Discover the ultimate foodie’s guide to the best restaurants in Ridgeland, MS! From Italian delights to Mediterranean flavors and high-end meals from the Steakhouse Capital of Mississippi, this culinary journey promises a feast for your taste buds.
Get ready to savor Ridgeland’s gastronomic treasures like never before!
Amerigo: A Taste of Italy at Your Fingertips
Amerigo isn’t just another Italian restaurant; it’s a neighborhood gem where wallet-friendly prices meet lip-smacking Italian cuisine. Nestled in the heart of the Renaissance, get hooked on the early bird specials or jazz up your weekend with an unforgettable brunch.
Our tip? Opt for the satisfying half-pasta and salad combo during lunch. And never miss out on their Friday signature – the yummy pasta bolognese. Craving pasta with a twist? Try the luscious chicken piccata crowned with jumbo lump crab – a true culinary masterpiece.
You’ll find Amerigo in Tennessee and Alabama, too.
Aplos’ Arrival to Ridgeland
When Aplos made its entrance into Ridgeland, food lovers rejoiced! This slice of Mediterranean heaven sits cozily in the Renaissance shopping arena, offering indoor and refreshing outdoor dining experiences.
The highlights? The gyro and chicken shawarma plates never disappoint. And if you’re a pizza lover, Aplos is set to impress. The whipped feta is a runaway hit, but if you’re in a sharing mood (or just plain hungry), the dip trio with hummus and avocado is a must-try.
The Fondren Favorite: Basil’s
Basil’s has graced Ridgeland with its presence, delighting residents with its delicious array of sandwiches, salads, and paninis on freshly baked focaccia. They believe in simplicity, and eating at Basil’s means experiencing “simple food done exceptionally well.”
They’re a testament to the philosophy that sometimes, less truly is more.
Bulldog Burger Company: A Burger Paradise
For those with an unapologetic love for burgers, fries, and milkshakes, the Bulldog Burger Company is your next go-to spot and one of the best restaurants in Ridgeland. Venture beyond the familiar and tantalize your taste buds with their sinful appetizers like chorizo nachos, Philly spring rolls, and fried cheese curds.
The burgers are a revelation, with the Jalapeño Popper burger (bacon, pepper jelly, cream cheese) being nothing short of legendary. Venture into Bulldog Burger in Starkville and Tupelo for the full experience!
Fun Fact: Whatever dipping sauce the sweet potato fries come with gets a big thumbs up from this foodie.
CAET: Seafood and Steak Nirvana
In search of high-end seafood and steak? Here’s a secret – CAET (sounds like “Kate”) is the place to be. Exuding upscale vibes without pretense, you’ll feel at home in its welcoming ambiance.
Feast your eyes (and appetite) on their vast array of apps and mains – from beef carpaccio and zucchini fries to succulent hangar steak frites. Leave room for dessert; the salted caramel tart caught my eye.
Take note, though—it’s closed on Sundays and Mondays, it makes up for it by showcasing Mississippi’s finest craft beers on tap.
Gaming and Grub at Dogmud Tavern
Dogmud Tavern isn’t your average eatery. It’s a nostalgia-infused gaming haven that also serves mouthwatering meals and offers a walk down Memory Lane for those of us old enough to remember when some of these things were cool the first time around.
Choose a classic setup with couches and a coffee table around a Nintendo console, and go on a culinary quest.
Drool over the Hungry Hero charcuterie board or the creamy pimento cheese with garlic baguette “Power-Ups.” Fans rave about the Big Kahuna burger and the delectable Doberman mud dog with mac and cheese. See the magic for yourself—it’s an experience that’s both playful and gratifying.
Ely’s Steakhouse: Where Every Bite Counts
Since 2008, Ely’s has carved its niche as Ridgeland’s crème de la crème steakhouse. A place where being seen is as savory as the food itself—Marvel at dishes parading by, from exquisitely broiled steaks to the freshest Gulf seafood.
Need help with what to pick? Start with the crawfish and shrimp dip, followed by the spinach salad with warm bacon vinaigrette and the luxuriant Filet Louisiane. This tasty beef cut is adorned with a creole BBQ butter and shrimp that will mesmerize your senses.
Pro tip: Secure your spot via OpenTable and brace yourself for a stellar dining experience—except on Sundays, when they are closed.
Refined Italian Flavors at Enzo’s
Enzo’s raises the bar for Italian dining in the quaint Renaissance setting at Colony Park. Under the meticulous guidance of Hattiesburg’s own, Chef Robert St. John, this spot marries traditional Italian authenticity with American influences.
Delight in innovative starters like eggplant fries or Italian nachos. Main dishes such as penne al a vodka and chicken marsala beckon, while their weekend brunch with corned beef hash and brunch crepes is a must for morning aficionados.
Fratesi’s – Italian Flavors in a Quaint Setting
Imagine a cozy corner, red and white checkered tablecloths, the flickering dance of wine bottle candles, and a platter filled with the most aromatic Italian cuisine you’ve had. Fratesi’s brings you just that!
Whether you’re savoring grilled chicken over delicate angel hair pasta drizzled with rich Alfredo sauce, or twirling spaghetti hugged by hearty meatballs, every bite feels like a holiday celebration.
Krilaki’s – A Grecian Casual Affair
Craving Greek flavors? Krilaki’s offers a laid-back vibe perfect for a gyro-packed lunch with a side of fries or a crisp Greek salad for under $15. Their spread includes succulent grape leaves and golden-brown falafels. Even the burger fans can find a haven here!
Local 463 – Stylish Bites in Urban Chic
Step into the Instagram-worthy, aesthetically magnificent Local 463, where sandwiches and Southern comfort food are redefined. I like to have the blue plate special with all veggies (4 choices, which in the south translates to lots of carbs), plus a comeback salad and tea.
You won’t find a single thing here that isn’t pure deliciousness.
For heartier appetites, the “original” Honey-Rosemary Fried Chicken is one of the most popular meals, but the southern burger and mushroom & truffle flatbread are two other tasty options. Local 463 is closed on Sunday.
Pro Tip: Start with the portobello fries with the perfect comeback dipping sauce.
Shapley’s – Surf ‘n’ Turf Elegance
For those special nights, consider Shapley’s, one of Ridgeland’s fine dining establishments in a charming house setting. This upmarket establishment exudes charm reminiscent of Southern hospitality and offers an extensive wine list to toast life’s milestones.
A taste of their cowboy ribeye or delicately stuffed shrimp might just become your most cherished culinary memory. Shapley’s is fancy and pricy, but it is a nice treat if you are jonesing for a great meal or celebrating a special occasion.
Reservations are recommended; they are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Primos Cafe – Home-Style Comfort Meets Bakery Bliss
Caught between cafeteria and diner, this beloved Mississippi restaurant features a spectrum of homely delights that rotate with the days of the week. From poppy seed chicken to the classic meatloaf, every dish served is home-cooking mastered.
Primos is also popular for take-and-bake or grab-and-go items in its market. This is your place if you need a catered meal for Thanksgiving (or any holiday). They do a wonderful job with the turkey and fixings. Primos’s sweet potato casserole and cranberry sauce completed the meal.
Sombra Mexican Kitchen – The Best Margs in Town
At Sombra Mexican Kitchen, you’ll fall for the vibrant flavors of Mexico. From succulent chimichangas to smoky barbacoa tacos, your cravings are covered.
The flagship tamales and best-in-town margaritas, like the Mississippi Margarita, with local Cathead Honeysuckle, agave nectar, and lime, will have you planning your next visit before the first has even ended!
Tico’s Steakhouse – Where Date Nights Dazzle
Tico’s Steakhouse, a gem in Ridgeland, masterfully crafts an experience tailored for romance and celebration. The evening unfolds with tempting appetizers, such as Jack’s fried crab claws, leading to the pinnacle, a sumptuous perfectly prepared filet mignon, finished with classic touches like a fluffy baked potato and grilled asparagus.
Something unique on the menu here is the hearts of palm and artichoke salad.
Walk On’s – A Sporty Feast For The Senses
A hub for gamers and foodies, Walk On’s infuses fun into every meal. Share a basket of waffle cheese fries or mix things up with a range of appetizers from the mozzarella logs to the ‘devils on horseback,’ a great retro dish you hardly see on menus these days.
Ready for the main event? The chicken and sausage gumbo is also filling enough for a meal, but the buffalo chicken sandwich is sure to satisfy and hard to beat!
YiaYia’s – An Ode To Greek Tradition
The warmth of Greece comes alive right in Ridgeland at YiaYia’s. This full-service restaurant, the resident expert in Greek dining, offers a vast menu that includes spanakopita, pastitsio, cabbage leaves, moussaka, and spinach pie.
For dessert, take a piece of the traditional baklava made in-house.
