Have you ever been driving around Memphis, minding your own business, when suddenly you’re hit with a craving. Not a little “I could eat” kind of feeling. I’m talking about the kind of craving that comes
out of nowhere and has you salivating, thinking about that one dish you ate weeks or maybe months ago, and wishing you could have it right now.
Well, if you haven’t experienced that, maybe you should try a few of the Memphis restaurants below.
I’ve had some really delicious meals this year. And the best part? The year isn’t even over yet.
Here are some of the dishes I’ve eaten in 2026 that have officially taken up permanent residence in my brain.
The Liquor Store: Cuban Queso Burrito
669 Mendenhall | @theliquorstorediner on Instagram
I cannot forget about this dish. The Cuban chicken used in this burrito must have been marinating for ages. It’s so flavorful! Add the queso, wrap it all up in a tortilla and you've got yourself a burrito that will randomly pop into your thoughts while you're driving down the road. And when that happens, don't fight it. Go get another one.
Pro Tip: Add fries. Last time I added fruit in an effort to eat healthier and I regretted it. Just add fries!
Memphis Filling Station: South Main Italian Sausage Calzone
206 GE Patterson Ave. | @mfsbrewing on Instagram
Anytime I’m near Downtown, my brain immediately starts thinking about the South Main Italian Sausage Calzone at Memphis Filling Station. This thing is delicious, spicy, filling and just plain ol’ good. The Italian sausage brings the flavor, the cheese brings the comfort, and the whole thing is basically a warm, cheesy hug wrapped in dough. Oh, the dough! It even tastes good on its own. Pair the calzone with one of their refreshing beers, and you’ve got yourself a real treat.
Pro Tip: Get the spicy marinara sauce. It pairs perfectly with the Italian sausages.
MingXia Dumpling: Beef Skewers and Pan-Fried Dumpling Sampler
1014 N. Germantown Parkway | @mingxiadumpling on Instagram
I know. I’ve already written about MingXia Dumpling. But listen: Some dishes deserve a second mention because they are simply too good to be forgotten. The Beef Skewers and Pan-Fried Dumpling Sampler from MingXia have been living rent-free in my head ever since I first tried them.
Those beef skewers? Packed with flavor. So good that I previously joked I could carry a container of them around in my purse for emergency snacking. And honestly, I stand by that statement. The dumplings are just as memorable. Crispy on the outside, flavorful on the inside and dangerously easy to keep eating.
Pro Tip: Order more than you think you need. You’ll thank me later.
Butter Yolk Pop-ups: Butter Yolk Sandwich
@eatbutteryolk on Instagram
Soft scrambled eggs. Avocado. The thickest bacon this side of the Mississippi. Two slices of buttery brioche toast. Yeaaaaaah. I think about this breakfast sandwich often. There’s something about that combination of creamy eggs, flavorful green onions, rich avocado, crispy bacon and buttery brioche that makes you want to cancel whatever plans you had for the day and order another one.
Pro Tip: Because Butter Yolk operates as a pop-up, you’ll want to keep an eye on where and when they’re serving. Follow them on Instagram and make plans around the next pop-up. Your breakfast deserves it.
NinetyOne Goats: Chicken Bao Sandwich and Beef Slap Noodles
@ninetyonegoats on Instagram
The good Lord knows I love me some fried chicken. And He sure did bless me when I came across NinetyOne Goats. This pop-up is serving up some seriously good food, but the Chicken Bao Sandwich and Beef Slap Noodles are the two dishes I’m still thinking about.
The Chicken Bao Sandwich hits that sweet spot between comfort food and something a little different. This chicken was fried to perfection and the bao buns were soft, but still had sustenance. The Beef Slap Noodles are the kind of dish that makes you slow down and appreciate every bite. Even though they should come with their own heat warning, they’re still delicious.
Pro Tip: Because this is a pop-up, you’ll have to keep an eye on their Instagram for upcoming events and locations. Follow them now so you’ll know where to be when the next pop-up is announced.
***
It's only early September, so I still have almost four more months of good eatin’ left in 2026. That means there’s plenty of time for another dish to come along, steal my heart and take up permanent residence in my cravings.
Memphis, I’m ready. Feed me.
Patricia Lockhart is a happily married mom of four teenagers. You can contact her via Instagram, @memphisismyboyfriend.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: 7 Memphis restaurant dishes we can't stop thinking about
