Chef Kelly English has amazed Memphis since 2008 with his skillful combinations of Southern, French-Creole, and fine-dining cuisine. Reservations are in high demand at the award-winning, 13-table Restaurant Iris (even Tony Parker was once turned away because he didn't have a reservation). That's due to dishes like the fried oyster and blue cheese-stuffed New York Strip, the lobster knuckle sandwich, mahi-mahi with roasted corn custard, or the chef's choice five-course meal with wine pairings.

Located close to the historic Overton Square in midtown Memphis, Restaurant Iris is amongst the most highly regarded restaurants in the Southern states. Signature dishes to look out for include slow-roasted pork belly, lobster ‘knuckle sandwich’ and veal schnitzel.

Restaurant Iris should be on your short list for dinner. Located in a charming Victorian house, the restaurant is overseen by acclaimed chef Kelly English, who shows off his Louisiana roots with heaping portions of roasted marrow bones and his take on surf and turf, a giant New York strip steak stuffed with fried oysters and blue cheese. After dinner, wander down iconic Beale Street, a National Historic Landmark dotted with incredible venues for live blues, jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Chef Kelly English is usually in the house - as in, the darling house in Midtown that serves as the backdrop for his first eatery, Restaurant Iris. The homey feel of the individual dining rooms is supplemented by great artwork and a low-key ambiance; you'll be comfortable here is dressy jeans or full-out glam. The cuisine is a nice combination of fresh, local ingredients and Cajun flair, thanks to English's home-grown sensibilities - he's a Southern LA (Louisiana) boy.

This award-winning Memphis gem has been voted the “Most Romantic” restaurant in town many times — and for good reason. Restaurant Iris, now open in its new East Memphis location, offers a beautifully appointed, cozy atmosphere. Though they are in a new home, Restaurant Iris still offers its much-loved menu featuring show-stoppers like Herb-Crusted and Whole-Roasted Veal Chop, Sweet Tea-Brined Smoked Pork Chop, and Confit Duck Leg.

From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with a classy and elegant vibe that sets the tone for a truly memorable dining experience. The attention to detail in the design of the restaurant is impeccable, with beautiful colors, table settings, and furniture that enhance the fine dining atmosphere. The skylight in the dining area adds a touch of natural lighting, allowing you to fully appreciate the stunning sunset.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Laphroaig, maple syrup, chocolate bitters, toasted marshmallow. We would be remiss if we didn’t kick off this incredible list with a cocktail that has a name very dear to us at Campfire Collective. Beyond its name, the smooth bite of Buffalo Trace combined with the sweet notes of chocolate bitters, topped with a perfectly toasted marshmallow, will definitely warm you up during the cold months.

Restaurant Iris is chef Kelly English's flagship Memphis location and offers a blend of French, Creole, and Southern cuisine. Originally opened in Midtown Memphis in 2008, the restaurant moved to the Laurelwood Shopping Center in East Memphis a couple of years ago. The new space allows for an expanded menu and more seating, continuing the tradition of high-quality dining and exceptional service.

For a truly romantic and award-winning experience, Restaurant Iris is a must-visit. Located in East Memphis, this gem has been voted the “Most Romantic” restaurant in town multiple times. With its beautifully appointed and cozy atmosphere, it offers a menu that includes delectable options like Herb-Crusted and Whole-Roasted Veal Chop, Sweet Tea-Brined Smoked Pork Chop, and Confit Duck Leg.

Restaurant Iris is one of the top fine-dining establishments in Memphis, offering a Creole-inspired menu with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The intimate setting of this renovated house in Midtown makes for a cozy and upscale dining experience. The menu changes seasonally but always includes decadent dishes like lobster knuckle sandwich, duck confit, and blackened redfish.

Overton Square in midtown has had a huge resurrgence lately with a ton of new bars and restaurants - The Second Line, Iris, Lafayette's, Bar Louie, Belly Acres, Zebra, Babalu, Memphis Pizza, Local, Boscos, Robata, Scheweinhaus, Bayou. I'm reading online that they will have Madison Ave closed off and vendors along the street for NYE - that may be a good choice if you don't want Beale.

Memphis chef Kelly English combines his New Orleans background together with his appreciation for contemporary Southern cooking at this cozy-house-turned-fine-dining-spot close to the bustling Overton Sq.. Impeccable service in comfy quarters are paired with flavorful dishes just like the lobster knuckle sandwich and a fried oyster and blue cheese stuffed New York strip.

Nestled in Memphis, Restaurant Iris offers an exquisite dining experience that captivates the senses. From the moment you step into the restaurant, you are greeted with a welcoming and elegant atmosphere, setting the stage for an unforgettable meal. The staff at Iris is attentive and friendly, providing impeccable service that enhances the overall dining experience.

Old Word French and New World Creole and Cajun cuisine meet in the atmospheric Restaurant Iris. This restored Victorian-esque bungalow in central Memphis is perfect for a date night to remember thanks to the intimate experience of dining in smaller rooms lit by romantic candlelight. In the spring, don't miss the lovely front yard gardens.

2144 Monroe Ave.; 901-590-2829; secondlinememphis.com and restaurantiris.com. Located just off Overton Square, The Second Line and Restaurant Iris are Chef Kelly English’s sister-restaurants. If you haven’t been since English reopened his dining rooms and patios on June 12, expect to find some changes — all that you will love.

Restaurant Iris, led by Chef Kelly English, pushes the boundaries of southern and French Creole cuisine with innovative dishes like fried oyster and blue cheese-stuffed New York Strip. Central BBQ stands out in a city known for its barbecue, attracting crowds with its mouth-watering ribs, hot wings, and pulled pork sandwiches.

Memphis-legend Kelly English chefs it up at Restaurant Iris, Memphis’ take on classic Creole dining. They’ve got it all: lunch, dinner, brunch, cocktails, and even a killer to-go menu for those nights you wanna dine in your PJs. After kickin’ it in Midtown for fifteen years, they’ve moved to East Memphis.

In midtown, I like Restaurant Iris, Cafe 1912, or Bounty on Broad. If you’re close to East Memphis, check out Folk's Folly or Hog & Hominy (temporarily closed for reconstruction, but everyone is anxiously awaiting its re-opening). Out east in the suburbs, I recommend Southern Social in Germantown.

After 15 years in Midtown, Chef Kelly English has moved Iris to East Memphis!. So, while this isn’t a new restaurant in Memphis, it’s new to the space and should totally count. As a fan of Second Line and Panta, I can’t wait to try the elevated Southern deliciousness happening at Restaurant Iris.

The very essence of fine dining gets a romantic touch at Restaurant Iris. With gorgeous lighting and sophisticated table settings, the ambiance is the perfect blend of nostalgia and elegance. The cuisine is made with the freshest ingredients and is a nod to French-Creole traditions.

English’s Second Line and Restaurant Iris are among the reasons locals and visitors make their way to this part of the city. Of course, the pandemic changed everything and those restaurants reinvented themselves as takeout specialists during those pre-vaccine months of lockdown.

We weren’t kidding when we said Chef Kelly English is a Memphis staple. With another outstanding southern-inspired restaurant, Restaurant Iris’s French-Creole menu is the perfect ‘treat yourself’ meal. While a bit on the pricier end, this restaurant is worth every penny.

Restaurant Iris (4550 Poplar Ave) helmed by acclaimed local chef Kelly English. The inviting, neighborhood-style eatery offers bold, Southern Creole classics—like veal grillades, shrimp & grits, and house-smoked meats—served daily in a warm, lively atmosphere.

Surf and turf at Restaurant Iris (2146 Monroe; 590-2828) brings the best of two worlds together: Oysters and a New York strip. Make that three, because there is also — get this — blue cheese on top. Oops — four: Potato and Benton bacon hash underneath.

Restaurant Iris is a French restaurant located in Memphis’s midtown. After opening in 2008, it has steadily grown into one of Memphis’s best restaurant fixtures in the city. Restaurant Iris has an impressive menu of exquisite French fare.

Discover a Memphis take on classic Creole dining at Restaurant Iris. Established in 2008, this Memphis restaurant was originally located in Midtown Memphis but has recently moved to East Memphis.

Restaurant Iris offers a chic, intimate atmosphere for diners. Its small, high-quality menu boasts savory meals like Confit Duck Leg and Seared Seabass. Coming with a group of people?

2146 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN 38104Phone: 901-590-2828 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Restaurant Iris (@restaurantirismemphis)

- Rating: 4.2/5 (331 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 4550 Poplar Ave. Memphis, Tennessee - Categories: Cajun/Creole, French- Read more on Yelp

Let Kelly English, chef and owner of Restaurant Iris and The Second Line, tell you why everyone should "come taste what's cookin' in Memphis.