In the past decade, jackfruit has gained increasing popularity as a meat substitute. At Plant Based Heat, it is slathered with melted vegan cheese and barbecue sauce.

At Cedars Restaurant, they offer big portions that don’t sacrifice quantity for quality — and vice versa.

This fan favorite includes smoked salmon, white cheddar, capers, garlic aioli, bacon, green-leaf lettuce and cherry tomatoes — all on grilled naan. 

As food writer Joshua Carlucci says, Pho 4Ever’s sauteed sea snails are “one of the best things I’ve eaten all year. Full stop. And I’ve been doing a lot of traveling recently.” 

If you’re lucky enough to stumble into Alex’s Tavern, you gotta get the burger.

Kitchen Laurel’s waffles are topped with house-made candied walnuts, brown-sugar butter and black pepper. 

From the updated Barksdale’s menu, this one might be the best expression of Bryant Bain’s culinary DNA: Southern roots laced with Tex-Mex flair. Think huevos rancheros meets Delta comfort.

This taco nails the crispy-creamy-spicy trifecta. It’s like if your favorite bar snack went south of the border and came back with an accent.

At Great China Market, $10 gets you a satisfying variety of combinations of delicious pastries and caramelized pork. 

This one’s definitely worth the mess.

Think a burger meets a kebab meets a wrap, but it’s better than any of those. 

Ricos Tamales “El Ruco” isn’t listed on Google Maps. It’s a folding table on the sidewalk. But it’s the real deal. 

Lao Street Kitchen’s papaya salad is a masterclass in balance, hitting sweet, sour, salty and spicy all at once. 

A word of warning: This is not a “light lunch” situation. This is a commitment. You’re either going to need a nap afterward or a solid reason to walk around for the next hour.

You’d think all the hype, the endless press and the Instagram carnage of stacked sandwiches might make it impossible to live up to expectations. But you’d be wrong. 

Make sure you get your money’s worth at Memphis Crawfish Company No. 2 — suck the heads. 

Pho 4Ever, which we highlighted two years ago for its bánh mì dac biet, has perhaps the best bánh xèo in Memphis. 

The cheese pulls apart in stretchy strands, the meat is deeply savory, and the slightly spicy salsa verde on the side gives each bite a little punch.

An entire Thai menu — with an impressive version of drunken noodles — adds to Takashi’s offerings of well-executed sushi and soba bowls. 

The display case tells you everything you need to know about Isabella’s. A sprawling array of classic, oversized slices dominates the counter.

The rib steak, with its charred edges and tender middle, balances beautifully with plump shrimp just kissed by the grill. 

Taqueria El Palenke Express doesn’t try to overdeliver, and it doesn’t have to.

Pair your burger with a beer, cue up a Patsy Cline song on the jukebox and let yourself be charmed by the misshapen magic of this Midtown institution.

Unlike some budget-friendly ramen joints that cut corners, Nagoya’s broth delivers a depth and complexity that holds its own — especially against others around the city.

Complicated Pilgrim’s breakfast bowl proves quinoa isn’t boring; it’s just waiting for someone to show it a little love.