By: Charles McCool
Mississippi Gulf Coast Restaurants: Coastal Mississippi Dining Guide
Mississippi Gulf Coast Restaurants: Coastal Mississippi Dining Guide
Experience the freshest possible Gulf shrimp and seafood and local produce—often with a Vietnamese, Croatian, Creole, or Southern influence—at restaurants all along Coastal Mississippi. The following Mississippi Gulf Coast restaurants guide includes dozens of my favorite places to eat in Coastal Mississippi along with recommendations from local chefs and foodie experts.
Congratulations to chef Austin Sumrall of White Pillars in Biloxi for being nominated as a James Beard award semi-finalist for culinary excellence. See all 2020 James Beard semi-finalist nominees here.
McCool Travel 2020 update: while restaurants are not hosting guests during the social distancing paradigm, many of the following and other great Coastal Mississippi restaurants are serving the Mississippi Gulf community with carryout service. Please support them and all Mississippi Gulf Coast restaurants as often as possible.
Coastal Mississippi (formerly Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast)—and various properties, attractions, and restaurants—hosted McCool Travel to experience these and other Mississippi coastal culinary spots.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Restaurants: Coastal Mississippi Dining Guide
Bay St. Louis Restaurants
Mockingbird Cafe
My suggestion for breakfast at Mockingbird Cafe is the pulled pork and grits. Then again, the breakfast scramble Is fantastic. The food at Mockingbird Cafe is so good you should go several times.
Mockingbird Cafe: Facebook
The Sycamore House
I have had at least a dozen versions of shrimp and grits along the Mississippi Gulf coast and the version at The Sycamore House was the tangiest.
The Sycamore House: Facebook
200 North Beach
While I had the shrimp and grits (of course) at 200 North Beach, I also admired my friends’ grilled seafood platter and Asian salad. Everything was fresh and delicious. Try the key lime pie and Mississippi mud pie desserts!
200 North Beach: Facebook
Serious Bread Bakery
Truly amazing bread and baked goods await you at Serious Bread but the chicken salad is remarkable. McCool Travel tip: buy a loaf of bread and a container of chicken salad, then make your own sandwich while driving along the gorgeous coast or on a #LiquidRoadTrip kayak adventure on Wolf River or to Deer Island.
Serious Bread Bakery: Facebook
Creole Creamery
Creole Creamery On The Bay is the incredibly charming satellite location of New Orleans’ based Creole Creamery. Ice cream batches are made in New Orleans so that is still pretty local. #EatLocal
Brooklyn Pizzeria
The New York style pizza at Brooklyn Pizzeria in Bay St Louis hits the spot. Only $5 for two slices and it is right next to a Froogel’s grocery store.
Brooklyn Pizzeria: Facebook
Other Places to Eat in Bay St. Louis MS
Here are some other Bay St. Louis restaurants I hope to try on future visits (and links to their Facebook pages). Let me know if you have been to these or can suggest other Bay St Louis places to eat.
- Lulu’s on Main
- Creole Creamery on the Bay
- Central Station Bistro
- Field’s Steak & Oyster Bar
- The Blind Tiger (original location)
- Trapani’s Eatery
Biloxi Restaurants
Le Bakery
Try the amazing Vietnamese bakery items and fusion po’ boys on magnificent French bread at Le Bakery in Biloxi. The coconut curry chicken is sublime.
Le Bakery: Facebook
The Blind Tiger Biloxi Beach
With a deck situated on the water, The Blind Tiger in Biloxi is a delightful location for experiencing a US Gulf Coast sunset. I can attest to delicious royal red shrimps and drinks here.
The Blind Tiger: Facebook
White Pillars Restaurant & Lounge
Congratulations to chef Austin Sumrall of White Pillars in Biloxi for being nominated as a James Beard award semi-finalist for culinary excellence. See all 2020 James Beard semi-finalist nominees here.
Chef Austin Sumrall serves Southern cuisine using locally sourced farm fresh ingredients. Try the shrimp and grits plus whatever daily specials there are! All food is served on Satterfield pottery, from outside Oxford.
One visit I witnessed chef Austin examining heirloom mushrooms as the box was opened.
White Pillars: Facebook
Doe’s Eat Place
The upscale restaurant option in Margaritaville Resort Biloxi is Doe’s Eat Place, a franchise offshoot of the original location in Greenville MS. Steaks, tamales, and cocktails are the specialties here.
Doe’s Eat Place: Facebook
Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar
Fun waterside setting with beach level bar, enclosed dining area (and bar). Try the zesty shrimp and grits.
Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar: Facebook
Half Shell Oyster House
The original Half Shell Oyster House location is in Gulfport but the downtown Biloxi location has the same great food. Try their oysters, royal reds (local shrimp), or seafood gumbo. Thinking about their food is making me hungry!
Half Shell Oyster House: Facebook
Le Cafe Beignet
Located in an old public library in Biloxi (cool space), Le Cafe Beignet serves yummy beignets and fantastic shrimp and grits.
Le Cafe Beignet by The Original Beignet Factory: Facebook
Kim Long Vietnamese and Thai
When in the mood for Asian cuisine, head to Kim Long in Biloxi. The seating is basic diner/cafe but ordering your curry, Pho, or Bahn Hoi carryout will work fine here.
Kim Long: Facebook
Southport Line
People flock to Southport Line in Biloxi for their New Orleans style po boys. For one lunch I had this scrumptious shrimp po boy. I was coached that the mac & cheese was the only acceptable side order. Southport Line uses Le Bakery bread for their sandwiches, keeping it #SecretCoast #EatLocal.
Southport Line: Facebook
Betsy Ann Riverboat
Enjoy a fun #USGulfCoast cruise on the only operating paddlewheel boat in Mississippi. Check their schedule for cruises offering dinner. I enjoyed a lovely hibachi shrimp sunset cruise on my most recent #SecretCoast visit.
Betsy Ann Riverboat: Facebook
Mary Mahoney’s
Enjoy fresh Gulf seafood in one of the classic #USGulfCoast settings. Mary Mahoney’s is housed in one of USA’s oldest buildings and your dining experience can be in the romantic courtyard under a multi-hundred year old live oak tree or inside the historic home. Mary Mahoney’s gumbo is so popular that it sells it online. McCool Travel tip: lunch specials are a great deal, $15 for salad or soup, entree, and dessert (October 2019).
Mary Mahoney’s: Facebook
Other Places to Eat in Biloxi MS
Here are some other Biloxi restaurants I hope to try on future visits (and links to their Facebook pages). Let me know if you have been to these or can suggest other Biloxi places to eat.
- The Reef
- McElroy’s Harborhouse
- Ole Biloxi Fillin Station
- Mermaid Dive Bar
- Hana Sushi & Pho (saw an enticing pic on Instagram)
Gulfport Restaurants
The Chimneys
Selected as most romantic Coastal Mississippi restaurant (several times), The Chimneys also serves incredible food. My lunch grilled shrimp salad was a welcome hit of fresh produce and my favorite Gulf shrimp. #BigShrimpin.
The Chimneys: Facebook
27th Avenue Bistro
NOTE: I just learned that 27th Avenue Bistro recently closed. Please support your favorite local eats, whether in Coastal Mississippi or elsewhere, so that they stay open!
The Facebook page categorizes 27th Avenue Bistro in Long Beach MS as a Cajun & Creole Restaurant and a Soul Food Restaurant. It is both and much more. It is also homestyle Southern country with many twists. Chef David Dickensauge is creative, utilizes local proteins and produce. Whatever the specials are, order them!
Other Places to Eat in Gulfport MS
Here are some other Gulfport restaurants I hope to try on future visits (and links to their Facebook pages). Let me know if you have been to these or can suggest other Gulfport places to eat.
- Salute Italian and Seafood
- Tamale Shak (tell me your favorite tamale places!)
- Half Shell Oyster House
- Patio 44 (also in Biloxi)
- Pop Brothers
Long Beach MS Restaurants
Harbor View Cafe
We stopped at Harbor View Cafe in Long Beach MS for Sunday brunch and could order from the breakfast or lunch menu. Burgers seemed to be a popular choice and hit the spot. Harbor View has cozy porch or inside seating, depending on your mood and preference.
Harbor View Cafe: Facebook
Long Beach Market and Deli
Being early for an event but wanting something to eat, we checked out Long Beach Market for a quick bite. Their daily special, a chicken bulgogi, was slightly spicy.
Long Beach Market and Deli: Facebook
Other Places to Eat in Long Beach MS
Here are some other Long Beach restaurants I hope to try on future visits (and links to their Facebook pages). Let me know if you have been to these or can suggest other Long Beach MS places to eat.
Ocean Springs Restaurants
Vestige
Chef and owner (with his wife/partner Kumi) Alex Perry told me “If we can do it, we will. We keep pushing the limits. Want to see how far we can go.” He said they are trying to see what Ocean Springs people can handle and to continue pushing the limit. Well, the James Beard Foundation recognized Chef Alex Perry as a Best Chef in the South semi-finalist earlier this year and I consider no visit to Coastal Mississippi complete unless I try something new at Vestige. But I am obsessed with local Mississippi tomatoes and chef Alex knows it!
Vestige: Facebook
Charred Steak & Oyster Bar
Chef Milton Joachaim creates beautiful looking and tasting food at Charred in Ocean Springs.
Charred Steak and Oyster Bar: Facebook
The Greenhouse on Porter
I truly can start every morning in Coastal Mississippi at The Greenhouse on Porter. They offer a different sweet and savory biscuit each day so that alone captures my interest. Add in the wonderful selection of teas (and coffees too) and the peaceful greenhouse sitting area with resident cat Marigold, makes this one of my favorite Mississippi Gulf Coast restaurants. Locals submit biscuit recipes and a year-end tournament selects the grand winner.
The Greenhouse on Porter: Facebook
Eat Drink Love
Amazing roast beef sandwich. Incredible salads. Flavor infused tequila. BINGO! Really, though, that roast beef sammich at Eat Drink Love is remarkable.
Eat Drink Love: Facebook
Maison de Lu
“Stylish Food for Stylish People” is the motto at Maison de Lu but they still served me (ha!). I love the rear patio sitting area.
Maison de Lu: Facebook
The Shrimp Factory
Formerly called RAW Oyster Bar in Bay St. Louis (where I took the below photos) then moved to and opened in Ocean Springs in early 2019, renamed and rebranded as The Shrimp Factory on Oct 31, 2019. Whatever the name or location, they serve fresh and amazing seafood dishes and are well worth a visit.
RAW Oyster Bar: Facebook
Tatonut Donut
Donuts made with potato flour. Tatonut claims that makes them healthier but they taste delicious all the same.
The Tatonut Donut Shop: Facebook
Bright-Eyed Brew Co.
The cute little storefront in front of Inn at Ocean Springs serves scrumptious Belgian style doughy waffles, topped with powdered sugar, Nutella, and/or syrup (maple, mocha, or espresso). The Bright-Eyed Brew Co nitro espresso is quite popular, as I know Anna Roy, my tourism host, loves it and a few people ordered it while I waited for my waffle.
Bright-Eyed Brew Co.: Facebook
The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint
Award winning BBQ awaits you at The Shed, not really a restaurant but more of an experience. From the quirky gift shop and ordering area to the seating areas, you will enjoy your time at The Shed.
The Shed BBQ: Facebook
The Government Street Grocery
Frequent live music accompanies fun food and drink at Government Street Grocery in Ocean Springs.
The Government Street Grocery: Facebook
KnuckleHeads
This might be the biggest surprise (to me) in all of Coastal Mississippi. Located in a gas station, KnuckleHeads looks like a fun place for beer and seafood during the day but their breakfast rocks! We shared a breakfast burrito and empanadas, and both had a bit of a kick and were delicious.
KnuckleHeads: Facebook
Mikey’s on the Bayou
$7 for a dozen oysters while sitting on the porch overlooking Old Fort Bayou is a splendid way to pass an hour. Every day if I could!
Mikey’s on the Bayou: Facebook
Lovelace Soda Fountain
Check out this 1950s decorated diner for a milkshake or quick breakfast. While waiting for your order at Lovelace, look at the Elvis photos from his years at Gulf Hills Hotel in Ocean Springs.
Lovelace Soda Fountain: Facebook
Buzzy’s Breakfast Joint
Hash browns are the star at Buzzy’s Breakfast Joint.
Buzzy’s: Facebook
Other Places to Eat in Ocean Springs MS
Here are some other Ocean Springs restaurants I hope to try on future visits. Let me know if you have been to these or can suggest other Ocean Springs places to eat.
- Mosaic Restaurant
- The Juke Joint
- Anthony’s Under the Oaks (I did see a sweet sunset from between Anthony’s and The Project Lounge)
- Lancaster’s
- Cheryl’s Steakhouse
- McElroy’s on the Bayou
- Tom’s Extreme Pizzeria (what is your favorite pizza on the MS Gulf Coast?)
- Murky Waters BBQ
- Quake’s Ice Creamery
Pascagoula Restaurants
Scranton’s
The Pho is fantastic here. Scranton’s is named after an actual town, split from Pascagoula in 1913. Housed in a building from 1883, which has also served as Mayor office, jail (two cells), courthouse; ask to see the vault room.
Scranton’s Restaurant and Catering: Facebook
Bozo’s
Remarkable seafood po boys. Choose from shrimp, oyster, or, my preference, 1/2 and 1/2. Local favorite, also super fun for people watching while waiting to place your order and then while waiting for your order. McCool Travel tip: order your po boy to go and take on a #LiquidRoadTrip Pascagoula Audubon Center kayak trip.
Bozo’s Grocery: Facebook
Other Places to Eat in Pascagoula MS
Here are some other Ocean Springs restaurants I hope to try on future visits. Let me know if you have been to these or can suggest other Ocean Springs places to eat.
Pass Christian Restaurants
Whiskey Prime
One of the best filet mignons I have eaten followed a batch of incredible fried oysters. Whiskey Prime however has eluded me on recent Coastal Mississippi visits but I will be back!
Whiskey Prime: Facebook
Fatsumo Sushi
Chef Scott Meinka is respected by other Coastal Mississippi chefs as a creative and high quality chef. Good enough for me. On my one visit to Fatsumo, I requested a change to a sushi roll and was strongly advised to not mess with the recipe. No problem!
Fatsumo’s: Facebook
Other Places to Eat in Pass Christian
Here are some other Pass Christian restaurants I hope to try on future visits. Let me know if you have been to these or can suggest other Pass Christian places to eat.
Other Places to Eat in Coastal Mississippi
- The Yard Milkshake Bar recently opened a location in D’Iberville. While every other place mentioned above in this article is within a mile of the Gulf Coast water line, I will give a special shout out to this place. If you have not had one of their milkshakes, you should! The Yard is located north of I-10 and very close to the intersection with I-110.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Dining Suggestions From Local Experts
Austin Sumrall, chef at White Pillars, recommends Southport Line in Biloxi. Fatsumo in Pass Christian. Vestige. Le Bakery.
Alex Perry, chef/owner at Vestige: Favorites include Le Bakery. Kien Giang in D’Iberville. Southport Line in Biloxi. Greenhouse. A little beyond the coast, Southern Prohibition brewery in Hattiesburg is the best Mississippi has to offer.
Julian Brunt, local culinary author: La Norteña in Biloxi. Henry’s Bakery and Cafe. Quave Brothers Po Boys. Murky Waters in Ocean Springs. Bozos. See Julian Brunt’s article about Mississippi Gulf Coast food trucks.
Anna Roy, extraordinary PR/Media manager of Coastal Mississippi tourism (note: the following suggestions are in addition to the above listings, almost all of which she and I visited together): Gil’s Fish Camp in Ocean Springs been voted best dive bar in Mississippi many times; they have great crawfish. Anthony’s Under the Oaks has amazing sunset views. Original Blind Tiger in Bay St Louis. Starfish Cafe is based on donations, hires people with disabilities and troubled pasts then trains them in service and hospitality industry. Ole Biloxi Fill-in’ Station, Mary Mahoney’s, Jia at Beau Rivage (for a casino restaurant). In Gulfport, The Rack House. In Pascagoula, Jacks by the Tracks (sushi and jazz, weird combo). Darwell’s in Biloxi. The Project Lounge is a total dive with amazing steak sandwiches.
Coastal Mississippi food events include:
- Gulf Coast Oyster Cook Off and Festival
- Biloxi Seafood Festival
- Blessing of the Fleet
- Crawfish Music Festival
For an immersive culinary experience (#COOLinary), try a MS Gulf Coast cooking class:
- The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, Ocean Springs
- Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, Biloxi
- Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Gulfport
Food trucks are not super prominent in Coastal Mississippi but True Wings and Charros Food Truck (tacos) operate Ocean Springs and Biloxi (as of July 2019). Murky Waters BBQ food truck does catering and events.
Please leave a comment with your favorite Mississippi Gulf Coast restaurants and places to eat in Coastal Mississippi.
Read full article here.
