Greek$$Sun-Thu 10:30-22:00; Fri-Sat 10:30-23:00
Keifer's Restaurant on Poplar Boulevard has been Jackson's first taste of Greek-inspired food since 1980, serving gyros, feta dressing, and hummus to a loyal.
Order: Classic gyro plate with hummus, or the Greek salad with Keifer's feta dressing
Tip: Late-night crowds from the Fondren bar scene fill the counter after 21:30; the kitchen runs until close.
Italian$$$Mon-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 10:30-21:00
Amerigo Italian at Fondren's Duling School is a Jackson institution since 1987: fresh pasta, wood-roasted salmon, classic steaks for loyal regulars.
Order: House-made pasta of the day, or the wood-roasted salmon
Tip: No reservations at this location; arrive before 11:30 or after 20:00 to avoid a wait.
Cajun & Creole$$$Mon-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 11:00-20:00
Drago's Seafood in north Jackson is the Mississippi outpost of the New Orleans chain, famous for charbroiled oysters with garlic butter and Gulf shellfish.
Order: Charbroiled oysters with garlic butter and parmesan
Tip: Crawfish season runs February through May; call ahead to confirm live product is available.
Soul food$$Mon-Fri 08:00-14:00; Sun 10:00-15:00; closed Sat
Hen and Egg in the historic Sun-n-Sand building is chef Nick Wallace's downtown Jackson love letter to Southern comfort food, with Gulf shrimp and Delta rice.
Order: Gulf Shrimp and Delta Rice Grits, or the chicken and egg sandwich
Tip: The Sunday brunch buffet upstairs at 10:00 is one of the best value meals downtown.
Modern Southern$$$Mon-Fri 06:30-14:00; Mon-Sun 16:00-22:00; Sat-Sun 07:00-14:00
Estelle Southern Table at the Westin Jackson serves soulful modern Southern fare with a craft cocktail program and globally curated wine list in a polished.
Order: Large-format communal feast for the table, or the seasonal fish preparation
Tip: The weeknight dinner and weekend brunch both draw local diners, not just hotel guests.
Soul food$$Tue-Fri 11:00-23:00; Sat-Sun 14:00-00:00; closed Mon
Johnny T's Bistro and Blues on Farish Street combines Southern cuisine with live blues music in the heart of Jackson's historic Black entertainment district.
Order: Fried catfish plate or the blackened Gulf shrimp, accompanied by live blues
Tip: Saturday nights have the best live music; the Saturday-Sunday brunch from 14:00-17:00 is an underrated pick.