New American$$Mon-Sat 11:00-21:00; Sun 10:00-14:30Book 3 days ahead
The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen in Belhaven serves contemporary American food with fire at its heart: wood-fired pizzettas and seasonal fish plates.
Order: Wood-fired Margherita pizzetta with seasonal toppings, or the fire-roasted fish of the day
Tip: Private dining events here are among the city's most atmospheric; enquire through the website.
Seafood$$Mon-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 10:30-21:00Book 3 days ahead
Saltine in Fondren is Jackson's Gulf oyster specialist: $1.75 happy hour oysters daily, low-country boils, fried po'boys, craft cocktails served all day.
Order: Tasting of Gulf oysters on the half shell, followed by the shrimp and crab dip
Tip: Upstairs dining room has the best views; downstairs oyster bar is best for solo dining or couples.
Seafood$$$Tue-Sat 16:30-21:00; closed Sun-MonBook 1 week ahead
CAET in Ridgeland serves raw bar seafood - oysters, ceviche, crudos - alongside charcuterie boards and a wine list that draws devoted regulars.
Order: Oyster selection with the bone marrow starter and a glass from the natural wine list
Tip: The five-per-week menu changes keep regulars coming back; CAET changes the menu about five times per year.
Italian$$$Mon-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 10:30-21:00Book Walk-in only ahead
Amerigo Italian in Fondren's Duling School is a Jackson stalwart since 1987. Fresh pasta, wood-roasted seafood, classic steaks. Regulars fill it nightly.
Order: House pasta of the day, or the wood-oven salmon with roasted vegetables
Tip: No reservations means weekends require patience; the patio is first-come and the best seat in the house.
Soul foodChef Hunter Evans$$$Tue-Fri 08:00-14:00; Tue-Sat 16:30-21:00; Sat 09:00-14:00; closed Sun-MonBook 1-2 weeks ahead
Elvie's holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its Mississippi French menu of Gulf oysters, bouillabaisse, duck confit cassoulet, and house-baked pastries.
Order: Redfish meuniere at dinner, or oysters with duck fat frites at the marble bar
Tip: Morning pastries and coffee are a Michelin-calibre deal; Elvie's is as good at 08:30 as at 20:00.
New American$$$Tue-Fri 11:00-14:00; Tue-Sat 17:30-21:00; closed Sun-MonBook 3-5 days ahead
Walker's Drive-In is Jackson's top upscale restaurant, with 45-day-aged beef, Nantucket scallops, and Southern-accented New American cooking.
Order: 45-day aged prime filet, or the Redfish Anna with classic accompaniments
Tip: The lunch menu offers value in a room better known for dinner; book a counter seat for the best view.