High Ground's signature "On the Ground" series embeds a team of journalists and photojournalists in a Memphis neighborhood for 1-6 months of intensive, hyper-local coverage. 

While we're there, we eat. A lot.

We chose a different neighborhood restaurant every Friday for team lunches. We also hit up restaurants for "research" before we pen a business profile.

It's a tough job, but we're always ready to step up. 

In "Destination Eats," we're rounding up some of the best restaurants we've covered in our 14 On the Ground neighborhoods.

This third installment takes us to The Heights. See the first and second here:
"Destination Eats: Hickory Hill has what you you're craving"
"Destination Eats: Madison Heights is Memphis Magic"

No one can claim to be a foodie in Memphis without hitting up Summer Avenue in The Heights and adjacent Berclair. It's the city's premier destination for international food. In The Heights along you'll find Colombian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Japanese, and Jamaican food alongside classic Memphis barbecue, hot wings, and Southern style staples. 

The Heights is located roughly between Summer and Jackson avenues, Tillman Street, and just east of Graham Street. It's more of a district than a neighborhood and includes several distinct communities including Highland Heights, Graham Heights, Mitchell Heights, and the majority of Nutbush.


Check out this highlight reel on eating excellence then scroll down for a list of our top picks. 



When you've picked your place and are heading to The Heights, we recommend getting it your food to-go to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Under current mandates, in-person dining ends at 10:30 p.m. but some businesses may still offer curbside and delivery after 10:00 p.m.

On Summer Avenue (west to east):
Highland Super Submarine Sandwich Shop (Chinese Sub Shop)
Chinese; deli sandwiches
3316 Summer | 901-324-3728
Open for lunch & dinner, closed Sunday
(cash only)

Top's BBQ
Memphis-style BBQ
3353 Summer | 901-452-5616
Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

Willie Mae's Southern Soul Cooking
Soul staples
630 N Highland (at Summer)
Open for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner, closed Sunday

Wing's House
Wings; American
630 N Highland (at Summer) | 901-458-3700
Open for lunch & dinner daily

Arepas Deliciosas
Colombian
3698 Summer | 901-409-3396
Open for lunch & dinner, breakfast on Saturday, closed Sunday

Panda Garden
Chinese
3735 Summer | 901-323-4819
Open for lunch & dinner, closed Sunday

Los Picosos 
Mexican
3937 Summer | 901-323-7003
Open for breakfast, lunch, & dinner; closed Tuesdays

Nagasaki Inn
Japanese steakhouse
3951 Summer | 901-454-0320
Open daily for dinner

Island Paradise Takeout
Jamaican 
5280 Summer | 901-643-6910
Thursday, Friday, Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

La Michoacana 
Homemade frozen desserts; Mexican street foods
4091 Summer 
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
"Video: Paletas in a pandemic with La Michoacana"

The Cottage
Thai; Southern staples
4085 Summer Ave | 901-324-4447
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily 

Elsewhere in The Heights:
Caminos de Michoacan Panderia & Taqueria 
Mexican food and bakery 
3896 Macon Road | 901-458-5550
7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Sweden Kream
American; desserts 
1472 National Street | 901-454-5882 
Open for lunch & dinner, closed Sunday and Monday