New restaurants opening in South Mississippi in 2025

South Mississippi's dining scene in 2025 reflects a dynamic blend of tradition, innovation, and community-focused experiences. Restaurateurs are investing in thematic concepts and regional authenticity, from the nostalgic appeal of Luckies Diner to the globally inspired tacos of P.S. Taco. A strong farm-to-table ethos underpins many ventures, as seen in the meat-driven offerings of 4-Bulls and Butcher Block Steak House.

Italian cuisine surges forward with Field’s Italian, turning classic recipes into modern culinary experiences. Conversions of historic spaces, such as the train depot turned brew pub, encapsulate the region’s broader commitment to preserving heritage while fostering economic and cultural revitalization through food.

Joseph Mason, owner of 4 Bulls Farm to Table restaurant and the adjacent butcher shop, chops pulled pork in the kitchen of the restaurant in Ocean Springs on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 1: NEW ‘LOW AND SLOW’ BARBECUE RESTAURANT OPENS IN SOUTH MS. HERE’S WHAT’S FOR LUNCH

First came 4-Bulls butcher shop and now 4-Bulls BBQ restaurant is open in the same building, with beef brisket, ribs, chicken and sweets. | Published January 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

Work continues on the construction of Buc-ee’s in Harrison County on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 2: IS BUC-EE’S A ONE-SHOT WONDER FOR SOUTH MISSISSIPPI OR WILL MORE BUSINESSES FOLLOW?

The focus has been to get the new bridge and Buc-ee’s travel center open along I-10 in South Mississippi. Now it’s time to go after more business for that area of Harrison County. | Published January 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

The dining area of 38 Degrees Family Style Dining in Ocean Springs on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 3: NEW 38 DEGREES RESTAURANT IN SOUTH MS IS LIKE CREATING YOUR OWN BUFFET AT YOUR TABLE

Kenny Ward operated a steakhouse for many years in South Mississippi. His dream was to open a restaurant with family-style dining. People rushed to see the changes on opening day. | Published January 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

Lasagna and other Italian specialties, along with pizza, sandwiches and antipasto, will be on the menu at the new Field’s Italian restaurants coming to Ocean Springs and Pass Christian. By Courtesy of Field's Italian Ocean Springs

NO. 4: SOUTH MISSISSIPPI BUSINESSMEN BRINGING ITALIAN RESTAURANTS TO HANCOCK AND JACKSON COUNTIES

Coast entrepreneurs showcase a flair for Italian at two new restaurants opening in South Mississippi, along with another location of Cat Island Coffeehouse. Here’s the latest. | Published January 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

Joe Cloyd, who will develop the old Pascagoula train station in Pascagoula, poses for a portrait in the building on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. The building will eventually house the latest location of Chandeleur Island Brewing Company. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 5: HISTORIC SOUTH MS TRAIN DEPOT TRANSFORMS TO A BREW PUB. ‘IT’S A BUILDING WORTH SAVING’

The station was built in 1904 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The restoration will save the building and bring a new experience to downtown. | Published February 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

Field’s Italian Ocean Springs is a a new restaurant opening Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Ocean Springs. It’s on Government Street, across from Cash Alley. By Tim Thorsen

NO. 6: WITH DINERS ‘BLOWN AWAY’ AT SOFT LAUNCH, COAST’S NEW ITALIAN RESTAURANT OPEN FOR BUSINESS

A mix of classic favorites and Chef Lauren Joffrion’s creative dishes share the menu in the MS Coast’s newest eatery. | Published February 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

A steak cooked to order and a loaded potato are among the daily specials at the rebranded Butcher Block Steak House and Bar in Bay St. Louis. Daily specials make the dinners even better. By Courtesy of Butcher Block Steak House

NO. 7: A GREAT STEAK AT A GREAT PRICE IS CONCEPT OF REBRANDED RESTAURANT ON MISSISSIPPI COAST

The Blind Tiger Deli and Market was reimagined into a steakhouse with low prices, shareable dishes and a beer garden, just for fun. | Published March 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

The Luckies Diner Choice Burger at Luckies Diner in Vancleave, Mississippi. By Scott Watkins

NO. 8: A 5-STAR MEAL: FOLKS ARE RAVING ABOUT MS COAST’S NEW ‘50S-STYLE DINER, AND NOW I KNOW WHY

Here’s how a new family-owned restaurant proves going back to a simple classic is sometimes needed. | Published March 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Scott Watkins

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.