Top new food destinations to try in South Mississippi

South Mississippi’s dining scene is undergoing a notable transformation with a surge of new restaurant openings offering diverse culinary experiences. Food entrepreneurs are blending cultural influences, as seen in authentic Mexican spots like Aztecas and inventive eateries like Chamay Asian Street Food. Elevated casual dining is also on the rise, illustrated by 38 Degrees Family Style Dining, which reimagines comfort food with a communal, customizable twist.

National brands such as Chick-fil-A and Savvy Sliders are expanding into local markets, while chef-driven concepts like Czak’s Coastal Cuisine bring fine-dining training to regional plates. Coffee shops and dessert spots like The Vault and Emmay Mochi Donuts further reflect a growing appetite for niche flavors and community-focused spaces.

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. 1: 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

The specialty custard shakes at newly opened Savvy Sliders in Gulfport, Mississippi. By Scott Watkins

NO. 2: NEW GULFPORT SLIDER RESTAURANT OPENS TO HUGE CROWDS WEDNESDAY. HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE SAID

“Outstanding.” Savvy Sliders impressed on opening day in Gulfport. | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Scott Watkins

Czak’s Coastal Cuisine will open in South Mississippi with fresh seafood and other Coast favorites and indoor and outdoor seating in the downtown. By Courtesy of Czak's Coastal Cuisine

NO. 3: HE TRAINED WITH JAMES BEARD CHEFS AND IS OPENING COASTAL CUISINE RESTAURANT IN SOUTH MS

Fresh shrimp and seafood from South Mississippi, gumbo that already has a following of fans and bread pudding that marries French toast and crème brûlée will be on the menu at new Coast restaurant. | Published February 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

The dining area inside the newest location of Aztecas Restaurant and Cantina in Biloxi on Thursday, March 6, 2025. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 4: SHADED MEXICAN COURTYARD CREATES AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE AT NEW SOUTH MS RESTAURANT

A new restaurant at the beach in Biloxi features a large Mexican courtyard around an ancient oak tree, views of the water, a bar that opens to the breezes and an extensive menu. | Published March 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

Owner Heather Lacey poses for a portrait at The Vault Coffee House in Ocean Springs on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 5: COFFEE, BAGELS, MUSIC AND ART ALL COME TOGETHER AT NEW SOUTH MISSISSIPPI COFFEE SHOP

New coffee shop expanded from Mobile, Alabama, to South Mississippi, bringing its hot or iced coffees with flavorings, plus pastries and bagels. | Published March 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

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

NO. 6: 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 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.