Delicious food , drinks and ambience . So glad we made our reservation . Perfect place to celebrate something special or casual date nite .
Joel
Itta Bene was a fantastic experience. This was our first time in Memphis, and I found it via OpenTable. This is truly a hidden treasure. There is no external signage at all. If you do not know what you are looking for, you will never find it. There is an unmarked back staircase, or you can enter or exit through BB King's Blues Club. The menu offered much more than standard Memphis Southern food. The two-person music was not intrusive and helped to make the experience even better. My wife is a connoisseur of mixed drinks and was pleasantly surprised. They even had a Spanish Verdejo by the glass on the menu. It was clear that this was not something promoted to tourists, but rather a special evening out for those who knew the restaurant.
Carolyn
Had a wonderful meal at Itta Bena during our first night in Memphis. I had the fried green tomatoes and the Cajun Pasta for my main. Had a glass of Riesling which was much too sweet for me but that's no one's fault but my own. My husband had a Pork Chop Tomahawk which came with sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts which he thought was amazing. Place itself is super cool, blue lightning comes in from the giant BB King neon sign. There is a table that is literally in what looked like a little closet which if we ever go back we will definitely eat in. Great experience.
Patricia
This is our favorite restaurant...never a bad meal, terrific service...but you'll generally need reservations
Brandon
If your in Memphis please do yourself a favor and stop here. This is an experience to be had in life. The she-crab soup is the best I've ever had. Love this restaurant.
Hsteinmiller
Came to dinner here with friends on the recommendation of a local bartender and boy, howdy, yumminess rules here! I We started with the smoked bacon with feta & blueberry compote, which sounds like an odd combination but it was phenomenal. The fried green tomatoes with a lemon remoulade disappeared in a trice. My husband and one friend had the short ribs, tender & flavorful. Our other friend had the grilled lamb and was quite happy. We were all too stuffed for dessert but they looked yummy. Service was attentive and friendly, and our poor server was kept hopping - eight tables in her station! That she remained so cheerful and efficient is nothing short of a miracle. Definitely a highlight of our trip!
floridamom01
Itta Bena is the town where BB King grew up. Some locals suggested it. Beautiful ambience! We sat by a window overlooking Beale Street! The she crab soup was amazing. I had the herb stuffed chicken with fingerlings and spinach. The ribeye was quite disappointing at $58.00. Very fatty and chewy. Birthday dessert was bread pudding with white chocolate sauce. Amazing. John was an awesome server!
Travis
Our poor server was getting crushed- 7pm Saturday night, not really a surprise they were busy but the restaurant doesn't seem to have bussers and the host staff had her over worked. Food was descent, not overwhelming. 2 of the 3 Lamb Lollipops were under cooked. Both entrees were over salted...and we like salt. The atmosphere was great but everything else was just ‘meh'. Worth the visit but not on my ‘return to' list. I would have gladly paid more for the food to be worth it.
James
Excellent service and ambience but the food was way below average for the price. Good cocktail. Wine (by the glass) tasted lifeless like it had been left open too long.
Kim Stewart
Itta Bena and our fabulous waiter, John, provided a primo experience for my husband and I. We were celebrating our anniversary and my birthday and received not only a champage toast for our anniversary but also a dessert for my birthday. Cocktails were great. Shrimp and beer bread appetizer was over the top. I am going to be obsessed with trying to make it at home! We had cajun pasta and shrimp and grits for our entrees. Both were spectacular. When John said shrimp and grits were the best in town, he was spot on. I think they were the best I've tasted anywhere. We will be back to Itta Bena. If you haven't been, I highly recommend visiting as soon as possible!
Portions were enormous. Starters excellent. Mains good but far to big. That spoilt things a bit
Conor
Started well. Seated immediately in a comfy booth. The server came quickly to take our drinks order. We both had Baileys on the rocks. Took our food order when he brought the drinks. All good so far. We shared an appetizer - crab stuffed avocado. Both my wife and I agreed there was very little crab flavour. The server brought our entrees, never asked if we enjoyed our appetizer. My wife ordered a second Baileys. Also, my side order of mashed potatoes wasn't with my entree. Nearly 10 minutes before the Baileys arrived, no mashed potatoes. The Chilean Sea Bass was excellent, the shrimp & grits was average. Gouda might not be the best cheese for grits. Server returned to see if we wanted dessert. We didn't & asked for the cheque. Paid the bill, still no inquiry as to whether or not we enjoyed our meal.
Jeffrey
Thank you for a wonderful evening. Ambiance, service , food and music couldn't have been any better. Definitely will be back!
Timothy
The atmosphere was lovely. The live music was wonderful. The food was top tier chef's kiss. My only complaint is that there's no elevator to this place. Those stairs are a problem. We will most definitely be returning.
Gary Thomson
Jonathan the absolute star of the show! Truly the best, most attentive lovely service we have ever had! Travelling from London, England this was our first night in Memphis and came across this hidden gem! Gorgeous food, great ambience but more importantly Jonathan was a truly shining light! So warm, friendly and made us feel right at home!! Highly, highly recommend!
Delicious food , drinks and ambience . So glad we made our reservation . Perfect place to celebrate something special or casual date nite .
Itta Bene was a fantastic experience. This was our first time in Memphis, and I found it via OpenTable. This is truly a hidden treasure. There is no external signage at all. If you do not know what you are looking for, you will never find it. There is an unmarked back staircase, or you can enter or exit through BB King's Blues Club. The menu offered much more than standard Memphis Southern food. The two-person music was not intrusive and helped to make the experience even better. My wife is a connoisseur of mixed drinks and was pleasantly surprised. They even had a Spanish Verdejo by the glass on the menu. It was clear that this was not something promoted to tourists, but rather a special evening out for those who knew the restaurant.
Had a wonderful meal at Itta Bena during our first night in Memphis. I had the fried green tomatoes and the Cajun Pasta for my main. Had a glass of Riesling which was much too sweet for me but that's no one's fault but my own. My husband had a Pork Chop Tomahawk which came with sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts which he thought was amazing. Place itself is super cool, blue lightning comes in from the giant BB King neon sign. There is a table that is literally in what looked like a little closet which if we ever go back we will definitely eat in. Great experience.
This is our favorite restaurant...never a bad meal, terrific service...but you'll generally need reservations
If your in Memphis please do yourself a favor and stop here. This is an experience to be had in life. The she-crab soup is the best I've ever had. Love this restaurant.
Came to dinner here with friends on the recommendation of a local bartender and boy, howdy, yumminess rules here! I We started with the smoked bacon with feta & blueberry compote, which sounds like an odd combination but it was phenomenal. The fried green tomatoes with a lemon remoulade disappeared in a trice. My husband and one friend had the short ribs, tender & flavorful. Our other friend had the grilled lamb and was quite happy. We were all too stuffed for dessert but they looked yummy. Service was attentive and friendly, and our poor server was kept hopping - eight tables in her station! That she remained so cheerful and efficient is nothing short of a miracle. Definitely a highlight of our trip!
Itta Bena is the town where BB King grew up. Some locals suggested it. Beautiful ambience! We sat by a window overlooking Beale Street! The she crab soup was amazing. I had the herb stuffed chicken with fingerlings and spinach. The ribeye was quite disappointing at $58.00. Very fatty and chewy. Birthday dessert was bread pudding with white chocolate sauce. Amazing. John was an awesome server!
Our poor server was getting crushed- 7pm Saturday night, not really a surprise they were busy but the restaurant doesn't seem to have bussers and the host staff had her over worked. Food was descent, not overwhelming. 2 of the 3 Lamb Lollipops were under cooked. Both entrees were over salted...and we like salt. The atmosphere was great but everything else was just ‘meh'. Worth the visit but not on my ‘return to' list. I would have gladly paid more for the food to be worth it.
Excellent service and ambience but the food was way below average for the price. Good cocktail. Wine (by the glass) tasted lifeless like it had been left open too long.
Itta Bena and our fabulous waiter, John, provided a primo experience for my husband and I. We were celebrating our anniversary and my birthday and received not only a champage toast for our anniversary but also a dessert for my birthday. Cocktails were great. Shrimp and beer bread appetizer was over the top. I am going to be obsessed with trying to make it at home! We had cajun pasta and shrimp and grits for our entrees. Both were spectacular. When John said shrimp and grits were the best in town, he was spot on. I think they were the best I've tasted anywhere. We will be back to Itta Bena. If you haven't been, I highly recommend visiting as soon as possible!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Portions were enormous. Starters excellent. Mains good but far to big. That spoilt things a bit
Started well. Seated immediately in a comfy booth. The server came quickly to take our drinks order. We both had Baileys on the rocks. Took our food order when he brought the drinks. All good so far. We shared an appetizer - crab stuffed avocado. Both my wife and I agreed there was very little crab flavour. The server brought our entrees, never asked if we enjoyed our appetizer. My wife ordered a second Baileys. Also, my side order of mashed potatoes wasn't with my entree. Nearly 10 minutes before the Baileys arrived, no mashed potatoes. The Chilean Sea Bass was excellent, the shrimp & grits was average. Gouda might not be the best cheese for grits. Server returned to see if we wanted dessert. We didn't & asked for the cheque. Paid the bill, still no inquiry as to whether or not we enjoyed our meal.
Thank you for a wonderful evening. Ambiance, service , food and music couldn't have been any better. Definitely will be back!
The atmosphere was lovely. The live music was wonderful. The food was top tier chef's kiss. My only complaint is that there's no elevator to this place. Those stairs are a problem. We will most definitely be returning.
Jonathan the absolute star of the show! Truly the best, most attentive lovely service we have ever had! Travelling from London, England this was our first night in Memphis and came across this hidden gem! Gorgeous food, great ambience but more importantly Jonathan was a truly shining light! So warm, friendly and made us feel right at home!! Highly, highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...