Chez Philippe at The Peabody in downtown Memphis is riding high after landing on the American Automobile Association’s ultra-exclusive Five Diamond roster, a major promotion that puts a national spotlight on the city’s fine-dining scene. The honor marks a rare level-up for a dining room that has long been the grand dame of The Peabody.
As reported by Action News 5, Doug Browne, president of Peabody Hotels & Resorts, said he was "absolutely thrilled" with the recognition, while Chef de Cuisine Keith Clinton called the award "a credit to our team" and their "discipline, hospitality, and dedication to the craft." The station noted that Chez Philippe, which opened in 1982, had held AAA Four Diamond status for decades before finally getting the elusive fifth.
What a Five Diamond Means
The AAA Diamond Program reserves its top Five Diamond tier for restaurants and properties that hit the highest marks on cuisine, service, and overall atmosphere. According to the AAA Newsroom, only about 65 restaurants across North America carry the Five Diamond label, which follows anonymous, unannounced inspections reviewed by a panel of experts who are not in the business of handing out easy A’s.
A Longtime Memphis Institution
Set inside The Peabody, Chez Philippe has anchored downtown dining for generations, known for its multi-course tasting menus and an afternoon tea service that pulls in both local regulars and out-of-towners. The Peabody’s own materials spotlight the restaurant’s seasonal, chef-driven style and firmly plant it as the hotel’s signature fine-dining room.
For Memphis, the promotion is more than just another plaque on the wall. It is a marketing gift that could tighten reservations and lure more food-focused travelers to Beale Street and the downtown hotel corridor. Restaurant and hotel leaders say they see the coveted designation as a win not only for their team, but for the broader Memphis dining community that has been quietly leveling up for years.
