A journey through Mississippi’s cities reveals award-winning chefs, regional flavors and culinary traditions deeply rooted in place
By Dave Bodle
Once known primarily for comfort classics and time-honored recipes, Mississippi is now earning national attention for a new generation of culinary talent. James Beard–recognized chefs, passionate local purveyors, and historic institutions are redefining what Southern food can be, without losing sight of where it comes from. Together, these cities showcase a state where tradition and innovation thrive side by side.
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Jackson, Mississippi
In the heart of Jackson’s thriving culinary landscape, local creativity and Southern tradition converge at every table, and no place exemplifies this more vividly than Elvie’s. Helmed by Jackson-born chef Hunter Evans, Elvie’s has become one of the city’s most talked-about dining destinations, blending French-inspired technique with rich Southern ingredients and a sense of place that feels unmistakably Mississippi. Evans’ work at Elvie’s has earned him repeated national recognition: he was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: South in both 2024 and 2025, a major honor.
Opened in Jackson’s historic Belhaven neighborhood in 2020 and named in tribute to Evans’s grandmother, Elvie’s offers everything from meticulously crafted breakfast dishes and house-made breads to refined dinner plates like duck confit cassoulet, gulf seafood preparations, and delicate beef tartare.
Elvie’s success has helped elevate Jackson’s reputation as a culinary destination one where inventive Southern flavor and world-class craftsmanship flourish side by side. Groups and special events from 20 to80 are welcome for a memorable dining experience. Call 601-863-8828 for more information and reservations.
Oxford, Mississippi
Oxford, Mississippi, punches well above its weight as a culinary destination, thanks in large part to the visionary leadership of Chef John Currence. A James Beard Award–winning chef (Best Chef: South, 2009), Currence has been instrumental in putting Oxford on the national food map through his City Grocery Restaurant Group, particularly with Snackbar, a relaxed, ingredient-driven eatery that reflects his deep respect for Southern flavors with a contemporary edge. Currence’s influence stretches back decades, earning honors like the Mississippi Restaurant Association’s Chef/Restaurateur of the Year (1998) and the Southern Foodways Alliance’s Guardian of Tradition Award (2006).
Snackbar exemplifies Oxford’s blend of tradition and creativity: thoughtfully sourced produce, locally inspired dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It sits alongside other City Grocery spots and independent eateries that celebrate the region’s richness, from homestyle comfort fare to elevated Southern cuisine. Group and event reservations can be made 30 days out to Presly Baty at 662-236-6363 for more information.
The rhythm of Oxford’s food culture pulses strongest in the fall during the University of Mississippi football season. Tailgating in The Grove isn’t just a pre-game ritual; it’s a food lover’s festival. Picnic blankets, tents, and coolers overflow with gumbo, barbecue, fried chicken, smoked sausages, pimento cheese, and other Southern specialties passed down through generations.
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Snackbar in Oxford
Biloxi, Mississippi
Harrison County, anchored by Biloxi, is a vibrant hub for fresh, locally sourced seafood and seasonal produce that reflects its deep Gulf Coast roots. Long celebrated as one of the “seafood capitals of the world,” the region’s culinary identity is tied intimately to shrimping, oystering, and saltwater harvests that arrive daily from the Mississippi Sound.
At the heart of the upscale dining scene is White Pillars Restaurant and Lounge, led by Austin Sumrall, a James Beard Foundation Semifinalist in 2025, whose farm-to-table approach elevates Gulf seafood with seasonal, local ingredients. Sumrall’s menu, highlighted by Gulf seafood towers, oysters, shrimp and grits, and heritage grains, celebrates regional bounty with global finesse. His work draws on Mississippi-sourced shrimp, local produce, and foraged ingredients, making White Pillars a must-visit for food lovers and a beacon of the county’s culinary innovation. Multiple dining rooms and options are available for groups. Call 228-207-0885 for more information.
Beyond fine dining, Biloxi’s seafood culture thrives in both refined and casual settings. Locals and visitors alike flock to McElroy’s Harbor House, Shaggy’s Biloxi Beach, Half Shell Oyster House, and Taranto’s Crawfish for gulf shrimp, oysters, po’boys, and other coastal staples.
Fresh produce and local goods can be found at the Biloxi Farmers’ Market, where seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, and artisanal products complement the seafood scene. Seasonal farmers’ markets help chefs and home cooks alike celebrate Mississippi’s agricultural season.
For groups interested in the working side of the Gulf’s harvest, excursions like shrimp boat tours off Biloxi offer a behind-the-scenes look at shrimping traditions and the maritime heritage that still fuels the local food scene.
A delightful dish from the Snackbar menu.
Greenwood, Mississippi
Greenwood hums with a quiet creativity that blends art, music, and food into a distinctly Delta experience. This small town has long inspired writers, musicians, and painters, and today that same spirit carries into its kitchens, galleries, and historic streets. Downtown storefronts showcase local artists, while live music drifts from intimate venues and community events celebrate the region’s deep cultural roots.
At the heart of Greenwood’s culinary revival is Chef Taylor Bowen Ricketts, a trailblazer reshaping how Mississippi cuisine is seen and savored. Named one of Southern Living magazine’s Top 50 Female Chefs and a 2011 James Beard Award Best Chef of the South semifinalist, Ricketts is pushing the state forward with her culinary “foodscapes” menus that honor Southern tradition while introducing bold, artful interpretation. Her restaurant Fan & Johnny’s reflects Greenwood itself: rooted in place, yet creatively fearless.
Ricketts champions seasonal ingredients, Delta flavors, and thoughtful presentation, proving that fine dining and authentic Southern food can coexist beautifully. Paired with Greenwood’s growing arts scene, her work makes the town a destination for travelers seeking both culture and cuisine. In Greenwood, creativity is not just displayed on walls or stages, it is plated, shared, and savored. Call Fan & Johnny’s at 662-374-5060
Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez exudes old-world charm layered with a vibrant food culture rooted in river traditions and refined Southern hospitality. With its grand antebellum homes, bluff-top views of the Mississippi River, and walkable historic district, the city invites visitors to slow down and savor both place and flavor. Dining in Natchez feels personal, as menus reflect heritage, local ingredients, and the artistry of chefs who honor the past while shaping something new.
Among its culinary standouts is Regina Charboneau, a Natchez native nationally celebrated for her biscuit-making. A cookbook author, cooking-class host, and culinary ambassador for American Queen Voyages, Charboneau has been featured in The New York Times and Southern Living, helping define Natchez’s reputation for soulful, elevated Southern fare. Complementing her influence is Molly Manning Robertson, an award-winning pastry chef named Mississippi Magazine’s Best Wedding Cake Designer (2023 M List) and a semi-finalist on Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship. Her artistry showcases the city’s growing dessert culture.
Tour operators such as Pilgrim Tours further spotlight Natchez’s dining appeal, with itineraries that include a fun, riverfront dinner at the beloved Cock of the Walk, a lively, flavor-filled introduction to local cuisine. In Natchez, history is beautiful, but it is the food that truly tells the story.
Weidmann’s has been in Jackson, MS since 1870.
Meridian, Mississippi
Meridian carries a creative energy shaped by music, history, and a growing appreciation for Southern food traditions. Known as the birthplace of Jimmie Rodgers and a cultural crossroads of East Mississippi, the city blends classic architecture, revitalized downtown streets, and a welcoming small-city rhythm that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. Art galleries, museums, and live-music venues anchor the community, while festivals and food events bring residents and visitors together year-round.
Culinary heritage is central to Meridian’s identity, and no restaurant embodies it more fully than Weidmann’s Restaurant. Established in 1870, it is Mississippi’s oldest operating restaurant and a beloved gathering place for locals and travelers alike. Weidmann’s honors tradition with signature dishes such as redfish, steaks, and its iconic black-bottom pie, while its famed “come back sauce” has become a statewide staple. Group planners call 601-581-5770 for menu options and reservations.
Beyond Weidmann’s, Meridian’s food scene reflects a broader Southern palate, comforting, generous, and rooted in community. Paired with the city’s musical legacy and historic charm, the dining experience feels authentic rather than trendy.
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