The best restaurants in Mississippi? BBQ joint and cafe recognized nationally
Want to know the best of the best restaurants in Mississippi? Check out these culinary spots that were recently highlighted for their local flavors and unique atmospheres.
Ocean Springs' Shed BBQ Blues Joint claimed the top spot as a small business destination, famous for its smoky ribs and vibrant vibe, according to a national survey.
In Jackson, the historic Mayflower Cafe received acclaim from the New York Times for its seafood gumbo and comeback sauce, continuing a tradition of culinary delight.
Three Mississippi neighborhoods earned spots on a list of top neighborhoods in the United States for outdoor dining including Bay St. Louis Old Town, Downtown Oxford and Fondren District in Jackson.
Meanwhile, Yelp spotlighted the fresh seafood offerings of Biloxi, showcasing local favorites like crab cakes and oysters.
Read more in the stories below:
NO. 1: THIS BBQ RESTAURANT IN MS IS THE TOP SMALL BUSINESS WORTH A ROAD TRIP IN THE US, SURVEY SAYS
Ocean Springs’ Shed BBQ Blues Joint was voted the number one small business worth driving hours for, according to a new national survey. | Published August 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sundi Rose
NO. 2: MS HAS 3 OF THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS FOR OUTDOOR DINING IN THE US, NEW REPORT SAYS. HERE’S WHERE
As the sun begins to set earlier and the summer fades to fall, one way to make the most of the last days of warm weather is by enjoying a lovely meal outside. | Published August 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Natalie Demaree
NO. 3: MS HAS ONE OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN THE US FOR 2025, NEW YORK TIMES SAYS. HERE’S WHY IT’S GREAT
A Mississippi restaurant, started nearly a century ago by Greek immigrants and recently reopened, is ranked among the New York Times’ best 50 places to eat in the United States. | Published September 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Natalie Demaree
NO. 4: THESE ARE THE 5 BEST BILOXI-AREA RESTAURANTS RIGHT NOW, YELP SAYS. WHERE TO FIND THEM
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is known for its fresh seafood, so it comes as no surprise that the top restaurants in the Biloxi-area all specialize in that category. | Published October 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Natalie Demaree
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.