Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Memphis / West Tennessee
  4. Memphis
  5. Downtown
Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor Town, Memphis, TN

Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor Town

4.1
4.1
2478 Reviews
$31 to $50
Global, International
Top Tags:
Combine guests’ favorite recipes of 46 years as a revered Memphis dining establishment with extraordinary chef-created offerings, and you have the popular, award-winning Paulette’s Restaurant.

Paulette's superb food, professional service, and warm atmosphere are consistent and unsurpassed. Tender steaks, fresh fish, Sunday Brunch, hot popovers with strawberry butter, and amazing desserts have afforded the restaurant national fame. As one food critic put it, “Paulette’s is a Memphis institution and for a very good reason.”

Paulette’s is known as Memphis’ most charming and attractive restaurant with an unparalleled ambiance and the most appealing river setting. It blends beautifully into the scenic, much acclaimed, planned community of Harbor Town. It’s accessible by way of oak tree lined North Parkway, which continues past the Pyramid and over the Willis Bridge spanning the Wolf River Inlet.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Global, International, Contemporary French / American, International
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–10:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–1:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (901) 260-3300
  • Website
    http://paulettes.net/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    With five great spaces from which to choose, the staff at Paulette’s is very experienced in making every special event a memorable occasion. For small parties, the elegantly appointed Belle Memphis Board Room offers seating for 10. For larger events, Paulette’s offers private dining for groups up to 65. The popular River Hall, with its grand river view, can accomodate up to 80, and our outdoor Courtyard affords a very appealing space for up to 200. Whether for a reception, seated dinner, or buffet, the Paulette’s staff can assemble a menu that fits your budget and the occasion. To book an event, contact Events Manager Casey Collins at 901-552-7866 or email events@riverinnmemphis.com.
  • Private party facilities
    With five great spaces from which to choose, the staff at Paulette’s is very experienced in making every special event a memorable occasion. For small parties, the elegantly appointed Belle Memphis Board Room offers seating for 10. For larger events, Paulette’s offers private dining for groups up to 65. The popular River Hall, with its grand river view, can accomodate up to 80, and our outdoor Courtyard affords a very appealing space for up to 200. Whether for a reception, seated dinner, or buffet, the Paulette’s staff can assemble a menu that fits your budget and the occasion. To book an event, contact Events Manager Casey Collins at 901-552-7866 or email events@riverinnmemphis.com.
  • Private party contact
    Katie Ogden: (901) 260-3333 ext. 2105
  • Location
    50 Harbor Town Square, Memphis, TN 38103
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Cross street
    Island Drive
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Entertainment
    Before & after dinner, you can enjoy the cozy setting & hospitality of the LITTLE BAR, relax in front of the lobby's wood-burning fireplace set in an 1850s era New Orleans mantel and listen to the live piano music or the roof terrace with the best view in Town of the river. An extensive & carefully selected wine list is overseen by our Restaurant Manager.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 2,478 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.1
4.1 based on recent ratings
  • 4Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Memphis / West Tennessee

    Great for scenic views

  • Memphis

    Great for scenic views

2,478 Reviews

  1. ShariB

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service with delicious meal! We enjoyed the steak and salmon, the popovers were a treat! And the KPie-Oh My! Yum! We'll be back!

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Our server, Chelsea, was great and attentive. The food, however, was poor, not enough flavor or seasoning, bland, and not worth the cost. Great location and quaint outdoor seating.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Justin

    New Orleans

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    Food was under seasoned and just okay. The prices and overall feel of the restaurant is as if they are trying to be upscale, but the food is underwhelming and overpriced. The server was attentive. We both ordered specialty drinks from their menu that were not very good. It seems as though the restaurant at one point had a great idea that lead to success but has since become complacent and do not deliver to the standard implied in their prices and ambiance.

    Is this helpful?

  4. sanyo12

    Memphis/West TN

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Greeted on arrival and seated promptly. Table was as I requested. Service was good but took a very long time to get the appetizers. Entrees and desserts arrived promptly. Like the kitchen was initially backed up. Sadly, very little French influence remains on the menu offerings.

    Is this helpful?

  5. BML2013

    Memphis/West TN

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Not worth it. It took us over 2 hours to get our food and was just okay. We had a reservation at 6:15 and did not leave till 8:40. They were not even busy so not sure what the issue was. A table came in after us and was having dessert before we got our entrees which we had to ask for. My husband had to tell them we had been waiting 2 hours and still had not received our kid's noodles yet, and all we had was a cheese plate which also took forever to get sent out. Our waitress was nice and apologized for the long wait. When we finally got our steaks they were mediocre, and not worth $48. The manager didn't even come and talk to us to apologize. I used to really like this restaurant but will probably not be back.

    Is this helpful?

  6. maggiefi

    San Francisco

    32 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    I had been to Paulette's a week earlier and had a better experience: a more attentive server and popovers just out of the oven. Yesterday, the service was slow and the food was fine, but not great. Not sure what was going on, but it was kind of disappointing.

    Is this helpful?

  7. LovingFrench

    Memphis/West TN

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love Paulette’s! The atmosphere, the food and the service is amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  8. James

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience4
    We had a very disappointing experience at Paulette’s- revisiting it as an old favorite while staying in Memphis. On a quiet night, we arrived with a reservation to an indifferent staff- waited a long time for someone to finally seat us. The service was slow, the kitchen was inexcusably backed up and slow, and the food was mediocre at best. Gnocchi bowl was drowned in Alfredo with a few soggy vegetables floating in the sauce. Popovers were the only redeeming component of the meal. The table of 4 next to us also had a miserable experience. Not sure what has happened to this once special restaurant. Management and the chef should take note. Something is very wrong! DISAPPOINTING!!

    Is this helpful?

  9. BarbaraH

    Memphis/West TN

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Server was excellent. She was friendly and efficient and it was her first day!!!!👏👏

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    My “filet” was a little tough and had a tendon or two in it so it wasn’t a good cut and absolutely no flavor. Extremely bland. Restaurant was dead at 8 on a Friday night. Literally 4 other small tables were taken. I see why

    Is this helpful?

  11. MattC

    Memphis/West TN

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always excellent quality food that is cooked perfectly and friendly service.

    Is this helpful?

  12. PalmerD

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    Food wasn’t that great for the price, ordered the redfish and didn’t have much fish on the plate, the bread at the beginning of the meal wasn’t baked all the way

    Is this helpful?

  13. HenryI

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I can’t wait to come back for breakfast! Delicious food , good coffee and nice scenery! Anastasia was great service . Attentive and nice.

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always consistently good! Been going there all my life!

    Is this helpful?

  15. Babi

    Nashville

    14 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    When we arrived, we told the greeter that our guests would join us shortly. We expected to be seated at our table to wait, but were told we couldn’t be seated until they arrived and that this was a “new rule”. We went into the bar and asked to see a wine list. The list we received was only for wines by the glass. When I said I wanted the list for bottles, but that I knew which I wanted and knew it had been on the list previously, I was told that would be at the upstairs restaurant, the Terrace. A server was , apparently, then sent up to find the “By the bottle “ list. We waited. We asked if the list had been located. We waited. I repeated the label we wanted. Finally, a bottle - the correct label- appeared. Sadly, it gets harder to choose Paulette’s.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Memphis/West TN

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The atmosphere was great. We had dinner and breakfast during our stay at the River Inn. Both meals were well presented and delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  17. Toni

    Memphis/West TN

    31 reviews

    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was lovely with an area we were in was quiet and could talk. We had favorites and enjoyed all our entrees. The Kahlua Pie was exceptional as usual. Server was very sweet and professional.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Pomodoro

    Detroit

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great service in a quiet atmosphere. Highly recommend for breakfast or dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  19. Principessa

    Atlantic City

    14 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience3
    Terrible service. Pricey for what offered. Actually heard manager talking about us when we challenged wrong total on bill. Waitress got our order wrong THREE times. Husband accidentally spilled his drink ans they charged him for another. Was his birthday nothing special offered. Will not return!!

    Is this helpful?

  20. JenniferM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience eating a Monday night special. We had wonderful service with Regina. Food was tasty and hot. Drinks were wonderful! Parked in front of the restaurant with no problem. Definitely will be back. This was our third meal here and we have never been disappointed.

    Is this helpful?

  21. MichelleS

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    Reservations at 7:30, First we had to wait because there was no one to greet or seat us. Took 15 minutes to get our drinks, and from there the service was just extremely slow. The restaurant was not busy at all. Maybe 20-30 other guest. The food was super bland. There was a couple sitting next to us and we over heard the lady say "For what this cost, I am just going to take it home and feed it to the dog". Really kind of summed up the taste of the food. We spent almost 2 hours at this restaurant just waiting on service. We were all really disappointed as this was supposed to be one of the top restaurants in Memphis.

    Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor TownResponded on August 24, 2023

    We sincerely apologize for the horrible dinner experience you had at Paulette's recently, and we thank you for taking your valuable time to communicate with us about it. We deeply regret that you were disappointed in us. Believe me, we are extremely disappointed in ourselves. It's not the way we have been doing it for the past 49 years. Please give us another opportunity to serve you. We promise a positive and pleasurable experience this time. George Falls, Founder of Paulette's.

    Is this helpful?

  22. ChumaA

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Great server. Food was good. Turned out to be great evening. Coming back soon

    Is this helpful?

  23. mm2017

    Memphis/West TN

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    We love this restaurant. The Monday night menu is always good. Our waiter was charming but had too many tables to be as good as I know he wanted to be. This will not deter us to go back and have another outstanding dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    This was one of the worst dining experiences. We were seated promptly at a table that was ready for us at our requested reservation time. However, everything that followed was terrible. We were dining with customers and sought to treat them to a fine dining experience in the Memphis area. It was 40 minutes before our waiter even acknowledge our presence. We had no water, no drink menus, and no one to order our drinks. Our appetizers tasted terrible. We had to speak with the General Manager twice. Once is too many times. If it was a packed house and our waiter overwhelmed with tables, it may have been easier to understand our wait and lack of service. However, it just seemed that they really dropped the ball. We had to request our check. We left with no apology for our experience. I highly doubt we will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  25. Luvfood

    Dallas

    5 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    Food was awful. Never order the deviled eggs or pork chops. All around worst food I have ever eaten.

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always it was a perfect evening. We can always count on consistent service and amazing food. We have been coming here since it was at the original location on the square.

    Is this helpful?

  27. MichaelG

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    Server forgot about our appetizers and then were rushed out to us when we reminded her. I ordered soup as an appetizer and part of the soup was cold. My meal was supposed to come with hollandaise sauce and it didn’t. I was looking forward to the Sunday Brunch but will never go back again

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food, service, and atmosphere - loved our dinner and breakfast here!

    Is this helpful?

  29. MichaelG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Atmosphere was great, nice view of the river. Food was outstanding, waiter made a recommendation that we never would have considered, and it was excellent. We had a great meal in this wonderful restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  30. Jjjkkkk

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Anastasia was wonderful !! Great spot for my birthday dinner

    Is this helpful?

  31. DenR

    Memphis/West TN

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic restaurant. Never had a bad experience there. One of our favorite places to eat.

    Is this helpful?

  32. love2dineout

    Memphis/West TN

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service were outstanding - - a rare event in today's dining experiences. Server (Alan) was knowledgeable and attentive. Also so nice to dine in pleasant surroundings where other customers dress and act appropriately. A very enjoyable evening.

    Is this helpful?

  33. John

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    The food was over cooked. Service was rushed. Table was too big.

    Is this helpful?

  34. AngeliqueG

    Memphis/West TN

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    The team was very nice and we appreciate you accommodating our large party. We ended up with less than 12, but we enjoyed our afternoon. Thank you so much for the hospitality. We had a few snags making the reservations, with bread that was frozen in the center and they ran out of French Toast, but Sarah was awesome! She made the experience wonderful. Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  35. DamonS

    Memphis/West TN

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    The experience was great and our server did a fantastic job and was very professional. We will return for sure. Thanks for making my wife birthday a rememberable one

    Is this helpful?

  36. KateW

    E. Tennessee

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience4
    I’m sorry to report that we waited 25 minutes for our server to greet us and bring ice water. Another 20 minutes later, our wine arrived along with COLD popovers for which they are famous. Literally we waited 45 minutes for our first drinks. The popovers are famous because they should be piping hot. When they are cold the strawberry butter doesn’t melt. Service was extremely slow and so disappointing for a restaurant that has such a distinguished history and reputation. I’m so sorry we spent over $100 dining there to take our 92-year old aunt for her birthday.

    1 person found this helpful

  37. MemphisBob

    Memphis/West TN

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have eaten at Paulette's since 1985 when it was at Overton Square. The new chef is amazing. The food was better than ever!!!

    Is this helpful?

  38. TEM2020

    Memphis/West TN

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    The food was underseasoned and lacked great flavor.

    Is this helpful?

  39. JeanetteL

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    Food was good but didn’t have the dessert we wanted

    Is this helpful?

  40. Dill

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall4food2service5ambience4
    The service was excellent, but the food was nothing special at all - average at best. Quiet evening, not busy. It was a nice dinner and would have been great, had the food been better.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor Town using the Order Online button. Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor Town also offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor Town also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (901) 260-3300.

Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor Town is rated 4.1 stars by 2478 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Paulette's Restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor Town

50 Harbor Town Square, Memphis, TN 38103

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Island Drive
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–10:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–1:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    Global, International, Contemporary French / American, International
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    Before & after dinner, you can enjoy the cozy setting & hospitality of the LITTLE BAR, relax in front of the lobby's wood-burning fireplace set in an 1850s era New Orleans mantel and listen to the live piano music or the roof terrace with the best view in Town of the river. An extensive & carefully selected wine list is overseen by our Restaurant Manager.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://paulettes.net/
  • Phone number
    (901) 260-3300
  • Catering
    With five great spaces from which to choose, the staff at Paulette’s is very experienced in making every special event a memorable occasion. For small parties, the elegantly appointed Belle Memphis Board Room offers seating for 10. For larger events, Paulette’s offers private dining for groups up to 65. The popular River Hall, with its grand river view, can accomodate up to 80, and our outdoor Courtyard affords a very appealing space for up to 200. Whether for a reception, seated dinner, or buffet, the Paulette’s staff can assemble a menu that fits your budget and the occasion. To book an event, contact Events Manager Casey Collins at 901-552-7866 or email events@riverinnmemphis.com.
  • Private party facilities
    With five great spaces from which to choose, the staff at Paulette’s is very experienced in making every special event a memorable occasion. For small parties, the elegantly appointed Belle Memphis Board Room offers seating for 10. For larger events, Paulette’s offers private dining for groups up to 65. The popular River Hall, with its grand river view, can accomodate up to 80, and our outdoor Courtyard affords a very appealing space for up to 200. Whether for a reception, seated dinner, or buffet, the Paulette’s staff can assemble a menu that fits your budget and the occasion. To book an event, contact Events Manager Casey Collins at 901-552-7866 or email events@riverinnmemphis.com.
  • Private party contact
    Katie Ogden: (901) 260-3333 ext. 2105

Featured in

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo