Cooper-Young Historic District

Tsunami

Chef Ben Smith was one of the first restaurateurs to open in Cooper-Young during the neighborhood’s 1990s renaissance. But there’s nothing stale about his concept, a Pacific Rim-influenced dinner spot that’s consistently rated one of the best Midtown Memphis restaurants.Reserve a sidewalk table to watch the neighborhood go by as you share small plates (Smith changes them nightly). Or, order his signature sea bass, roasted and drizzled with soy buerre blanc. Closed Sunday.

Tart

A former bungalow is now home to stunningly simple French flavors and changing art installations. Start with a French press featuring locally-roasted coffee and the comforting Baked Eggs en Brioche, poached eggs nestled inside a thick slice of bread. Tart also serves brunch and lunch, but we won’t stop you from ordering one of their pretty-as-a-picture pastries as your meal.

The Beauty Shop

Once you get over the interior (a 1960s-era beauty salon – just ask a staffer to point out where Priscilla Presley used to have her hair done), let the menu wow you with you punchy flavor combos like chicken wings and watermelon dressed in sweet chile lime sauce. Whether you go for daily lunch/dinner or Sunday brunch, never skip dessert: Daily offerings, including a rainbow of gelati flavors, are scrawled on the mirror near Priscilla’s spot. PS: The Beauty Shop gets hipper and louder the later it gets, so arrive early or try your luck wedging in at the bar.

Soul Fish Café

You have to get your soul-food fix in Memphis, so do it here and walk it off by browsing Cooper-Young’s music, book and art shops. Order the fried catfish (the batter is light) or the fresh vegetable plate loaded with black-eyed peas, fried okra and macaroni and cheese. Save room for the house-made lemon pie. For lunch and dinner, this one’s come-as-you-are and family-friendly.

Broad Avenue Arts District

Maximo’s on Broad

Casual and colorful with inventive dishes to match: that’s Maximo’s. Pop in for dinner (Tuesday through Saturday) or Sunday brunch for creative cocktails and flavors that absolutely pop. That applies whether you’re enjoying a salad, sandwich, tapas or an entrée such as the Bali fish, pan-roasted in an irresistible tomato-miso reduction. Closed Monday.

Bounty on Broad

This family-style restaurant is anything but what you’d expect from a restaurant in such a category, though the sleek interior should tip you off. Make a reservation for nightly dinner or Sunday brunch, and go with a group for maximum sampling of locally-sourced dishes such as stuffed quail featuring savory cornbread, Andouille sausage and Hoppin’ John. Closed Monday.

Overton Square

Bari Ristorante

Make a dinner reservation for this stylish wine bar and restaurant in the thick of Memphis’ theater district and Overton Square shops. You could make a meal of the expertly-curated wine and cheese lists, or flow through courses of authentically-prepared pasta and rustic fish dishes. That’s the Southern Italian way, as Chef Jason Severs’ grandmother taught him.

Restaurant Iris

Here’s another repurposed home, quaint as can be, a skip from Memphis’ theater district – and one of the best places to eat in Memphis. Locals, the James Beard Foundation, Food & Wine – they’re all fans, so make a dinner reservation to see what the fine-dining fuss is about.When you taste Chef Kelly English’s salad of Brussels sprouts, Benton’s bacon and sherry – or any dish influenced by his Louisiana upbringing – you’ll know it’s worth it. Closed Sunday.

Bar-B-Q Shop

Ask any local barbecue connoisseur where to eat in Memphis and you’ll get a different answer almost every time. That’s because Memphis packs nearly 100 barbecue joints, every one with a specialty. At The Bar-B-Q Shop, that’s the half-and-half ribs: half dry-rubbed with the restaurant’s award-winning seasoning; half mopped with its award-winning sauce, a zingy blend of mustard and tomato. Like most Memphis barbecue restaurants, the vibe is no-frills – just good barbecue. Closed Sunday.

Fino’s Italian Deli

Flavorful meats, smoky cheeses, aromatic marinades and crusty bread combine to make Fino’s delectable sandwiches. You could eat in with the workday lunch crowd, but here’s a better idea: Order yours to go and head to nearby Overton Park. Each sandwich is big enough to share during a lunchtime picnic or al fresco dinner before a free concert at the park’s Levitt Shell. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Read the original story: Better Than BBQ? 10 Must-Eat Restaurants in Midtown Memphis by Samantha Crespo, of Memphis Traveler, as seen on Marriott Traveler

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