Jackson, Mississippi, affectionately known as the “City with Soul,” is a culinary treasure trove. From Southern classics to Mediterranean delights, this city’s restaurant scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Here’s a guide to 2024’s best restaurants in Jackson, MS, and recommendations on what menu items to order.
Table of Contents
Aplos Simple Mediterranean $$
Type of Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
Located in the upscale Highland Village, Aplos Simple Mediterranean is a relative newcomer that’s made waves. The cheerful vibe, dazzling décor, and mouthwatering dishes make this spot irresistible.
Start with the Baked Feta Dip, featuring roasted red peppers and pita chips—it’s a crowd favorite. For mains, the Aplos Greek Salad or Gyro Plate are standout choices. They feature a mini Greek salad, brown rice, hummus, and pita bread.
Not in the mood for Greek? Opt for one of their unique pizzas, like the Shrimp Bianca or Italian Sausage. There’s a second Aplos location in Ridgeland.
Favorite Dishes: Artichoke Pizza, Chicken Shawarma Platter
Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM Daily
Beagle Bagel Cafe $
Type of Cuisine: Bakery, American, Cafe
For tasty, scratch-made bagels and flavored cream cheese, look no further than Beagle Bagel Cafe. Their lunch offerings, including chicken salad, tuna salad, and pimento cheese, are all must-tries.
Another favorite is the quiche, which offers a hearty slice at a fair price. The Highland Village spot is our favorite location (there is one in Madison, too) and boasts a gorgeous outdoor seating area perfect for a relaxed meal.
Favorite Dishes: Strawberry Annie Salad, Spicy Chicken Salad, Bagels
Hours: 6:30 AM – 8 PM Mon – Sat, 8 AM – 6 PM Sun
>>>>>>>Also, check out the Best Places to eat in Flowood, for more suggestions, including Primos Cafe, Table 100, and Georgia Blue.
BRAVO! Italian Restaurant and Bar $$-$$$
Type of Cuisine: Italian
An award-winning Italian restaurant, BRAVO! is known for its extensive and refined wine list, perfectly complementing its gluten-sensitive menu. The Classic Fettuccine Alfredo is sheer perfection—rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying.
Try their succulent crab cakes for a taste of the sea or the tender New York Strip steaks to indulge your taste buds. With seasonal cocktails and signature dishes, BRAVO! offers an upscale dining experience that’s hard to beat.
Favorite Dishes: Pecan-Crusted Brie, Wood-Fired Lasagna
Hours: 11 AM – 9/10 PM Tues – Sun, Closed Mon
Brent’s Drugs $$
Type of Cuisine: American, Diner
A Fondren gem, Brent’s Drugs is a retro diner serving up handmade milkshakes, burgers, and fries. This diner, featured in ‘The Help’ movie, is perfect for families.
Take advantage of the rich and creamy cheese soup and the throwback egg and olive salad sandwich, both of Brent’s originals. Hand-cut fries are a must-have side. Brent’s is also open for breakfast, offering omelets, pancakes, and even breakfast burritos.
Favorite Dishes: Cheese Soup, Chocolate Malt, Tuna Melt
Hours: 7 AM – 4 PM Mon – Thurs, 7 AM – 8 PM Fri, 8 – 8 Sat, 10 AM – 2 PM Sun
Click here for a fun Brent’s Drugs coloring sheet.
Broad Street Bakery $$
Type of Cuisine: American, Cafe
Broad Street Bakery is a haven for pastry lovers. Their Southwest Turkey Wrap, featuring Southwest cream cheese, baby spinach, black bean salsa, and Havarti cheese, is a lunch standout.
The bakery also offers a wide range of sandwiches, paninis, and wraps that are not only delicious but also won’t break the bank. Don’t leave without sampling their made-from-scratch treats like King Cakes, which are simply irresistible.
Favorite Dishes: Reuben Melt, Avocado Toast, Hash Brown Breakfast Bowl
Hours: 7 AM – 3 PM Sun – Mon, 7 AM – 8 PM Tues – Sat
Caet $$$
Type of Cuisine: Seafood, Wine
Situated in Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland, CAET is renowned for its seafood dishes and full bar. Start with the shareable Crispy Lobster Rolls or Wood-Oven Baked Crab Fondue.
For mains, the classic steak frites, pan-seared Gulf grouper, and spicy NOLA shrimp and grits are excellent choices. CAET also boasts an impressive wine collection, available by the pour or in half- and full-glass options.
It truly is one of the nicest restaurants in the Jackson area.
Favorite Dishes: Lamb Sliders, Pimento Cheese Toast, Beef Carpaccio
Hours: 4:30 – 9 PM Tues – Thurs, 4:30 – 9:30 PM Fri – Sat, Closed Sun and Mon
Campbell’s Bakery $-$$
Type of Cuisine: Bakery
A Fondren staple since 1962, Campbell’s Bakery offers sweet treats that are hard to resist. This retro-looking establishment has everything from petit fours and cookies to cupcakes and dessert bars. They also create custom cakes, making them a perfect choice for entertaining needs.
Char Restaurant $$$
Type of Cuisine: American, Steakhouse
For high-end dining, Char Restaurant is the go-to spot in Jackson. Known for its spectacular food and service, this restaurant offers a wide range of dishes. The Wednesday specials—Meatloaf or Fried Chicken—are hearty and delicious.
The Ginger Peanut Chicken Salad, a unique combination of flavors, is another standout. Piled high with fried chicken tenders, it promises a burst of flavors in every bite. Char’s brunch menu, featuring items like Chicken & Waffles and Crab Cake Benedict, also offers a delightful mix of flavors and is highly recommended.
Inside this classic eatery, you’ll think you’re in an old Hollywood movie, which is also a perfect first-date option.
Favorite Dishes: No-Filler Crab Cakes, Braised Cabbage, Pecan Caramel Butter Crunch Dessert
Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM Mon – Sat, 10 AM – 9 PM Sun
>>>>>>>>Also, check out our 25+ Best Things to Do in Ridgeland, for more dining suggestions, including Local 463, Ely’s, and Dogmud Tavern.
Elvie’s $$$
Type of Cuisine: French, Contemporary
Elvie’s is a local neighborhood hangout in Belhaven with a French twist. It has a cool yet upscale vibe and a sublime menu.
The stack of pancakes with fruit and nuts and the Eggs Cochon—a New Orleans-inspired dish with coffee-rubbed pork and maple red eye gravy—are both pure deliciousness. The restaurant’s homey furnishings and soothing music create a perfect, relaxing dining atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
Favorite Dishes: Mushroom Madame, Eggs Cochon, Chicken Liver Pate
Hours: (breakfast/lunch) 8 AM – 2 PM Tues – Fri, 9 AM – 2 PM Sat, (dinner) 4:30 – 9 PM Tues – Sat, Closed Sun and Mon
Iron Horse Grill $$-$$$
Type of Cuisine: Mexican, American
Iron Horse Grill is not just a restaurant but also the Mississippi Music Experience Museum and live music venue in a historic 1906 landmark building. Start with a guacamole trio or chile con queso with tortilla chips. The menu is chock full of great choices.
For mains, charcoal-grilled fajitas are a specialty that offers various protein options. Other tasty options include Shrimp and Grits (with Delta Grind grits) and Chef Pierre’s Habanero Pasta. Don’t miss the dessert trio to cap off your meal.
Favorite Dishes: Smokehouse Burger, Navajo Chicken
Hours: 11 AM – 9/10 PM Mon – Thur, 11 AM – 11 PM Fri and Sat, 10:30 AM – 3 PM Sun
Keifer’s Restaurant $$
Type of Cuisine: Greek
Known for its Greek cuisine, Keifer’s Restaurant is a must-visit. Start with the bean and sesame hummus served with hot pita bread. The lamb & beef gyro and feta cheese plate are also excellent choices.
For dessert, the cheesecake and baklava, a delicate phyllo pastry with nuts and honey, are sure to please. Order a green beer if you are there on St. Patrick’s Day. Take advantage of the spacious outdoor patio.
Favorite Dishes: Chicken Souvlaki, Grecian salad, Gyro
Hours: 10:30 AM – 9/11 PM Daily
Local 463 $$-$$$
Type of Cuisine: Southern, New American
Located at the Renaissance at Highland Colony in Ridgeland, Local 463 Urban Kitchen excels at Southern food and is easily one of our top-ranked restaurants in the greater Jackson area. The Portobello Fries appetizer with spicy Mississippi comeback sauce and Kung Pao Rock Shrimp are must-tries.
Honey-Rosemary Fried Chicken and 463 Blue Plates are highly recommended as main dishes. The Veggie Option, available on Fridays, allows you to pick four veggies, including Southern favorites like Mac & Cheese. The restaurant is beautiful, too, a big plus.
Favorite Dishes: Portobello Fries, The Wedge Salad, Honey-Rosemary Fried Chicken
Hours: (lunch) 11 AM – 2 PM Mon – Fri, (dinner) 4:30 – 9 PM Tues – Sat, Closed Sun
Lou’s Full-Serv $$-$$$
Type of Cuisine: American, Southern
Lou’s Full-Serv, another restaurant in historic Belhaven, offers a seasonal menu and experienced waitstaff. The Onion Rings are a unique and tasty starter, unlike any you’ve ever had, served with a delicious smoked tomato remoulade.
For mains, the Chicken BLT (Swiss cheese, peppercorn dressing, and creamy Romesco) with Swiss and Shrimp & Crawfish Étouffée are standout choices. Lou’s restaurant also features a quaint bar and patio, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Favorite Dishes: Chicken BLT, Caesar Salad, $14 Lunch specials (meal, tea, salad, and bread), Fish & Chips
Hours: (lunch) 11 AM – 2 PM Tues- Fri, (dinner) 5 – 9 PM Tues. – Sat, Closed Sun and Mon
The Manship $$$
Type of Cuisine: Italian, Pizza, New American
Manship Woodfired Kitchen offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a Southern flair. Start with complimentary bread and spicy oil. The Smoked Tuna Melt, a simple but elevated classic with provolone cheese, red onion, arugula, and lemon vinaigrette dressing, and the best steak in Jackson, topped with garlic butter, are must-tries.
The restaurant also has a Prohibition Era cocktail menu and proudly insists on using locally sourced ingredients, fostering a sense of community and support for local producers.
Favorite Dishes: Nola BBQ Shrimp, Brisket Benedict
Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM Mon – Fri, 2:30 – 9 PM Sat, 10 AM – 2:30 PM Brunch Sat and Sun
Mugshots $$
Type of Cuisine: American
Mugshots is a locally loved sports bar & grill known for its delicious burgers, refreshing salads, sandwiches, and cold beer. The Gamble burger, a unique creation featuring chili, house-made Rotel, sour cream, jalapeños, and lettuce, is a crowd favorite.
While it may get messy, the taste is worth it!
This laid-back eatery has gained recognition as the Best Burger in Mississippi. The Mombo Combo appetizer offers smaller portions of popular picks like “blankenshrooms” and dill pickle chips. It’s great for sharing.
You can choose between the Flowood and Pearl locations, though Mugshots’ reach extends as far as Hattiesburg and Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Favorite Dishes: Sean’s Nachos, Southwest Philly, Peanut Butter Burger
Hours: 10:45 AM – 10 PM Daily
Nissan Cafe by Nick Wallace $$
Type of Cuisine: Southern
By chef Nick Wallace of Food Network fame, Nissan Cafe is a must-visit when exploring Jackson Civil Rights and History museums. The gumbo, creatively done with butter beans, turkey, black eyed peas, and other unique ingredients, is a standout, offering a unique culinary experience.
Nissan Cafe’s bowls, salads, and sandwiches are highly recommended, and the affordable desserts are perfect meal finishers.
Favorite Dishes: Mississippi Gumbo, Coffee cake, Smoked Brisket Wrap
Hours: 11 AM – 2 PM Tues – Fri, 11 AM – 3 PM Sat, 11 AM – 4 PM Sun, Closed Mon
Pig & Pint $$
Type of Cuisine: BBQ, Gastropub
A Fondren favorite, Pig and Pint, offers indoor and outdoor picnic table seating. The brisket, pulled pork, award-winning BBQ, and smoked chicken are all delicious, especially when served as Nachos.
Side items like collard greens, potato salad, and Comeback Cole slaw are excellent complements.
Use one (or all) of the tangy BBQ sauces for your smoked meats: Alabama White, Mississippi Sweet, and Carolina Mustard. Save room for the creamy Banana Pudding for dessert.
Favorite Dishes: Boudin Balls, Fried Baloney Sandwich, Smoked Pimento Cheese with pork rinds
Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM Mon – Sat, Closed Sun
Rooster’s $$
Type of Cuisine: American, Southern
Rooster’s is a must-visit for its perfectly cooked chicken cutlets and, well, everything on the menu. The Mushroom or Creole Tomato Gravy Chicken Cutlet are standout dishes, but you can’t go wrong with any of the burgers or chicken at this friendly eatery.
Side options include scrumptious green beans and coleslaw, cheese grits, and red beans and rice. Choose either the Fondren or Flowood locations.
Favorite Dishes: Mushroom Swiss Burger, Chicken Mushroom Cutlet, Cheese Grits
Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint $$-$$$
Type of Cuisine: Pizza, Italian
Serving New York Pizza with an ice cream parlor in the back, Sal & Mookie’s is perfect for families. The plain cheese pizza and West End Muffuletta with sweet potato fries are great choices.
The restaurant also offers a variety of pasta dishes and an arsenal of dessert choices. It has been named “Best Restaurant for Families” for years by Parents & Kids Magazine. You’ll find two other locations in Madison and Biloxi.
Favorite Dishes: Banana Split, Y’alldorf Salad, Cannelloni
Hours: 11 AM – 9/10 PM Tues – Sun, Closed Mon
Fun Fact: Sal & Mookie’s has quite a catering business, so keep them in mind for your special occasions.
Saltine $$-$$$
Type of Cuisine: Seafood
Renowned as Jackson’s premier oyster bar, Saltine offers rock-star char-grilled oysters and expertly crafted cocktails. Start with the Skillet Cornbread (jalapeños and green onions) or Shrimp & Lobster Spring Rolls.
The low-country boil and blackened Gulf shrimp po’ boy are standouts for your main course. The half-dozen sampler of wood-fired oysters is terrific, prepared in a scorching 600+ degree oven.
Saltine is also an excellent choice for date nights or special occasions, as its comfortable, contemporary, and chic interior complements the event.
Favorite Dishes: Loaded Shrimp & Crawfish Dip, Oysters Lafitte (bacon, parmesan, hot sauce butter), Meat & Potatoes
Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM Mon – Sat, 10:30 AM – 9 PM Sun
Shapley’s $$$
Type of Cuisine: American, Steakhouse
MM Shapley’s has been the premier Jackson steakhouse since 1985. Nestled in an off-the-beaten-path location, it offers prime beef cuts, delectable seafood options, and classic steakhouse dishes.
Appetizers like fried crab claws and Papa’s hot tamales are excellent choices. The New York strip, cowboy ribeye, and porterhouse are meat lover’s delights.
Favorite Dishes: Wedge salad, Stuffed Shrimp Beurre Blanc, Creamed Spinach
Hours: 5 – 8:30 PM Tues – Thurs, 5 – 9 PM Fri – Sat
Urban Foxes $
Type of Cuisine: Bakery, Cafe
Urban Foxes is a small-batch bakery in a historic house offering irresistible food and baked goods. The quiche-of-the-day and Kimcheese sandwich (cabbage kimchi, melty gouda, and fontina cheeses) are commendable. You can’t find a pastry or pie that is less than 10/10.
Choose from coffees, teas, or an array of beers. Check the event calendar for live music events.
Favorite Dishes: Berry pie, Sausage Roll, Quiche
Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Mon – Fri, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Sat – Sun
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux $$
Type of Cuisine: Sports Bar, Burgers
A prominent establishment in Ridgeland, Walk-On’s offers a vibrant ambiance and extensive menu. Start with the righteous fried pickle chips or boudin balls. The buffalo chicken sandwich and grown-up grilled cheese (four cheeses and crispy bacon) are standout mains.
Walk-On’s restaurant also features numerous TVs for watching sports, adult action arcade-style games, and an array of refreshing tap beers.
Favorite Dishes: Red Beans & Rice, Lemon Butter Chicken, Devils on Horseback
Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM Sun – Thurs, 11 AM – 11 PM Fri – Sat
Tempting, Tasty Jackson
I get so excited on my many visits to Mississippi because I know I will have memorable meals waiting for me in the greater Jackson area. My next visit will include stops at Walker’s Drive-In and Estelle Southern Table.
What else should I try?
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