By: Charles McCool

Mississippi Gulf Coast Restaurants: Coastal Mississippi Dining Guide

amazing tomatoes at Vestige in Ocean Springs

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

local Mississippi mushrooms at White Pillars in Biloxi MS
local Mississippi mushrooms at White Pillars in Biloxi MS

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.

pork and grits at Mockingbird Cafe
pulled pork and grits at Mockingbird Cafe

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.

spicy shrimp and grits
try the spicy shrimp and grits at The Sycamore House in Bay St Louis

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!

fresh Mississippi Gulf Coast seafood platter
delicious fresh seafood platter at 200 North Beach in Bay St Louis

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

ice cream at Creole Creamery On the Bay
try delicious ice cream at Creole Creamery On the Bay in Bay St Louis

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 in Bay St Louis
Brooklyn Pizzeria in Bay St Louis

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.

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.

bahn mi po boy at Le Bakery Cafe in Biloxi
banh mi po boy at Le Bakery Cafe in Biloxi

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.

local French Hermit oysters at White Pillars in Biloxi MS
local French Hermit oysters at White Pillars in Biloxi MS

One visit I witnessed chef Austin examining heirloom mushrooms as the box was opened.

local Mississippi mushrooms at White Pillars in Biloxi MS
fresh local Mississippi mushrooms at White Pillars in Biloxi MS

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.

shrimp and grits at Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar in Biloxi MS
shrimp and grits at Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar in Biloxi MS

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.

tasty shrimp and grits at Le Cafe Beignet in Biloxi
tasty shrimp and grits at Le Cafe Beignet in Biloxi

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 LongFacebook

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.

Shrimp Po Boy at Southport Line in Biloxi
Shrimp Po Boy at Southport Line in Biloxi

Southport LineFacebook

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.

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.

grilled shrimp salad at The Chimneys in Gulfport MS
grilled shrimp salad at The Chimneys in Gulfport MS

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!

masterpieces from Chef David at 27th Avenue Bistro in Gulfport MS
masterpieces from Chef David at 27th Avenue Bistro in Gulfport MS

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.

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!

amazing tomatoes at Vestige in Ocean Springs
amazing tomatoes at Vestige in Ocean Springs
fresh local heirloom tomatoes at Vestige in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
fresh local heirloom tomatoes at Vestige in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Vestige in Ocean Springs
remarkable heirloom tomatoes at Vestige in Ocean Springs

VestigeFacebook

Charred Steak & Oyster Bar

Chef Milton Joachaim creates beautiful looking and tasting food at Charred in Ocean Springs.

Charred in Ocean Springs
try the beautiful food at Charred in Ocean Springs
Charred Ocean Springs MS
Charred Ocean Springs MS

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.

enjoy the daily biscuits at The Greenhouse on Porter in Ocean Springs
enjoy the daily biscuits at The Greenhouse on Porter in Ocean Springs

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 roast beef
Eat Drink Love roast beef sandwich

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 in Ocean Springs
Maison de Lu in Ocean Springs

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 in Bay St Louis
The Shrimp Factory in Ocean Springs (formerly RAW Oyster Bar in Bay St Louis)
Scallop Roll at RAW Oyster Bar in Bay St Louis
Scallop Roll at RAW Oyster Bar in Bay St Louis (now The Shrimp Factory in Ocean Springs)

RAW Oyster Bar: Facebook

Tatonut Donut

Donuts made with potato flour. Tatonut claims that makes them healthier but they taste delicious all the same.

TatoNut Shop Ocean Springs
TatoNut Shop Ocean Springs

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 in Ocean Springs
Belgian style waffle at Bright-Eyed Brew in Ocean Springs

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.

Decision? Order the sampler platter at The Shed BBQ in Ocean Springs
Decision? Order the sampler platter at The Shed BBQ in Ocean Springs

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’sFacebook

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.

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 in Pascagoula Mississippi
try a shrimp and oyster poboy at Bozo’s in Pascagoula Mississippi

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!

fried oysters at Whiskey Prime in Pass Christian
fried oysters at Whiskey Prime in Pass Christian

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’sFacebook

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.
S'mores milkshake from The Yard in Gulf Shores, Alabama
S’mores milkshake from The Yard in Gulf Shores, Alabama

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:

For an immersive culinary experience (#COOLinary), try a MS Gulf Coast cooking class:

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.

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