In case you didn’t already know, local restaurants are my love language. So, what a better way to spend Valentine’s Day than exploring some of Memphis’ cutest, local spots? Whether you are just wanting a chill morning or a fancy dinner, Memphis’ restaurant scene will make your Valentine’s Day a memorable one. 

For breakfast, look no further than Comeback Coffee. Allow me to set the scene: a large porch (if the weather is temperate), a dreamy interior, a breakfast menu that includes bagel sandwiches and overnight oats, and delightful oat milk lattes. If this place doesn’t scream love I honestly do not know what does. Best part? No waiting list, no reservations, and no need to put on anything fancier than leggings. Even if mornings aren’t really you and your partner’s thing, their coffee will change your mind. 

If lunch is more your thing, Inspire Community Cafe is the place to go. Upon entering this restaurant, you will be greeted with kind smiles, a colorful, cozy atmosphere, and the buzz of pleasant conversation. This place has everything from quinoa bowls to pancakes to smoothies to cappuccinos. My favorite items are most definitely the veggie chilli with quinoa and the greenline smoothie. Whether you are lunching or brunching, this place is sure to have all the dishes that your heart could possibly desire. Plus, as if you didn’t need anymore convincing, each employee is paid a living wage, which is basically unheard of in the restaurant industry. Just another reason to grab a date and give Inspire some love. 

For Valentine’s dinner, Tamboli’s Pasta and Pizza is the ultimate date night spot. The atmosphere is filled with greenery and twinkly lights, making for that cute, European ambience that feels like something that you could not find smack-dab in the middle of Memphis. They always have items such as fresh pesto pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, a veggie plate, cheese pizza, and a meat lasagna. They also have rotating special items that can range from polenta with tomato sauce to olive tapenade pizza. Best of all, every item that comes out of the kitchen is made with as many local ingredients as possible. It is Italian food without the hoity-toity atmosphere or the overly hefty price tag.