John McNally
The food and service are incredible. It is abundantly clear that the chef and team have a very high level of dedication to their craft. The bar manager was very friendly and helpful. He was happy to answer all of our questions while also juggling a busy bar.
… moreCathy Sanford
One of the most uncomfortable chairs and tables I’ve encountered. For that reason alone, I would not return. Inventive menu but not for an appetite that craves simplicity. Very rich sauces. My entree, a pork shank dish, was not warm. The charred okra was my favorite until my husband incorporated it with the green goddess dressing before I could grab them “undressed”. No birthday freebie, just a candle. The service was good as were the cocktails.
… moreA M
My first experience was mind-blowing. I understand the hype. From the cocktails to the corn mash, pastas, and entrees…. Just phenomenal. And Melissa completely topped off night with her descriptions and suggestions.
… moreKriangsiri Malasri
Amazingly good food and very filling portions, with service to match. We had the corn mash, corn ribs, yams, charred okra, brussels, broccolini, and teres major. The steak was solid but paled in comparison to the vegetable dishes, which completely recalibrated my feelings on how vegetables can taste. Our server Melissa made excellent menu and cocktail recommendations. We will definitely be back!
… moreAmber Dean
The Lobbyist is not your average restaurant. Their unique dishes allow you to expand your palate and step outside your comfort zone. Their customer service is also excellent. I love that the waiters ask about any dietary restrictions you may have. I will be returning soon.
… moreK. T. Wilson
Beautiful interior, and a journey for the palette.
The staff were insightful and engaging. Each dish was carefully explained. The tomahawk to share was a feast to behold! That meat definitely has five stars. It is worth it! The reason for the other four stars was because it was not fine dining to the highest caliber; but who cares! Charming and innovative food, it was a wonderful meal. We will definitely return and it was a joy to visit here.
… moreJenny Li
Do not come here! It’s a FAKE fine dining restaurant in disguise with beautiful decor and plating. I love tapas in general because of th3 complex flavors make up for it and i love varieties. The menu sounds great, and presentation is awsome, but it uses cheap ingredients and really up charge you for it. The portion sizes and the under whelming flavors didn’t reflect the price at all. The prawn pasta with roe only have 1 undercooked shrimp that isn’t fresh and very small amount of pasta. The red fish tasted like muddy cat fish, and the sauces around it didn’t compliment at all. The beef shoulder was the only dish my bf can tolerate, but it’s not good. It’s just cheap meat witb potatoes. We were hungry and kept ordering other dishes hoping we can find something we like. The server kept trying to have us try other dishes. Honestly, it didn’t working out and we were racking up our bill for nothing. I have to say the Marshmallow dessert ice cream is not bad. The pork belly had a potential. it was cooked perfectly and it just melts in your mouth. It’s very unfortunate that it was extremely salty.
The manager discounted an item, comp the dessert, and the pasta, but it was not enough to justify our terrible experience.
Our bill was $152 included 18% gratuity for 2 people.I normally tipped 20% minimum. Due to the automatic charge that was off putting and the entire experience, I didn’t tip more.
Tonight is my bfs Birthday dinner, and this is by far the worst restaurant. I rather go to Capital Grill or even just Cheesecake Factory. I’d of been satisfied.
… moreNick Williams
We did the chefs table experience and it was a wonderful experience. Everyone was nice and knowledgeable about things. The dishes I had, I didn’t know existed. I’m more of a meat eater, so if that’s what you’re looking for in a chefs table this isn’t for you. Mostly vegetable dishes with one main course of beef cheek that was delicious.
We were still full when we left after having 6 small courses. It was delicious. If you aren’t adventurous as far as taste goes, I wouldn’t recommend, but if you want to have a unique experience and have an exploratory palate then this is for you.
Also, the actual chef of the restaurant did not conduct the chefs table. I’m not sure if some may expect that, but the chef that was on duty did a great job, he was a little quiet, but overall knowledgeable about the dishes and prepared them to look exactly like the photos.
We would definitely do it again. Lobbyist is a win! Another great restaurant in Memphis!
… moreCuba Pete Thomas
Service was impeccable…
I give the Lobbyist my top rating… rated real high ,the award winning restaurant…lived up to its rep… the food was excellent the mussels over the top…atmosphere was great… met some people that were from Lori’s hometown
.. loved everything about it …. my #1 downtown Memphis pick…. five
Located on south main… block from the orpheum
… moreBarbara Mascarenas
This was the “splurge” of our trip and we had a great meal. Our server was knowledgeable and friendly. The NYT didn’t lie about the deliciousness of the corn mash. We tried several other small and shareable creative plates that are ever-changing based on local availability. Highlights: the curry cauliflower and miso mussels. Good, but could not at the level of the other dishes: broccolini caesar – it could have done with one more element. Great idea, but missed it for 4 out of 5 of us: wheat pasta and pozole. We mentioned it to our waitress and were visited by a manager for more feedback, which felt both nerve wrecking and also appreciated that they were looking for honest opinions. (I woke up later that night wondering if it was the wheat that wasn’t right. Maybe try a rice noodle? Could one make pasta from corn masa?) For our entree, we shared their Teres Major – which was a beautiful piece of locally raised grass fed beef, cooked to perfection. I recommend to people who are love to experiment with flavors and mixing of cuisines!
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