Food and service is always incredible. Ambiance is one of a kind in the best way. Downtown Memphis but feels like you're off of Beale while still getting Beale views. read more

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I honestly wasn't impressed. I heard how this was one of the top fine dining spots and Memphis so my mother took me as a late birthday meal. The menu was different from what I saw online (prices increased as well). Our portions for the prices paid left a lot to be desired. My mother struggled with the stairs as we were unaware that there is absolutely no elevator so wheelchair bound or ppl with difficulty going up stairs won't be able to come here. Our server was very nice and attentive. I thought there was a dress code but there was plenty of people there with jeans and gym shoes (I know, I sound like a snob but I wanted upscale for my birthday dinner). I just expected more and didn't receive it. The food was also just ok. I won't have to return. read more

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We walked in to this place just after 6 pm because we thought it was an extension of the one below it and were surprised when we realized it was not. Seated at the bar because it was quicker than waiting for a table. There was live music coming from one of the corners but it was overshadowed by the live music coming from the eatery on the first floor. Crowded but not unexpectedly for the Memphis tourist area. Staffs' attitude indicated most of them were likely transplants to the Memphis area. There didn't seem to much of a positive synergy or rhythm amount the staff. They seemed to not know who was responsible for what functions. Normal menu selections with normal touristy Beale street area $$$$. The food was decent but nothing special. I had the Cajun pasta opted for one of the shrimp appetizers. Again, nothing special. Nothing is calling us to go back. read more

Amazing place to eat. Food is great, atmosphere even better and the restaurant itself was beautifully decorated. read more

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It wasnt too crowded and the food was wonderful. The atmosphere was lovely. The scenery was great as those ble windows add something that I cant explain. read more

My wife and I visited for dinner on a rainy Thursday evening. Travis was our server, and we liked him--he's a smooth, competent guy. We started with an order of Brussels sprouts, which were delicious; not charred to ashes as in so many other places, with just a hint of sweet. We both had the shrimp and grits, which was very flavorful. My shrimp was barely overcooked, which I don't mind. The grits were fantastic. I had a Mississippi Mule, which isn't really my kind of drink, but it paired well with the meal. Wife had wine. We finished by splitting the crème brûlée, which was nothing special. All told, it was @$200 with the tip. For a nice meal in a nice atmosphere, with live guitar and sax and blue windows, it was worth doing once. If we could do it over, we'd dress up just a little. read more

Itta Bena - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Omg!! I have been wanting to go to this restaurant for a long time. It's hidden, no signage and it is on top of BB Kings. Ambience is dark and very cool . . . And live music every night. Jonathan was our server tonight and he was amazing. He was very attentive, fun and knew exactly when to walk over and check on us. We both started with a cocktail. My friend got a Manhattan and I got a dirty martini with blue cheese olives (Ketel One is my vodka of choice). We ordered the crab stuffed avocado which was a nice shareable appetizer . . . Lump crab salad, cornmeal breaded and flash fried, house remoulade, pico de gallo. For our entrees, we both ordered the Jumbo Shrimp & Grits . . . Smoked Gouda delta grits, bacon, shallots,garlic shiitake mushrooms and white wine . . . So yummy yum yum!! We both ordered a glass of wine with our entrees. I don't usually get dessert but everything was so good, we had to!! My friend got the cobbler of the day which was apple and I got the white chocolate bread pudding with caramel sauce . . .Damn, it was good. I usually have a few bites of my dessert and push it away . . . I could not do it this time and actually packed it to go . . . And so did my friend with her dessert. We closed the night out with a Itta Bena Coffee arabica coffee, baileys, amaretto and crème de cocoa . . . So freakin good!!! Jonathan you were awesome and enhanced our experience tremendously!! Thank you!! This posh dimly lit cabaret and cocktail bar with southern bites delivered a grand slam of courses for us tonight. I highly recommend this fine dining restaurant. read more

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fried green tomatoes were incredible, crispy with a tangy remoulade that was so good. our server was great, made solid cocktail recs and didn't rush us. feels like a secret spot even though it's right downtown. read more

My husband made reservations in advance for Valentine dinner after Valentine's Day which is my preference. We had eaten here for the first time New Year's Eve later in the evening and had a mediocre experience. Our waiter Stephen was great! Very friendly, professional, and knows his job. We had a great table the first time overlooking the BB King's sign. Our food was actually really good the first time. My husband ordered dessert but it had a hair in it so we sent it back and decided against getting another. My husband thought the guy seated behind him very close had a GI issue but we discovered after taking my entire meal back to our hotel that the undesirable smell wasn't the customer, it was my bad pork chop. It smelled absolutely awful! I threw out my entire meal that I had only had a bite of bc it was later to eat than my stomach appreciates. I contacted the restaurant the next day and spoke with a woman I believe said she is its PR rep and she'd have a manager get back to me but never heard back from them. My husband decided to give them another try and surprise me. When we arrived for our Valentine dinner, we waited too long to be seated for an advanced reservation and a restaurant that was not full. The red long haired hostess seated us at a tiny table hanging out at the end of a row of tables. I was not happy with it and she offered to seat us at another table but it would take time. I initially said I'd stay at the tiny table sitting in the middle of the aisle but when our waiter, Stephen, again waited on us, I kindly told him I was unhappy with the table. She seated us at a booth table on the other side backing up to the exterior stairwell wall. That table seats at least 4 but you have to slide in only from one side to get in. So I cleaned the crumb covered seat as I slid in. That must have been the coldest table location in the restaurant. I guess she showed me! I didn't let it ruin my dinner bc our food was plated nicely and it was delicious. So much so, that I ate every last bite and I don't usually finish my food. The live music was lovely again. Nice selection. My drink was okay. I was told it's like a Tommy Bahama. I guess that meant no alcohol and for a nondrinker, I didn't taste any alcohol and I certainly didn't feel any effects of alcohol. My husband ordered the apple cobbler of the day which he enjoyed. Overall, our second experience was very good. We ended up with a different waitress, Sydney who was very sweet. I don't know what the dress code is but I expected for a fine restaurant that there'd be a dress code but too many customers were very underdressed and casual. read more

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Ita Bena's used to be my fav restaurant. Last night's experience was less than desirable. It was my birthday. We were taking pictures quietly in a corner where no one was sitting. The GM approached us and advised that we can't take pictures inside the restaurant. That we could only take pictures in the restroom. I personally ordered two appetizers. The waitress took my appetizer away before I finished it when I turned my head. She didn't ask if I was finished with it. I ordered the lamb chop entree. Initially, They did not bring a knife with my entree. We also ordered two lamb chop lollipop appetizers that we had to cut with the butter knife. My risotto was very salty, but I still didn't get to finish it because once again I turned my head and the waitress took my meal away before I was finished without asking. The service here has gone downhill. Food cost is expensive. I spent $88 on a meal that I was not allowed to finish. I hate to pull the race card but we felt racially profiled by the GM and the waitress. We weren't talking loud, laughing loud, we took pictures against the wall by a 3 empty tables where no one was seated. We don't include other patrons in our pics or videos. I do not understand why we were treated this way on my special occasion. The waitress never asked or acknowledged that it was a special occasion. The service has gone down hill at this place. This is no longer my fav restaurant and I will not be returning. I can't believe we were treated this way but I guess a $500 tab doesn't mean anything when the restaurant does not value your money. read more

The food was delicious the service was on point and the atmosphere was worth the money spent. read more

Itta Bena - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Had a great time here! - It's conveniently located above BB Kings on Beale St. Don't worry about the noise though, you can't hear what's going downstairs. - The service is excellent. Russell was our friend for the evening and he was superb all around. - I was able to book easily through Open Table and was promptly seated as soon as we got there. No wait time. - They are a sister company of Moondance Grill in Germantown so you can come here and get that smoked old fashioned we all love. - The price points are great! I spent a total of $55 before tip on the stuffed herb chicken entree with 2 sides and a "Memphis Manhattan" martini. The key lime pie was one the house - thanks Russell! My food was really good! - There's live jazz music. One of the musicians is a professor at Rhodes College. Nice right? - Did I mention the service was great? I'm not lying when I say every single person we encountered was nice and welcoming. I got called "ma'am" a lot; love the respect (and the Southern charm lol) - There's a small room off to the side that you should really take advantage of reserving if you can. read more

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I was really looking forward to dining here but was disappointed by the overall experience. The restaurant was nice inside just like the pictures but it was extremely empty. Our waiter was just okay he lacked energy which kind of killed the vibe. I was expecting much better service based on prior reviews I read. The food was okay I ordered the BLT salad and found myself needing to add things to it to give it dimension. The addition of cherry tomatoes and pickled onions got it where it needed to be. The fries were just okay I wouldn't get them again. My boyfriend on the other hand got the Cajun pasta and loved it. read more

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We made reservations to come here after a Grizzlies game on a Sunday night. I was glad we did because I didn't expect it to be so poppin, but it was fairly busy. We had the BBQ shrimp and stuffed avocado for appetizer - both so good. For entree, I ordered the short ribs and it was melt in your mouth SO GOOD. I eat keto so I was easily able to sub the mashed potatoes for creamed spinach. The creamed spinach is decent, kind of felt like it was missing something though. My friends got the cajun pasta and ate it all. They said it was delicious. I mean you can't really go wrong with a spicy, creamy pasta. The portion sizes here are spot on also. We decided to get dessert too, so we ordered a cobbler of the day (peach) and the chocolate brownie... both were a great way to end our amazing meal. I liked the portion of the cobbler too because it was just the right amount. I will definitely be back. I hate that I always forget about Itta Bena but this was a great refresher to remind me to come back. read more

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The only dislike I have is that the restaurant was hard to find but I think that adds to the allure and ambience! Steven was a great server and we had a great time. The food was delicious and I'd definitely go back! The drinks were good and strong as well. read more

Itta Bena - Boneless Braised Short Ribs - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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I had a wonderful time here at Itta Bena. The food is just exquisite and tasty. The service is quick and professional. The ambiance is just straight up amazing and chill. 5 stars. read more

Love this place. There desert is too tier. It's have celebrated 2 birthdays here this year and never disappoints. Only downside is you have to pay an extra $25 to be able to take a cake inside. read more

Each year for my birthday, I look for a new restaurant experience. Let me just say, I am so glad that I found this place! It is hidden downtown right behind BB King's on Beale St., so it's very easy to miss. I guess it's one of those places that you just have to know where it is. I had to call to find out. Anyway, once you make it up those stairs...get ready for one of the best dining experience! When you walk in, you will notice that it is a very intimate setting. The lights are dim, the music is soft and soothing, and the staff is all dressed and ready to cater to you. For starters, I had the Crab Cakes. They were not your traditional fried crab cakes. It seems that they baked them, so don't be shocked like I was by the soft consistency. I also had the Blues Berry Martini. It was pretty good and semi-strong. The bread that they gave was soft and baked to perfection. Loved it! On to our entrées. I had the Rotisserie Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans. Let me tell you that I enjoyed every bit. The chicken was moist and seasoned to what I would call perfection, plus they give you a large portion. The potatoes reminded me of my Mom's (and that is a huge compliment, lol). This was an overall great experience and I look forward to going back! read more

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This place is a "hidden" gem indeed. You cannot tell that it's a restaurant by its location. It's right above BB King's Blues Club and you have to get there by going up a fire escape. We found it on Yelp. The food and experience were amazing. There was live music and the atmosphere nostalgic. We ordered so much food and enjoyed every last morsel. The complimentary bread was a foretaste of great food. The scallops were delicious (appetizer). My husband's filet was tender and cooked perfect (medium rare). I had the New Zealand lamb chops, which you can never go wrong with. I would definitely go back 10 times over. read more

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Shrimp and grits for me and Lamb for my wife. It may have been the best restaurant I've eaten at. I can't recommend it enough. Shrimp were perfectly cooked and the lamb was moist and tender as well. We aren't in Memphis often but this is where we are coming back to on our next visit for certain read more

Itta Bena - Shrimp and grits and Lamb - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

The food was fantastic, and with a piano and smooth jazz trumpet as background, night couldn't not have gone better. Service was top tier.

Best place for a fancy meal on Beale St., no contest. Sure, you don't go to Beale for food, but we had a birthday dinner and planned to hit the bars after, so it worked out great. Food, ambience were great. Service was just Ok. read more

I have never had such flavorful and well prepared food before. The meal was perfectly cooked and flavored perfectly. These were by far the best shrimp and grits I have ever had. The shrimp appetizer was also breathtaking. Finally the key lime pie was the perfect touch to the meal. The staff were accommodating and the atmosphere was pleasant. I can't wait to go back to Memphis to eat here again! read more

Itta Bena - Jumbo Shrimp and Grits - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

We had a party of 7. Our server was excellent. He was very attentive and helpful with the menu. The food was great. There was a live music with a piano playing and singer but it wasn't overwhelming and we sat next to them. It's very cozy. read more

Great place! Fantastic! We came here to celebrate a birthday and Itta Bena did not disappoint. We had a great meal and service. Randy our waiter was great! read more

Great. Experience. We were told about this place by strangers in south Alabama. You've got to work a little to find the entrance but once you do you'll get some of the best service you've ever had upstairs from BB Kings. Our waiter, Stevin, was kind, and so helpful. He's been with this place for 15 years for a reason. It's been so long since we have had service like this. Great food and live music, and an atmosphere that's transportive. And when you're done, if you have the energy and appetite, they'll show you down a stairway to BB King's Blues Club where you go straight to the head of the line to get a table for great live blues. Not sure we deserved being treated this well. Simple, good times in Memphis. read more

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You know when you find a place and you think, 'yahoo! I'm coming back here!' Well foodies, I did. Twice. I was in Memphis for a weekend and managed to have the best wedge salad I've ever had TWICE! I also ordered the Abita shrimp and it was fantastic. A bread is served with the dish. It's heavy and I swear it's dredged in powdered sugar before grilling. Oh man. The martinis were delish, our server, Stevens, was wonderful and was very attentive. We will go back every time we hit the Memphis circuit and have dinner there. read more

Their avocado appetizer is a must try!!! The ambiance is so private and romantic. Our waiter was on point and so was the manager. He replaced my drink with one of his favorites and I couldn't have been happier. The entrees themselves were also delicious but nothing unique like their appetizers. Rating 4 stars for ambiance, service, and appetizers. You should definitely come for a date night. read more

Itta Bena - Crab Stuffed Avocado - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Let's start with the ambiance you feel right after walking up those steps and submerging yourself into the "Blues" atmosphere. You will immediately notice the blue lighting, next your senses will be awe struck by the small of amazing food being "crafted" in the kitchen. Hopefully someone will be there playing the piano or hearing some blues or jazz playing across the room... light but subtle. The food is amazing... from the crab cakes, lamb chops, Filet... or perhaps the bbq shrimp. No matter what your paler desires, you'll find it here and it will be hands down awesome. You won't leave feeling blue but you'll be singing the praise. Service here is almost always consistent and joyfully executed. Go ahead, take your tastebuds and all your senses out for the night! You will not regret it. read more

Itta Bena has been and will always be my favorite restaurant in Memphis. The staff just happened to overhear that I got a promotion at work and made the whole night so special. We got a bunch of appetizers and dessert and the whole experience was phenomenal. Here is a pic of the Cobbler of the Day. I always have recommended Itta Bena and will continue to recommend this restaurant. Don't walk but run. This place is phenomenal and the staff are so unbelievably amazing. I would give more stars if I could. Thank you staff of Itta Bena for making the whole night special. We will be back. read more

Itta Bena - Here is a pic Cobbler of the Day. Don't walk but run. This place is phenomenal and the staff is so unbelievably amazing. - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Had a wonderful dinner with friends. Everyone's food was excellent. My sea bass was so fresh & flavorful. Cooked perfectly. Same for the lamb lollipops & short ribs. Crab soup was delicious. Wedge salad was good. Crème brûlée was a bit loose. Meal portions are generous. Our waitress was ok but seemed harried & rushed. At one point, she knocked over our $100 bottle of wine spilling a good glassful. She barely apologized & did not offer a replacement. When we got the check & saw we hadn't been compensated for it, we asked & were given 50% off the bottle. Note: Be aware restaurant is up a tall staircase which may be tough for mobility issues. Don't know if there's an elevator somewhere. read more

For a truly unique experience visit Itta Bena. If you have ever wondered what a true speakeasy felt like, this place will transport you there. You climb the unmarked, outside stairwell behind BB Kings, open the door at the top, and be prepared to be whisked away to another time. The bar is a great place to sit and enjoy the live music they have several evenings - it's typically light jazz or blues. I have only eaten here once and the food is good. It used to be mainly Southern fare focused, but now it seems their menu offerings are much broader. read more

Itta Bena - Bar area - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Have you ever look forward to visiting a place that everyone is talking about, but then when you get there you are left wondering what The fuzz is all about?? Well, that's how it was for me and the hubby. I'll start by saying the drinks where spot on. My husband said it was the best Smokey old fashion he's had in the city. (He has a lot experience, so I take his word) I had a simple but delish sparkly wine. Very refreshing. The service was astounding. The host was so polite and our waiter was attentive and helpful with the menu. The place is full of history and wonderment. The decor is a tribute to the music of our city. Unfortunately, I'm so, so sad to say the food was not what I expected. I ordered the short ribs in a merlot sauce. It tasted like my red wine pot roast. Exactly the same!! With mashed potatoes and asparagus. Nothing fancy. My husband ordered the lamb chops. He did like them but said he wouldn't eat them again. The red sauce it came with was too overwhelming. And it left a bitter aftertaste in your mouth. I was able to observed other dishes that were brought out to other patrons, and like I said, nothing fancy for the price we paid. I don't think I could visit again. But I do recommend for all of memphians to at least try the place and see for your selfs. read more

Itta Bena - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Great Atmosphere! Last minute Valentine reservation here in Memphis was so serendipitous! I LOVE the blue film on the window creating this cool vibe with the Sax and piano playing behind the covid friendly plexiglass. They were covid friendly with social distanced tables and people. I had the lamb chops and C had the pasta, so great! read more

Itta Bena - Southern Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

My boyfriend and I came here to celebrate his 40th birthday! Itta Bena is located on the upper level of BB Kings Blues Club. Who would think you would hear the music from downstairs but you didn't. Moving on- here's what you really want to know! Reservations and serves: We made reservations and arrived a few minutes after our time and was still immediately seated. Our waitress was very friendly and very attentive. No complaints! There was a pianist that had a beautiful voice that set for a romantic night! Menu: Very limited menu, however if you're a lover of food and trying new things you would be able to find you something! Appetizer listings were very very limited but the wine and cocktail menu was lovely though. A wide variety of wines and different cocktail choices. My date and I opted for a white wine instead of having cocktails. Depending on what you ordered the price points for most was well expected. What we ordered: My date chose the Cajun pasta along with the she crab soup while I opted for the soup of the day, shrimp and grits. Food was well cooked and hot! Not in taste but in freshness! Hands up and down to the cook! We were so full from our entrees and soup that we opted out of the dessert. Did that stop our waitress from bringing the birthday man a nice birthday treat!! Overall, I would return and recommend Itta Bena to locals and tourists! read more

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The atmosphere, lighting and energy of this cabaret and cocktail bar above BB King's Club on Beale Street was the perfect choice to start our visit to a weekend in Memphis. We had a wonderful dinner with Kelsie as our server. We enjoyed bacon wrapped shrimp and crab stuffed avocados as starters. Both were delicious! The she-crab soup was creamy and satisfying with a hint of fire. Cajun Pasta and Jumbo shrimp with grits did not disappoint and potions were hearty. A side of maple bacon Brussel sprouts was the perfect accompaniment to our entrees. Finished our meal with an exceptional Crème Brûlée. Kelsie was attentive and ensured that our evening was perfect in every way. We look forward to a return visit in the future. read more

If there's a place to go in Memphis, on Beale St, especially during COVID 19, then Itta Bena is it!! My hubby and I had a lot drinks throughout the not and got here felt like we ordered everything on menu. I ordered the mash potatoes and Brussels sprouts (which he stole the next day & I was p**sed) be a they were both soooooo delicious. The manager, whose name I can't remember, but he was the ABSOLUTE BEST, please see our picture and give him his just kudos! Our waitress, I think Melanie, if you that's not her name, the manager will remember. She was working the bar and our table. Needless to say, the food and service was amazing. read more

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This place is cool. Situated above bb kings nightclub, accessed by a fire escape type stairwell, is not the kind of place you stumble onto accidentally. It's a destination. A worthy one at that. The food was well prepared using good ingredients. We had a bbq'd shrimp dish which was a big y heavy on the Worcestershire sauce. The smoked Gouda grits were memorable. Wedge salad was okay. Drinks were very good. And service was attentive but not intrusive. Highly recommend this place. read more

Quick business trip and a female colleague and I ventured a couple blocks from the Peabody to this great spot. My Cajun pasta was amazing and our server was knowledgeable, funny, and prompt. Cocktails were refreshing and it really does feel like a hidden gem. He gave us the tip to go down the back stairs to get into the BB King blues club, which we gladly took him up on. Even on a Monday night, the club was packed and the music was really fantastic. A great experience on what I thought would be a very quick, uneventful trip. read more

My first time and I'm coming back. Greeted with a smile we were seated at the table. Nice ambiance and I ordered the crab soup and sea bass. The sea bass was cooked to perfection. It had a nice crispy taste when I ate the fish. The fish was clean not fishy. I will be back read more