Mayflower Cafe is a greek restaurant in Jackson.
Editorially verified June 26, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Must order: Fried shrimp plate with comeback sauce, or the broiled trout
Tip: The comeback sauce recipe has never been formally written down; buy a bottle at the counter to take home.
Address: 123 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39201
Pulito Osteria in Belhaven is Jackson's Michelin Recommended Italian, with handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and seasonal preparations by chef Chaz Lindsay.
Order: House-made tagliatelle with short rib ragu, or the Margherita wood-fired pizza
Tip: Bar seats are first-come and worth grabbing for the casual, buzzy energy without a wait.
Saltine in Fondren is Jackson's premier oyster bar, with Gulf oysters at $1.75 during happy hour, fried shrimp platters, and Gulf seafood prepared daily.
Order: Gulf oysters on the half shell during the 4-6 pm happy hour
Tip: The $1.75 oyster happy hour runs daily 16:00-18:00 and is one of the city's best deals.
The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen in Belhaven serves contemporary American food with fire at the centre - from wood-fired pizzettas and fish tacos to weekend.
Order: Fried fish tacos at lunch, or a wood-fired pizzetta at happy hour
Tip: The 15:00-18:00 weekday happy hour on pizzettas is an excellent low-key early dinner.
Hal and Mal's on Commerce Street is Jackson's iconic live-music restaurant, with Southern comfort food and nightly entertainment in a converted warehouse.
Order: Red beans and rice with andouille, or the Sunday brunch plate
Tip: Thursday and Friday nights draw the best local bands; arrive early for a table near the stage.
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.
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.
