin Tonicas (Spanish gin and tonic cocktails) are a feature on the bar menu, and the inspiration behind the restaurant’s name.
Must-Order Item: Order an assortment of small plates at Tonica. That’s the fun of a tapas restaurant. The one dish you must try is the Croquetas de Jamón Serrano (béchamel and cured ham stuffed fritters). These are always part of my order.
Regular's Tip: Spain is renowned for its gin and tonic cocktails that feature different fruits, botanicals and tonics. Be sure to order one of these refreshing and creative gin cocktails when at Tonica.
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Best new Memphis restaurants: The top 20 that have opened since 2020
