If there’s one thing you should know (or do know) about our city, it’s that Memphians love to eat. Whether it’s the classics like soul food or Memphis BBQ or something new and a little swanky, our restaurant scene cooks up delicious dishes no matter the style. In the market for something new to add to your “must eat” lists? There are so many new restaurants in Memphis Our team’s resident foodie put together a list of restaurants they’re excited to check out or have added to their favorites!
This list is by no means exhaustive so, if you have a restaurant that we should know about, be sure to reach out and tag us on Instagram or TikTok @wearememphistn!
South Main
The Lobbyist
Photo Credit: @thelobbyist on IG
Jimmy Gentry’s new restaurant isn’t just located in the former Swanky’s spot near The Chisca and Catherine + Mary’s, it’s gotten a lot of buzz! The menu focuses on using what’s in season/sourced from farmers in the area and I’m all about a hyper-local restaurant. Their cocktail program also focuses on adding a little twist to the drinks we know and love. As a gin and tonic fanatic, I’m definitely here for new bar programs that stick to the classics while adding a little ~spice~ to their menus.
Item I’m excited to try: the pasta with pork sofrito, garlic, tarragon, grana padano, and panna gratta
IBIS
Photo Credit: @ibismemphis on IG
If a restaurant has a great aesthetic, chances are I’m going to want to give it a try. And, as far as new restaurants in Memphis goes, Ibis definitely delivers! Not only do they have a delicious looking dinner menu, but the brunch looks insane. The space has both an upstairs and a downstairs, which gives plenty of space for those looking for a friends night out but is also cozy enough for those solo “man I answered way too many emails and socialized way too much and just need a good drink” moments.
I also totally respect when a cocktail lounge has a good mix of both snacky, small plates and larger, entree sized portions!
Item I’m excited to try: the build your own brunch bowl and (bonus) smokin’ gin + phonics cocktail
Photo Credit: @goodfortune_co on IG
Good Fortune Co. (New-ish)
Okay, Memphis foodie community. I know this isn’t technically super new, but I think Good Fortune definitely deserves a shoutout. I’m a massive ramen fan and get way too pumped when the city gets a new ramen or Japanese spot. While the ramen, of course, is delicious, you’re not going to want to miss out on the dumplings. And I totally mean it when I say you have to try all of them. No questions asked. Bring friends if you need, but you have to try them all!
My recommendation: spicy pork ramen + all of the dumplings
East Memphis ( + Beyond)
Photo Credit: @restaurantirismemphis
Restaurant Iris (New-ish)
After 15 years in Midtown, Chef Kelly English has moved Iris to East Memphis! So, while this isn’t a new restaurant in Memphis, it’s new to the space and should totally count. As a fan of Second Line and Panta, I can’t wait to try the elevated Southern deliciousness happening at Restaurant Iris. I’ve mentioned it a ton before, but aesthetics are just so important when I’m checking out new spots–Iris is absolutely beautiful!
Item I’m excited to try: Crab Au Gratin with jumbo lump crab, creme fraiche, sherry, brioche crouton, browned bearnaise
Limelight (Germantown)
If you remember the old Farm + Fries (rip) building, you’re already familiar with the Limelight space! However, it’s been completely renovated and the concept is sooo completely different from burgers and fries. There’s Southern, Asian, and French influences throughout the menu and, honestly, it’s kind of hard to pick just one thing I’d like to try! If I had to pick…
Item I’m excited to try: pork belly skewers with thai chili, honeycrisp apple, shoyu glaze, and watercress
Again, this isn’t a complete list of all the new restaurants in Memphis, but it’s a start! If you have any recommendations for restaurants we should check out, make sure you share them with us!
Experience the true essence of Southern-style BBQ in Memphis
