In an age when getting a good picture of your lunch is almost as important as eating it, let’s take a second to appreciate some of the most delicious—and photogenic—dishes in town. Here’s a list of some of the best restaurants in Memphis where you can get a meal that’ll live on in your memory (and your Instagram feed) long after it’s gone.
The Bar-B-Q Shop
Nothing says “Memphis” like barbecue, and The Bar-B-Q Shop says it well. Stop in and get to work on a mountainous pulled pork sandwich served with all the fixins in a low-key pub atmosphere.
Bounty on Broad
Brunch is the most important meal of the day at the Southern-inspired Bounty on Broad. Try the Bounty Salad with red onions, golden beets, goat feta, and candied pecans, then watch your Instagram followers go crazy over your mouth-watering photos.
The Second Line
The Second Line is a chic-rustic haunt that excels at crafting unique takes on classic Cajun-Creole food. Order up a fried Mississippi catfish po’boy and thank us later.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
You can find Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken all over the South. Hit up the Downtown Memphis location and fill a plate with fried chicken and an array of sides like baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad and seasoned fries.
The Beauty Shop
Wacky decor and creative cuisine—pumpkinseed Hawaiian tuna, anyone?—are the name of the game at The Beauty Shop. This hip brunch/lunch spot is aptly situated in the trendy Cooper Young neighborhood, where you’ll find numerous Instagrammable sights of the non-culinary variety as well.
Folk’s Folly
From she-crab soup to filet mignon, Folk’s Folly in East Memphis consistently proves that it deserves the tag line “Memphis’ Original Prime Steak House” by serving up some of the best steak and seafood in town. And speaking of tagging, be sure to tag @folksfolly in your Instagram posts.
Hog & Hominy
The blend of Southern and Italian influences at Hog & Hominy makes visiting this renowned restaurant a unique experience. The classic meatballs is a popular dish on the menu, which includes tomato sauce, guanciale, and parmesan.
Chez Philippe
Chez Philippe’s inventive French cuisine is served in the opulent dining room of the Peabody Hotel. We recommend the red velvet soufflé with a caramel anglaise.
Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen
Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen uses local garden-grown ingredients to craft elevated Italian fare. You can’t miss the scallops served with turnip, parsnip, fennel, almond, grape and sorrel.
Central BBQ
Central BBQ doesn’t mess around when it comes to mouth-watering, slow-smoked Memphis barbecue. If you go for the Combo Plate with 4 ounces each of any three meats and your choice of side, keep in mind that you may not be able to fit everything in one picture!
Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana
Las Tortugas is a family-owned joint that has become a local mainstay for 100% authentic Mexican food. Its two Memphis locations serve perennial favorites like pinto bean soup and “Pepe’s Secret Tamales.”
Alcenia’s
Whether you’re seeking breakfast, lunch or Sunday brunch, Alcenia’s won’t disappoint. It’s famous for its preserves, as well as for serving classic soul food that sticks to your ribs. We’re betting the fried chicken with cornbread, yams and corn on the cob will end up on your Instagram feed sooner rather than later.
Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar
You can’t make a bad culinary decision at Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar, which serves small plates of soups, salads and entrees alongside taster-size pours of wine.
Charles Vergos Rendezvous
Charles Vergos Rendezvous has been doing its thing since the 1940s, and that thing just happens to be serving amazing dry-rub barbecue in a speakeasy-like basement dining room. The pork ribs here are as good as they come.
For a meal so good you’ll be tempted to have it framed, these Memphis restaurants are where it’s at. And don’t worry—these dishes all taste amazing, no matter what Instagram filter you use.
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