The food is delicious. The atmosphere was eclectic. The waiters were very hospitable. Loved the live music. Dessert was very good. The only thing i could say is sides a served separately and the pricing. But overall wonderful!!! read more

Itta Bena - Chocolate Chunk Brownie - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

What an awesome place! First, it's a very cool spot with a really neat atmosphere. Everything about it was just fun, the decor, the live music, the service. All great. And the food! The food was delicious!! I had the stuffed avocado and the shrimp and grits. Would definitely order both again. And after dinner, you can hang at the bar and listen to the music upstairs or go back down to BB Kings. Very highly recommend!! read more

Food quality does not match food prices. Herb chicken was good, but potatoes and spinach served with chicken was under seasoned. I also order sweet potato casserole and Mac and cheese and they too contained little to no seasoning. As a recommendation from our server I ordered the tooty fruity alcoholic beverage and it gave very much so flinstone vitamins with coconut syrup. I came here for my anniversary just to try something new and I must say it's not a place I would come back too especially considering the prices in comparison to the food received. read more

Itta Bena - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Staff and management were very accommodating. Great service as well. The disappointment was the limited menu compared to the past. Food lacked anything special. The filet was good and temperature on point. The Shrimp and grits as well as Cajun pasta were bland and lacked the diverse flavors that usually accompany the dish. The bread pudding and Godiva cheesecake topped off the meal. A word of caution ladies, the steep stairs getting to this historic venue make navigating in heels difficult. read more

Everything, even the climb up the fire escape was so on point at Itta Bena. We had reservations, but we were a little early so we sat at the bar to get a drink. The bartender suggested a pecan bourbon Manhattan...and it was like a pecan pie at the end. I loved it. There is a grand piano at the end of the bar, and as they opened up the second set, we decided to stay at the bar to dine and enjoy the music. I had some amazing short ribs, so savory and delicious. I wish I could have had more room in my stomach for them. Dreamy for sure. Everyone was friendly who worked there and made us feel so welcome. read more

I've always loved Itta Bena. Their representation during Downtown Dining Week 2014 did not let me down. As usual, the ambiance at Itta Bena was awesome. I love the fact they can pack a secret restaurant that is just word of mouth. To boot, Queen of Beale Street Ruby Wilson was performing during our meal. To start, the honey butter and hot rolls were decadently delicious. So delicious I left little room for the meal. I ordered the mushroom bisque and finished every drop. I also sampled the salad, which wasn't bad. My main dish was the salmon. OMG. Perfection. The green beans were not overcooked and the grits were perfectly seasoned. I was so full from the pre-main dish food that I had to get a to-go box. It tasted even better the next day. The desserts were good, but a little hard to get my fork through them. All-in-all, a wonderful experience for such a reasonable price! read more

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Step up in quality to standard Beale Street fare. Service is spectacular and sultry jazz punctuates the ambiance. Must visit!

Our server was wonderful. We enjoy fine dining & wanted to try something different outside of folks folly & porch and parlor. There wasn't anything wrong with it food, it just wasn't fit for our palate. I'll try anything at least once, & I did. I did enjoy my lemon drop but our food left alot to be desired. In my opinion they can't compete with the other fine dining establishments; simply put their menu is lacking. read more

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Awesome atmosphere, incredible food and service. Will definitely be back for dinner soon

My go to spot in Memphis. Mainly cuz the staff is awesome. Especially Jocelyn. On this particular night I had the lamb chops and they were...not good. Not sure what happened there. They took them back and off my bill and handled it professionally. I've been here many times before and will be back many times in the future. Everyone has bad nights. Still love this place. read more

Itta Bena - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I came here for my birthday and honestly enjoyed myself. The food was great and so was the atmosphere. Our waiter had a wonderful attitude and did everything to accommodate us. I will definitely come back. read more

Itta Bena - White Chocolate Bread Pudding - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Visited Itta Bena for our anniversary celebration. The service was FANTASTIC from entry to exit! I have to say I think that more employees told us happy anniversary than our own relatives LOL. I had the lamb and it was yummy, perfectly cooked! With spinach and risotto. The risotto was a little thicker than I like but the flavor was good. My husband had the filet butterflied and said it was delicious (although there were some red pepper flakes that made it a little spicy and he wasn't expecting that. Had the bread pudding for dessert OMG RICH AND DELICIOUS. Oh did I mention the rolls, soft yeasty like-hot and delicious. IF they don't bring them ASK! Now a HINT, if you dine at Itta Bena, you can go to BB Kings through the back exit. read more

The food was amazingly prepared and service is second to none!! Get the shrimp for an appetizer, you won't regret it! Our server was over the top friendly and knowledgeable, giving the perfect advice about each dish. The blue windows set the mood and didn't hear any music from BB Kings, even had a live bad playing in the corner. read more

I literately do not know how to start! My first star is given because of the location. It's located directly on Beale St., upstairs in in BB Kings. It's super lo-key and the ambience takes the location to the next level. It's really fancy. All the other stars go to the food!!!!! The plating and taste of the food is so amazing and fulfilling. Everything was good! read more

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I booked a reservation for my sister's birthday, as we were traveling in from Dallas. A co-worker recommended this restaurant, and it did not disappoint. Getting into the restaurant was an adventure in itself. We entered through B.B. King's Blues Club and were directed to go upstairs and go inside of an exit door. When we got upstairs and I saw the door, I said to myself "this can't be right." Another waitress reassured us we were going the right way. So we went through the exit, up some stairs, into Itta Bena. I was quite shocked that this elegant restaurant was above the loud bar below. The ambiance was amazing. Craig, the host, was great. He greeted us, remembered that were were traveling from Texas, and even wished my sister a happy birthday. Mark was our waiter, and he was awesome. We did have a slight mishap. We were enjoying our soups as he was about to serve us champagne, but one of the glasses broke and shattered on my other sister's lap. Chris, the manager, addressed the issue quickly, and we were seated at another table with fresh soups. 3 of us ordered the She-crab soup, and it was one of the best things I've ever eaten. It was the creamiest, buttery, crabby soup. I wish I could've taken a whole pot back to Texas. I highly recommend that soup, especially if you love crab. I ordered the braised short rib, and it did not disappoint. The rib was very tender, potatoes and asparagus were perfect.The shrimp and grits were incredible, and I only had a taste. The shrimp were huge! The Alaskan salmon was really good too. We were all very satisfied with our dinners. Unexpectedly, Mark brought my sister a piece of the white chocolate bread pudding for her birthday. I'm not a dessert person, but this was delicious! I would give the food 5 stars! My only disappointment came from how management handled the broken glass issue. The glass was shattered on my sister's pants, and as she tried to clean it she had tiny glass fibers stuck in her hand. We each received our checks, and she was charged full price. It felt like after they moved us and gave us more soup, the problem was solved. After she brought it to Chris's attention again, that's when they decided to cover her check. Overall, I would definitely return for the She-crab soup and shrimp & grits. read more

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This is a spectacular restaurant experience. The restaurant is beautiful and has a relaxed and intimate ambiance. There is usually live music played from some of the most talented local musicians around Memphis. The service was perfect. They were all well trained, kind, and well versed in alcohol and cocktails. The food was amazing and the portions were just right. I look forward to coming here again when I'm back in town for business! read more

Dude this is like the highest-class food I've ever eaten. Great service, and a phenomenally unique ambiance. The she-crab soup is to die for. Like actually. I would be alright if it was the only food I could eat for the rest of my life and it was deposited directly into my hands without a bowl. The pleasure would outweigh the pain. read more

Always my favorite place to eat!! Everything on the menu is wonderful. Go ahead and try it all! The service is always impressive and speedy! I love how small the restaurant is, so the noise level is always low. It's perfect when the piano is playing! read more

Just a great night. Thank you Key for sweet service, cool musician for our favorite tunes and chefs for the yummiest food. Short ribs and chicken dinners ... both scrumptious. It has been awhile ... but we're really happy we came back. And, we'll be back again! read more

Excellent food, service, atmosphere!! We are always well pleased when we go to dinner here by a unique experience!!

I visited this restaurant twice in 10 days. Both times I was blown away by the food, the top tier customer service and atmosphere. Drew, the manager, has been there only a month maybe and was the cherry on top for me. His food pairing recommendations were spot on. Chris and Courtney can teach classes in serving and table photography. I loved everything. Thank you all so much for a wonderful time! read more

This was bit of a surprise. It wasn't a destination trip to the restaurant like we learned for some and we read about it on the day of our visit. Luckily, it was a Monday early evening and the four of us were able to find seats at the bar. The wine selection was superb and the drinks were made with finesse and care. We sampled the appetizers and sides. Everything we tried tasted delicious and the service was phenomenal! Had we sat a table with a full meal, I am sure I could and would provide a 5 star rating! Now that I know about this tucked away gem, I will be back. read more

Always a great time! I enjoyed the food and service. The chef is an amazing cook! Hands down we will be back.

I brought my wife here for her 32nd birthday. Very, very nice. Elegant. Never knew about this place until we went. Service was 5 . Food was 5. I recommend this place and would be back in a heart beat. read more

Outstanding food. One of the best restaurant I have ever been. Treat yourself to this and try the beer bread

I visited Itta Bena 8 years ago during a business trip. I had the opportunity to bring my family this time and we celebrated my birthday. This time around, I am vegan. The chef prepared a special meal just for me to accommodate my vegan tastes. In addition, the family had just about everything on the menu. Everyone was very pleased. Even the kids ate everything on their plate. For desert, I had the cobbler. It was so delicious that I wanted to immediately order it agai read more

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The most romantic restaurant in Memphis. A cool secret entrance up steep stairs (not easy for someone with a disability, I am sure). A great menu, a wonderful view of Beale Street, good service and that very cool bluish lighting. read more

Our server Johnathon was attentive and knowledgeable. The food was amazing! The Brussel sprouts were the best I've ever eaten. I had the pork chop and my husband had lamb. Both were awesome! Brownie for dessert topped off the 5 star review. read more

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Went here for our last dinner in Memphis. Service was good despite our waitress forgetting a couple of our items (which ended being for the best, cause we were stuffed). They brought out a complimentary dessert and champagne toast for my birthday which was a nice touch. We only ordered an appetizer and bowl of soup. The She Crab Soup was very good and flavorful. read more

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Located directly about BB Kings Restaurant on Beale Street, this place is a gem to the area. Once you walk up those steps it's like you're stepping into a Speak Easy, lights dimmed low, very romantic and sultry. Everyone is looking spiffy, not too overdressed but looking nice. We had reservations(yes make them) for my Birthday dinner and was immediately seated. Our server was Kylie and she was great; she gave us honest opinions of what was the best on the menu and she was on point. But I believe that everything on that menu is perfect from just listening to the other patrons talk about their entrees. We ordered the She Crab Soup. It was pretty good, not enough crab in it for me. I had two small pieces of crab balls in mine but my Partner didn't have any remnants of crab in Hera but she still loved the flavor. For dinner I ordered the Salmon and baby!!!!! It's very very rare for me when I order Salmon that it is good and flavorful all the way through but this one exceeded everything. It was absolutely delicious, every bite. I made sure to take small bites so I could enjoy my food a little longer. I think I might've but Kylie's head off a little when she came by and wanted to clear the table because I WAS NOT finished enjoying my food or my Partners. She had the herb roasted chicken. OMG!!!! delicious, juicy, so so flavorful. Even the potatoes and spinach was spectacular. This Restaurant is definitely a must go place anytime in Memphis. read more

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I moved from Memphis 10 years ago. Got to experience Itta Bena with my son this week while visiting my mom in the hospital. Amidst a challenging week we escaped for the best scallops and grits, shared entree and creme brulee. The food was amazing but this week the staff, atmosphere and the opportunity to share food and wine were the things I needed. Thanks for always exceeding expectations. Whatever you celebration or need this is the place. read more

This was a new spot for us. Beale Street is known as being touristy and we thought - wrongly - that food, etc. would be that way. If you're in BBKings club im sure there is an entrance but we entered from outside the club, up the stairs over the club. The interior had beautiful lighting in the restaurant a t and the windows on 2 sides featured the lights from Beale. Dramatic and very pleasing ambiance. Cocktails tasty and reasonably priced-good whiskey collection. We split a field greens salad andd 16 ounce ribeye. Very, very tasty steak, set off well by the delicate salad. Waiter intuited we were sharing and brought separate plates of both. Excellent service. Definitely recommend the spot. Get reservations if there is a game or event in town - filling up as we arrived (with reservations) totally full when we left. read more

Itta Bena - Cocktails and Beale Street - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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I two places I visit most frequently - one is Itta Bena. Beside the food being amazing and the drinks well prices for the pour - bad service can kill even that . Not the problem at here - enjoy being greeted upon my arrival by name by both Kathy (bartender ) and Stefen (by favorite server). Kathy has always gone the extra mile to please me and my BF - even started carrying our favorite vodka. That is excellent customer experience . Stefen always has a hug and a kind word - sincerely a warm soul and an amazing server . Can't go wrong. Wedge salad and scallops are my go to - You can ask Kathy for Anastasia martini -!! read more

I brought my boyfriend here for his birthday dinner. AMAZING!!!! We didn't have a reservation but we were able to be seated right away. We went on a Tuesday evening so I'm not sure if it's that smooth on a weekend. I got the pasta, the crab cakes app, and my bf got the shrimp and grits. We also ordered a side of the spinach. Everything was soooooo delicious. The service was also great. I cannot wait to go backs read more

One of the most relaxing and all around perfect dining experiences! Brendan/Brandon was our server and he was adorable. The meals were magnificent. I had the braised short ribs, fell apart with my fork, and my husband had the Cajun pasta. The ambiance was perfect and the band sounded great. read more

Every experience I've had at Itta Bena has been better than the last somehow! First night ordered the stuffed avocado and the Cajun pasta, both incredible. The second time, one of us had to order the Cajun pasta again but also tried the shrimp and grits which were also fantastic! Third time happened to be a birthday and they were kind enough to send over a glass of Prosecco. The management and staff may have actually INVENTED the word hospitality. Great music and ambiance every time. read more

Fine dining and undiscovered gem of Memphis. Quiet, clean, and friendly staff. Brandon, our server, was the best! He was attentive and since we were celebrating our anniversary, he made sure to make it a memorable evening. The scallop and grits were tasty! The views were amazing from the second story. Did I mention Brandon was a great server!? The salmon was also delicious as well as the dessert. Glad we made reservations during a busy Saturday night on Beale Street. read more

Service is good, food is good. Felt like a New Orleans vibe restaurant!

Awesome-yes go here! We wanted an upscale restaurant for our anniversary...we were not disappointed! Great service-amazing food. Drinks were so good-ask your waiter what he recommends.. will not disappoint. Atmosphere was amazing. Loved it! read more

Itta Bena - Lamb chops-get this!!! - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Our daughter and son in law gave me tickets to Jerry Seinfeld at the Orpheum. Based on a recommendation from a friend, we had dinner at Itta Bena. I had the Salmon entree and it was fabulous! My wife had the Avacodo stuffed with crabmeat and the mixed green salad. The atmosphere was fantastic with a cool eclectic feel. Enter the restaurant on the second Street side up the stairs. A do not miss in Downtown Memphis!! There are some amazing places downtown and this one is great! read more

Itta Bena - Fabulous meal! - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee