10 Memphis Restaurants That Will Transport You to Paris

Bon appétit! As the world gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, we are heading to Paris by way of these Memphis bakeries and restaurants that capture the essence and taste of French cuisine.

Here are ten restaurants guaranteed to À ravir les papilles (please your taste buds).

17 Berkshire

Situated in Overton Square, 17 Berkshire is a patisserie that brings the elegance and flavors of Paris to Memphis specializing in macarons, tarts, and other French-inspired pastries. One of our favorite places to go for tasty macarons. You can always count on a fun variety of flavors like birthday cake, lemon blueberry, and orange blossom. We’re especially partial to the earl gray and pistachio macarons.

La Baguette

Located in the heart of East Memphis, La Baguette is a bakery and café that has been serving authentic French pastries and bread for decades. Step inside and be greeted by the aroma of freshly baked croissants, baguettes, and pain au chocolat. They have a variety of croissant flavors and croissant breakfast sandwiches.

Hive Bagel & Deli

While it’s not a French spot per se, Hive Bagel & Deli, in downtown, offers a variety of pastries. One of their pastry specialties is croissants in different flavors from classic to honey butter and at times specialty ones like a cheddar pretzel croissant. Plus, they are huge! Seriously, I don’t know that anywhere else offers bigger croissants.

 

Blanchard’s Organic Breads

For organic French pastries, finding Blanchard’s Organic Breads is a must. They have an always rotating menu of pastries like madeleines, éclairs, canelés, and more. Try the French sourdough too! They are set up at Joes Wines; Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30.

 

Ginger’s Bread & Co.

Another super tasty spot for French pastries can be found in Midtown at Ginger’s Bread & Co. They specialize in sourdough, pastries, and cakes. Try their baguettes and croissants! Their croissants come in a number of flavors and styles like a cookie croissant, almond, ham and cheese, and more.

 

Chez Philippe

One of Memphis’ premiere French restaurants that will have you saying oui, oui! Chez Philippe, inside The Peabody Hotel, offers a prix fixe four-course menu and a seven-course chef’s tasting menu with a blend of classic French cuisine and contemporary creations. This elegant restaurant offers a luxurious atmosphere, complete with chandeliers and ornate decor, reminiscent of a grand Parisian dining room.
 

Erling Jensen 

Another premier dining destination that exudes sophistication and French-inspired elegance located in East Memphis. Delight in Erling Jensen dishes such as pan-seared foie gras, rack of lamb, a variety of sumptuous seafood options, and of course–escargot! Erling Jensen is a top choice for those seeking a refined and memorable dining experience akin to Parisian haute cuisine.

River Oaks

Located in East Memphis, River Oaks is a French-American bistro that delivers a delightful fusion of Southern hospitality and French culinary excellence. Chef José Gutierrez, a renowned French chef, brings his expertise to create a menu that features classic French dishes with a modern twist. Indulge in their duck confit  or steak frites before finishing with a creme brulee.

Amelia Gene’s

One of Memphis’ newest fine dining spots, located downtown next to Caption by Hyatt. Amelia Gene's menu blends American cuisine with French Italian influences. It doesn’t get more French than their fun cheese cart. They’ll roll it up to your table and slice away at specialty cheese to try. On Thursdays, they do a cheese-centric tasting menu too. Look for French menu items like the foie gras macaron, kaluga caviar beignet, and half rohan duck.

Paulette’s

Head to Harbor Town for Paulette’s which is a blend of French and Hungarian dishes. Try the pesto-pistachio crusted rack of lamb, veal chop normandy, or crepes during breakfast or brunch. Paulette’s has been dishing out eats since the 1950s with an elegant dining room.

 

Any French spots we missed? Let us know in the comments!

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About the Author

Hello! I'm Jalyn Souchek, the Director of Content for I Love Memphis Blog! I love calling the 901 home. When I'm not running the blog you can find me cheering on the Grizzlies, at a concert, exploring a new restaurant or kicking back at one of our breweries. I hope you'll love experiencing Memphis with me.

Build your perfect Memphis meal:

I love to eat so if I were to have only one meal left.. I’m going all out. I’d start with an app of Gumbo Fries from Blue City Cafe or Bayou Fries from Chef Tam, wings from Good Fortune or Central’s (honey gold and Jamaican Jerk), potato salad from Fat Larry’s, side of bbq spaghetti from Bar-B-Q Shop, and fried okra from Soul Fish. All paired with a Beale Street Brewing Space Age Sippin’.

Your most memorable Memphis moment:

College GameDay on Beale Street. That was an electric and perfect morning. I was still working in news then and was able to take it in up close and on the stage at some points. The fun and joy of everyone down there that morning is unbeatable.

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