Ben Yay's, located in the heart of Memphis, is quickly becoming a favored culinary destination. This vibrant restaurant shines with its commitment to quality and flavor. Customers rave about the house-made French bread, which elevates dishes like the blackened catfish dinner and the immensely popular seafood pasta. Portions are generous, ensuring diners leave satisfied.
The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a romantic evening or a casual meal with friends. Guests like Amber Phillips and M'Lynn Medley have praised the atmosphere, noting its intimate vibe. The staff contributes significantly to the experience, with friendly service that makes diners feel right at home. Many have been impressed by the chefs, who eagerly share their favorites and make tailored suggestions.
Highlights include the flavorful Voodoo pasta and the unforgettable lump crab fried green tomatoes. While some dishes like the seafood gumbo might diverge from personal expectations, they deliver on taste with a delightful spicy kick. Overall, Ben Yay's promises an exceptional dining journey that keeps patrons coming back for more.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great cocktails
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Photos
Reviews For Ben Yay's
M'Lynn Medley
Jun 16,2025
Ben Yay's was our favorite spot on this trip to Memphis! The house made French bread, the blackened catfish dinner with the crispy sweet potatoes was phenomenal!!!!! The seafood pasta was delicious as well and huge portions. We left with plenty for the next day! The greens my husband and I literally battled each other for. So flavorful to made without any pork or turkey neck! The staff was amazing as well! We talked to one of the chefs and you could tell he loved his job and gave us suggestions on drinks to order and his favorite dish. We'll definitely come back on our next visit!
Joelle
May 31,2025
Would give more stars if possible! We had the Boudin balls, Voodoo pasta, and BBQ shrimp & grits (I opted for blackened chicken instead of shrimp). Everything was exceptional! The cocktails and mixed drinks were perfectly balanced. Staff was friendly. Just WOW!
Amber Phillips
May 10,2025
My husband and I went for V Day and had an amazing experience!!! The food was delicious and the ambiance was romantic!! Gotta try the lump crab fried green tomatoes!!! Wow!!! Can’t wait to try more menu items!!!
BIKER BUNNII
May 2,2025
The place has a nice atmosphere as soon as you walk in. It’s dimly lit and has a fancy feel for a restaurant. The muffuletta bruschetta was tasty! The bread was nice and toasted with butter and the tangy vinaigrette sauce drizzled over it was a nice touch! The praline duck was such a huge serving! I was starting to get full from it but I couldn’t stop eating! The seafood gumbo was a bit more watery than I’m used to, but the flavor was all there! It has a nice little spicy kick to it! Overall, the food was amazing! Gotta come back and try the other dishes!
Tamika BUTTERIFFIC Heard
May 1,2025
We had chicken Fettuccine... Grilled shrimp... Broccolini and smashed Potatoes... Everything was delish!!! And of course we had beignets... YUM!
Camille Fulton (Camille Unlimited)
Apr 20,2025
I love it here! It’s always clean, the quality/taste of the food is consistent and the staff is kind and attentive (Hey Black and Vickie!). Since June 2021, I’ve been to 4 celebration brunches at Ben Yay’s (one was my birthday) and it was the perfect spot for it. To give you some reference. I had 30 people at my brunch, we all had food and bottomless mimosas but the staff didn’t miss a beat! The darker pictures are from when I came one evening because they like to get romantic in there with the candles. I always get the side fried green tomatoes when I come because they are absolutely delicious; the remoulade that comes with them are the perfect compliment! My go to entree or choice has been the chef creole salad. It’s packed, fresh, meaty and flavorful. 5 stars!
Shantel Renee Moss
Apr 1,2025
Was walking by and noticed fried green tomatoes on the menu and had to stop in for a snack. I ended up ordering the fried green tomato appetizer with the lump crab on top... It was so delicious!! It came with a remoulade sauce that added that New Orleans flare... So good!! Rich had the crawfish Mac n cheese and order of the beignets. All this time I thought New Orleans had the best beignets but Ben Yay's are so amazingly delicious!! They're flaky and fluffy and just heaven in your mouth!! The atmosphere was great and the service was the best! Friendly people, friendly, relaxed atmosphere. We will definitely be back.
Juliano Ferrari Gianlupi
Mar 14,2025
The best fish I've had in a long time! Beautifully seasoned catfish, cooked to perfection with excellent sides. Wife had the crawfish pasta and it was excellent. The drinks are also unique, creative and very tasty Staff is very thoughtful and friendly, couldn't have asked for a better place to dine
Reviews For Ben Yay's