Innovative dining concepts reshape Mississippi in 2025

Mississippi's dining scene in 2025 showcases creative new concepts that are redefining local tastes and business approaches. Luckies Diner stands out with its '50s-style burgers and a family-centered atmosphere run by local students. At the Coast, Sizzle & Salt blends Gulf Coast views with Tex-Mex favorites like sizzling fajitas and Southwest eggrolls. The arrival of Vicious Biscuit brings inventive brunch dishes and a self-serve jam bar to Hattiesburg.

Meanwhile, Field’s Mediterranean and El Fornino Pizzeria introduce global flavors—Mediterranean and Italian—crafted with premium ingredients. These operators invigorate Mississippi business with bold menus, welcoming spaces, and chances for local talent.

The future site of a new Chick-fil-A and Chipotle in Ocean Springs on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 1: HERE’S THE LATEST ON THE NEW CHICK-FIL-A AND CHIPOTLE RESTAURANTS IN OCEAN SPRINGS

The popular chicken and Mexican restaurants were announced in June and more restaurants could follow. | Published March 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

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

NO. 2: 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

Classic spaghetti and meatballs is sure to be a favorite Field’s Italian Ocean Springs opening Tuesday on Government Street. The menu has a big selection of appetizers, salads, pasta, entrees and flatbread pizza. By Field's Italian Ocean Springs

NO. 3: THE BEST NEW RESTAURANTS TO OPEN ON THE MISSISSIPPI COAST SO FAR IN 2025

Three months are in the books for 2025. Here are the Coast’s four best restaurants to open this year. | Published March 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Scott Watkins

A Sizzle and Salt double double smash burger impresses at the new restaurant in the lobby at Harrah’s Gulf Coast casino in Biloxi. By Courtesy of Harrah's Gulf Coast

NO. 4: NEW TEX-MEX RESTAURANT OVERLOOKS SOUTH MS BEACH, POOL. HERE’S WHERE, AND WHAT IT’S ABOUT

Sizzle & Salt describes the menu and the vibe at this new restaurant. | Published April 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

Breakfast served at new brunch restaurant Vicious Biscuit in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. By Scott Watkins

NO. 5: FIRST VICIOUS BISCUIT IN MS IS THRIVING. IS IT WORTH THE DRIVE ... AND THE WAIT?

We made the trip up Highway 49 for biscuits. Here’s whether or not you should, too. | Published April 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Scott Watkins

Lanterns illuminate the double wraparound porches at Field’s Steak and Oyster Bar in Biloxi on Monday, April 11, 2022. The new restaurant opens this weekend in the historic Magnolia Hotel building in downtown. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 6: BIG CHANGES COMING TO POPULAR COAST RESTAURANT WITH RETURN OF AWARD-WINNING CHEF

David Dickensauge is coming home to South Mississippi to open a Mediterranean restaurant in downtown Biloxi, with bold flavors and fresh Coast ingredients. | Published May 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

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.