Date nights with your significant other shouldn’t be relegated to only anniversaries, birthdays, and Valentine’s Days! No matter the occasion, we’ve gathered some of the most romantic restaurants around the Memphis area to make it super easy to find a reason to celebrate.
Since we originally published this guide, we’ve mourned a couple of losses and welcomed a couple of newcomers to the scene. Are we missing one of your favorite date night spots? Let us know here!
Supper Club on 2nd
85 S. 2nd Street, Memphis, TN 38103 • (901) 453-6334
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. to 11. p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday
New on the Memphis restaurant scene, Supper Club on 2nd offers a stylish modern take on the traditional 1960s and ’70s supper clubs. The concept was thoughtfully designed by co-owners AG Granderson, Joe Johnson, Devin Butler, and Robert Higgins, who are offering up a new spin on date night. “We wanted something fun and intriguing — not just a regular restaurant,” Devin tells us. “Many times, you’ll find a restaurant with great food or a hip cocktail bar, but it is usually one or the other. Supper Club on 2nd offers the best of both worlds — excellent food and really cool cocktails.”
Expect an intimate, dimly lit atmosphere for dinner at Supper Club on 2nd. Image: Facebook
Tonica
1545 Overton Park Ave, Memphis, TN 38112 • (901) 474-7693
Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 4:30 p.m. until midnight; Sunday, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Monday through Wednesday
An intimate space offering ample bar seating and several dining tables, Tonica is an excellent option for a date night or an evening out with friends, catching up over cocktails. Sabine Bachmann, the owner of Ecco and Libro, opened the doors to her newest venture in Midtown — Tonica, a Spanish-style tapas bar on Overton Park. Diners can expect a rich variety of soups, salads, and small plates, plus a short list of heartier entrées like paella with your choice of protein. Tonica’s Spanish influence also extends to the drink menu, which includes a creative cocktail selection emphasizing specialty gin and tonics.
Tonica’s menu features a list of shareable tapas-style small plates, including flavorful options like spicy Spanish-inspired chicken wings. Image: Instagram
Restaurant Iris
4550 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38117 • (901) 590-2828
Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Closed Sunday through Wednesday
This award-winning Memphis gem has been voted the “Most Romantic” restaurant in town many times — and for good reason. Restaurant Iris, now open in its new East Memphis location, offers a beautifully appointed, cozy atmosphere. Though they are in a new home, Restaurant Iris still offers its much-loved menu featuring show-stoppers like Herb-Crusted and Whole-Roasted Veal Chop, Sweet Tea-Brined Smoked Pork Chop, and Confit Duck Leg. (Add jumbo lump crab to any dish for an extra-special occasion.)
The new East Memphis location of Restaurant Iris offers the same cozy dinner atmosphere, plus the addition of brunch service to highlight the magic of the daylight hours. Day date, anyone? Image: Facebook
Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House
551 S. Mendenhall Rd., Memphis, TN 38117 • (901) 762-8200
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sundays, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
You don’t have to travel downtown for an outstanding dining experience. Known for their delicious steaks, Folk’s Folly even has a Prime Cut Shoppe called Humphrey’s if you prefer to celebrate special occasions in your own kitchen! Beyond an impressive offering of steaks, they also offer delicious dishes built around other proteins like duck, chicken, lamb, and seafood. Enjoy live music in the cellar lounge each night beginning at 5:30 p.m., and be mindful of the dress code designed to preserve the special-occasion experience.
Enjoy dinner and music in the Cellar Lounge at Folk’s Folly! Image: Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House
McEwen’s
120 Monroe Ave., Memphis, TN 38103 • (901) 527-7085
Hours: Dinner — Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lunch — Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sunday
A downtown favorite, McEwen’s offers diners upscale Southern cuisine in a relaxed and comfortable dining room. McEwen’s also boasts a great bar to enjoy craft cocktails, boutique wine, and a generous selection of beers. If it’s not already booked by the time you make your plans, their basement wine cellar is one of the most romantic spots in town. And don’t miss their famed banana cream pie for dessert!
McEwen’s basement wine cellar offers a unique and intimate dining experience. Image: McEwen’s
Napa Café
5101 Sanderlin Ave. #122, Memphis, TN 38117 • (901) 683-0441
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Closed on Sunday through Tuesday
Date night at Napa Café is like a choose-your-own-adventure experience! Choose from a variety of dining areas including the wine cellar, general dining room, bar areas, the outdoor patio, or in any themed room — Jan’s Room, Eleanor’s Room, or the Tutor Room. Order from decadent entrees like crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and lamb tenderloin, or keep things light with their vibrant selection of salads. Just be sure to save room for a slice of their Famous Sweet Buttermilk Pie!
Enjoy your date night in Jan’s Room. Image: Napa Café
Erling Jensen
1044 S. Yates Rd, Memphis, TN 38119 • (901) 763-3700
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Get a taste of the coast right here in Memphis! Erling Jensen serves up classic seafood and beef dishes with an upscale, contemporary twist with a dining room setting to match. The restaurant always has weekly specials and wine dinners, so take a look at the menu on their site to see what’s happening each week.
Enjoy a delicious and romantic dinner at Erling Jensen! Image: Erling Jensen
ACRE
690 S. Perkins Rd, TN 38117 • (901) 818-2273
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
ACRE is known for serving innovative, modern fare in a setting that feels like you are sharing a meal at a good friend’s home. This restaurant offers four different dining options: the comfortable bar area where diners can have a cocktail or glass of wine while waiting for a table; the main dining area that features a cozy fireplace; a south side sunroom that has beautiful vaulted ceilings and wrapped windows; and the outdoor seating with views of the terrace and green gardens.
Nestled in a lush, tree-lined lot in East Memphis, ACRE offers an intimate dining experience just two blocks off the busy Poplar Avenue corridor. Image: ACRE
Itta Bena
145 Beale St., Memphis, TN 38103 • (901) 578-3031
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Above BB Kings Blues Club lies one of Memphis’ best “hidden gems” — Itta Bena. The restaurant gets its name from the town where the legendary BB King was born, and the entire environment exemplifies the charm of fine Southern dining. Unlike most fine dining establishments, jackets aren’t required here. In fact, they encourage diners to “come as you are.” After dinner, indulge in great music, drinks, and dancing for a date night to remember!
Above BB Kings Blues Club in Downtown Memphis lies a charming, fine dining experience, Itta Bena. Image: Itta Bena
Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen
712 Brookhaven Circle., Memphis, TN 38117 • (901) 347-3569
Kitchen hours: Monday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4:30 to 10 p.m.; closed Sunday
Think of traditional pasta with a Southern twist, and that is Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen. Unable to choose just one entrée from classic favorites ranging from ravioli to scallops? Not to worry, they offer a Chef’s Tasting for $65 with the addition of wine pairings for $35. With ample outdoor dining space and a roaring fireplace lit for cooler evenings, this spot is beyond cozy and inviting.
When the weather is nice, take a seat on the outdoor patio at Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen! Image: Facebook
Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar
39 South Main St., Memphis, TN 38103 • (901) 521-8005
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
On the corner of Main Street and Monroe sits Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar. This spot offers a unique dining experience through small plates, also known as “flights,” which are carefully paired tastings. You can choose flights for every course — appetizers, salads, main dishes, and desserts — or select individual menu items if that’s more your speed. Of course, wine pairings and flights are also available. The best of all worlds in a cozy atmosphere!
Try it all with flights of all varieties at Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar! Image: Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar
Southern Social
2285 S. Germantown Rd., Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 574-5555
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Open seven days a week for dinner service and on Sundays for brunch, Southern Social is nestled next to a train depot in Old Germantown. Dine amidst chandeliers, mounted artwork, lush draperies, and white tablecloths. With favorite menu items like fried chicken, you truly cannot go wrong. And it must be stated that their bourbon list is extensive, making this a favorite for bourbon lovers. (Complimentary valet is also available!)
Southern Social is open seven days a week and on Sundays for brunch! Image: Southern Social
Get out there and celebrate!
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Keep up with new Memphis restaurant openings through our New Memphis Restaurants series, updated monthly.
