This seasonal covered market is smaller than the Memphis Market in downtown, but its Monday through Saturday (May to Oct) open hours make it a useful option for anyone looking for farm fresh produce, flowers, meats, dairy and artisan wares. It's located a good 15 miles east of downtown.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis upscale casual Italian chain out of Mississippi offers a relaxed setting and big Italian menu that will appeal to the masses. The family friendly restaurant gets good reviews from healthy and hearty eaters and those looking for a slightly nicer Olive Garden type experience.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveExotic club-like atmosphere with zebra-print upholstered banquettes, Elvis pics and other unusual art decorating the walls. It's definitely more appropriate for a celebration versus a quiet business dinner.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveLocated in the Cooper Young neighborhood about 3 miles East of Downtown, Bari is a casual and elegant eatery offering Southeastern Italian cuisine. Veggie lovers will delight in the selection as will pasta and seafood enthusiasts. The menu emphasizes simple, unique and fresh preparations. If you enjoy Italian cuisine, Bari offers a creative approach. Next door is Enoteca, a bar/lounge under the same ownership.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis Midtown residential bakery located in an old house serves breakfast favorites, sandwiches on premise-baked bread, and the ever popular and budget friendly "meat and three" specials.
Price: Least ExpensiveShould your shopping urges lead you to the Palladio Antique Interior Marketplace (boasting more than 60 shops), there is a café conveniently located in the middle of the marketplace that serves soups, salads and sandwiches. It's family owned and charming with its European antiques and fine art. The pastries and breads come from the local favorite French Bakery and are fresh as can be.
Price: Least ExpensiveLocated in the Peabody Hotel, this Italian steakhouse offers a fine dining experience without the words "foie gras," "sweetbreads," and "beurre blanc" -- meaning simply that while Memphis does have some very upscale restaurants, we find the menus to be overly rich or extremely pricey. Capriccio offers more balance and is still elegant. The open kitchen turns out a variety of seafood, pasta, and steaks from the wood-fired oven. Attractive wood floors, light walls, handsome chairs and dark woods create a contemporary and stylish setting.
Price: ExpensiveOnly 8 miles east of downtown and right off the popular Memphis “Greenline” biking trail, Cheffie’s Café offers an exciting independent way to eat well. Their large deck patio offers ample seating, and the brick enclosed inside has an earthy feel to it.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveKnown for its fresh preparations and perfect setting for a business lunch or dinner, Interim's modern decor and fairly diverse menu will please many. The streamlined space is contemporary with white table cloths, an open stainless kitchen, honey wood accents and a swank bar/lounge. It's definitely more upscale and gourmet than casual.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveDon't be put off by the strip mall location, this east Memphis bistro offers fine dining in a sophisticated and inviting room with light wood, relaxing creams and original artwork. Jarrett's has become a local and visitor favorite for its quiet ambiance and upscale, gourmet menu that offers more options relative to some of the other fine dining Memphis competition. There is also a courtyard with trees for outdoor dining.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveLocated in an old wood frame house in the Cooper Young area of Midtown, Jasmine offers a vegetarian friendly Thai menu that has possibilities for all eaters. (FYI, Tsunami is just down the street.)
Price: Least ExpensiveQuick, inexpensive food that allows eaters to customize and select healthy ingredients. Jason's motto is "fresh from the start" and they pride themselves in a trans fat free menu, high quality ingredients and select organic produce.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis classy, 1940s style bar and grill is located in an historic building that used to house a theater. Dark wood floors, soaring ceilings, and a big, overhead, screen showing silent, old time movies give this place character.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveMcEwen's Southwestern fusion style menu and hip yet comfortable setting with a granite bar, high ceilings, exposed brick, warm lighting and local artists' work decorating the walls attracts a crowd for lunch and dinner. Eating in the separate bar area is a nice option for singletons. For those looking for a more unique experience, consider dining in the bistro's wine cellar which is available for parties of 8 to 18.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveLocated in the Historic South Main District of downtown, this seasonal, open-air market offers all sorts of local fun including music performances and activities for kids. Of course there is plenty of food and crafts also sold here. Check the website for special December holiday hours and the market's "Dinner Tour." There are 70 vendors on hand offering locally sourced produce, flowers, plants, herbs, meats, eggs, dairy products, baked goods and prepared foods. The Market Caf
Price: Least ExpensiveLocated in Harbor Town, this neighborhood market is perfect for athletic-minded travelers looking for a quick stop for prepared foods, deli sandwiches and other specialty foods. It even boasts a little wine bar! This is a great little area with a handful of restaurants, cafes and shops on the "Square."
Hot soups, ready to go entr
Price: Least ExpensiveThere seems to be a dearth of healthy and vegetarian eateries in downtown Memphis and this one is a solid 8+ miles away, but is worth consideration if you need a fix.
The café offers soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta and a handful of vegetarian dishes.
Price: Least ExpensiveOne can't visit Memphis without at least considering a BBQ feast. So if you are inclined to pig out, at least go somewhere gooooood. The basement dining room (off General Washburn Alley) is very casual with wood tables and floors and paper placemats. Locals may pooh-pooh this place as being a bit touristy, but if you are downtown and just want some authentic Memphis BBQ, you won't be disappointed.
Price: Least ExpensiveThere are a number of Seiksuis across the country and each typically has light woods, gurgling fountains, a long sushi bar and TVs. Far from traditional these Japanese fusion style eateries are bustling and active.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveSouth Point Grocery isn't just any ol full-service grocery store. The Downtown Memphis market features cool art, retro signaage, and other creative design flourishes. Travelers will find a wide assortment of fresh produce, meat, dairy, local products, beer and wine and more in the 9,000 square f
This Memphis institution is diner-like in style with black and white tiled floors, beige vinyl booths, formica tabletops and a long counter with stools. It's an old school eatery serving basic breakfast and lunch fare. Come for the local flavor but make sure they're open. The hours tend to change unexpectedly.
Price: Least ExpensiveExposed brick, candle-lit tables, interesting art and painted cement floors characterize this contemporary and funky Pacific Rim restaurant located in the Cooper Young district. The small plates, plentiful daily specials and solid menu present a number of options for light eaters and plentiful fare for those who need more calorie intake.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis 42,000 square foot store features an organic salad bar, in-store smoked barbeque and beer venue, and even a growler station with 5 beers on tap! This is a fun place! Along with the prepared foods, grocery staples are also available.
Price: Least Expensive