Best Restaurants in Jackson
From oysters plucked fresh out of the Gulf of Mexico to pork belly corn dogs straight from the fryer, your surf and turf dining choices in Jackson are as wide as the Mississippi
Some of Jackson's favorite spots serve up hearty bowls of gumbo, while others go light with Latin-inspired tapas. Jackson restaurants cater to every taste—including perfect pizzas and a seriously sweet ice cream selection for the kids. Whether traveling with your family or on business, be sure to venture out and taste some of Jackson’s finest at the city’s best eateries.
Straight From the Sea
Grab a booth, a bar stool or a seat on the patio—you’re in the relaxed atmosphere of top-rated Saltine, the schoolhouse-turned-restaurant newest to the downtown Fondren arts district. Stop in at happy hour for daily punch or a cold craft beer to pair with fresh Gulf Coast oysters mignonette on ice. Seafood lovers should head to The Islander Seafood and Oyster House for fish platters, Nagoya for great sushi and Drago's Seafood Restaurant for char-grilled oysters. At Babalu, tacos and tapas also cater to seafood fans with standouts such as pan-roasted redfish and flash-fried Gulf oysters.
Star-Studded Pizza
You've heard of New York- and Chicago-style pizzas. At The Pizza Shack, Mississippi-style means generous portions. Choose from 20 specialty pizzas or build your own to enjoy at a patio table. Sal & Mookie's Pizza & Ice Cream Joint is a hit with kids, as is their old-fashioned banana splits. But as with any great eatery, expect a wait. At The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen, try Louisiana crawfish pizza or funghi, farm egg and bacon pizza. The focus is on fresh, local ingredients whipped up with Mediterranean influences.
Local Celebrity Chefs
Celebrate Jackson's casual gourmet scene by making a reservation at La Finestra or Walker's Drive-In. Tom Ramsey is owner, chef and sommelier at La Finestra, where classic Italian dishes change weekly for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Classy yet unpretentious, this little restaurant across from the Governor's Mansion has been elected a spot among the city's best dining experiences. Walker's Drive-In is known for quality aged beef prepared by its owner, nationally acclaimed chef Derek Emerson. Inside this vintage diner, you'll find an easy-going ambience with an upscale menu of the finest Wagyu hanger steak, lamb porterhouse and daily market specials grilled over a wood fire.
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