Some of the best food in the country can be found right here in Coastal Mississippi. And thanks to our region’s rich cultural diversity, the fare is as varied and authentic as it is delicious. We asked our audience to pick their top restaurants by category. See how your favorite spots fared in polling.
BAGELS
A SOUTHERN BAGEL COMPANY
19019 Pineville Road, Long Beach
(228) 363-4461
Facebook.com/asouthernbagelco
Instagram: @Asouthernbagel
What makes your restaurant special? It’s a women veteran owned business managed by a husband and wife team. Making hand rolled, locally sourced, artisan bagels. We started selling bagels at the farmers market before opening our store front. We were the first bagel place to open on the coast since Hurricane Katrina.
What is your most popular dish? Our most popular breakfast sandwich is called South of the Border. It’s a jalapeño cheddar bagel with jalapeño cream cheese, fresh mozzarella slice, egg, and drizzled with a jalapeño avocado sauce.
Other top vote-getters:
- BagelBees
- Le Bakery
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
BAGELBEES LLC
4013 Beatline Rd, Long Beach
(228) 222-4145
www.bagelbeesbakery.com
Facebook.com/BagelBeesBakery
Instagram: @bagelbees2020
What makes your restaurant special? When you walk into our store, you are always greeted. We are a family and we want you to feel at home with us.
There’s all kinds of things we serve for whatever mood you’re in. Comfort food, got it. Healthy, low carb, and fresh, got it. Between our fresh bagels, grilled cheese options, or the grab n’ go, there’s variety and flavor for the pickiest of eaters.
What is your most popular dish? This would have to be between our chicken salad, pimento cheese, or pavlova. The chicken salad and pimento are my own recipes that I worked on for months to get the flavors just right. Our chicken salad is made with grapes and celery to give you that slight crunch and a little sweet. The pimento is packed with so much bold flavor that has turned haters into lovers.
As for the pavlova, it’s a traditional Australian dessert that is like a meringue but is light and fluffy, marshmallow like inside, then topped with fresh cream and berries. These don’t stay in the fridge for long and customers love to order them by the dozen for parties or get togethers.
Other top vote-getters:
- A Southern Bagel Company
- Blue Dog Bistro
SANDWICHES
BEACHSIDE AT BUOYS
115 South Beach Boulevard, Bay St. Louis
(228) 344-3114
Facebook.com/beachsideatbuoys
What makes your restaurant special? Beachside at Buoys is a locally-owned Scratch Kitchen serving lunch and dinner favorites designed by our Executive Chef, Joseph Castoro, a graduate of the Florida Culinary Institute. Our menu consists of hand-patted burgers, fresh cut fries, wings, wraps, salads and so much more. All of our dishes are from scratch, We are located on the beach in Bay Saint Louis, MS, so everything is made to order including sauces and salad dressings. The bonus for Beachside at Buoys is the incredible views of the Gulf and Bay from our deck.
What is your most popular dish? Our signature dish is the hand-patted burgers and fresh cut fries! You have a choice between a sesame seeded bun or a French bread hamburger bun that we have delivered straight from New Orleans. During Mardi Gras, our favorite was the Muffuletta King Cake with olive salad from the famed Central Grocery in New Orleans. Because of the exciting feedback from the Muffuletta King Cake, we are now offering Muffelettas, as well!
Other top vote-getters:
- Dolce Café
- Pirate’s Cove
CAFES, COFFEE & TEA
COFFEE CULTURE
1113 Highway 90, Bay St. Louis
(228) 493-4666
Facebook.com/coffeecultureBSL
Instagram: @coffeeculture.bsl
What makes your restaurant special? Our friendly baristas love creating a large variety of specialty drinks for our guests. We proudly serve Coast Roast Coffee roasted here on the Coast. Pastries are baked fresh daily. Dine in or we have a convenient drive through. Bring your pup to receive a homemade treat as well.
What is your most popular dish? Our frozen frappes come in many flavors and is our most popular item.
Other top vote-getters:
- Coast Roast
- The Coffee Box
- Le Cafe’ Beignet
- Jacked Up Coffee Bar
VEGETARIAN
MAKIN GROCERIES
871 B Howard Ave, Biloxi
(228) 239-1771
www.makingroceriesLLC.com
Facebook.com/makingrocery
Instagram: @makingroceriesbiloxi
What makes your restaurant special? We are farm to table with seasonal menu offerings and cater to most dietary restrictions and allergies. We offer family meals, grab n go options, cooking classes, and event catering.
What is your most popular dish? For breakfast our most popular item is the breakfast burrito. Austin, TX-inspired burrito filled with roasted potato, sautéed bell pepper and onion, egg or tofu scramble for a vegan option, handmade sage & fennel lentil “sausage”, with our house chipotle aioli.
Family meal favorite is the General Tso Cauliflower or Sweet potato black bean enchiladas.
Other top vote-getters:
- Cracker Barrel
- Apron Strings
TAPAS
MARTINIS BILOXI
918 Howard Ave., Biloxi
(228) 207-2066
www.martinisbiloxims.com
Facebook.com/martinisbiloxi
Instagram: @martinis_biloxi
What makes your restaurant special? Martinis Biloxi is a high-end lounge serving an award winning, sophisticated menu that includes small plates & tapas. Spacious 6,000 square foot courtyard featuring a lit fountain, outdoor stage and bar, ideal for hosting parties! Outdoor area can currently seat up to 100 people (future plans will double in size).
A special brunch menu is served on Saturday and Sundays 10am-3pm. Come enjoy our extensive martini menu!
What is your most popular dish? Several popular menu items include our seared beef (petite medallions of Black Angus beef, pan seared and cut on the bias while served over sautéed spinach and a red wine demi-glace). Another favorite is the seared tuna (Sesame crusted, Sashimi grade yellow fin tuna cut on the bias and served over baby green salad with a citrus vinaigrette with a honey-soy drizzle). Our crab claws offered three ways (fried, marinated, or Alfredo) is always a must as well as our spinach and artichoke dip served with fried bowtie pasta.
Other top vote-getters:
- Mosaic Restaurant & Bar
INDIAN
ORCHID INDIAN CUISINE
63 Hardy Court Shopping Center, Gulfport
(228) 206-1162
www.orchidms.com
Facebook.com/Orchidindianrestaurant
What makes your restaurant special? As the only Indian restaurant in 60 mile radius, we strive to bring a slice of Indian culture to the beautiful gulf coast.
What is your most popular dish? Chicken tikka masala and Butter chicken are the most popular dishes. The curries are rich, creamy and flavorful. Diners get to enjoy the zest of all the spices without the heat.
STEAKHOUSE
RACK HOUSE STEAKS & SPIRITS
1301 26th Avenue, Gulfport
(228) 206-2744
www.rackhousesteaks.com
Facebook.com/therackhouse
Instagram: @therackhousesteakandspirits
What makes your restaurant special? At Rack House Steaks & Spirits, not only do we offer phenomenal steaks, but an incredible variety of other dishes like our Lamb Lollipops, Tuna and Crabmeat Stacks, Faroe Island Salmon, and much more. Our menu has something for everyone! We offer our lunch menu from 11AM-3PM Monday through Friday, and brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11AM-2PM. Our dinner menu is available daily, as well as happy hour from 3-6PM.
What is your most popular dish? Rack House Style Surf and Turf ~ 12 ounce High Choice New York Strip topped with lump crabmeat, grilled North Atlantic scallops, Royal Red shrimp and a white wine cream sauce.
Faroe Island Salmon ~ 6 ounce, cut fresh in-house, rubbed with our house-made lemon zest seasoning and seared medium. Served over a bed of Tomato Basil Parmesan risotto and topped with Tomato Basil Butter.
Lamb Lollipops ~ Herb and olive oil marinated New Zealand lamb chops, prepared medium. Served with house-made Greek Pesto and Goat Cheese Sour Cream.
Other top vote-getters:
- Brady’s Steak and Seafood
- Scarlet’s Steaks & Seafood
AMERICAN AND HOT DOGS
SEA LEVEL
3 S Hiern Ave Pass Harbor, Pass Christian
(228) 493-5999
www.sealevelpasschristian.com
Facebook.com/sealevelpasschristian
Instagram: @_sea_level_
What makes your restaurant special? Sea Level is a beachside shack with a picnic area. Dine on fresh entrees while watching the dolphins, pelicans and herons. We offer games for all ages and sand toys for the little ones. Finish your meal with a snowball and a coastal sunset.
What is your most popular dish? Our most popular dish is a toss up between our seafood tacos and our hand patted burgers on a toasted brioche bun.
Other top vote-getters:
- Woody’s Roadside
- Mugshots Grill & Bar
- Sonic
SOUTHERN
AUNT JENNY’S
1217 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs
(228) 875-9201
http://auntjennyscatfish.com
Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant, located in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, is just five minutes from the excitement of the Biloxi casinos. Step into the historic antebellum home built in the 1800s and dine on hand fed catfish filets, southern fried chicken and golden fried shrimp served ALL YOU CARE TO EAT. Our restaurant offers a spectacular view of 500 year old oak trees and the peaceful waters of the Historic Fort Bayou set the scene for a beautiful Mississippi sunset.
Other top vote-getters:
- White Pillars
- Crazy Sisters Catfish Cabin
CHINESE
ASIAN PARADISE
116 Davis Ave, Pass Christian
(228) 222-4583
www.asianparadisepasschristian.com
Head chef Andrew first learned how to cook at the age of 16. Together with his wife Joy, the young couple started their first restaurant in Manville, NJ, and their vision of cooking for the local community came to life. Now, with over 20 years of experience each, Andrew and Joy decided to follow their love of the ocean and comfort of the Mississippi weather. The couple have found a new home in Pass Christian. They have always followed their vision of putting their customers first. Incorporating the flavors that they know their customers enjoy and adding their own personal touch, all this has come together to what is now.
Other top vote-getters:
- Chopstick
- Chopstix
PIZZA
BROOKLYN PIZZERIA
51 Hardy Court, Gulfport
(228) 864-6555
Facebook.com/brooklynpizza.gulfport
Instagram: @brooklynpizzeria_gpt
What makes you the best restaurant in your category? Authentic New York-style pizza
What is your most popular menu item? Large 20-inch pizza with customers’ choice of topping(s)
Other top vote-getters:
- Domino’s
- Sal & Mookie’s
THAI
BASIL’S CAFÉ
5130 Beatline Rd, Long Beach
(228) 357-5269
Facebook.com/Basils-Cafe-680413408962137
Other top vote-getters:
- Thai Lotus
- Thai Jasmine
CAJUN & CREOLE
TARANTO’S SEAFOOD CO.
6905 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs
(228) 861-9083
Facebook.com/tarantosseafoodco
Other top vote-getters:
- Felix’s
- Parrain’s Jambalaya Kitchen
CARIBBEAN
CB’S JAMAICAN JERK
6716 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs
(228) 327-2444
https://cbsjamaicanjerk.com
Facebook.com/cbsjamaicanjerk
Instagram: @Cbsjamaicanjerk
cbsjamaicanjerk@gmail.com
Serving you authentic Jamaican jerk and smoked BBQ! Bringing the island to you with our tiki bar and outdoor seating. So come on by and give a try! One taste and you’ll go Jamaican me crazy man! Located in Ocean Springs, MS.
At CB’s Jamaican Jerk® we’re famous for our Jamaican jerk, fall-off-the-bone smoked BBQ, made-from-scratch sides, and ice-cold beverages. We take great care in everything we prepare, served with big smiles, and at a great value. We’re proud to be your hometown favorite in Ocean Springs, MS., and are always focused on providing home-style Caribbean food and hospitality.
Other top vote-getters:
- Bonfire Restaurant
- Perry’s Caribbean Restaurant
MEXICAN
EL AGAVE MEXICAN RESTAURANT
2108 25th Ave, Gulfport
(228) 822-1415
https://www.elagavegulfport.com
When it comes to Mexican food at El Agave, we cook daily, we use the freshest products to cook the food for your family. We serve homestyle authentic food but also have the traditional Tex- Mex flavor.
To our first-timers we recommend some of our favorite dishes such as our Creamy Jalapeno Enchiladas, Green Chili Pork Burrito (also known as the “Dirty Chick-Anne Burrito”), Diablo Shrimp, and the Barbacoa Burrito. As for appetizers, we recommend the number one favorite called El Agave Dip (four-layered dip).
Other top vote-getters:
- Pepe’s Bosque Mexican Grill
- Taco Sombrero
GREEK
GLORY BOUND GYRO CO.
1107 Government St, Ocean Springs
(228) 334-5708
www.gloryboundgyroco.com
Instagram: @GloryBoundGyroCoOceanSprings
What makes it special: Co-founder Will Taylor was inspired to create this Mediterranean marvel while backpacking through the islands of Greece. When he returned home to the American South, the fusion idea formed, giving this sandwich an ancient Greek foundation with a heavy Southern influence.
Other top vote-getters:
- Mr. Greek
- Phoenicia Gourmet Restaurant
CUBAN
HARBOR VIEW CAFE
504 Jeff Davis Ave, Long Beach
(228) 867-8949
http://harborviewcafe.net
In November 1994 the Hirsch family opened Harbor View Cafe in Pass Christian, MS. Harbor View quickly became a popular spot with friendly service, great food and a picture perfect view of the Pass Christian Harbor. In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina destroyed the Cafe. In March 2006 the Cafe reopened further off the water in Long Beach.
In January 2011 the owners completed construction on its new location 1 block off the beach on Jeff Davis Avenue in Long Beach. Harbor View Cafe has finally gotten its view back and has once again become the restaurant where tourists and locals meet and eat.
In 2017 the restaurant has changed management, we are dedicated to maintaining the quality of food, service, and atmosphere that Harbor View Cafe has always been known for.
ITALIAN
LA VITA BELLA ITALIAN RISTORANTE
229 Klondyke Rd Ste C, Long Beach
(228) 284-4431
https://lavitabellams.com
La Vita Bella brings a “Taste of Italy” to the Gulf Coast by offering fresh, homemade authentic Italian cuisine. Our pastas and bread are made fresh each morning with all of our sauces being made to order. Come join us in Long Beach. You won’t be disappointed!
Other top vote-getters:
- Salute Italian Restaurant
- The Sicilian II
BARBECUE
MURKY WATERS BBQ
(228) 214-4420
www.murkywatersbbq.com
Instagram: @murkywatersgpt
Dry-Rubbed BBQ and Live Blues Music
With our award-winning barbecue, local craft brews and authentic live blues, you’ll discover a true Mississippi hangout among locals and newcomers.
Other top vote-getters:
- Ground Zero Blues Club
- Thumpkeg
MEDITERRANEAN
PHOENICIA GOURMET RESTAURANT
1223 Government St, Ocean Springs
(228) 875-0603
phoeniciagourmet.com
Facebook.com/PhoeniciaGourmet
We are a casual/fine dining family restaurant located in the heart of Ocean Springs. Everything is made from scratch and we are bring your own alcohol.
Other top vote-getters:
- Sophie’s Mediterranean Cafe
SOUL FOOD
BONFIRE RESTAURANT
273 Caillavet St, Biloxi
(228) 271-6830
www.bonfirerestaurant.net
Facebook.com/bonfiregulfcoast
info@bonfirerestaurant.net
Experience our version of Authentic Caribbean and Cajun Cuisine. Bonfire Caribbean and Southern Restaurant
Other top vote-getters:
- Meatballs Food Truck
JAPANESE
SUMO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI BAR
2650 BEACH BLVD SUITE 1, Biloxi
(228) 207-9955
sumobiloxi.com
Facebook.com/SumoBiloxi
What makes your restaurant special? When you dine at Sumo Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar you are guaranteed to have a good dinner and lots of fun! Our chefs prepare your dinner before your eyes on an authentic Japanese Teppanyaki grill, as they wow you with their knife flips, fire tricks, funny jokes, interactive games and the iconic smoking onion volcano tower. Family, friendly fun for all ages! You are sure to leave with a smile!
What is your most popular dish? Our Sumo Special is a guest favorite! Filet mignon, sea scallops and a lobster tail served with fried rice and vegetables, prepared on a Japanese Teppanyaki grill. Seasoned with our chef’s secret special blend of spices and teriyaki sauce. Served with a ginger salad and your choice of onion, egg drop, or miso soup.
Other top vote-getters:
- Osaka
- Hana Sushi & Pho
DOUGHNUTS
TATO-NUT DONUT SHOP
1114 Government St, Ocean Springs
(228) 872-2076
Facebook.com/TheTatoNutDonutShop
Instagram: @thetatonutshop
Home of “the only real donut” and gourmet coffee. We feature donuts made fresh daily and all your favorite coffee and espresso drinks, hot and iced.
Other top vote-getters:
- King Donuts
- Shipley Do-Nuts
BURGERS
WOODY’S ROADSIDE
1894 Beach Blvd, Biloxi
(228) 207-2789
www.woodysroadside.net
Facebook.com/woodysroadsidebiloxi
Woody’s Roadside is an American style restaurant with a full service craft cocktail bar. We have a scratch kitchen and make everything fresh daily. We are known for grinding certified Angus beef daily for our 19 specialty burgers.
Other top vote-getters:
- Beachside at Buoys
- Sea Level
OTHER
SERIOUS BREAD BAKERY
131 Main St D, Bay St Louis
(228) 231-1214
Facebook.com/seriousbreadbakery
Instagram: @seriousbread_bsl
seriousbread@gmail.com
An artisan bread bakery in Old Town Bay St Louis Mississippi
Other top vote-getters:
- Fly Llama Brewing Company
- Salad Station
SEAFOOD
HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE
2500 13th St #1, Gulfport
(228) 867-7001
www.halfshelloysterhouse.com
Facebook.com/HalfShellOysterHouseMSGulfCoast
Instagram: @halfshelloysterhouse
Voted Best Seafood in Mississippi by Mississippi Magazine readers in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013! We have a selection of hand-cut steaks, pastas, salads, handhelds, and more!
The concept was to provide a phenomenal dining experience with a menu that highlighted Southern cuisine with a New Orleans flair. The atmosphere offers a relaxed yet classic vibe reminiscent of the French Quarter.
Other top vote-getters:
- Killer Crab & Seafood
- Taranto’s Crawfish Woolmarket
VIETNAMESE
THAI LOTUS RESTAURANT
2327 25th Ave, Gulfport
(228) 822-9248
Facebook.com/Thai.Lotus.Gulfport
Instagram: @thailotusgulfport
Serving Gulfport authentic Vietnamese and Thai Cuisine!
Our food characterizes quality, commitment, and freshness. We strive to preserve the tradition of delectable and authentic Thai and Vietnamese food; not only for our reputation, but for your liking. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to talk to us!
Other top vote-getters:
- Chopstix
- Basil’s
ICE CREAM & FROZEN YOGURT
THE YARD MILKSHAKE BAR
3840 Promenade Pkwy, D’Iberville
(228) 967-7537
www.theyardmilkshakebar.com/diberville
Facebook.com/theyarddiberville
Instagram: @theyardmilkshakebardiberville
The Yard Milkshake Bar was created by husband-and-wife team Logan and Chelsea Green. In 2011 Chelsea and her mother started their first ice cream shop, Island Ice Cream, which is still owned by Chelsea today. After years of working with ice cream and desserts, they decided to open a second ice cream shop in 2017.
Chelsea knew she wanted it to be like no other dessert place she had ever been to and decided that crazy specialty milkshakes is just what they were looking for. When brainstorming name ideas one night in their living room “The Yard” was born. They opened in May of 2017 in their hometown of Gulf Shores, AL. Making its debut on Shark Tank in 2019 and has since kept growing in popularity and demand!
The Yard Milkshake Bar currently has 18 operating locations across the United States.
Other top vote-getters:
- Dolce Bakeshop
- Marble Slab