MS has one of most legendary restaurants in South for 2026, Southern Living says. Here’s why
A decades-old Mississippi restaurant was just named one of the “most legendary” culinary spots in the South for 2026, according to a new Southern Living list.
The South’s Most Legendary Restaurants list, published March 12, includes more than 20 restaurants from Florida to Texas that “set the standard.”
“The South’s most legendary restaurants have shaped their cities, hosted generations of celebrations, and perfected the dishes that keep guests coming back,” Southern Living reported.
City Grocery, located on the charming Oxford Town Square, is the only restaurant from the Magnolia State that made the list.
This is why it’s legendary.
What makes City Grocery stand out?
City Grocery, which opened in 1992, is the first of James Beard Award-winning Chef John Currence’s Mississippi projects, according to the restaurant’s website.
The restaurant is a mix of culinary styles and homegrown flavors quintessential to southern cooking, according to Southern Living.
As far as the atmosphere, exposed brick walls, candlelight and white table cloths make for a refined yet easy going vibe. It’s open for lunch and dinner six days a week, according to the restaurant’s website.
Favorite menu items: Muffaletta, frites, fried oysters, pork belly dumplings, crab cakes, risotto
Address: 152 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655
Website: citygroceryonline.com
Reservations recommended.
Which other restaurants made the list?
Here’s the full list of the South’s “most legendary” restaurants for 2026, according to Southern Living:
- The Olde Pink House in Savannah, Georgia
- The Old Mill and Restaurant in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, Florida
- Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida
- Angus Barn in Raleigh, North Carolina Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, Florida
- Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta, Georgia
- Poogan’s Porch in Charleston, South Carolina
- Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room in Savannah, Georgia
- Bottega in Birmingham, Alabama
- The Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, West Virginia
- The Loveless Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee
- Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Captain Anderson’s in Panama City Beach, Florida
- Patti’s 1880’s Settlement in Grand Rivers, Kentucky
- Hyman’s Seafood in Charleston, South Carolina
- Michie Tavern in Charlottesville, Virginia
- The Smith House in Dahlonega, Georgia
- Crafted at Boone Tavern in Berea, Kentucky82 Queen in Charleston, South Carolina
- The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee
- Sea Captain’s House in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Blue Heaven in Key West, Florida
- The Pirates’ House in Savannah, Georgia
- Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
- Hugo’s in Fayetteville, Arkansas
- The Bright Star Restaurant in Bessemer, Alabama
- Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, Texas
- The Red Fox Inn & Tavern in Middleburg, Virginia
- Jack Fry’s in Louisville, Kentucky
- City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi
- Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
