5 Can’t Miss Meals in Mississippi

Words by Paige Townley

Mississippi was made for meal time. Whether you’re seeking a place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the options are plentiful and delicious. So whether you’re seeking southern comfort food, upscale dining, or a mixture of both, you’re sure to find it in the Magnolia State.

Here are five restaurants that will ensure you get your fill in Mississippi:

Elvie’s / Jackson

In the heart of Jackson’s historic Belhaven neighborhood is Elvie’s, an upscale dining experience named after Chef Hunter Evans’ grandmother, whose New Orleans-style cooking inspired him to follow in her culinary footsteps. The eatery offers Southern-inspired favorites for breakfast and lunch, including shrimp and grits, steak and eggs, po’boys, and salads, before transitioning into the evening menu that offers up everything from oysters and charcuterie to steak frites and redfish almondine.

Saint Leo / Oxford

Enjoy the very best of Italian cuisine at Saint Leo. Situated near The Square in Oxford, Saint Leo was recognized as a “Best New Restaurant” semifinalist in 2017 by the James Beard Foundation. Since opening, the restaurant has been committed to wood-fired Italian cooking and sustainability, using local purveyors as much as possible. The freshness shows in the eatery’s menu, which includes brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Birdhouse Café / Hattiesburg

There’s no reason that delicious dishes can’t emphasize health, and that’s evident in all the tasty options at Birdhouse Café. Located in Hattiesburg, Birdhouse Café is run by Head Chef and Owner Katie Dixon, who has a passion for healthy eating and good nutrition that also pleases the tastebuds. She accomplishes those goals with the offerings at Birdhouse Café, from smoothie bowls and fresh juices to sandwiches and salads made to order. 

Forklift / Tupelo

Elevated Southern favorites and hand-crafted cocktails welcome diners to Forklift. The Tupelo eatery is known for having spent years honing the recipes that now grace its menu and the tables of happy patrons.

Mary Mahoney’s Old French House / Biloxi

Mary Mahoney’s Old French House is well known in Mississippi, not only as one of the very best seafood restaurants in the state, but also because it has been serving guests at its historic Biloxi location for more than 50 years. The restaurant is based out of one of the oldest homes in all of America, nestled under centuries-old oak trees and a New Orleans-style courtyard. Its dinner menu is just as ornate, including a range of seafood favorites and signature entrees.

Ready to dine your way through Mississippi? Learn more at www.visitmississippi.org.