A romantic date...
an anniversary...
a marriage proposal...
an anniversary...
a marriage proposal...
There are many reasons to splurge on dinner now and then. Whatever the occasion, you can be sure that Memphis has a fine dining establishment for all of life's celebrations. Here are some of the best our city has to offer.
1. Erling Jensen
1044 South YatesMemphis, TN 38119
(901)763-3700
Erling Jensen is considered by some to be the finest restaurant in town. It offers a romantic atmosphere with smooth music and elegant, yet unassuming decor. The menu offers a nice variety with selections like grilled bison, roasted monkfish, and rack of lamb. For a romantic finish, share the chocolate soufflé with your sweetheart.
2. Paulette's
2110 Madison Ave.Memphis, TN 38104
901-726-5128
Dim lighting and soft piano music make Paulettes an undeniably romantic restaurant. While the house specialty is the filet mignon, I also recommend the Louisiana crabcakes. And if you don't want to splurge on dinner, Paulettes has one of the best brunch menus in town.
3. Chez Philippe
149 Union Ave.Memphis, TN 38103
901-529-4188
From the velvet curtains to the fresh roses on each table, this is arguably one of the most romantic restaurants in Memphis. The French-Asian cuisine is unique enough to be special but familiar enough for our Americanized palettes. While the entrees are fantastic, be sure to leave enough room in your stomach and your wallet for Chez Philippe's to-die-for desserts.
4. Circa by John Bragg
119 Sout Main Street, Suite 100Memphis TN 38103
(901) 522-1488
Circa is tucked away in downtown Memphis and is one of the city's well kept secrets. The modern, yet inviting decor of the restaurant makes it ideal for a romantic occasion. The upscale menu includes regional specialties such as crawfish beignets, wild mushroom risotto, and cornmeal crusted striped bass. If you really want to splurge, indulge in the foie gras or escargots. Reservations are recommended.
5. Jim's Place
5560 Shelby Oaks Dr.Memphis, TN 38134
901-388-7200
Open for lunch and dinner, Jim's Place is my favorite Greek restaurant in Memphis. And I'm not alone in that opinion: Jim's Place was voted one of the top three Memphis restaurants in the Memphis Flyer readers' polls. With its homey yet elegant atmosphere, decent wine list, and fabulous Greek fare, this is definitely a great place to splurge.
6. Folk's Folly
551 South Mendenhall Rd.Memphis, TN 38117
901-762-8200
This fine dining steak house is voted best steakhouse in Memphis time and time again. If youre not in the mood for steak, though, Folks Folly offers a nice selection of seafood, chicken, pork, and lamb.

