In what’s another example of Mississippi having some of the best food in the region, restaurants all across the state were recognized during the inaugural Michelin Guide American South ceremony.
The ceremony happened Monday night in Greenville, S.C., and included 10 local restaurants spanning from north Mississippi all the way down to the state’s Gulf Coast being spotlighted for culinary excellence.
Two of the restaurants – Elvie’s in Jackson and Sacred Ground Barbecue in Flora – were given the Bib Gourmand distinction, which recognizes eateries “for great food at a great value,” according to Michelin. Eight others were put on the “recommended” list by the prestigious guide that touts outstanding places to eat.
“Mississippi’s culinary story has always been one of heart, heritage, and hospitality,” Visit Mississippi tourism director Rochelle Hicks said after the ceremony. “From fine dining to the family-owned cafes that have served generations, our chefs are honoring tradition while ushering in a new era of creativity and craftsmanship.
“To see Mississippi talent recognized on this global stage is a proud moment for our state and a reflection of the soulful, genuine flavors that define who we are.”
The following restaurants rang in recognition from Michelin, with their descriptions being provided by Visit Mississippi.
Winners of Michelin’s Bib Gourmand award
Elvie’s – 809 Manship Street in Jackson
Inspired by his grandmother’s timeless recipes and his travels through France, Chef Hunter Evans has transformed Elvie’s into one of Jackson’s most beloved dining destinations. The cozy, light-filled café serves refined Southern fare with French sensibility infused with Gulf seafood, local produce, and house-baked pastries. Guests can expect thoughtful, seasonal dishes paired with polished yet welcoming service.
Sacred Ground Barbecue – 1052 Pocahontas Road in Flora
Chef Derek Emerson channels his passion for craftsmanship and Southern flavor into a true labor of love at Sacred Ground BBQ, literally built by hand. Emerson constructed two massive smokers himself, the heart of a smokehouse, where patience and precision define every dish. The menu spans pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket, smoked turkey, tri-tip, and yes, beef ribs – a unique treat in the southeast and a revelation for those tasting them for the first time.
Recommended by Michelin
Ajax Diner – 118 Courthouse Square in Oxford
Located on Oxford’s historic Courthouse Square, Ajax Diner is a beloved institution that serves up soulful comfort food prepared from scratch with generous portions. From fried catfish and country-fried steak to chicken and dumplings, every dish reflects the spirit of Mississippi’s warm hospitality. It’s the kind of place where the sweet tea never stops flowing and every meal feels like a southern Sunday supper.
City Grocery – 152 Courthouse Square in Oxford
Under the leadership of Chef John Currence and Chef de Cuisine Jon “JD” Davis, City Grocery stands as a cornerstone of Oxford’s dining scene and a creative force in contemporary Southern cuisine. Housed in a historic brick building on the Square, the restaurant marries elevated technique with down-home warmth – think collard green dolmas, Mississippi minestrone, smoked duck, and other globally-inspired plates that honor Mississippi’s flavors.
Pulito Osteria – 800 Manship Street, Suite 104, in Jackson
At Pulito Osteria, Chef Chaz Lindsay celebrates the spirit of Italian cooking through the lens of Mississippi ingredients. The open kitchen hums with the rhythm of handmade pasta, locally sourced meats, and vegetables grown by nearby farmers.
Siren Social Club – 1409 24th Avenue in Gulfport
Just steps from the Gulf, Chef Austin Sumrall leads the culinary team at Siren Social Club, where inspiration flows directly from the coast beyond its doors. Seafood takes center stage in inventive, globally influenced dishes served in a lively, modern setting. The menu celebrates both indulgence and artistry with items like garlic shrimp, roasted oysters, and caviar service featuring trout, paddlefish, and kaluga – alongside plates like beef Wellington and foie gras mousse. Playful yet polished, Siren embodies the contemporary spirit of coastal Mississippi dining.
Snackbar – 721 North Lamar Boulevard in Oxford
Part brasserie, part oyster bar, Snackbar captures Oxford’s distinctive blend of literary charm and Southern ease. Established by Chef John Currence, the restaurant was shaped under the culinary direction of Chef Vishwesh Bhatt from its founding in 2009 through 2025. Today, the kitchen is helmed by Chefs Bryan Sapp, Sebastian Markowitz, and Thomas Henry Freeland, who carry forward its tradition of marrying French technique with Mississippi soul. The menu celebrates the seasons through locally sourced ingredients – pecan-crusted quail, butternut squash risotto, cider-glazed scallops, and a daily raw bar featuring Gulf oysters and marinated crab claws.
Taylor Grocery – 4A Depot Street in Taylor
Affectionately known as “that catfish place” since 1977, Taylor Grocery has been a beloved gathering spot for locals and visitors alike for generations. Its weathered charm, live music, and perfectly crispy fried catfish capture the essence of small-town Mississippi dining. The menu offers deep-fried oysters, chicken and shrimp gumbo, Cajun pork chops, and catfish prepared six different ways, alongside homemade desserts like pecan pie and peach cobbler – each dish steeped in Southern comfort and tradition.
Vestige – 715 Washington Avenue in Ocean Springs
At Vestige, chefs Alex Perry and Kumi Omori merge Southern tradition with Japanese precision to create one of the South’s most distinctive dining experiences. The seasonally driven tasting menu highlights locally sourced vegetables, Gulf fish and foraged coastal ingredients – a reflection of the duo’s thoughtful fusion of cultures, artistry, and commitment to sustainability.
White Pillars – 1696 Beach Boulevard in Biloxi
Set within a restored 1905 mansion overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, White Pillars offers a dining experience that blends coastal sophistication with Southern heart. Chef and owner Austin Sumrall crafts dishes that spotlight Gulf seafood, heritage grains, and foraged ingredients, all presented with an eye for elegance. The restaurant’s Michelin distinction reflects Sumrall’s talent for honoring Mississippi’s bounty while redefining what fine dining means on the coast.
