With the holiday season comes busy schedules and messy kitchens. So, more than ever, we’re relying on our favorite local restaurants. New on the scene this month, you’ll find authentic ramen, a wine bar, wood-fired pizza, a scenic rooftop bar, and a new cookie delivery service — perfect for last-minute gifts and dessert spreads!
Nagoya House
Neighborhood: Cooper-Young
More Info: nagoyahouse.com
For authentic Japanese food, Nagoya House features signature and customizable ramen, fried rice, donburi, yakisoba, lo mein, appetizers, and bubble tea. Stick around for dessert and try matcha mochi or green tea cheesecake. While Nagoya House is conveniently located for takeout, the restaurant offers a fun, laid-back ambiance worth experiencing in person.
Non-Vintage Wine Bar
Neighborhood: Binghampton
More Info: nvwinebar.com
Non-Vintage is Memphis’s newest wine bar, specializing in unique wines, handcrafted cocktails, and tasty bites. This locally owned spot is perfect for sharing a charcuterie board with friends or trying snacks like potato croquettes, polenta crab cakes, or olive tapenade with crostini. Non-Vintage is also a great place to book for your holiday party!
Orsoza Pizza in Hampline Brewing
Neighborhood: Binghampton
More Info: hampline.com
Local favorite Hampline Brewing recently hired Kevin Gibson from Hog & Hominy to launch a new pizza concept, Orsoza. Each pizza is cooked to perfection in a custom-built forno piombo woodfired oven and made with high-quality ingredients, like Tamboli’s Pasta and pizza dough.
Wadford’s Rooftop Grille
Neighborhood: Southhaven
More Info: wadfords.com
For those who love good food and a scenic view, Wadford’s Rooftop Grille offers a gorgeous rooftop setting with breathtaking views of Snowden Grove Park. Wadford’s is located in Southaven, MS, just 20 miles from Memphis. Wadford’s uses high-quality ingredients and serves unique shareable items and appetizers like BBQ shrimp, Baja dip with corn, fried green tomatoes, and specialty cocktails. The rooftop restaurant even has its own martini menu!
BONUS: Tiff’s Treats Cookie Delivery
Neighborhood: Memphis Cordova, University, Olive Branch
More Info: cookiedelivery.com
Just in time for holiday hosting, Tiff’s Treats launched a delivery-only outpost serving the Memphis Cordova, University, and Olive Branch areas. The warm cookie delivery service is particularly convenient when you need bulk desserts for parties or other special occasions. Order online, on the app, or by phone.
Still hungry? Keep scrolling for more recent openings, and sign up for our daily emails to stay in the know!
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Published November 2024
Written by Nina McCarver
It’s the dawning of the busiest time of the year, and we’ve been on a quest to find fresh new eateries that will help you relax and unwind. Whether you’re a taco enthusiast or a boba tea lover, this month’s lineup of new restaurants won’t disappoint.
Boba Boba Life
Neighborhood: Midtown
More Info: bobabobalife.com
At the corner of Central and East Parkway sits the cutest new tea shop around, Boba Boba Life. This place is perfect for a game-day refreshment after cheering on your favorite team at the Simmons Bank Liberty Bowl. Don’t be fooled by the name, Boba Boba offers an extensive menu of milk tea, fruit tea, smoothies, coffee, and other specialty beverages. They also offer other items such as large fruit cups, Korean grilled cheese, and paninis.
There are two large booths near the window that are perfect for gathering with friends in this light and airy cafe. They say, “Once you find someone with whom you enjoy drinking tea with, treasure them because you’ve found a friend for life.”
Magnolia Bend Grille
Neighborhood: Nesbit, MS
More Info: magnoliabendgrille.com
Just a short drive south to Nesbit, MS, you will find a new Southern fine-dining experience at Magnolia Bend Grille. This restaurant is located at the Bonne Terre Resort, nestled on 23 acres and a gorgeous lake. Relax and enjoy an evening of great food in a beautiful setting.
Perfect for date night or hosting your next event, Magnolia Bend Grille offers an extensive menu, including a bacon flight appetizer, lobster pronto pups, and blackened red snapper with Cajun crawfish cream sauce. Magnolia Bend also offers unique catering options for special occasions. Dinner reservations are suggested but not required.
Maciel’s Tortas and Tacos
Neighborhood: Summer Avenue
More Info: macielstn.com
We’re of the belief that tacos upstage pumpkin spice lattes, so we’re excited about the new Maciel’s Tortas and Tacos location on Summer Avenue. Get ready for a glorious assortment of tacos to tempt your taste buds — from street or fried tacos to seafood-filled, fajita-style, and Ahogado tacos. If you can’t decide which one to choose, try the lunch special, where you can get three different tacos for $9.
Plus, forget what you thought you knew about churros. Far from the Taco Bell variety, Maciel’s churros are cream cheese-filled with a perfectly crispy funnel cake-type batter that will make your heart sing.
Snowa Cafe
Neighborhood: Germantown
More Info: Instagram
We may not see much snow in Memphis, but at least we can enjoy it at Snowa Cafe, Germantown’s new Korean-style bakery and cafe. Snowa, which means “with snow,” features bingsu, considered to be the crown jewel of Korean desserts. This dessert is a milk-based shaved ice with sweet toppings such as strawberry, mango, Oreo, and green tea.
Snowa also serves Korean pastries, cupcakes, and other treats like kimbap (seaweed rice rolls) and tteokbokki (spicy simmered rice cakes.) Try the Snowa latte for a deliciously unique coffee experience or the boongeo-ppang, fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste.
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Published October 2024
Written by Nina McCarver
From downtown to East Memphis, get ready to indulge your senses at these six new local eateries. Whether you’re in the mood for classic deli sandwiches, Indian cuisine, or an elaborate night out complete with champagne and caviar, this list has you covered. Hope you’re hungry, Memphis!
Mahogany River Terrace
Neighborhood: Mud Island
More Info: mahoganyriverterrace.com
Take a left at the roundabout on Mud Island to find Carlee McCullough’s newest restaurant, Mahogany River Terrace. This restaurant offers upscale casual dining with a nod to Southern tradition and brings new life to the area. You’ll find unparalleled views of the Mississippi River and a gorgeous dining room with ample seating for large parties. If you’re torn about what to order, the chef highly recommends the salmon and sea scallop entrée.
The Archives Bistro
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: hotelnapoleonmemphis.com
Downtown Memphis has an exciting new dining option located in Hotel Napoleon — The Archives Bistro. Chef Phillip Dewayne (of Park + Cherry at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens) has put together a menu that blends sophistication and comfort, from champagne and caviar to flatbreads and burgers. Located within walking distance of Riverside Drive, Hotel Napoleon is an excellent location for taking in the sights of downtown.
Pizza Me 901
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More Info: pizzame901.com
East Memphis has a new, one-of-a-kind pizza joint. Pizza Me 901 offers specialty, made-to-order pizzas, and there’s a pizza and salad bar where you can get creative. Curtis Gibbons and Tevis Shaw have created a beautiful space for celebrating while offering tasty personalized pizzas. We recommend the “Haven” with hood sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fried chicken — drizzled with ranch.
Swagath Indian Cuisine and Bar
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More Info: Facebook
Found in the shopping center just south of Malco Paradiso, Swagath Indian Cuisine and Bar in East Memphis is a modestly sized venue (with somewhat limited parking) that offers lunch, dinner, and cocktails. Owner Sudheer Kanchi has provided a cozy space for diners to enjoy hearty portions and flavorful combinations. We suggest the Amritsari Tikka Kebabs or the Clay Pot Biryani.
La Roche
Neighborhood: Midtown
More Info: Instagram
New to Midtown, La Roche brings Lebanese cuisine to Cooper Street. Mounir El Merhabi and Arin El Mourabi have curated a comforting mix of good food and Lebanese hospitality in this beautiful restaurant. With blue velvet dining chairs, honey woodgrain tables, and beautifully paneled walls, the dining room gives a unique vibe.
The patio offers a perfect spot to enjoy the fall weather while munching on Baklava and sipping tea. And don’t miss out on the Turkish coffee and hot teapot! The Baba Ghanouj — a delicious mixture of roasted eggplant, lemon, and tahini — offers a yummy start to lunch or dinner.
Kellie’s Deli
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: Instagram
Tucked away at the corner of Tennessee Street and G. E. Patterson is a brand-new deli, featuring soups, sandwiches, salads, and sweet treats. Kellie Barksdale opened her deli so nearby residents could grab a taste of comfort, and she has extended her hours to 8 p.m. for a place to go when other delis are closed. Her soups are homemade and ready to warm your soul during the cool autumn days. Try the turkey club and homemade cheesecake for a deeply satisfying meal.
To see more local restaurants, check out the Memphis Food & Dining archives!
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Published September 2024
Written by Nina McCarver
There’s plenty to be excited about when it comes to the Memphis restaurant scene! If you’re ready to try something new, you’re in the right place. From a cozy bowl of pho to a new dessert destination, here are four new eateries to add to your rotation.
I Love Pho
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More Info: Instagram
East Memphis just welcomed another dose of goodness — I Love Pho. This new restaurant boasts an extensive menu with lots of exciting options. Specializing in Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai dishes, I Love Pho is fast-casual, so you order at the counter, and your food is delivered to your table.
Everyone is raving over the spicy prawn skewers and satay, and banh mi lovers will appreciate the extra-large buns, perfect for piling on the toppings. Not to mention, you can share a hot pot with friends, choosing from lots of different broth and protein options — just in time for colder temperatures!
Zio Matto Gelato
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: ziomatto.com
Cool down with a fresh cone of Italian gelato from Zio Matto Gelato for those warmer autumn days. Indulge in flavors like chocolate, coffee, hazelnut, mango, pistachio, tiramisu, honey vanilla, and stracciatella — all made locally in small batches for the freshest experience. The shop also offers gelato cakes in decadent flavors like hazelnut, tiramisu, and blueberry coconut.
Graz’n Tables
Neighborhood: Collierville
More Info: grazncharcuterie.com
Collierville’s premier charcuterie specialist has a new space on Houston Levee offering all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And if you’re trying to feed a crowd, they offer amazing boxed charcuteries (perfect for game days!). The grab-and-go soup options — such as chicken gnocchi and lasagna soup — are ideal for busy nights. Bakery offerings include a scone bar and seasonal items like an adorable pumpkin-shaped cinnamon scone!
The Overland
Neighborhood: Germantown
More Info: Instagram
Rooftop dinner for two, please! The Overland is Germantown’s newest fine-dining experience atop Marriott’s TownPlace Suites of Thornwood. Enjoy wild game and fresh catches complemented by a well-curated selection of wines and cocktails. Vogue meets Western in this beautiful dining room that will keep the conversation flowing.
To top it all off, Thornwood is located next to the Germantown Performing Arts Center, perfect for enjoying a night at the symphony or The Grove. The Overland is open exclusively for dinner, so save your appetite. Reservations are available at Resy.
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Published August 2024
Written by Sarah Morgan Johnson
Hope you’re hungry, Memphis — we’re back with another round of new local eateries. From elevated diner fare and locally-inspired brunch dishes to authentic Sichuan cuisine and plenty in between, these five new Memphis businesses are open and ready to serve. (Spoiler: One is actually a food truck, but we can’t resist a vintage Airstream trailer.)
Good Groceries Market and Cafe
Neighborhood: Central Gardens
More Info: eatgoodgroceries.com
Fans of the Good Groceries Mobile Diner will be excited to learn that the 901’s freshest food truck now has a permanent location. Owner Leah Roberts Getchel has been sharing her culinary skills and passion for scratch-made and ethically sourced food with Memphians since 2020.
Good Groceries Market and Cafe will serve many of the same elevated diner dishes patrons of the mobile diner have come to know and love. Stop in for lunch or peruse the ready-made meals, sauces, and seasoning blends. The menu changes seasonally, so catch the summer selections while they last! Start with a watermelon salad or BBQ duck nachos, and follow it up with mains like the market’s famous salmon burger topped with homemade mango chutney, the Duck Confit, or the“Smoked Brisket BLT.” If you’re hosting an event or party, check out their catering services!
Byway Coffee Company
Neighborhood: Location varies; check the schedule on Instagram
More Info: bywaycoffee.com
If you like your coffee with a side of wanderlust, Byway Coffee is your new go-to. The owners are serving up delicious specialty coffee drinks and pastries from a renovated vintage 1970s Airstream trailer. The schedule changes weekly, so be sure to keep up with them on Instagram for a weekly location drop.
The pop-up coffee shop on wheels may be smaller than your typical cafe, but don’t underestimate its menu. From drip coffee and cold brew to specialty lattes like the “Ube Vanilla Cold Foam Latte” and “White Cinnamon Latte,” Byway is fully equipped to satisfy any caffeine craving.
If coffee isn’t up your alley, browse the generous selection of non-coffee drinks like the Chai Tea Latte or Strawberry Matcha Lemonade. For those who love a “sweet treat” to accompany their coffee, Byway offers a delicious selection of pastries and baked goods sourced from local bakeries.
Petals Of A Peony Overton Square
Neighborhood: Midtown
More Info: petalsofapeony.com
This Germantown favorite now has a new Midtown location! The new location features the same tasty menu as the original eatery, featuring dishes from Chengdu, Sichuan Province.
Start with an appetizer like sliced pork belly with garlic sauce, spicy dumplings, or garlic cucumber salad, and follow it up with an entrée like Crispy Duck,” “Stir Fry Sweet Potato Noodles with Pork,” or the classic “Peony Fried Chicken.” There’s also an extensive list of vegan offerings, and the lunch menu offers a great deal on favorite dishes like Chicken Lo Mein and Kung Pao Chicken. Save room for dessert. How can you pass up “Matcha Tiramisu” and “Nutty Brown Sugar Ice Jelly?”
Memphis Toast
Neighborhood: Speedway Terrace
More Info: Facebook
Memphis Toast serves “Memphis on a plate,” and its renovated restaurant is a love letter to the 901. Patrons can enjoy brunch or sandwiches in the “Elvis Presley,” “B.B. King,” and “Smokey City” dining rooms or dine al fresco on the “Botanical Gardens” patio. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Memphis Toast is your new go-to for breakfast or lunch any day of the week.
Whether you like your toast alongside a fabulous brunch or on a crave-worthy sandwich, you are in the right place. Start your day with breakfast selections like the “Sticky Fingers” waffle sandwich, hearty omelets, chicken and waffles, or decadent shrimp and grits. You also can’t go wrong with the classic club sandwich or bacon, egg, and cheese.
BONUS: South Main Ghost River Brewing Co. Opens Its New Kitchen!
Neighborhood: South Bluffs
More Info: ghostriverbrewing.com
Ghost River’s South Main taproom location is debuting its new kitchen! As if we needed another reason to love Memphis’s first craft brewery, the new menu at South Main has the perfect selection of bites to pair with its delicious brews. To start, choose from bar snacks like pretzel bites, fried mushrooms, Hawaiian chicken sliders, or “Pizza Logs.” Move on to the selection of tacos and wings, and save room for desserts like the “Lemon Basil Cheesecake.”
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Published July 2024
Written by Sarah Morgan Johnson
While we Memphians certainly know our barbecue, we also love variety, and you can’t put the Memphis food scene into a box. From tacos and ramen to craft beer, the 901 welcomed several new eateries this month. Add these six local spots to your rotation!
Maroon Brew
Neighborhood: Collierville
More Info: maroonbrewco.com
Maggie Emerson is the owner and head brewer of Maroon Brew, a family-friendly, community-centric brewery. Since its opening on June 28, Maroon Brew has been serving up craft beer and delicious food in the Collierville community! Customers can choose from a rotating selection of 10 taps brewed on-site. The spread of eats is a sports fan’s dream, with everything from smashburgers to chicken tenders and more.
The star of the show is their selection of gourmet hotdogs, like the “Southern Dog,” topped with pimento cheese, hot honey, and bacon bits, and the “Das Germantown Dog,” topped with Creole mustard and house sauerkraut. You can’t go wrong with the shareable plates either — whether you choose pickle fries, pepperoni chips, or beer cheese mac n cheese!
Nashoba
Neighborhood: Collierville
More Info: nashoba.live
The founders of Nashoba aimed to design a space highlighting all things local Memphis life — local bands, brews, and viewings of favorite teams. It is safe to say they’ve done just that, as the restaurant is fully equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system, an in-house audio engineer, a 400-square-foot stage, and over 60 high-definition TVs.
Nashoba is serving lunch, dinner, and late-night bites menus featuring shareable burgers, flatbreads, the “NashobaWag-Yu Dog,” Brisket Fried Rice, Ribeye steak, and more. The nano-brewery is serving 20 on-tap beers, and customers can also browse its craft cocktail menu. Be sure to check out the happy hour, running daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Guests can get $2 off drafts and house cocktails, $4 house chips and dip, and a $7 basic burger.
Tekila Modern Mexican
Neighborhood: Germantown
More Info: ordertekila.com
Tekila Modern Mexican is bringing fresh, upscale Mexican cuisine to the 901 with the opening of Its Memphis location. This family-owned restaurant offers guests fresh interpretations of their favorite dishes. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and have a fabulous selection of margaritas and sangrias, along with other cocktails.
For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with staples like the Carnitas Eggs Benedict or the Cuban Breakfast Sandwich. The lunch and dinner menu features familiar favorites like tacos, tortas, and fajitas alongside more imaginative dishes like the Chorizo burger. If you’re craving a steakhouse special like fresh grilled steaks and fish, Tekila has you covered here, too!
Taquitos Amor
Neighborhood: South Bluffs
More Info: Instagram
The Downtown Memphis Farmers’ Market just got a whole lot tastier with the addition of Taquitos Amor! Owner Alec Marshman is bringing her Austin roots to Memphis, serving up Tex-Mex-style breakfast tacos every Saturday. Taquitos Amor offers a straightforward menu, but don’t mistake its simplicity for a lack of flavor! We recommend arriving early and enjoying your breakfast tacos while you browse the rest of the market.
NEW LOCATION: Biscuits & Jam
Neighborhood: South Forum
More Info: biscuitsandjams.com
This Bartlett brunch staple recently opened a Beale Street location by Hotel Indigo! The bright, eclectic interior space is the perfect backdrop for all your favorite Biscuits & Jams brunch items. The Beale Street location is serving up the same delectable menu you love in a new downtown setting.
Enjoy hearty breakfast biscuits like the “Rise and Shine” — a buttermilk biscuit topped with fried chicken, drenched in a sweet and spicy hot sauce. You can’t go wrong with sweet selections like the lemon-blueberry “Blueberry Hill” waffle and “Rum Boogie.” If you’re craving a little extra protein, try the steak and eggs or classic shrimp and grits, and be sure to check out the selection of pressed sandwiches.
NEW LOCATION: Kyuramen’s At Silo Square
Neighborhood: South Haven
More Info: kyuramen.com
Kyrumen just opened a new location at Silo Square in Southhaven! Noodle lovers will appreciate the fresh, housemade ramen prepared by “Ramen Masters.” Dining at Kyrumen is a unique experience in itself. Customers can get cozy in their “birdcage” style booths and enjoy a piping bowl of authentic Japanese ramen.
With a wide selection of noodles ranging from spicy to classic to vegetarian and more, there is truly a bowl for everyone. Besides extensive ramen options, Kyuramen also offers “rice burgers,” along with delicious appetizers like pork bao buns, gyoza dumplings, octopus balls, and more.
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