Must-Try Restaurants in Jackson, Mississippi 

Jackson, Mississippi is known for many things. Form music, museums, and Southern hospitality, it’s got something for everyone. However, the city’s culinary scene is nothing to sleep on, especially if homestyle-cuisine is what you’re craving.

Read below to learn more about the best places to find soul food in the “City with Soul’:

1. Saltine Oyster Bar

   In the heart of Jackson’s colorful Fondren neighborhood lies Saltine Restaurant. A popular modern restaurant,  it features southern cuisine and fresh local seafood.
   
   Housed inside of a former 1928 elementary school, Saltine represents a community of businesses in the school complex. Here, patrons can enjoy live music, movie nights, and other special events.
   

   From fresh shucked oysters to gumbo and locally caught fish, the menus at Saltine has, without a doubt, something for everyone.
   
   Learn more about Saltine Oyster Bar here.
   
   What to Order:
   All of the seafood at Saltine is as fresh as it gets.
   

   You’ll want to try a little of everything. If that isn’t doable, definitely don’t sleep on the Shrimp Po’ Boy sandwich or the Fried Oyster appetizer. The oysters are from Louisiana or Mississippi and arrive fresh daily. You can also order them on the half-shell.

    

   2. Tuk Tuk Boom
   

   Look no further than Tuk Tuk Boom for high-quality Thai food and fresh sushi.

   Located on the backside of the Highland Village Shopping Center, Tuk Tuk Boom serves up classic Thai dishes such as crab wontons, pad Thai, edamame, spring rolls, and Thai fried rice.

   There is an innovative side to the menu, too, with flavorful “Tuk Tok Bowls”, sushi rolls, and a number of frozen and specialty cocktails.
   

   It’s the perfect spot for lunch or afternoon drinks after a long day of shopping.

   Learn more about Tuk Tuk Boom here.

   What to Order:
   It will be difficult to only choose a couple things from the menu at Tuk Tuk Boom. However, if you’re going to have to choose a couple, let it be the Ahi Tuna Crisps paired with a Pineapple Coconut Margarita. The salty crunch paired with the slight sweetness of the margarita is a match made in heaven.

    

   3. Bravo! Italian Restaurant & Bar
   

   Since 1994, Bravo Italian Restaurant and Bar has been serving award-winning Italian food to the residents of Jackson.

   In nearly the same span of time, it’s also won a Wine Spectator Award every year since its opening.
   

   With an open-kitchen concept, Bravo offers guests an upscale experience with classic Italian pizzas, homemade pasta, and an extensive cocktail and wine list.

   Located on the top floor of the Highland Village shopping center, Bravo’s full menus are available for dine-in, off-site catering, and takeout for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

   Learn more about Bravo Restaurant here.

   What to Order:
   You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at Bravo, but the Strawberry Burrata appetizer and the Shrimp + Basil pizza are musts. As with any great Italian meal, it’s best paired with an ice cold Aperol Spritz or one of Bravo’s house-made cocktails.

    

   4. Brent’s Drugs and Soda Fountain

   A trip to Jackson isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic Brent’s Drugs and Soda Fountain. A 1940’s style diner and soda fountain, Brent’s is a local staple in the City with Soul. Here, you can find just about anything from burgers and fries to steak dinners, all day breakfast, and (of course), diner-style milkshakes.
   
   The distinct turquoise and cream interior was a filming location for the popular 2011 award-winning blockbuster “The Help,” and has played an important role in the city’s culinary scene.
   

   To up the ante, a vibe-y speakeasy bar, The Apothecary, is hidden behind the diner’s kitchen through a narrow hallway. It’s perfect for an after-dinner or after-show night cap.
   
   Learn more about Brent’s Drugs here.
   
   What to Order:
   While an order of burger and fries is always a solid diner choice, don’t pass up the fried chicken biscuit with local honey. To drink, pair it with a Diet Coke float with hand-scooped vanilla ice cream. The peanut-butter and jelly milkshake is also a must.

    

   5. Urban Foxes

   When it comes to pie-making, Urban Foxes has turned baking dough into an art form.
   
   This family-owned pie shop on North Street offers a rotating menu of baked goods from sweet to savory.
   

   Patrons can pair a slice or an entire pie with an array of coffees or beers, and relax in one of the many rooms situated throughout the restored 1940’s craftsman-style home.
   
   Learn more about Urban Foxes here.
   
   What to Order:
   You could easily end up with half-a-dozen slices of pie for breakfast if you really wanted. If you   have to choose only a couple, let it be the Peanut Butter pie and whatever savory pie is listed on the menu for the day.

    

   6. Cultivation Food Hall
   

   To taste an array of foods from around the world, Cultivation Food Hall at The District at Eastover is an easy choice.

   Here, you can choose from just about anything from Asian fusion to South American cuisine, and comfort foods like down-home southern cooking to freshly baked pastries.
   

   Learn more about Cultivation Food Hall here.

   What to Order:
   If Asian-fusion is your love language, then Ohashi is where you’ll want to end up. It’s menu features crispy pan-fried dumplings, creamy crab rangoon, and an array of boba and bubble teas. For something sweet to take back to your hotel, visit LaBrioche Patisserie for assorted macarons, mini cakes, and gelato.

    

   7. Lou’s Full Serv
   

   Located in the center of Jackson’s Historic Belhaven Neighborhood, Lou’s Full-Serv embodies true southern-style cuisine.

   Boasting a casual, vintage industrial atmosphere, every dish is prepared using high-quality ingredients. Pure southern soul makes each guest feel like they are right at home.

   Each item on Lou’s menu is prepared fresh daily. These dishes utilize ingredients from local growers and purveyors whenever possible.

   Learn more about Lou’s Full Serv here.

   What to Order:
   Don’t sleep on the crawfish fondue served with a side of seasoned fries for dipping!The gulf shrimp and crawfish étouffée over cheesy grits is also a solid choice if true southern grub is what you’re after.
   

   Looking for other Jackson, Mississippi recommendations beyond what’s mentioned in this article? Read my full guide to the City with Soul here.