Bao Toan Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Memphis

I have been coming here since the soft-open on January 28th and they have been ABSOLUTELY killing it in the crosstown neighborhood. I write this review with the preface that my knowledge of Vietnamese food started and stopped with banh mi & pho, and you will not find either of those dishes on this menu (at least at the time I write this review).

For food, this was definitely a learning experience for me. I kept an open mind in my visits here to trying different dishes and while I think while some I tried fell flat during soft-open, they definitely came back strong within weeks with tweaks/revamps that I thought brought some of them from a 5 or 6/10 to anywhere between 7-9/10. I've highlighted a few dishes from the that I would recommend, especially for anyone who is venturing into Vietnamese cuisine passed the two biggest staples:

Bo Tai Chanh (think beef carpaccio but with lemon juice and pho spices, this is one of the best appetizers I have ever had and this is coming from a guy who does not really eat rare meat) Temple Tofu (I don't know if there's some sort of citrus salt or if it's the lemongrass in this but it's a great light appetizer to start with, highly recommend for anyone who can't/doesn't eat meat) Fish sauce Wings (If you can handle fish sauce smell, then you will love these. I am not a big wing person but these are nicely fried and the sauce tastes really good.) Bo Luc Lac (This is an upscale version of a traditional Vietnamese steak dish, this is most definitely delicious with plenty of food between the steak bites, salad, + fries. Highly recommend for anyone who is skeptical about other dishes.) Ca Kho Tho (This is my favorite dish on the menu by far, it's definitely one of the best fish dishes I have ever had. If you love caramelized food, you will love the rich flavor the fish brings between that and the salt.) Ma's Ribs (This is another dish like the Bo Luc Lac that I would recommend for anyone skeptical about the other dishes, this can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a between courses small plate. I am also not the biggest rib guy but these are cooked super well and the oyster sauce works very well to compliment how tender it is.) Literally all of the desserts (I am dead serious, their dessert chef, Bella, is putting out some of the BEST dessert in Memphis. If I had to rank them, go 1. Tiramisu [it is the best in town and I will die on that hill], 2. Ube Crème Brulee, 3. Sticky Rice Cakes [perfect dessert for if you are not wanting something really rich])

For the bar, if you are a craft cocktail person, this should DEFINITELY be on your list to stop by. The entire bar staff there is truly phenomenal (there may be some slight bias since I am usually sat there) but they are definitely pushing and putting out some of the best drinks in Memphis. The bar manager, Tony, is in my opinion the best bartender in Memphis and he has organized a super team under him that I think puts this restaurant in at bare minimum, top 5 for cocktail bars in Memphis. I could probably go on and on about the drinks on the menu but I'll try to highlight just a few:

Crystal Clear Waters (If you love drinks like the French 75, this will open up a whole new world for you. this is a force carbonated cocktail that has an amazing lime & pomelo taste) The Coconut Village (I would put this as my personal favorite, the toasted coconut soju comes out great in this and you still get the pineapple and thai chili on the finish + the compari linger that makes this a great balanced cocktail that I think can be drank with any dish any season.) Day & Night On Train (This is a take on a sazerac that is super unique in how much the mushroom flavor comes out while maintaining a super spirit forward taste. Highly recommend giving this a try)

Highly recommend coming in whether for a full meal or for drinks and desserts, I love all of the people there and can't wait to see their continued success

P.S. If you made it this far in the review and your bartender is Ben and you're feeling adventurous, ask him...

Bao Toan: A Must-Visit for Elevated Vietnamese Cuisine and Craft Cocktails

Bao Toan is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that feels like a hidden speakeasy in Vietnam. This upscale Vietnamese spot is truly setting itself apart with a "wow factor" menu in both its food and cocktail programs, making it a must-visit in Memphis. We sat at the bar, where the talented bartender, Brandon, took great care of us. His wealth of knowledge around the bar was immediately apparent, and his recommendations were spot on. We also had the pleasure of meeting Tony, the beverage director. A short conversation with him was all it took to see his incredible passion and vision for this place. The cocktails were a highlight, each one a work of art. The Lantern-Lit Lakes, a gin-based cocktail with a beautiful floral finish, was a refreshing start. For something more complex, we tried the Terraced Rice Fields, a bourbon-based drink with intricate, layered flavors. The Intangible Heritage was a unique and daring choice—a bourbon-based cocktail infused with duck fat and pho spices that was unlike anything we've ever had. We also enjoyed the Three Tiers, a light and refreshing rum-based drink with subtle hints of pandan and strawberry. The food was equally impressive. The Temple Tofu was perfectly prepared, and the Bo Tai Chanh was a standout. The thinly sliced fillet mignon, combined with crispy shallots, pho spices, and a touch of lime, was a dish we won't forget. Bao Toan offers an experience that is elevated, from the food and drinks to the exceptional service. If you're in Memphis and appreciate craft cocktails and top-notch service, this place is...

It’s a hidden gem for authentic Vietnamese flavors in Memphis! The menu is thoughtfully crafted with traditional Vietnamese names and English explanations, which initially made it a little challenging for us to navigate. But thanks to our incredibly sweet and patient waitress, who went above and beyond to explain each dish in detail, we were able to truly appreciate the variety of options available.

We ordered 5 standout items:

Palm from the xà lách section - an incredibly refreshing salad with hearts of palm, lotus stem, grapefruit, carrots, cucumbers, mint, and tamarind vinaigrette

Bánh Xèo (vegetarian) from the cơm mẹ nấu section - a crispy turmeric crêpe packed with vegetables and fresh herbs

Bao Toan Fried Rice from dặc biệt - which we had with seasonal vegetables and tofu. Every dish had its own distinct, mouth-watering flavors that clearly reflected the authenticity and care put into the preparation.

Temple Tofu - fried with lemongrass

ăn thêm - a sweet treat of sticky coconut rice with mango pieces on top

The atmosphere of Bao Toan is modern, cozy, and inviting, making it a perfect spot whether you’re going out for a casual dinner or a special evening. The location inside Crosstown Concourse also gives it a unique urban vibe. The kitchen focuses on bold and balanced flavors that highlight the beauty of Vietnamese cuisine, something that’s rare to find in Memphis.

I highly recommend Bao Toan to anyone looking to try something new and authentic. The food, service, and overall experience were exceptional. I will definitely be returning to explore more dishes from their menu.

A must-visit for Asian food lovers...