Top 9 Upscale Restaurants in Memphis, TN

Memphis is a city in southwest Tennessee, and while it’s known primarily for its rich musical history, there’s also a variety of great upscale restaurants to choose from!

So, if you’re planning a visit to Memphis in the near future, or even if you live in the area, you should dine at one of these great restaurants. Several of them also happen to be supported by GiftYa, a virtual gift card company!

With GiftYa, you can send someone you know a gift card to a participating location that they can then set up with an existing credit or debit card via the GiftYa app.

While you’re thinking about where to go for the best dining experiences in Memphis, you should also think about purchasing a GiftYa! Here’s a list of the top 10 upscale restaurants in Memphis, Tennessee.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Some of the best food and drink in Memphis at this upscale restaurant!

There’s much more than steak on the menu at this upscale restaurant in Memphis. Image courtesy of Instagram.

6245 Poplar Ave | Memphis | flemingssteakhouse.com

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is the perfect restaurant for a night of fine dining. Located in a great area of Memphis, it’s very popular for special occasions, but Fleming’s is even worth a visit on a rainy day— though if the weather is nice you can dine on the outdoor patio!

Apart from the famous steak, there’s also world-class seafood and vegetarian-friendly dishes on the menu. Pair any of those with any of the high-quality wines or handcrafted cocktails on the menu, and you’re in for a great dining experience.

Fleming’s is open from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. every day of the week, although occasionally the restaurant has special hours. Valentine’s Day is one of the times that they do this.

“Great food, service and atmosphere. Our server Michale was awesome.  We were there for our anniversary and they [gave] us a nice card and a box of chocolates to celebrate.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Coletta’s Italian Restaurant

A family-owned restaurant serving award-winning pizza.

A vintage atmosphere and great decor that’ll definitely enhance your dining experience. Image courtesy of Instagram.

1063 S Pkwy E | Memphis | colettas.net 

First founded at this location in 1923, Coletta’s business has certainly expanded in the many years since. The great recipes remain the same, however. This Memphis restaurant is incredibly popular for its vintage decor and it’s BBQ pizza.

There’s much more than pizza on the menu to get excited about, however— though there are quite a lot of different pizza choices. Appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, pasta, desserts, and other dishes are all served at Coletta’s. This restaurant is the place to go for delicious Italian dishes and a cozy atmosphere.

This restaurant is open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Monday through Thursdays, 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sundays.

“Place is larger than I expected inside. Vintage, nostalgia decor. Love the old cigarette machine, cash register and counter area. Clean bathrooms-although a bit outdated but fits in with the decor of the place.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Coletta’s Italian Restaurant

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Top-rate steaks and much more besides since 1965.

You’ll want to try everything on the menu at this restaurant. Image courtesy of Instagram.

6120 Poplar Ave | Memphis | ruthschris.com

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse has locations all over the United States, and for good reason. First founded in 1965 New Orleans by Ruth Fertel, referred to as the first lady of steak. Her first steakhouse— that was unfortunately destroyed by a kitchen fire in 1976 —has now become a nationwide successful business.

This restaurant, no matter which location you visit, broils and seasons their prime cuts of steak to perfection. You’re also able to pair your steak— or other dish —with red wine, white wine, sparkling wine and champagne, and cocktails. You won’t want to miss out on the happy hour deals.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse has hours from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and from 4 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

“I had such a great experience here! I was treated to a celebration dinner and Ruth's Chris did not disappoint. The food and drinks were fabulous. We ordered cosmos and a variety of wines.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Char Restaurant

Private dining and live music to enhance your dining experience.

Make sure that you save room for dessert at Char Restaurant! Image courtesy of Instagram.

431 S Highland St Ste 120 | Memphis | charrestaurant.com

Char Restaurant is truly there for you for all of the special occasions. You can book a private dining event at this restaurant, or book them for catering if you want their delicious food brought to you! You can make reservations for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

For the latter, you can choose from a variety of appetizers, entrees, salads, cuts, and desserts. There’s also an extensive beverage menu for you to choose from, no matter what meal you’re enjoying.

Char Restaurant is open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays. On Sundays, hours are from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.

“Tonight was my husband's birthday and our first time visiting. The staff was very friendly and we were seated right away. Kelby our server was extremely attentive and gave great recommendations.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Char Restaurant

Itta Bena

Upscale dining off the beaten path in Memphis, TN.

While the food at Itta Bena may be delicious, don’t forget about the drinks! Image courtesy of Instagram.

145 Beale St | Memphis | ittabenadining.com

Itta Bena may be a bit difficult to find, but the food and drinks are certainly worth the extra effort! Up the fire escape of BB King’s Blues Club, Itta Bena serves delicious southern-inspired dishes. Both the atmosphere and the service are a cut above the rest.

And so is the food! On the menu at Itta Bena, you’ll find appetizers, salads, soups, entrees, and desserts. You can make a reservation or book an event right on their website!

Itta Bena’s hours are from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. all seven days a week.

“This place is a "hidden" gem indeed… The food and experience were amazing. There was live music and the atmosphere [was] nostalgic. We ordered so much food and enjoyed every last morsel. The complimentary bread was a foretaste of great food.”  - Yelp Review

Redlands Grill by J. Alexander

“Chef-driven” dining since 1991.

The food tastes just as good as it looks at this upscale Memphis restaurant— and it looks pretty good. Image courtesy of Instagram.

2670 N Germantown Pkwy | Memphis | redlandsgrill.com

Every Redlands Grill location takes pride in both the quality of their dishes and their service. And, though these restaurants may be present in many states across the country, every location is unique and worth a visit in its own right. You can book a reservation or order food online.

This location serves starters, salads, burgers and sandwiches, steaks and prime rib, other entrees, sides, and desserts, but that’s not all! You can also order a family meal or a bulk dessert to feed your whole table!

Hours at Redlands Grill are from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. every day of the week.

“I've never visited this space even though it's right by the mall. And I'm glad that I finally stepped in.  The ambiance was nice, and the customer service was even better. Our server was exceptionally friendly, attentive, and accommodating.” - Yelp Review

The Lookout at the Pyramid

Stand-out restaurant in Memphis with great views of the city!

This restaurant has some of the best views in Memphis, but the decor is a sight to behold all on its own! Image courtesy of Instagram.

1 Bass Pro Dr | Memphis | big-cypress.com 

At the top of the Pyramid, after a ride on the tallest free-standing elevator in the United States, you’ll find this not-so-hidden gem of a restaurant. If you want to sightsee, this restaurant is a must-see— both the views from the windows and balcony and the interior of the restaurant itself are beautiful!

Appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and steaks make up the menu at this iconic Memphis restaurant. Come for the views, stay for the food!

The Lookout at the Pyramid is open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Sundays.

“A great view of the city and specifically the river. A little pricey to get up there, but certainly worth checking out at least once, especially on a clear day. There is a clear floor which adds to the experience.” - Yelp Review

Sage Restaurant

Downtown Memphis restaurant with a great atmosphere.

This upscale restaurant in Memphis doesn’t just serve dinner— stop by for a delicious brunch, as well! Image courtesy of Instagram.

94 S Main St | Memphis | sagememphis.com 

On Main Street in Memphis, you couldn’t ask for a better location in the city. Sage Restaurant is in the heart of the downtown area, and both the food and “urban chic” vibes make it worth a visit. The flavors and ambience in this restaurant are fuel for the soul.

For dinner, Sage Restaurant serves starters, entrees, sandwiches, salads, sides, and desserts. For Saturday brunch, there’s just as many choices on the menu.

Sage Restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but hours are from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Wednesdays, 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Thursdays, 11 a.m. until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sundays.

“First and foremost, I love the vibes! The ambience is chill/intimate and the playlist was on point…They weren't very busy at all so it was pretty easy to grab a seat.” - Yelp Review

“I can't begin to say enough about this place. I wanted to surprise my wife for our 25th anniversary. I made reservations and they went all out. Just hard to put into words how great the dinner was.” - Yelp Review

Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

Customers are spoiled for choice at this downtown Memphis restaurant.

You can try a bit of everything at this restaurant, but make sure to save room so you can! Image courtesy of Instagram.

39 S Main St | Memphis | flightmemphis.com 

There are several different ways to dine at Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar, so it’s the perfect upscale restaurant for anyone visiting Memphis— no matter what you want for your dining experience, Flight can likely provide it. 

There’s the busy main floor, the more casual option of dining at the bar, and the balcony level for a more intimate dining experience. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know what you want— though Flight does let you try a bit of everything. Luckily, the staff at this restaurant knows all about the menu so that you don’t have to.

Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar is open from 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sundays.

“Amazing food. Amazing service. Can't wait to return! I've always heard that Flight is a must-visit here in Memphis, and the word is definitely true. We were seated in the Wine Cellar area… Loved the atmosphere.” - Yelp Review

Consider visiting one of these upscale restaurants in Memphis, and consider purchasing a GiftYa for one of them while you’re at it!