As a coastal destination, the abundance of seafood is seen in the likes of fish, crab, shrimp, and oysters provided in droves by the generous freshwater tributaries of the Mississippi River and the salty waters of the generous Gulf of Mexico. The seafood industry plays an integral role in our regional cuisine, with over 200 species of fish and nationally recognized oyster and domestic shrimp industries. But the tri-county region of Coastal Mississippi also boasts layers of flavor and influence distilled from the international communities who call its 62 miles of coastline home. Plus, our restaurant scene is a culinary roulette wheel, from fine dining to casual eateries, providing an intriguing pilgrimage for your palate. Discover the diverse restaurant scene that every visitor needs to experience.
Farm-to-Table
Coastal Mississippi's temperate climate and fertile landscape make for an abundance of exceptional local produce that can be found in shops, markets and restaurants across the region. From coastal casual to fine dining, our farm-to-table restaurants serve up some of the most delicious dishes, using the freshest seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers. The White Pillars Restaurant in Biloxi uses Mississippi-grown meats and seasonal local vegetables to curate their menus, a cross between nostalgic and modern dining iterations. For Southern-fare comfort food, try the mac n' cheese with fried chicken skins, or for the more adventurous palate, order the wood-grilled Gulf octopus. In historic downtown Ocean Springs, you'll find Vestige, a farm-to-table establishment featuring a Modern American market-driven menu. James Beard Semi-Finalist Chef Alex Perry layers the flavors and techniques of Japan with local coastal fare. Try the Deer Island French Hermit oysters with elderberry capers and muscadine grape vinegar, or the donabe smoked beef tongue with okra kimchi and hyssop. One thing you can be sure of when you visit our area - fresh food is the best food.
Fine Dining
If you're looking for an elevated dining experience, look no further than the white tablecloths adorning Coastal Mississippi's fine dining scene. With twelve area casino properties, several award-winning restaurants, and a few James Beard nominees, we know how to dine fine and fine dine. Situated on Beach Boulevard in Gulfport, The Chimneys Restaurant is a coastal favorite for special events and wedding receptions due to their outstanding scenic views. The menu reflects classic coastal favorites like Godchaux Salad and Trout Meuniere Almondine, plus a secret house dressing that you can't skip! For casino fine dining, consider the Magnolia House by Kelly English at Harrah's Gulf Coast. English, a James Beard Award semi-finalist, weaves fresh local seafood and rich Southern-Louisiana flavors together for an indulgent menu with quality ingredients. If you're in the mood for a quintessential American steakhouse with modern glamour, look to BR Prime at the Beau Rivage. Award-winning Executive Chef Kristian Wade presides over the menu, brimming with the likes of wet-aged and dry-aged prime beef, lobster tempura, and seasonal oysters. For fine dining with an historical flair, The Sycamore House in Bay St. Louis occupies a National Register property overlooking historic Main Street. The menu, taking a seafood-centric approach, is influenced by various international flavors, such as Thai scallops, fresh Gulf shrimp with a Jamaican jerk slather, and a crabmeat and mushroom cheesecake. With so many fine dining options in Coastal Mississippi, we're confident you'll leave fully satiated.
Down-Home Dives
For casual eats in laid-back atmospheres, try one of Coastal Mississippi's several down-home dives. At Ya Momma's House in Biloxi, come by land or by boat and enjoy your meal overlooking the Tchoutacabouffa River. With daiquiris, po-boys, and a deep water boat launch, what more could you need for a day out dining? You can steer your boat down to Huck's Cove in Gautier for even more casual seafood fare. Located at the mouth of the Mary Walker Bayou and West Pascagoula River, Huck's boasts locally famous hamburgers that need to be tried at least once. With a Caribbean atmosphere, live entertainment, and plenty of southern hospitality, your vacation to Coastal Mississippi may never end. For beautiful harbor views, visit Reenie's Southern Kitchen & Parrish's Lounge in Long Beach. Reenie's menu includes all the trappings of Southern comfort fare: fried green tomatoes, BBQ chicken, sweet potato souffle and every form of fried seafood under the Gulf Coast sun. So, pull up a chair, or a skiff, and soak in the sights, smells, and tastes.
Pet-Friendly Eateries
In Coastal Mississippi, we welcome you to bring your pets along for your stay, with several area restaurants allowing them to dine alongside you. Most of the restaurants in downtown Ocean Springs are pet-friendly, and even better, they are located in close walking distance of accommodations and the shopping district. Venues like Mosaic Tapas and Government Street Grocery have large outdoor patios where your furry friends can relax with you during your meal. Several of our beach-side restaurants like The Blind Tiger Bay St. Louis are also pet-friendly, with Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant in Biloxi providing their own pet menu! Order your pup a Canine Kahuna (grilled, skinless chicken breast) or a Surf Dog Delight (burger patty). Artisanal popsicle company Pop Brothers, with several locations along Coastal Mississippi, offer pooch pops so your canine friendlies can enjoy a cool down treat with you. Coastal Mississippi will ensure that both you and your furry friends have the best time during your vacation.
Unique Culinary Options
You don't need a brick and mortar establishment for a fun, delicious dining experience. Husband and wife team Michael and Stephanie Paoletti created the Dinner on the Lot series in downtown Ocean Springs to unite their community through food and fun. By partnering with local farms for their creative menus, diners learn about their food source and contribute to the growth of coastal food culture. Usually presenting between 5-7 courses prepared on-site, the communal seating style ensures that food is enjoyed by new neighbors bonding over the love of good food. Another unique dining opportunity presents itself in the form of cooking your catch. Several area restaurants like McElroy’s, Shaggy’s, and The Ole Biloxi Fillin’ Station, will prepare your catch to your liking. And if you're pressed for time or curious for an alternative food adventure, try one of Coastal Mississippi's food trucks! With options like True Wings or Burger Box, you're sure to find something fresh, fast, and affordable to eat.
Fresh-Baked
In addition to our glorious coastal-southern-internationally fused fare, Coastal Mississippi boasts several popular coffee houses and bakeries with some of the best fresh-baked goods in the South. Greenhouse Biloxi, a coffee house and biscuit shop in downtown Biloxi, has found success for their simple yet effective business model: good coffee, good biscuits, and good company. The shop carries coffee from local roasters, and their sweet and savory biscuits rotate based on what fresh ingredients are in season. Don't miss the sustainable touches they've incorporated either: hay straws and biodegradable napkins. For a bonafide bakery with an Asian twist, visit Le Bakery & Cafe in Biloxi, a French-Vietnamese establishment noted for pastries, French bread, and a selection of Vietnamese po-boys called Banh Mi, all baked fresh daily. And if that's not enough fresh-baked goods to fill your appetite, Serious Bread Bakery in Bay St. Louis offers fresh artisanal breads coupled with scones, cookies, muffins, and other baked goods sure to satisfy. Calories don't count while you're on vacation!
Regardless of your budget or dietary preferences, Coastal Mississippi's culinary scene offers something for everyone sure to please their particular palate. Discover our gulf of options today!
