Memphis isn't the first city that comes to mind for Italian food, but it should be. Midtown's restaurant corridor has quietly built one of the South's more interesting Italian scenes, anchored by a 100-year-old institution that invented its own regional style of pizza.
Midtown & Beyond
Bari and Catherine and Mary's lead the pack for a modern night out, while ECCO on Overton Park delivers fine dining energy without a dress code. Further east, Amerigo has been a steady neighborhood favorite for years, and down south, Coletta's keeps serving the BBQ pizza it invented back in 1923 — a genuinely Memphis spin on Italian food.
Top Italian Spots
Bari Ristorante e Enoteca
Midtown • Modern Italian
A Midtown favorite praised for phenomenal food, drinks, and service, with fresh starters like shishito peppers, mussels, and calamari.
Catherine and Mary's
Downtown • Italian-Southern
A downtown celebration spot blending Italian and Southern influences, with house-made pasta, a strong cocktail list, and excellent gelato.
ECCO on Overton Park
Midtown • Italian fine dining
Italian fine dining without the formality — a go-to for a special night out near Overton Park.
Amerigo Italian Restaurant
East Memphis • Neighborhood classic
A longtime East Memphis favorite for reliable Italian-American classics in a comfortable dining room.
Coletta's Italian Restaurant
South Memphis • Since 1923
A Memphis institution since 1923, famous for inventing Memphis-style BBQ pizza.
🏆 Our Picks
Best Overall: Bari Ristorante e Enoteca - Midtown's modern Italian standout
Best for Celebrations: Catherine and Mary's - pasta, cocktails, and gelato downtown
Most Memphis: Coletta's - the BBQ pizza institution since 1923
Best Neighborhood Spot: Amerigo Italian Restaurant - dependable East Memphis favorite
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Spin for Memphis ItalianFrequently Asked Questions
What are the best Italian restaurants in Memphis?
Some standout Italian spots in Memphis featured in this guide include Bari Ristorante e Enoteca, Catherine and Mary's and ECCO on Overton Park.
How do I find Italian restaurants near me in Memphis?
Use ChooseMy.Food's free restaurant picker — set your location to Memphis, filter by Italian, and spin the wheel for an instant pick from a top-rated nearby restaurant.
When's the best time to visit Italian restaurants in Memphis?
Weekday evenings and early lunch hours typically mean shorter waits at popular spots. For weekend visits, consider going early or booking a reservation where available.