Best Restaurants in Ocean Springs
Where locals actually eat in Ocean Springs — from classic catfish joints to upscale dining and the best po'boys on the Gulf Coast.
Ocean Springs punches way above its weight when it comes to food. For a town of 18,000, the dining options here would make cities five times its size jealous. Here’s where the locals actually eat.
The Classics
Phoenicia Gourmet on Government Street has been here forever, and there’s a reason. Lebanese food done right — the hummus is what all other hummus wishes it could be. Get the lamb kebabs if they have them. Cash only, which feels like a throwback but whatever.
Aunt Jenny’s Catfish out on Highway 90 is exactly what it sounds like. Fried catfish, hush puppies, coleslaw. Nothing fancy. Order at the counter, sit at a plastic table, and try not to eat too much. You will fail.
The Shed BBQ is technically in Ocean Springs now (the address keeps changing as the town grows). Pulled pork, ribs, the whole deal. They’ve won awards, but more importantly, the food is actually good. Get there before the lunch rush or you’ll be waiting.
Downtown Options
Vestige is the nice dinner spot. Local ingredients, seasonal menu, cocktails that someone clearly thought about. Not cheap, but it’s where you take out-of-towners when you want to show off.
Mosaic does tapas and has a solid wine list. Good for dates or when you don’t want to commit to a single cuisine. The outdoor seating on a nice evening is hard to beat.
Government Street Grocery is a deli/market hybrid that makes excellent sandwiches. Grab one and walk down to the harbor. That’s lunch.
Seafood (Obviously)
You’re on the Gulf Coast. Seafood is mandatory.
Pop’s Poboys does a fried shrimp po’boy that will make you question every other sandwich you’ve ever eaten. The bread matters, and they get it right.
Half Shell Oyster House has reliable oysters done several ways. Chargrilled if you want them hot, raw if you’re a purist. The gumbo is solid too.
Bozo’s Seafood (yes, that’s the name) has been around since 1929. It’s a market that also serves food. The fried seafood platter is absurd in the best way.
Coffee and Breakfast
Tatonut makes donuts. Excellent donuts. Get there early on weekends or the good ones are gone. The maple bacon one is worth the trip.
Five Oaks Market & Coffee does breakfast sandwiches and decent coffee. Nice patio. Good people-watching spot.
The Deal
Ocean Springs isn’t trying to be New Orleans or Mobile. It’s its own thing — a weird little art town on the water that happens to have great food. The vibe is casual. Flip flops are fine. Just show up hungry.