Nicest restaurant(s)? (Memphis, McEwen: appointed, crime, hotels)

[PhantomOfMemphis]

I am coming to Memphis in September to celebrate my two-year. We are going to Phantom which starts at 8:00 PM. I am shocked to call some restaurants and here that the times I want are already booked. I already have the hotel taken care of.

I do not live in Memphis, but some of you great people do.

So, I want some input:
What are some of the most romantic and upscale restaurants in Memphis? I have no budget. I want her to remember this (cliché, eh? ). We both are not alcohol consumers, so I am not worried about places with good drinks. Just a meal you cannot forget.

Also, we are getting there around 5 PM. Any recommendations of what to do when we arrive? And, is it safe to park in a parking garage - not many crime issues? I would stay with hotel valet, but it's $30 per day!


Thank you very much!

[jabogitlu]

Downtown is safe. If you're arriving at 5, I would say eat first, that way you have plenty of time to work through your courses without glancing at the time. If you're done at 7, by the time you stroll to the theater, get settled in, there'll be about half an hour for resting, talking, looking around inside.

My favorite place for a meal is the Capriccio Grill in the Peabody Hotel. Apps/Salads, meals, desserts for two, with generous tip, will run you $150-$200.

If there *truly* is no budget, and you're dressing fancy, then you could try out Chez Phillipe (also in the Peabody). A full 7-courser for two will run $450-$500.

[CristenS]

So you'll need a downtown restaurant. I agree that the earlier you can eat, the more likely you can get reservations. You can always draw out the meal, or go for dessert afterwards if you have time before the musical. Here's some restaurants, all of these should have websites with menus and maybe photos. I'm not sure which would be the most romantic though.

Flight
McEwen's
Majestic
Itta Benna
Automatic Slim's
Eighty3
Bluefin
Spindini
Bleu
Felicia Suzanne's
Chez Philippe

There are a few restaurants on mud island that may be more "romantic" due to being on the river. Not sure if the actual food and service is better, but some might have okay views. But, you'd have to drive there, and then drive back downtown. Tug's, River Inn, Paulette's.

You'll find that parking garages on the weekends might charge a flat $20 fee. Depends on if anything is going on downtown. There is a garage near the Orpheum, on Peabody, south of Main, which would be a good central location between restaurants and the Orpheum. It's above the Flying Saucer.

[latunafish]

mcewen's or itta benna would be two that i have used for anniversary dinners and could highly recommend.

[CristenS]

I just realized...you're staying at a hotel, so you'll need overnight parking anyway. I doubt doing it yourself would be much cheaper than valet. Plus not all hotels have garages nearby. Depending on what hotel it is (where it is) I'd probably save myself the time and energy and just use valet, then walk to the restaurant and Orpheum from the hotel.

[jabogitlu]

I usually used the Commerce Square garage (2nd and Union). I always found it much more reasonable than other downtown garages. $4 per night is not unusual. Take the elevator, the stairs smell like urine.

[ViolentDisasters]

I highly recommend Flight downtown on the corner of Main & Monroe.

It's a bit on the expensive side, and they get pretty busy, but the food, service, and scenery are simply unforgettable.

When you call to make reservations, I'd recommend stipulating you'd like an outdoor table in the event of nice weather, as their patio is one of the most romantic places I've encountered in Memphis. It sits alongside the trolley and features great views of many of downtown's most iconic buildings:

[tigerphan]

I'd take advantage of the valet. Parking downtown during events is usually a flat $20 or more for the more convenient locations.

Flight and McEwen's are both good spots. Lots of good suggestions in this thread. I've only been to Chez Philippe once, but it's definitely good enough for your short list.

[ColliervilleMom]

Great recommendations! I've been to Itta Benna several times and have never been disappointed, you can have a drink upstairs in the lounge that overlooks Beale.

Personally I am not a fan of Flight, their portions are pretty small and their prices high. If you have a big appetite, you might not be satisfied.

Have a wonderful time!

[wev]

If price doesn't matter, Chez Philppe. I've only eaten there once, and even if the decor is a little aging, it is a special place. Also echoing the suggestions for Itta Benna. I've not eaten there, but have seen it...the space does set a very nice mood for your special night.

Also, if weather is nice and you have time, visiting the Peabody and/or Madison hotel's rooftops can be romantic. Unless you or your partner are scared of heights, in that case, maybe a drink in the Peabody lobby. I hope you both have a wonderful evening.