Where to Eat in Ocean Springs MS: The Ultimate Foodie’s Guide
Knowing how many times we’ve visited the Mississippi Gulf Coast, people always ask me where to eat in Ocean Springs MS, and I laugh because… how much time do you have?
We build our trips to Ocean Springs around the food because there are so many great places to eat here. I promise you’ll never go hungry!
Ocean Springs restaurants are unexpectedly good and deliciously diverse. You can grab a po’boy inside a gas station for lunch, then sit down later for fresh Gulf seafood, a wood-fired pizza, or a gourmet James Beard worthy meal just a few blocks away in downtown Ocean Springs MS.
And in this town that calls itself “a drinking town with an art problem” a really good cocktail is never far away.
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The Best Restaurants in Ocean Springs MS
My family has deep roots here, so Ocean Springs is like a second home. In fact, I’ve visited this coastal town more than 50 times. And its safe to say that we’ve eaten our way through just about every corner of it.
Every restaurant on this list is one that we’ve personally been to and would go back to without hesitation, with one exception. Vestige has been on our list for a while, and based on everything I’ve seen and heard, it absolutely belongs among the best restaurants in Ocean Springs. So, I had to include it.
If you book a hotel downtown, you will be able to leave your car and walk to most of these spots. Whether you’re here for a quick weekend or a longer stay, these are the restaurants in Ocean Springs MS that we keep coming back to.
Restaurant Price Range Guide
$ – Budget / Quick Casual (under $10 per person)
$$ – Casual Dining ($10 – $30 per person)
$$$ – Upscale ($30 – $60 per person)
$$$$ – Luxury (over $60 per person)
BREAKFAST & COFFEE
1. The District Coffee Company
Address: 1301 Government St, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: Coffee & Breakfast
Price Range: $
Menu
District Coffee Co isn’t your typical coffee shop. Its a funky little spot where you can come in for coffee and breakfast in the morning, then come back later for a protein bowl, pizza, or one of their signature coffee cocktails.
They open at 8:00 AM, which is great if you are on a “vacation schedule”. If you’re an early riser, you might want to try one of the other spots on the list for that first caffeine hit of the morning.
And if you’ve never had a loaded tea, this is where you can try those bright, fruity loaded drinks that are more like an energy drink than a traditional tea. I haven’t seen them anywhere else in downtown Ocean Springs.
✨ My Picks at The District Coffee Company
Ready for something spicy? The El Guapo sandwich includes grilled chicken, bacon, jalapeños, spinach and sweet fire sauce. 🔥
2. Tatonut Donut Shop
Address: 1114 Government St, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: Donuts
Price Range: $
Menu
No trip to Ocean Springs is complete without a stop at TatoNut Donut Shop. The rule in our house is that the first one awake takes the golf cart and directly to TatoNut.
That’s because you have to get here early. Earlier than that. Nope. Even earlier than that if you want to avoid the line.
People start lining up before TatoNut opens at 5:30AM and many favorites like red velvet and the classic glazed will be sold out before the breakfast rush is over. The shop closes when they sell out.
This family owned favorite has been making delicious potato donuts since 1960. Yes, potato donuts. Trust me. There ‘s a line for a reason.
After Hurricane Katrina, food and supplies were at a premium in Ocean Springs. Tatonut started frying up the leftover dough and called them Katrina Pieces. They became so popular, they’re still on the menu today.
🍩 My Picks at TatoNut Donut Shop
The classic glazed donut is melt-in-your-mouth perfection, but check out their monthly specials which have included delights such as S’mores, Maple Bacon, Banana Pudding, and King Cake.
3. Parlor Doughnuts
Address: 1419 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: Coffee & Small Batch Gourmet Doughnuts
Price Range: $
Menu
Parlor Doughnuts is a newer addition to the Ocean Springs breakfast scene and is already making waves. This is where to go when you want something over the top.
These are not your standard donuts. They’re layered, almost like a croissant, with a crisp outside and a soft, flaky inside. And the flavor combinations are insanely good. Our favorites were the Campfire, French Toast, and Bourbon Caramel!
If you want the full lineup, get here early. We showed up around 7:30 and several flavors were already running low.
For something completely unique, stop by after 11am for one of their savory doughnuts like the Pig & Fig with fig jam and bacon. I can’t wait to try the Margherita, which is basically my favorite pizza on a croissant doughnut!
🍩 My Picks at Parlor Doughnuts
The French Toast Doughnut is incredible and the Campfire Doughnut melts in your mouth. The fresh brewed coffee is also worth the trip. Jason and I loved the simple Americano. Our daughter and her fiancé both raved about their specialty lattes.
Tatonut vs Parlor Doughnuts:
Which Doughnut Shop Rules Ocean Springs?
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. If you’re looking for authentic Ocean Springs, go for Tatonut. Its a locally owned institution in town that serves up traditional flavors with amazing chicory coffee. But, for something uniquely delicious, you can’t beat the Parlor Doughnuts gourmet flavors.
LOCAL FAVORITES
4. Glory Bound Gyro Co
Address: 1107 Government St, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Price Range: $$
Menu
Mediterranean food might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re deciding where to eat in Ocean Springs MS, but Glory Bound Gyro Co has won national awards for their gyros.
The craft hummus is always a favorite in our family. Order the trio and try a few. I haven’t found one I don’t like, but the Jalapeño-Cilantro and Spicy Cajun are always delicious
If you’re coming to a place with gyro in the name, you should at least give one a try. Glory Bound Gyro Co has 14 unique gyro options on their menu. The Pepperjack Gyro is that national award winner I mentioned before.
But honestly, even if Mediterranean isn’t your thing, you’ll still find something here. The pizzas are really good, and we’ve ordered the Pineapple Express and Dixie Chicken more than once.
We go for the food, but we really like that we can bring Dexter with us. The dog-friendly patio, indoor/outdoor bar, and live music make it one of our go-to restaurants in downtown Ocean Springs.
🇬🇷 My Picks at Glory Bound Gyro Co
Jason is a man of habit and always orders the Funky Meaters Pizza. I typically go for a gyro. I love their Original Gyro, which is the traditional Beef / Lamb combo with Tzatziki Sauce. The Surf-N-Turf Gyro is also fantastic. I trade out the steak for the beef & lamb.
5. The Lady May
Address: 708 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: American
Price Range: $$
Menu
We don’t make a trip to Ocean Springs without stopping at The Lady May for lunch, dinner, or both. This is the one I recommend first when friends ask where to eat in Ocean Springs MS.
The menu pulls from the owners’ Italian and Southern roots, so expect comfort food with an upscale twist. We always start with the Bacon Jam and Pepper Jelly Board. It comes with scratch-made blueberry jalapeño and mango habanero jellies with bourbon bacon jam.
There’s an indoor/outdoor bar that opens to the patio out back, and they have live music. We’ve brought Dexter here more than once and grabbed a table outside.
Before you leave, check out May’s Market. We almost always pick up a few jars of jam or hot sauce. And I’m a HUGE fan of their tallow skincare products.
🦞 My Picks at The Lady May
This one is hard, because in all the visits we have made here, no one in our group has ever had a bad meal. So, I’ll go with our tried and true. The Braised Beef Shank is absolutely delicious! When it comes to seafood, you can’t go wrong with the Crawfish Monica. My favorite cocktail is the Jolene, a tequila drink with jalapẽno and pineapple.
6. Mosaic
Address: 1010 Government St, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: Tapas
Price Range: $$
Menu
Mosaic is our favorite date night spot in downtown Ocean Springs.
To be honest, the food is good, but the cocktails are why we keep going back. We haven’t ordered a bad one yet. The changing seasonal spritzes are fun to try and the smoked old fashioned is one of my favorites.
And then there’s the Banana Foster’s with rum, banana liqueur, brown sugar, and molasses bitters.
Oh. My. Word. Jason is still talking about that drink to this day.
There’s also a draft beer wall inside if that’s more your thing.
The menu has lots of small plates, so we usually order a few things and share. There’s a good mix of flavors, so you can bounce around a bit depending on what you’re in the mood for.
We prefer to sit on the patio. It sits right on Government Street, so you’re in the middle of everything, and there’s usually live music going. And if you know us, you know that craft cocktails, shared plates, and live music are our idea of a perfect date night.
But if you want a quieter, more intimate dinner, sit inside. It’s eclectic and a little funky with a swanky edge, plus you’ve got a full cocktail bar for that speakeasy kind of vibe.
🍸 My Picks at Mosaic
Of course, it’s date night so we’re starting with cocktails. The Banana Foster’s is a must, and the Peach Mint Julep is another one I’d order over and over.
For food, we keep it simple and share a few of our favorites. The Mahi Tacos, Asian Lumpia Rolls, Argentinian Empanadas, and Crab Cake Bites are usually in the rotation.
7. Tom’s Extreme Pizzeria
Address: 1006 Robinson St, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: Pizza
Price Range: $$
Menu
We absolutely love good pizza, and Tom’s Extreme Pizzeria is our go-to in Ocean Springs.
They’ve got all the classics, but if you really want to get the best of Toms, I recommend trying one of their delicious specialty pizzas. Some of the combinations are a pretty unexpected, but definitely unique. Anytime I can get crawfish, shrimp, and lump blue crab on one pizza, I’m going for it.
That being said, Jason sticks with the more traditional options, which they do really well.
And if you’re not in the mood for pizza, they’ve got great salads, flatbreads, and sandwiches.
Most of the time, we grab it to go and head to Front Beach to watch the sunset
🍕My Picks at Tom’s Extreme Pizzeria
My favorite pizza at Tom’s is the Galveston with crawfish tails, grilled shrimp, lump blue crab meat, bacon, sweet onion and parmesan cheese. Oh, my word. Its so very good! Jason’s order is always the Mississippi Meat Lovers because it’s piled with every meat imaginable.
SEAFOOD
8. Fayards
Address: 3801 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: Casual Seafood & Po Boys
Price Range: $
Menu
Don’t let the fact that this locally owned favorite sits inside a Marathon gas station throw you off.
Fayards is a family-run spot that’s been around for decades, with a real kitchen turning out made-from-scratch food all day. It runs like a neighborhood restaurant, not a grab-and-go counter.
Ask a local where to get a po-boy and Fayard’s will be at the top of the list. They’re packed to overflowing with delicious fillings and they are my go-to here.
Jason prefers the platter dinners which come with two sides (which means a ton of food).
Fayards serves a full breakfast and lunch menu including homemade seafood gumbo, and their king cakes show up during Mardi Gras season.
This isn’t in the downtown cluster, so most visitors miss it. But trust me. It’s worth the short drive.
🦐 My Picks at Fayards
The Roast Beef Po’boy was my mom’s favorite and Jason loves the Fried Shrimp Platter. My personal favorite is the Oyster Po-Boy.
9. The Crawfish House and Grill
Address: 1801 Government St, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: Seafood
Price Range: $$
Menu
The Crawfish House is our go-to spot for… you guessed it, crawfish.
You can sit outside in the sun or inside under the shade, but when the weather’s nice the walls are open and everything is open air. It’s a social spot and you’ll see everything from couples to families to the local little league teams digging into huge trays of crawfish.
Spring is when we come here the most. Crawfish season is in full swing, and there’s nothing better than sitting out on the patio in the sun with a table full of crawfish.
On our last trip, our daughter introduced her fiancé to crawfish for the first time, and he was all in by the end of it.
Fall and winter are oyster season, so that’s when we shift and come for trays of chargrilled oysters instead. I like to grab a seat at the bar near the grill and watch them turn out tray after tray of their famous chargrilled oysters.
No matter when you are in town, I definitely recommend a stop at The Crawfish House.
🦞 My Picks at The Crawfish House and Grill
I can’t recommend The Crawfish House without hyping the crawfish platter. The portions are HUGE. The boiled shrimp are also fantastic.
10. Bacchus on the Bayou
Address: 705 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: Seafood
Price Range: $$
Menu
If you want to dine right on the water, this is where I’d send you. Bacchus on the Bayou the only spot on our list with that view.
This casual spot sits right on Old Fort Bayou with a huge deck overlooking the water. There’s a bar out back, cornhole set up, and boats pulling up to dock for lunch.
This is where you go to hang out for the afternoon. Grab a drink, order some oysters, and make a day of it. It’s dog friendly and there’s often live music, making it one of our favorite spots to relax.
The menu is mostly seafood, but there’s enough variety that everyone can find something good. That’s why this is usually our spot when our whole family gets together for a “cousins lunch”.
They’ve got daily specials and a solid happy hour, including half off oysters on Tuesdays.
🦪 My Picks at Bacchus on the Bayou
Of course, I have to recommend the raw oysters and boiled shrimp. Both are favorites with my whole family. I also love the Black & Blue Salad and the Shrimp Scampi.
BBQ, PUB & BAR FOOD
11. Keg & Barrel
Address: 2501 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: American & Seafood
Price Range: $$
Menu
This place is known for its wide selection of craft beer. But, even if you’re not a beer person, I’d still send you to Keg and Barrel. We come every trip for the creative upscale pub food (and we don’t drink beer).
The menu runs wide with burgers, tacos, chicken and waffles, sandwiches, plus plenty of seafood mixed in. We love coming for happy hour, especially when oysters are in season.
There’s outdoor seating, and when the weather is nice they roll up the big garage doors out front so everything opens up and feels connected.
With all the events they run throughout the year, there’s always something fun going on.
The bartenders are really helpful, especially if you’re looking at that long list of beers on tap. They make some killer specialty cocktails too.
It’s not in the downtown Ocean Springs entertainment district, so you’ll likely drive, but it’s easy to get in and out and we’ve never had an issue finding a table.
🍔 My Picks at Keg & Barrel
We almost always add the Three Cheese Crab Dip to star and then split a few things. Jason goes for the Royal Reds or the French Dip. My go-to is the Oyster BLT. I also love the Thai Lettuce Wraps.
If you like spice, they’re known for the Hattiesburg Hot Chicken, and our son-in-law raves about the spicy Pepper Jacquelyn Burger.
12. The Shed Barbeque and Blues Joint
Address: 7501 MS Highway 57, Ocean Springs, MS 39565
Cuisine: Barbeque
Price Range: $$
Menu
This is where we take out-of-towners when we want to show them something they won’t find anywhere else on the Coast. Or really anywhere else at all.
The Shed Barbeque and Blues Joint is a family owned spot that’s less like a restaurant and more of an experience you just have to see.
What started as a tiny BBQ takeout shack built from scrap has turned into 10,000 square feet of what I can only describe as the most entertaining collection of “stuff” you’ve ever seen.
Every inch is covered: old signs, random antiques, handwritten notes, license plates, dollar bills, disco balls, vintage carnival rides, old slot machines, and even a giant pig covered in roses.
As if the barbeque and the kitsch weren’t enough, they’ve got live blues music on weekend nights, and the property stretches out to the bayou in the back where you’ll find two more spots to check out.
The Roasted Oyster Bar and the Crawfish Shack Out Back sit right on the bayou, where you can grab oysters or crawfish and sit outside while boats pull up to the dock for lunch.
The Shed has had its share of attention, including a feature on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and multiple “Best BBQ in Mississippi” wins from Southern Living.
🐷 My Picks at The Shed Barbeque and Blues Joint
Jason always goes for the Brisket. It’s smoked for 16 hours, and it never disappoints. I usually order the Kids’ BBQ Plate with pulled pork, and it’s more than enough for me.
The sides are where I get stuck because they’re all good. I tend to rotate between G-Maw’s Baked Beans, Collard Greens, and Cole Slaw. Jason never skips the Sweet Potato Casserole.
13. Murky Waters BBQ
Address: 1212 Government St, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: Barbeque
Price Range: $$
Menu
If you want barbecue without leaving downtown, Murky Waters is where we go. We usually come for lunch, but if you’re in town on a weekend night, it’s worth coming back for the live music.
Murky Waters sits right on Government Street and feels more like a blues bar that happens to serve barbecue. On the weekends, when they’ve got live music, it’s darker, a little louder, and more of a hangout than a sit-down dinner spot.
Get there early if you want the burnt ends. They sell out fast. I like adding them to the house salad, which sounds random but works.
The food here is rich and shareable. Order a few things to split with the table.
One thing to note: Murky Waters moved to a larger location and no longer has a patio, so it is not dog friendly.
🍗 My Picks at Murky Waters BBQ
I usually go for the House Salad topped with Burnt Ends. It sounds a little random, but it’s delicious. The Smoked Wings are a must for a starter or a meal. They finish them with a quick fry so you get that crispy skin with the smoky flavor.
If you’re in the mood for something more classic, the Brisket and Ribs are both fantastic.
14. Knuckleheads
Address: 1243 Government St, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: American / Southern
Price Range: $$
Menu
This is one Ocean Springs restaurant people overlook too often and it’s my goal to change that! Mostly because nothing about Knuckleheads is what you’d expect.
It’s located in an old gas station on Washington Ave. But the inside looks like a fishing camp on the bayou with corrugated metal and wood walls, chalkboard beer lists, TVs, and a bar full of regulars.
Yep. This is a true locals hangout where people go to watch a game or grab a burger and a beer.
The menu features mostly burgers and sandwiches with some fun appetizers. But the burgers are way more creative than you’d expect with some crazy unique flavor combinations. As in peach compote with candied jalapenos and a blueberry-horseradish mayo.
As good as the burger are, the specials are where Knucklehead’s menu gets really interesting. You might see fried ravioli with Cajun sauce and shrimp one day, then country fried steak or red beans and rice the next.
🦐 My Picks at Knuckleheads
We usually split an order of steamed Royal Reds to start.
The Just Peachy Burger is my favorite burger with a little sweet and a little bite. If I’m not getting the burger, I’m ordering the Fun-Guy Portobello Sandwich. Jason’s favorites are the Mississippi French Dip and the House Burger.
UPSCALE & DATE NIGHT RESTAURANTS
15. Maison de Lu
Address: 626 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: French
Price Range: $$
Menu
If you’re looking for a fancy girls lunch or a romantic dinner, Maison de Lu is your spot.
This charming little bistro serves French inspired dishes with a definite Southern twist. The vibe is elevated but not fussy, so you’ll find white tablecloths but it still manages to keep a casual vibe.
The brick lined patio out back reminds me of a European courtyard. It’s lined with string lights and blooming flowers with a huge fireplace for cold days. We hosted my nieces bridal luncheon here and it was absolutely perfect.
The restaurant is small, so I’d recommend making a reservation if you’re coming in the evening.
Insider Tip: They have a Chicken Salad Sandwich on their catering menu that isn’t on their regular lunch menu. My dad had it during their Cruisin’ the Coast pop up and loved it so much, he sent me back the next day to find it again. So, if you are in town for a special event, check to see if it’s available!
🇫🇷 My Picks at Maison du Lu
I always start with their famous Goat Cheese Torte. We served it for my niece’s luncheon and everyone raved about it. For lunch I bounce between ordering the Frenchtown Salad and the Turkey & Swiss Sandwich. I can’t get enough of that cranberry mayo!
16. Phoenicia Gourmet
Address: 1108 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Price Range: $$
Menu
When we want authentic Mediterranean in Ocean Springs, we go to Phoenicia Gourmet.
It’s family-run and locals have been coming here for years, which tells you a lot.
The menu is full of hummus, shawarma, kabobs, and fresh salads, with Gulf Coast touches like crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fresh fish with tasso cream sauce.
Now here’s the part that surprises people.
Breakfast here is where they really have fun with it. You’ll see things like stuffed omelettes, creative Benedicts, and a long list of pancakes, so it feels a little more special than your typical breakfast spot.
🇱🇧 My Picks at Phoenicia Gourmet
When we come for breakfast, I always order the Oyster Benedict or the Phoenicia Eggs Oscar. Jason goes more traditional with the Bacon and Eggs.
The Steamed Artichoke is where I start for lunch, followed by the Chicken Shawarma or the Shrimp and Grits.
17. Vestige
Address: 715 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Cuisine: New American
Price Range: $$$
Menu
Make a reservation at Vestige before your trip. This is a small space and seats are limited, so it’s not the kind of place you can just walk into.
This is the splurge restaurant in Ocean Springs and the one I’d save for a really special night out. I haven’t been here yet, but it’s high on my list for a reason. Chef Alex Perry is a repeated James Beard Award finalist, and Vestige has built a reputation for thoughtful, seasonal dishes that highlight what’s available locally.
The menu changes often and is more of a curated dining experience than a traditional meal. They walk you through each course, explaining what you’re eating along the way. Expect smaller, composed dishes that are meant to be enjoyed rather than rushed through.
🏅 My Picks at Vestige
The tasting menu changes frequently so let them guide you through it.
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