I came here with a group after someone suggested that this place had great Italian food. I had mentioned that I am a bit of a snob when it comes to Italian food, as I was raised with an Italian father and thus raised around good Italian food. However, he swore by this place, so I went. I'll admit, I was not impressed. Let me start off with a positive; our server was exceptionally friendly. I forgot the young woman's name, but she was definitely solid and made for a positive experience. We had a couple people in our group who were rather verbose about their displeasure of the food, and she remained positive and helpful throughout, so major kudos to her. That being said, the quality of the food was definitely subpar. I had the spaghetti , and my girlfriend had fettuccine. Both tasted like the sauce was burned and severely watered down; definitely not up to par for Italian food. The establishments name was Dino's Grill though; perhaps I would have been better served with a sandwich? Maybe we just came on an off night? I'm not sure...other Memphians seem to love this place and am always happy to see a local establishment doing well. However, you only get one shot to make a first impression, and my first impression here does not compel me to offer them an opportunity for a second. read more

Dino's is the main reason that I decided to live where I live. I was apprehensive for the same reason many Midtowners encounter- area is great but two streets down gets not so great. I have concluded that I live on the last street of Midtown before it turns into not Midtown. As a life-long Dino's fan, I dismissed any and all second thoughts since I am directly down the street. Their deliciously greasy Italian selection is unmatched. The Muffaletta is my personal favorite but I can't seem to pass up the Ravioli either. I will typically ride my bike or walk there to pretend like I'm eliminating the calories I've just consumed. The customer service is fantastic, the food is fantastic and the atmosphere is fantastic- just don't wear a suit or jacket because it will smell like Dino's a month later and it will make you crave Dino's every time you wear it or walk near it. read more

"Is Dino's good?" you ask. What an uninspired question. A simple yes or no fails to capture the essence of this establishment. There's a reason you sink into these booths like quick sand. Thousands of repeat customers have been there before you. Thousands will be here after you have gone. If you like a local watering hole, then these are your grazing grounds. Do you like an early supper? There's a bevy of blue hairs that dine here once a week. I suspect they enjoy that Dino's recipes have aged as gracefully as they have. Are you more of a night owl? There's a covey of college kids here just before close having heaping helpings of affordable fare. If you're somewhere in between, join the multitude of memphians enjoying food cooked with lots of love and served with little fanfare. Dino's is a midtown stalwart that has dished up Italian cuisine in the American style for decades and decades and decades. Yes, Dino's is good. And it's so much more. read more

Okay I love this place, I do. It is one of my top 5 places to get a muffaletta in Memphis ok top 2. I will not mention the other place here but their muffalata is just wonderful!! Today was the first day that I tried their Italian cream cake. I have to give them props on it because it was delicious. I have not tried much of anything else on the menu except for the Italian creamed spinach. And I can almost eat like four sides of that and nothing else. The service is always genuine. The atmosphere is very Charming with old pictures throughout the restaurant. It is dated and that's part of the charm!! I love the atmosphere. read more

So we visited Dinos for the first time a few months ago (just getting around to finishing reviews). We came in for lunch and were only one of two tables. The server promptly greeted us and was very courteous and attentive. The place has a neat authentic old pizza place feel. Unfortunately the meal was just super mediocre. It seemed like some of the items had been microwaved or something as they were ULTRA hot...beyond normal. The salad were kind of sad. I REALLY wanted to like this place for the look, the feel and the history, but it fell short on the food. Also my wife went to the restroom and lets leave it at she was not happy at the cleanliness. So much potential, but in the end 3 stars was probably a stretch for me...2 1/2 so I rounded up. read more

Name one Italian restaurant that doesn't serve pizza. If you said Dino's Grill you are spot on. And that was the first disappointing mistake this mom and pop neighborhood eatery made during my visit. Recently a group of friends and I went to the dive on a Friday night after one couple recommended the place on a previous visit. I'm not a picky eater, but I will send something back if it isn't right, the portion size isn't worth the amount I'm paying or if it just plain tastes bad. That was the case with my choices at Dino's. Notice I said choices. The group ordered a variety of items allowing for different opinions to be offered on the dining experience. Two of my fellow Yelpers Amanda E. and Shaun B. have also given reviews on Yelp, so check them out. For me, my experience with the food was horrible. I ordered the spaghetti and spinach-ricotta shells. My partner ordered spaghetti and ravioli. We received both dishes smothered in thick gravy of meaty marinara that covered the pasta and cheese to the point that I scraped it away to see what I was going to eat. One bite of the marinara made me grimace. It tasted like it had been sitting on the stove for hours giving it a smoky flavor that was overwhelming. Once the marinara was pushed aside, the pasta sat in a pool of water. The pasta obviously was not drained before being served. I moved on to the spinach-ricotta shells. The texture of the shells was nice, al dente and sitting in the same pool of water. The content was dry and bland. Adding salt didn't help. One other person ordered the same dish as I had and he experienced the same. My partner's dish - spaghetti and ravioli - was similar. However, the ravioli was good, but nothing spectacular. He sent his dish back asking that the spaghetti be replaced with additional ravioli. Instead, he was given a small child's plate with the ravioli he ordered and nothing to replace the second item on his dish. And he was still charged the full price of $9. I returned my dish as well, which seemed to surprise the waitress. While she was polite, she seemed surprised at my comments and request. I was surprised that many other dinners hadn't done the same. Then again, the place only had two other tables with parties of four dining. The place was clearly slow on a Friday night. That should be some indication considering it is a neighborhood eatery. To replace my dish I ordered something safe - a grilled chicken sandwich. So what did I get for $7.99? Well it wasn't a side of fries. That was a $1.69 extra. So I skipped them. The sandwich came with a rubbery hoagie bun (not toasted), plain with one thin slice of tomato and lettuce. I had to ask for mayo. Was it good? Well...it was food and since we'd been there for little more than an hour and the place was closing, it would do until I could grab a midnight snack. For me, Dino's Café is a NEVER AGAIN experience. I guess it is a good thing they don't serve pizza. Instead, they should probably drop by Kroger and stock up on Totino's frozen pizza for an addition to their menu. Oh wait...Pete and Sam's already does that. But that's another review... Save your money and do your tastes buds a favor by visiting better Italian restaurants in the area like Old Venice, Memphis Pizza Café or Ciao Bella. read more

I've been eating spaghetti from Dinos for 30 years. Love the gravy and the homemade ravioli!

What's NOT to love about Dino's? Honestly, I really can't rave about this place enough. Founded in 1941, the original location was actually on Beale St. But times changed and so did the face and personality of downtown Memphis. So in the 70's, they moved the restaurant to Midtown where it's been ever since. This is a family restaurant, currently owned by the grandson of the man who originally started it. All the food is prepared using the same traditional family recipes handed down through the generations. And let me say, it's all absolutely fantastico. They have some of the best ravioli ever, and not only can you order it on the menu, you can also get it frozen and uncooked to take home for your own family dinners. And on Thursday nights they host one of the best deals in town. The all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner for only 7 bucks. And you can bring your own vino with no corkage fee. read more

Great family owned restaurant. Italian family owned, but with more than just Italian Food. My favorite night to go is on Thursday nights for All You Can Eat Spaghetti. read more

OK Mr. Dino's, I've visited you twice in the last 6 months after not stopping in for... 10 years? Both times to get orders to go. This time, one 1/2 and 1/2, and 1 lasagna. The lasagna was really good, just like the last time. The spaghetti and ravioli was OK, but, lacked the correct amount of sauce or gravy. Even the lasagna had less this time than the last. The house salads appear to be pre-packaged, you know, the small shreds of purple cabbage a plenty? The blue cheese dressing was not good. (ps, go by Superlo on Spottswood, and guess what, they have chilled Blue Cheese from St. Clairs, yes, it still exists) So I used that instead of Dino's. I love their sauce / gravy, just not sure what to order to get the most of it. read more

Great family restaurant. Mario is always engaging with the customers. I love the toasted ravioli and Veal parmesan. Next time I'll save room for dessert. read more

I personally like Dino's quite a bit. The Italian salad is one of my favorites. The pesto fettuccine with the added grilled chicken is made fresh every order and really good. Will make two meals also as it's a huge portion. The atmosphere is pretty crappy and old on the inside but we go for the food. It's bring your own wine or drinks but they do sell beer. It's a fun place with some friends and it is definitely not stuffy! read more

Best Alfredo sauce you'll ever eat. You'll want to dive into it! The service is exceptional! read more

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Talk about great Italian food! Homemade toasted chicken and spinach ravioli that tastes like heavenly pillows, made-to-order alfredo, and a friendly staff make this place a star in Memphis. They serve down-home, comfort Italian food in a casual, neighborly setting. Don't miss out on pizza Tuesdays (the only day they serve pizza) and all-you-can-eat spaghetti Thursdays. Delicious! read more

We are from the Chicago area - and most people know Chicagoland has some of the BEST Italian Food on the planet. Being in Memphis for Elvis Week usually conjures up BBQ but my friend was told about this little neighborhood Italian restaurant called Dino's Grill. So, we went there for dinner. Not only was the food excellent and on par with back home, the service was outstanding, the owner was there and not only was one of the nicest people you could meet, he genuinely appreciated our visit. Its just a cozy little "neighborhood joint" that you need to try and when you do, you will leave happy and very full! ENJOY!! read more

The food was excellent, the atmosphere homey and casual. The pricing was more than fair. At our table for four we had the ravioli, lasagna, spaghetti and chicken parmigiana. You could have heard a pin drop while we were eating as we were so busy stuffing our faces. Then we met the owner's father, Rudy. He was friendly and charming, and visited with us long enough to make us feel special. If I am ever in Memphis again, I will definitely be back read more

Stopped in for the first time and limed it. I had the Italian sausage with spaghetti, and my daughter had ravioli. The portion size was generous and the sausage was excellent. Will definitely come back. read more

A great place to go and get some pasta. They've got a very nice staff and a clean place. Fast wifi is available with great service too. Im a big fan of their 'All you can eat pasta night' Thursday nights starting at 5:30. For just a few dollars, you can get all you can eat pasta, which is great. A 5 star place. read more

Dino's Grill - Dino's Grill during the week. - Italian Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I went here with a large group of people and this place did not disappoint. I got the chicken parm, and it was delicious. The sauces was flavorful and the chicken was cooked right. The food was not kick my socks off good, but it was nevertheless delicious. The food was also decently priced, and the service was fast and nice. I also love byob. Me and my date brought a bottle of wine, and they opened it for us. I would def visit this place again. read more

I was recently in the neighborhood a bit and ate there twice for lunch. It is an OLD space with all sorts of old-school pictures. The food was tasty. It was cheap, filling, and fast. Quick note: If you order the tamale split, have the TUMS ready. read more

They have the best ravioli I've ever eaten. Homemade and so yummy. I haven't even tried anything else honestly. The Italian salad is huge and amazing--will try the muffuletta because of it. My best friend swears by the Sunday plate lunch. We've been going to Dino's since 2001. A Memphis favorite. read more

Dino's Grill - Dozen homemade ravioli with tomato gravy - Italian Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Alfredo with shrimp was decent. Chicken parm sandwich was open face and huge- tasted okay. Waitress was nice. Little mom and pop place, nothing fancy. read more

Dino's is the best kept secret in Memphis! I'm full blooded Italian, and Dino's is the place to go! I've recommended them several times, and my friends always thank me for the recommendation. The homemade ravioli is the best in town! I've been to Italy twice, and Dino's tiaramisu beats any that I tasted in Italy. It may be the best in the world!!! read more

Good family style Italian! The spaghetti is delicious and so is their Alfredo. The service never disappoints either! Go check it out and get some good Italian food read more

Yuck! I had high hopes. Walking up, it felt like a cool little neighborhood spot. But once inside, things went south fast. The food tasted like it was purchased frozen and thawed. Ravioli and sauce was bland. The garlic toast is white bread probably fried on one side and sprinkled with garlic salt. Service was friendly but not attentive. Overall a fail. read more

Lunch specials have changed since there last and not as listed on website. Lunch special today, not great. Fried chicken livers had gravy on them. Have not seen that before and I don't do gravy. Gravy made crisp chicken livers soggy after a few minutes. Lima beans appeared to be days old, couldn't eat. Mac and cheese was rigatoni not cooked/baked in traditional cheese mixture. Had something resembling cheese across top. Tamale dish with chili had so,so tamales. Lots of dry and spicy chili poured over tamales was not good enough to eat. read more

Large portions, made from scratch. Great 1950 atmosphere. Homemade Italian gravy and wonderful Italian Dressing and Sandwiches read more

I really like Dino's as much for the WWII decorations as the food. The first time I ate at Dino's I got up to wash my hands and ended up taking a 30-minute stroll through the overflow dining room inspecting the uniforms, patches, news clippings, photos and general WWII memorabilia. What a treasure trove of history. Dino's is a neighborhood restaurant located on McLean in Midtown. This third generation Italian restaurant does not pretend to be something it is not. It is what it is, a great place to enjoy a good meal in the company of friends. I personally can recommend the stuffed shells, spaghetti, ravioli and lasagna. The portions are big and the service is fast and friendly. If you want wine, BYOB. read more

Found this hidden Gem while visiting Memphis last week.My wife and I wanted something different from BBQ and so I checked Yelp and saw Dinos on the list and thought we'd give it a try....So glad we did , it's a cool little Italian joint with a few tables and booths, but the food was spot on. My wife ordered the eggplant parmesan with the homemade ravioli instead of the pasta in "gravy" which is red sauce ,thin sliced fried eggplant was crisp but but tender and the sauce was very tasty. The ravioli was excellent also. Were also shared a house salad with the olive dressing just the right amount for both of us and delicious. I had the half and half which is spaghetti and ravioli but I chose the butter garlic sauce so we could share meals it was very good and went great with the Texas toast garlic bread that came with the meals.If you have a chance to eat here don't pass it up great food and service and it didn't cost an arm and a leg either. read more

Just left there.. had to give a star because zero wasn't available... my wife went to the restroom and came back repulsed by how filthy it was... with some mucus bloody blob on trash can ... manager was very defensive and continually interrupted her as discussed this... just asked us to pay for the beer we ordered as he had to pay tax on it.. really??? .... in regards to owners review.. as my wife mentioned.. it looked much worse than some grapes that had been spit out... the bathroom itself did not get as dirty as was described in one day..... btw I paid for what we ordered as a customer should read more

Today's visit was a first visit for us. The place offered a good vibe, the food however, sigh.... The roast beef that was ordered came with 3 thin deli slices of roast beef on bread smothered in gravy. The deli slices of roast beef was not what was envisioned when we ordered it. The ravioli that accompanied the chicken parm, was cold and put with the warm sauce. That didn't warm up the ravioli. The chicken for the parm was very tough for some strange reason. The Alfredo was great, though we had to wait a little longer for that meal while all the other meals were at the table, but the underside of the plate it was served on had blue cake icing smeared all over the bottom and unfortunately on my hands. The fries that came with the meals were pretty oily. This wasn't a pleasant visit unfortunately. read more

A pretty solid meal! I had the half and half (ravioli and spaghetti), which was awesome. You can tell without a doubt the ravioli is homemade and the meat sauce was flavorful. Bread is soaked in garlic butter, which I am not a fan of, but understand the appeal. I have also been here for breakfast and was pleased. You really can't beat 2 eggs, biscuits, and hash browns for less than $5. Want pancakes or an omelet? You can do that, too. Spaghetti lunch on Tuesdays for $5? They're giving the food away! Even with the recent renovations, Dino's isn't much to look at inside. No matter- it adds to the ambience of the old world Italian feel. Service is efficient with lots of regulars coming in to give it a "Cheers" vibe. You can bring in your own wine or there is a small selection of bottled beers, which could benefit from more local options. Kids are welcome! read more

Dino's, left me disappointed. I have friends who love Dino's but for me the food was awful. Everything tasted bland and everything was like it wasn't seasoned at all. I am someone who likes a lot of flavor so perhaps that's why I didn't like what I tasted. On my first visit I had the ravioli and I found parts of the edges to be hard and the sauce on top wasn't anything special, it was just basic red sauce. On my second visit I ordered the veal parmesan and the veal tasted like it had been frozen and it had that freezer burn taste. The cleanliness of Dino's floors and some of the walls, and the condition of the out dated booths left me disgusted, too. I think it is time for Dino's to update their booths and certainly use some better seasonings and to serve food that appears to have not been frozen. read more

Not a diner...not a drive in...but it is definitely a dive. This place has been around for years, and Rudy is the reason it is still around. Don't be decieved by what meets your eyes. This is one of the best places in town for a meat and three lunch. Just plain good, hot, and tasty food. I love the ravioli. Italian spinach is excellent. Chicken and dumplings, 3 way tamale, spaghetti, one of the best meat sauces in town. Google Dino's Grill memphis...for the menu and daily specials. If you are hungry for some home cooking...this is the place. read more

This is an Italian restaurant that has a breakfast on the weekends. Breakfast is breakfast. The eggs, the bacon, the hash browns were good. No frills. The service is good. You can bring your own wine or champagne. We brought champagne and ordered orange juice and made our own mimosas. This is a good local no frills place for breakfast. read more

We had a group of 7 eat dinner here. The toasted ravioli, 2 orders, were a great start. Most of us got an Italian Salad. Then we ordered Veal parmigiana, eggplant parmigiana, ravioli, polenta, and Alfredo with chicken. Washing that down with Peroni's made this meal perfect. The service and atmosphere were spot on as well. read more

I found there to be nothing Italian about Dino's other than the names of the food on the menu. My fiance and I have driven by this midtown restaurant on many occasions because we simply live around the corner. This past Saturday evening we decided to finally give it a go. I consider myself to be very well versed and knowledgeable on Italian cuisine since I have always loved it and actually lived in Italy on two separate occasions. Once, on the island of La Maddalena (situated between Sardinia and Corsica) and, later, in bella Napoli. This actually provided me the opportunity to live in two separate regions of the country while also being able to venture out and taste specialties from the other regions. There is actually no restaurant in the Memphis area that can come close to authentic Italian cuisine and Dino's ranks very low on the scale in comparison to others in the area. Only Mimi's Italian Cafe in Bartlett and Lucci's in Covington have failed worse than Dino's in regard to the taste and authenticity of their food. I noticed that the person sitting at the table next to me was eating the Half & Half and he swore by it and its authenticity. I could not get over the fact that the the sauce was light brown in color which perplexed me to no end. Needless to say, I did not order the Half and Half but my fiance did do so based upon the gentleman's recommendation. It arrived and was disgusting. I went "safe" and ordered the Italian sausage sandwich. The sausage was cooked well and the bread was decent but they insisted on putting that same light brown meat sauce on the sandwich. The staff was friendly and very helpful and the prices were decent for the amount of food which they delivered to the table. Beer selection was pitiful. Usually, I will go back and try a restaurant to give it another chance to please but will not do so in this case. It is a shame because the restaurant is in a great location and if they could offer something even somewhat close to authentic Italian it would be a bigger draw to the palates of Memphis. Save your money and eat elsewhere Memphians! read more

I wanted to love it because it's local and has clearly been around for a while. The service was great, very fast and friendly. The food- meh. I had the eggplant Parmesan with spaghetti. Sauce wasn't super flavorful, the skin on the eggplant was VERY tough. The Italian spinach had good flavor but not very fresh. The stuffed shells were probably the best thing we had. Overall, it was ok but not overly impressive. read more

Great food and great value. It's my favorite Italian restaurant in Memphis. The stuffed shells are wonderful!

Dino's has amazing ravioli, obviously. But I keep coming for the meat sauce, I always need extra to take home and the thick garlic toast is just perfect. The service is amazing, as you would expect with a restaurant that's a Memphis staple and family owned/run. read more