Black-owned restaurants and food businesses have long shaped the culinary scene of Memphis.
They are a key ingredient in the recipe (or melting pot) that has made Memphis one of the most innovative food scenes in the South, if not the country. Talented cooks and entrepreneurs are cooking up food with devotion, love and ingenuity.
Black chefs, restaurateurs and food artisans have touched every area of Memphis’ exploding culinary scene. Most are small family-owned businesses creating unforgettable dishes made with an ingredient that can’t be bought — love.
In honor of Black History Month 2024, here are 24 Black-owned restaurants you need to try. Trust us — you’ll be glad you did.
Southern soul food classics
Alcenia’s
317 N. Main St.; (901) 523-0200; alcenias.com
Crispy Fried Chicken, Smothered Pork Chops, Black-Eyed Peas, Yams and Hot Water Cornbread are just a handful of the Southern dishes you will find at Alcenia’s. Owner BJ Chester-Tamayo runs her soul food restaurant with lots of love, and it shows in both her hospitality and food. She’ll be the first to tell you, “You may walk in a stranger, but you leave as family.” Chester-Tamayo makes everything from scratch, so come knowing that you may have to sit a spell depending on your order and how busy the place is. But the wait is worth it.