When you visit your loved one at The Avaline at River Oaks, you’re not limited to spending time inside our community. We’re proud of the restaurant-style meals we serve on campus, including kosher options from a trusted local partner. Still, sometimes a family dinner out is just what you need.
Fortunately, the East Memphis and Germantown area offers plenty of dining choices.
Our community sits in one of the most vibrant dining corridors in the Memphis metro area. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, marking an anniversary, or simply spending a Saturday evening together, the restaurants near The Avaline make it easy to plan an outing your whole family will enjoy.
Right Here at Home: Dining at The Avaline
Before exploring off-campus options, it’s worth mentioning what’s available right here. Residents at The Avaline at River Oaks enjoy three chef-prepared, restaurant-style meals each day in a friendly, social dining room. Our culinary team puts care into making every meal something to look forward to, and we have a private dining room available for special gatherings.
For residents who keep kosher, we offer certified kosher meals through our partnership with Nosh-A-Rye, a respected kosher deli at the Memphis Jewish Home. Whether someone follows strict kosher rules or just prefers kosher-style food, we listen, accommodate, and make dining feel personal.
East Memphis: Fine Dining Just Minutes Away
The Avaline is at 1645 W. Massey Road, right in the heart of East Memphis and close to many of the city’s best restaurants. Here are a few favorites that are great for a family dinner.
Erling Jensen The Restaurant
Located in East Memphis, Erling Jensen The Restaurant has been a fine dining favorite in Memphis since 1996. Chef Erling Jensen, originally from Denmark, trained in European kitchens and creates a menu inspired by global flavors and classic techniques, changing with the seasons. The menu features fresh seafood, expertly cooked steaks, and house-made desserts. It’s a great choice for celebrations and special occasions. The restaurant also has a Sunday prix fixe menu that makes fine dining more accessible.
Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House
If your family enjoys steak, Folk’s Folly on South Mendenhall Road is a great choice. This locally owned, family-run steakhouse has been a Memphis favorite since 1977. They serve USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, and classic sides in a warm, elegant setting. With several private dining rooms and a cozy Cellar Lounge featuring live piano music, Folk’s Folly makes every visit feel special.
Restaurant Iris
The menu at Restaurant Iris is inspired by Chef Kelly English’s Louisiana background, offering French-Creole dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. From signature oysters to carefully prepared entrees, Iris offers a dining experience that is both refined and personal. Private rooms are also available, allowing guests to enjoy a more intimate dining experience or host parties.
Napa Café
Napa Café has been a neighborhood favorite since 1998 and is located in the Sanderlin Centre in East Memphis. Owner Glenda Hastings has created a loyal following with creative, wine-friendly dishes served in a cozy, art-filled dining room. The menu includes beef, pork, and seafood, and the wine list has received awards from Wine Spectator for many years. Napa Café is especially nice for family gatherings, and the private dining rooms offer a quieter, more personal setting.
Germantown: Southern Charm and Standout Cuisine
Germantown is just a short drive from The Avaline and has its own warm and sophisticated dining options. Here are a few places to consider.
Southern Social
Located in old Germantown, Southern Social features prime steaks, fresh seafood, and classic Southern sides, along with specialty cocktails and a great wine selection. It’s a polished, white-tablecloth restaurant that still feels welcoming and relaxed, making it a great place for a family dinner that can last into the evening.
Limelight
Limelight is one of Germantown’s newer restaurants and has quickly become a local favorite for its seasonal menu and creative cocktails. The mid-century modern interior is stylish, and the food offers a fresh take on modern American cooking. Half-price wines on Mondays make it a good choice for a weeknight outing, and the warm atmosphere helps everyone feel comfortable.
Moondance Grill
Moondance Grill has a versatile menu with fresh seafood, expertly prepared steaks, creative entrees, and a strong cocktail list. The lively piano bar brings a fun, social vibe, while the main dining room is more intimate. It’s a good choice when your group has different tastes and you want a place that can please everyone.
Getting Out and Living Fully
At The Avaline at River Oaks, we believe moving into a senior living community shouldn’t mean giving up the things you enjoy. Sharing a meal with your family at a favorite restaurant, or finding a new one together, is a simple pleasure that helps keep life rich and connected.
Ready to learn more about life at The Avaline at River Oaks? Give us a call at (901) 668-5625. We’d love to show you around.