How long has it been since you went to a casino to enjoy one of the many restaurants? Most are now open, and, if you just might have forgotten, the casino’s offer a different dining world than you will find anywhere else, with amazing diversity and excellence. Did you know that just in Biloxi there are almost fifty casino dining options? They vary from coffee shops to burger joints, diners, Asian, Italian, and steak houses. All are good, but my money goes on the fine dining option.
If you want a romantic evening, make a reservation at Thirty-Two, at the IP. Its name comes from the fact that it is located on the thirty-second floor and offers a view like no other. Make your reservation for sundown. This is a from-scratch restaurant, and you will find Chef Matthew Kallinikos and his staff to be at the top of their game. Thirty-Two has a great wine selection, amazing beef and the best cheese board on the Coast.
There are so many good places to eat at the Beau, it is hard to know where to start. The coffee shop is a great morning spot, watch the people walk by and try some of their on-site roasted coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. Stalla is my go-to Italian place, with a chef dedicated to making homemade pasta, authentic Italian, and a few Italian American favorites as well. The timbers that were used in Stalla’s construction, came from a New England farmhouse. The steak house is BR Prime, and it is as good as it gets. Also has a great bar, and two wine cellars, one for red, one for whites. The Tap Book, Bar and Bistreaux what just might be the state’s best burger, the Landmass Burger, an inspiration of Executive Chef Kristian Wade.
There just isn’t the room in this column to say all that I would like to say about casino dining on the Coast, but here are a few more highlights. Mingon’s at the Palace just might be the best off-the-radar fine dining restaurant around. It does not get a lot of attention, but Chef Adrian Halpaus has a loyal following. Sumptuously appointed, small and intimate. Carter Green at Island View in Gulfport also deserves a mention. It is another beautiful restaurant, wonderful food, and guarantees a night to remember. The Scarlet Pearl has a handful of good places to eat, including Scarlet’s Seafood and Steaks, and Chopstix. One of the very best is Kelly English’s Magnolia House at Harrah’s. Chef Kelly is perhaps the most well-known chef to have a place on the Coast. Check out his two Memphis restaurants.
I don’t want you to forget about the locally-owned restaurants, but the casinos can do things that private restaurants just can’t touch, like Japanese wagyu beef, or seafood overnighted from the Mediterranean. So, when you are looking for a very special night, check these places out.