Ronnie Grisanti's

The roots of the Grisanti culinary tradition date back to 1505 in Valdottavo, an Italian village near Lucca. Our great-grandfather, Rinaldo Grisanti, embarked on a journey from northern Italy in 1909 in pursuit of the American Dream. With little more than two hundred dollars in his pocket, Rinaldo arrived at Ellis Island and made his way to Memphis, carrying with him something far more precious than gold: la cucina Toscana.

At Ronnie Grisanti's Italian Restaurant, we take great pride in continuing this time-honored family tradition. Our dishes are a testament to the enduring legacy of Rinaldo and the generations that followed, each bringing their unique touch to our family's culinary heritage.

Our Menu

We offer a diverse menu that caters to a range of tastes and preferences. From our unique daily lunch specials to authentic Italian dinners, our menu is designed to provide an exceptional dining experience for every guest.

*Lunch*

Join us for lunch and indulge in our daily specials, served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Our lunch menu is the perfect way to enjoy a quick yet satisfying meal while still savoring the flavors of la cucina Toscana.

*Dinner*

In the evening, join us for an authentic Italian dinner and inquire about our daily specials, available from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Our dinner menu features a variety of dishes that showcase the very best of Italian cuisine, each prepared with the finest ingredients and a commitment to culinary excellence.

*Appetizers*

Known as "Per Iniziare" in Italian, our famous appetizers are the perfect way to start your meal. With a range of options, including our Antipasto Italiano and Calamari Fritti, our appetizers will help set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience.

*Wine Cellar*

We're proud to offer one of the best global wine selections in the Memphis metro area. With a carefully curated list of wines, our wine cellar is the perfect complement to our menu and a testament to our commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience for every guest.

Our History

The Grisanti culinary tradition began in 1505 in Valdottavo. Rinaldo Grisanti emigrated from Italy in 1909, carrying with him la cucina Toscana. He settled in Memphis, where he met his wife, Miss Mary, and opened his own restaurant. Their eldest son, Elfo, joined Rinaldo in the kitchen in 1929, and his culinary talent quickly attracted diners from across the region. Elfo's fame spread nationally when movie star Vincent Price's cookbook, A Treasury of Great Recipes, featured two of his creations: Elfo's Special and Spinach Uova.

Elfo's son, Ronnie, grew up working for his grandparents at Grisanti's on Main. After college, the Marine Corps, and a stint in wine sales with Gallo Brothers, Ronnie joined his Uncle Big John in the kitchen at Grisanti's on Airways. In 1979, Ronnie started his own restaurant, opening Ronnie Grisanti and Sons on Marshall.

Ronnie moved to Beale Street and eventually landed at the location that would draw regulars from across the Mid-South to what was the center of Memphis: Poplar and Humes. For three decades there, the "Captain" maintained the art of fine Italian dining in one of Memphis' busiest and happiest restaurants.

In 2012, Ronnie opened a smaller restaurant in a Collierville antique mall. As his health declined, I was honored to rejoin him in the kitchen. When he died in 2017, he left me the same treasure that his father gave to him: the timeless cucina Toscana.

Now, I am privileged to become a guardian of this more than century-old culinary tradition. I make it my mission to create "Antico Nuovo" dishes for your delight in our beautiful dining room. I aim to maintain Italian standards of excellence while bringing my signature and more modern contributions to the Grisanti culinary heritage. The flavors in each of our recipes are blended with the finest ingredients, simplicity, elegance, and love. I pledge that I will protect the Grisanti legacy while continuing to refine my art form.

Join the Family

At Ronnie Grisanti's Italian Restaurant, we believe that every guest is part of our extended family. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable dining experience, where you'll enjoy exceptional food, exceptional service, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.