If you think all shrimp and grits taste the same, think again. Mississippi is home to diners where every spoonful tells a story—of Gulf shrimp, stone-ground grits, and decades of kitchen magic. These aren’t just meals; they’re experiences locals swear by, and they’ve been perfecting them for generations.
If your taste buds are ready for a journey through the Magnolia State’s culinary heart, these 11 diners are waiting. Be warned: after one bite, you’ll understand why locals guard these recipes like secrets worth keeping.
City Grocery, Oxford
Nestled on Oxford’s historic Square, City Grocery is a beacon of culinary mastery. Chef John Currence elevates comfort food using local produce and bold flavors. Regulars rave about their shrimp and grits, which feature mushrooms, bacon, and cheese grits with a Tabasco-bright finish.
The ambiance combines friendly service with a cozy, Square-facing dining room. It’s no wonder this spot is a top choice for shrimp-and-grits enthusiasts. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, City Grocery offers award-winning execution that warms the soul.
Visit the charming location at 152 Courthouse Square for a taste of Southern tradition.
Bouré, Oxford
Bouré, part of the City Grocery group, brings Creole flair to the Oxford Square. Known for its inventive dishes, the kitchen team crafts a shrimp and grits dish with sautéed gulf shrimp, andouille, and peppers over a fried cheese grit cake.
The restored downtown space adds historical charm, while the Creole cream sauce enhances each bite. Locals appreciate Bouré’s ability to blend classic Southern ingredients with a twist, making it a thrilling dining experience.
Stop by 110 Courthouse Sq to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and creative cuisine that make Oxford’s dining scene unique.
Elvie’s, Jackson
Elvie’s mixes New Orleans flavors with Southern heart in Jackson’s Belhaven area. The chef-driven brunch and dinner menu features Gulf shrimp with Mississippi cheese grits topped with a poached egg and NOLA-style BBQ sauce.
Patrons love the refined comfort and approachable prices in this historic setting. The combination of local sourcing and creative sauces makes Elvie’s a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.
Located at 809 Manship St, Elvie’s provides a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Saltine, Jackson
Saltine is a modern oyster bar celebrated for its fresh Gulf ingredients and polished Southern plates. With standout raw bar offerings, this Jackson favorite offers variations of shrimp and grits featuring goat-cheese or cheese grits paired with sautéed Gulf shrimp.
The energetic downtown vibe combined with craft cocktails makes Saltine a lively dining destination. Its rotating menu keeps patrons returning for new flavors and exciting seafood dishes.
Find Saltine at 622 Duling Ave Ste. 201, where an elevated yet friendly meal awaits you.
The Iron Horse Grill, Jackson
The Iron Horse Grill is a Jackson institution blending Southern comfort with modern dishes. Known for generous portions and a broad menu of Delta-inspired sides, the shrimp and grits here feature creamy Delta grits topped with scallions, cherry tomatoes, and Gulf shrimp.
Families and groups appreciate the dependable comfort food and friendly service. It’s the perfect spot for casual gatherings or family outings.
Visit The Iron Horse Grill at 320 W Pearl St for a taste of Mississippi’s warm hospitality and flavorful cuisine.
Half Shell Oyster House, Gulfport
Half Shell Oyster House is a Gulf Coast institution known for New Orleans-inspired seafood and local oysters. Their shrimp and grits dish is a standout, featuring cheddar cheese grits smothered in smoky bacon cream and crowned with Gulf shrimp.
With relaxed, waterfront-adjacent vibes, the restaurant offers crowd-pleasing plates and consistent execution across locations. It’s a dependable choice for delectable seafood dishes.
Located at 2500 13th St #1, Half Shell invites you to enjoy coastal flavors in a welcoming atmosphere.
Patio 44, Gulfport
Patio 44 in Gulfport is celebrated for chef-crafted Southern seafood dishes and an extensive wine list. Their shrimp and grits feature eight jumbo sautéed shrimp with garlic, shallots, and gouda grits, offering a polished dining experience.
The coastal atmosphere and attentive service elevate this Southern classic, making it a favorite among locals and tourists. The refined menu ensures a memorable meal in a comfortable, modern setting.
Visit Patio 44 at 1244 24th Ave for a delightful culinary journey.
The Reef, Biloxi
The Reef, located in Biloxi, emphasizes generous seafood portions and Gulf flavors in a casual beach-adjacent setting. Their shrimp and grits are often paired with smoked sausage or a Creole-style sauce over creamy grits or grit cakes.
Unpretentious flavors and hearty portions make The Reef a dependable local favorite. The easygoing hospitality ensures a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
Stop by 1749 Beach Blvd to savor the unassuming yet satisfying coastal fare that makes The Reef special.
Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, Biloxi
Mary Mahoney’s, set in a historic house in Biloxi, offers a menu focused on Gulf ingredients. Their shrimp and grits feature local shrimp and cheesy grits prepared with old-school elegance.
The atmospheric location, with its shaded courtyard, adds charm to the dining experience. It’s a Biloxi institution where history meets refined seafood.
Located at 1632 Bayview Ave, Mary Mahoney’s invites you to enjoy tradition and taste in a timeless setting.
GRIT, Taylor
GRIT in Taylor focuses on craft Southern cooking using local ingredients. Their shrimp and grits dish features Mississippi Gulf shrimp in a creole tomato sauce, served atop Original Grit Girl grits.
The farm-forward menu and playful takes on regional classics make it a unique dining destination. Attentive service and a neighborhood setting enhance the experience.
Located at 2 Town Square Ln, GRIT honors Southern tradition while staying contemporary and creative.
Crescent City Grill, Hattiesburg
Crescent City Grill brings New Orleans-style Cajun and Southern cuisine to Hattiesburg. Known for classic Creole technique, their shrimp and grits include jumbo shrimp sautéed with bacon, mushrooms, and andouille over stone-ground grits.
The steady portions and hometown hospitality keep locals returning for more. The well-executed Creole comfort food is a staple in the community.
Visit 3810 Hardy St for a taste of Crescent City Grill’s celebrated flavors and warm service.