Your Guide to Coastal Mississippi’s Seafood Scene
From dock to table, the Mississippi Coast is serving up unforgettable seafood eats and experiences. Image: Facebook / Coastal Mississippi
On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, seafood is more than a meal. It’s a way of life shaped by the water, the people, and generations of tradition. Whether dining at a MICHELIN-recognized restaurant or enjoying the hands-on experience of a fishing charter or shrimping trip, Coastal Mississippi offers countless ways to taste, catch, and understand what makes its cuisine so distinctive — and delicious.
Book a Table at These MICHELIN Guide American South Restaurants
The debut of the MICHELIN Guide American South didn’t just validate what locals have long known; it solidified Coastal Mississippi as a serious foodie destination. These three standouts earned coveted “Recommended” status, highlighting a fresh wave of Gulf-to-table dining paired with global influence and Southern roots.
At White Pillars (Biloxi), the focus is on fresh, seasonal seafood prepared with a thoughtful, elevated touch, led by Chef Austin Sumrall, who’s also known as the “King of American Seafood.” Just down the coast, Siren Social Club (Gulfport) takes a playful, globally inspired approach, with creative dishes that showcase seafood in new and unexpected ways.
In Ocean Springs, Vestige offers an intimate, chef-driven experience with tasting-style menus that highlight local ingredients and careful technique, earning recognition from the James Beard Foundation.
Charter a Fishing Boat For The Day
Fishing is at the heart of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and there’s no better way to connect with its cuisine than by getting out on the water yourself. Local groups like Mississippi Gulf Coast Fishing Charter and Mega-Bite Fishing Charters offer everything from relaxed, family-friendly trips along inshore waters to adrenaline-fueled excursions in pursuit of snapper, cobia, and mackerel, depending on the season and your appetite for adventure.
Captain Ben’s Charters, Shore Thing Fishing Charters, and Southern Comfort Fishing Charters cater to all skill levels, whether it’s your first cast or your fiftieth. Alongside expert guidance, most trips include rods and bait, as well as the option to let the team clean your catch of the day. The result is as fresh as it gets!
Take a Bite Out Of Coastal History
Dive into the stories behind the seafood scene with a visit to the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, where you’ll get a first-hand look at more than 300 years of Gulf Coast history, from shrimping and oystering to boat building and net-making traditions that shaped the region.
Through exhibits and restored vessels, the museum shows how generations of fishermen built an industry that still defines the Coast today.
Hop aboard the Biloxi Cruise Company Shrimping Trip, where history comes to life on the water. This 70-minute tour demonstrates how seafood is caught through live trawling. Shrimp, crabs, and other marine life will be pulled up right before your eyes, as guides explain the techniques and traditions behind the Coast’s working waterfront to deepen appreciation of every bite that follows.
Take a walk on the wild side with Ship Island Excursions, which is celebrating its 100th season in 2026. The ferry carries visitors from Gulfport to Ship Island, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, where wildlife thrives, and opportunities for birding, shelling, and swimming abound.
The island is also home to Civil War-era Fort Massachusetts, and the seashore welcomed more than seven million visitors in 2025, according to the National Park Service.
Shuck, Peel & Taste Local Flavors
From oyster shucking to shrimp peeling and perfectly fried catfish, the region’s most iconic dishes are best enjoyed with a little hands-on appreciation (and plenty of napkins!).
At Half Shell Oyster House (Biloxi and Gulfport), chargrilled, Orleans-style oysters arrive sizzling and packed with flavor, while The Reef (Biloxi) pairs Gulf views with platters of fresh seafood. For a casual, come-as-you-are vibe, Shaggy’s (Biloxi, Gulfport, and Pass Christian) delivers peel-and-eat shrimp and beachside energy in equal measure.
Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant (Ocean Springs) is a longtime favorite for hearty, Southern-style plates, and the storied Julep Room, a historic lounge nestled beneath it, has been serving up cocktails and good times for more than 60 years. Elvis himself was a known patron!
Bozo’s Grocery & Grill (Pascagoula) is a Coast classic known for its no-frills, high-reward seafood, including legendary shrimp po’boys. Mary Mahoney’s Old French House (Biloxi) offers a Gulf menu in an iconic, historic, and refined setting, and The Blind Tiger (Biloxi and Bay St. Louis) is home to laid-back coastal fare, including plenty of oysters and cold drinks.
This article was made possible by Visit Mississippi.
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Anne Marie Hanna
An Ole Miss alum residing in Nashville, Anne Marie is passionate about telling the stories shaping the South. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her on a porch with a coffee and a good book, gardening, listening to music, or enjoying time with friends and family.