Tasteful Travel: Exploring Mississippi One Bite at a Time
Tasteful Travel: Exploring Mississippi One Bite at a Time
Forget everything you thought you knew about Mississippi cuisine. Yes, you’ll find timeless Southern soul food classics like fried catfish, cornbread, and sweet tea throughout the state. But those with an appetite for discovery will also uncover chef-driven restaurants, bold new flavors, and a fresh take on what it means to dine in the South. From the Delta to Coastal Mississippi, every stop serves up vibrant flavor, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
North Mississippi
In the Delta, tradition meets creativity. Greenwood’s Giardina’s delivers steaks, seafood, and Italian-inspired fare in a refined yet relaxed setting, with private dining booths dating back to the Prohibition era. In Cleveland, the relatively new restaurant, Leña Pizza + Bagels, is drawing national attention and lines of adoring fans. Chef Marisol Doyle, trained in Naples, has earned nods from The New York Times and was named one of the world’s top 100 pizza chefs.
The city of Oxford has emerged as a culinary hot spot, thanks to James Beard Award–winning chef John Currence and his quartet of restaurants: City Grocery, Big Bad Breakfast, Snackbar, and Bouré—all walkable from the University of Mississippi and the town’s historic square. Oxford’s rival college town, Starkville, is home to Mississippi State University and the acclaimed Restaurant Tyler and TASTE Italian Kitchen.
Tupelo is the hometown of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Elvis Presley – and his favorite peanut butter and banana sandwich. For a taste that’s a little more refined, try Forklift for grilled oysters, excellent steaks, and creative cocktails.
Central Mississippi
The Jackson metro area is, for many, Mississippi’s culinary capital. Chef Hunter Evans shines at Elvie’s and his newly relaunched Mayflower Café. Both deliver thoughtful menus that blend local ingredients with refined technique. Just north in Ridgeland, Caet Seafood | Oysterette and Lou’s Full-Serv are favorites for Southern seafood and sandwiches, respectively.
In Vicksburg, 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill serves elevated Southern fare with panoramic river views, while Key City Brewery and Eatery is known for wood-fired pizzas and local craft beer. Meridian’s Weidmann’s, operating since 1870, offers timeless dishes steeped in history. It’s the state’s oldest continuously operating restaurant.
South Mississippi
Set along the Mississippi River, the Natchez “Under the Hill” district delivers both flavor and charm. Magnolia Grill is a local favorite for steaks and Gulf seafood, while The Camp serves burgers and craft brews with a view. Natchez’s historic architecture and welcoming spirit complete the experience.
Read Also: Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Ride in Rabun County!
Hattiesburg is a rising culinary hub, home to restaurateur Robert St. John’s six establishments, including the beloved Crescent City Grill. Globally inspired menus and locally sourced ingredients reflect the city’s youthful, creative energy. A growing collection of murals has also helped cement Hattiesburg’s reputation as a vibrant public art destination.
Coastal Mississippi puts seafood front and center. In Biloxi, White Pillars—helmed by James Beard–recognized chef Austin Sumrall—serves Gulf-to-table fare in a beautifully restored 1905 mansion. In Ocean Springs, Vestige offers an intimate tasting menu experience, where James Beard finalists Alex Perry and Kumi Omori showcase seasonal ingredients with thoughtful precision. Exploring Mississippi is the next target for you!
