Mississippi is the birthplace of the blues, a land of mighty rivers, antebellum mansions, and some of the most soulful cooking in America. From the cotton fields of the Delta where Elvis Presley was born and B.B. King learned to play, to the white-sand beaches of the Gulf Coast and the grand antebellum homes of Natchez, Mississippi offers visitors an authentic dive into Southern culture, music, and history.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Doe's Eat Place
Popular Delta Tamales, Steaks restaurant in Mississippi.
Known for: Mississippi Delta tamales and dry-aged steaks cooked on a vintage stove
502 Nelson St, Greenville, MS 38701
Taylor Grocery
Popular Southern Fried Catfish restaurant in Mississippi.
Known for: Whole fried catfish served in a 100-year-old country store; BYOB
4 First St, Taylor, MS 38673
Vestige
Popular New American / Gulf Coast restaurant in Mississippi.
Known for: Tasting menu highlighting Gulf Coast ingredients and local farms; James Beard-nominated chef
715 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Ajax Diner
Popular Southern Soul Food restaurant in Mississippi.
Known for: Oxford institution since 1989; on the Courthouse Square; famous for meat-and-three plates
118 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655
The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint
Popular Mississippi BBQ restaurant in Mississippi.
Known for: Championship competition BBQ in a quirky roadside compound with live music; multiple World BBQ Championship awards
7501 MS-57, Ocean Springs, MS 39565
Parlor Market
Popular Southern New American restaurant in Mississippi.
Known for: Mississippi's top farm-to-table restaurant sourcing from local producers; rotating seasonal menu
115 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39201
Half Shell Oyster House
Popular Gulf Seafood / Oysters restaurant in Mississippi.
Known for: Gulf Coast oysters on the half shell, chargrilled oysters, and fresh Gulf shrimp
2012 E Pass Rd, Gulfport, MS 39507
Mary Mahoney's Old French House
Popular Creole-Gulf Seafood restaurant in Mississippi.
Known for: Biloxi institution since 1964; housed in a 1737 French colonial building; famous for seafood gumbo
138 Rue Magnolia, Biloxi, MS 39530
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
American
Seafood
Southern Soul Food
Delta Tamales
Mississippi Bbq
Italian
Mexican
Soul Food
Southern
Southern Café
Southern Fried Catfish
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |