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Kitchen Laurel

Breakfast restaurant · Memphis, TN · reviewed since 2024

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%88+55.9Reliability 28%88+24.8Replies to reviews 8%6+0.5Experts Score= 81Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.81SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#14 of 20 personal chefsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 32%
4.9 ★★★★★ 302 Google reviews · 24 photos
94%five-star reviews
4.86★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
1.9%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
0%reviews answered by the owner
Oct 2026latest review

Kitchen Laurel at a glance

Customers frequently praise the creative breakfast menu, large portions, and attentive staff, often noting the fast service and welcoming atmosphere. However, several low-star reviews cite inconsistent food quality, such as overcooked bacon or burnt items, alongside complaints about the small, crowded dining space and lack of follow-up service. The establishment maintains a high average rating despite these recurring criticisms regarding kitchen execution and seating capacity.

  • Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 302 reviews (94% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 302 Google reviews (240 with written comments, 69 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: October 30, 2026.
  • Service: Personal Chef serving Memphis, Tennessee.

Data from Google, last updated November 1, 2026.

Score profile vs other personal chefs

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction88Reliability88Craft & service–Value–Momentum100Replies to reviews6Satisfaction: 88 (median 95)Reliability: 88 (median 96)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 6 (median 32)
Kitchen LaurelPersonal Chefs median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Kitchen Laurel: 88/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
88
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Kitchen Laurel: 88/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
88
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 98.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 97.–
–
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Kitchen Laurel: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Kitchen Laurel: 6/100 on this factor. Category median: 32.F
6

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

302 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars28394%
  • 4 stars124%
  • 3 stars21%
  • 2 stars31%
  • 1 star21%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 240 written reviews

  • Praise20496%
  • Complaints94%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude10047%
  • Quality & results4320%
  • Would recommend3315%
  • Speed & response178%
  • Price & value136%
  • Honesty & trust52%
  • Communication21%

What customers talk about

We read 240 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Cake Roll, aka breakfast sushi 🍣, was soooo many things in my mouth sweet, umami, salty, .”
    “She was not friendly or welcoming at all.”
  • “Service was fast, friendly, great service with real kindness and a warmth I haven't seen since back in Montana”
  • “Would definitely be going back and recommend this place to anyone who wants delicious food and great atmosphere.”
    “Host was pleasing, yet will not be back or recommended to others”
  • “We ate our food so fast that I was only able to snap a pic after we were half way done.”
  • “It's a small joint and you might have to wait but it's worth it.”
    “and the this menu item is overpriced, while also their were no Turkey Sausage choice, due to out it.”
  • “They were friendly, attentive, and genuinely hospitable, and the service was incredibly fast without ever feeling rushed.”
  • “There’s a large framed story on the wall explaining how the restaurant came to be, and I always read over it every time I visit.”

People customers mention

  • Alberta 7 reviews
  • Tea 6 reviews
  • Chicago 5 reviews
  • Tee 4 reviews
  • Breakfast 4 reviews
  • Raven 4 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Recent reviews

WandaLocal Guide · 27 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★

I love supporting locally owned small businesses. This place is very quant. Food was good.

John8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★

Fresh off the highway from Atlanta to Kitchen Laurel and the food is delicious 😎! I recommend this place for everyone

Kayla7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★

Amazing experience every time I come! Great food and service! A 10/10 must try if you haven’t!

TomekiaLocal Guide · 72 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★

_*Kitchen Laurel Memphis, TN* is the truth, the culture, and the innovation!_ The Gol Lee greens and grit cake appetizer was good. Cake Roll, aka breakfast sushi 🍣, was soooo many things in my mouth sweet, umami, salty, ...come to think of it 🤔 it may have hit _all_ the tastes! 🤯 Now the sweet potato waffle…

Customer photo from Tomekia's review
MarcusLocal Guide · 89 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★

I asked ChatGPT for a reference and this was top 3 but 3. I think it should have been 1. Small and unique. Full size meals so extra value for the price. I've never seen black pepper syrup which was a bonus. The sweet potato waffles were delightful and beautiful. I would love to come back as I'm in town for a short…

Customer photo from Marcus's reviewCustomer photo from Marcus's reviewCustomer photo from Marcus's review
Robert3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★

The music is excellent. Poached eggs couldn’t be better and that waffle is out of the world!

Photos

Customer reviews

4.9 ★★★★★ 302 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Ken ChaLocal Guide · 22 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Ken has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Avocado Toast with Pancake, absolutely delicious.

Wanda WilliamsLocal Guide · 27 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Wanda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I love supporting locally owned small businesses. This place is very quant. Food was good.

Paul AndersonLocal Guide · 21 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Paul has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Taste great with creative blends

Kennith Harris JrLocal Guide · 20 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kennith has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Our Sunday morning go to.

  • Meal type: Breakfast
  • Price per person: $10–20
  • Noise level: Quiet, easy to talk
  • Seating type: Indoor dining area
John Gordon8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews John has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Fresh off the highway from Atlanta to Kitchen Laurel and the food is delicious 😎! I recommend this place for everyone

  • Order type: Dine in
  • Meal type: Brunch
  • Noise level: Quiet, easy to talk
  • Seating type: Indoor dining area, Outdoor patio / terrace
  • Recommendation for vegetarians: Highly recommend
  • Vegetarian offerings: Clearly labeled vegetarian dishes
Kayla Hall7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kayla has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Amazing experience every time I come! Great food and service! A 10/10 must try if you haven’t!

  • Order type: Dine in
  • Meal type: Brunch
  • Noise level: Quiet, easy to talk
  • Seating type: Indoor dining area
J. JonesLocal Guide · 14 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews J. has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The food was amazing. Service was excellent. Can’t wait to return!

  • Meal type: Brunch
  • Price per person: $10–20
Tomekia RushLocal Guide · 72 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Tomekia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

_*Kitchen Laurel Memphis, TN* is the truth, the culture, and the innovation!_ The Gol Lee greens and grit cake appetizer was good. Cake Roll, aka breakfast sushi 🍣, was soooo many things in my mouth sweet, umami, salty, ...come to think of it 🤔 it may have hit _all_ the tastes! 🤯 Now the sweet potato waffle with the brown sugar butter and candied pecans may be a no-brainer, but I took that close up pic for a reason! Can you see the *black pepper* gloriously swimming in the syrup. Oh my my my! 😋 And the folks were dope--I heard them interacting with THREE regulars during my short time there. That speaks volumes! I give it stupendous stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟💫🌠🤩✨️💖

Marcus RodgersLocal Guide · 89 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Marcus has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I asked ChatGPT for a reference and this was top 3 but 3. I think it should have been 1. Small and unique. Full size meals so extra value for the price. I've never seen black pepper syrup which was a bonus. The sweet potato waffles were delightful and beautiful. I would love to come back as I'm in town for a short period of time. 5/5 stars all the way! Come for the food. Come back for the great SERVICE!

  • Meal type: Breakfast
  • Noise level: Moderate noise
  • Special events: Not sure
  • Seating type: Indoor dining area, Outdoor patio / terrace
  • Parking space: Somewhat difficult to find parking
  • Parking options: Free parking lot, Free street parking
Robert Todd3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Robert has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The music is excellent. Poached eggs couldn’t be better and that waffle is out of the world!

  • Meal type: Breakfast

Kitchen Laurel on Google Maps →

Business details