For a stretch of land that isn’t all that large, Mississippi’s Gulf Coast delivers in a big way when it comes to food. Truly—it’s a cornucopia. And not just in quantity, but in variety.
You’ll find everything from longtime local po-boy shops to standout Hispanic and Vietnamese restaurants that have added rich new flavor to the Coast in the years since Hurricane Katrina. There’s Sicilian influence, family-run kitchens, and hidden gems tucked into nearly every town.
And yes—don’t overlook the casinos. Skip the buffet and go straight for the real experience. Thirty-Two at the IP Casino offers a stunning meal with an even better view—32 floors up and best timed with a Gulf Coast sunset. Over at Beau Rivage, Stalla continues to impress with its Italian menu (and the kind of fresh seafood that’s been overnighted from the Mediterranean—yes, really).
If you’re hungry and headed south, here’s a local’s-style guide to some of the Coast’s most talked-about spots—organized by town. Not “the best,” but a solid starting point for eating your way across the shoreline.
Pass Christian
Pirate’s Cove – Known for its roast beef po-boy and a standout Cuban (pork, ham, Swiss… the works).
Biloxi
Harbor House – Go for the seafood platter.
The Greenhouse Café – Famous for its sweet potato biscuits, plus sandwiches, soups, and bakery favorites.
Kim Long & Vung Tau – Some of the best Vietnamese pho you’ll find anywhere.
La Norteña – Don’t skip the street corn—and yes, grandma is in the kitchen.
Lee International Market (Division Street) – A go-to for global flavors and hard-to-find ingredients.
Ocean Springs
The Garage (Cash Alley) – Come for the quirky charm, stay for the fried bologna sandwich.
Field’s Italian – Flatbread-style pizza done right.
Butcher Baker – Made-to-order pizzas that locals swear by.
Gulfport
Tavi’s Salumeria – A must for Italian lovers.
Bay St. Louis
The Blind Tiger – A laid-back favorite with a seriously good handmade cheddar burger.
Waveland
Shaggy’s – Chargrilled oysters that keep people coming back.
Pascagoula
Bozo’s – Fresh seafood, no fuss, all flavor.
D’Iberville
Pepe’s Mexican Grill – The crawfish burrito is worth the trip.
Mississippi City
Woody’s Roadside – A casual stop with big personality.
Long Beach
Lil Ray’s – One of the best po-boy spots around, hands down.
Gautier
Aztecas – Fajitas done right.
And truthfully? This is just scratching the surface. The Coast isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to eat, explore, and come back to again (and again) because there’s always something new waiting on the menu.