$$$$SeafoodMon-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 10:30-21:00
Saltine in Fondren is Jackson's premier oyster bar, with Gulf oysters at $1.75 during happy hour, fried shrimp platters, and Gulf seafood prepared daily.
OrderGulf oysters on the half shell during the 4-6 pm happy hour
TipThe $1.75 oyster happy hour runs daily 16:00-18:00 and is one of the city's best deals.
$$$$New AmericanMon-Sat 11:00-21:00; Sun 10:00-14:30
The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen in Belhaven serves contemporary American food with fire at the centre - from wood-fired pizzettas and fish tacos to weekend.
OrderFried fish tacos at lunch, or a wood-fired pizzetta at happy hour
TipThe 15:00-18:00 weekday happy hour on pizzettas is an excellent low-key early dinner.
$$$$ItalianMon-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 10:30-21:00
Amerigo Italian at Fondren's Duling School is a Jackson institution since 1987: fresh pasta, wood-roasted salmon, classic steaks for loyal regulars.
OrderHouse-made pasta of the day, or the wood-roasted salmon
TipNo reservations at this location; arrive before 11:30 or after 20:00 to avoid a wait.
$$$$Soul foodMon-Fri 08:00-14:00; Sun 10:00-15:00; closed Sat
Hen and Egg in the historic Sun-n-Sand building is chef Nick Wallace's downtown Jackson love letter to Southern comfort food, with Gulf shrimp and Delta rice.
OrderGulf Shrimp and Delta Rice Grits, or the chicken and egg sandwich
TipThe Sunday brunch buffet upstairs at 10:00 is one of the best value meals downtown.
$$$$SteakhouseMon-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 10:00-21:00
CHAR Restaurant at Highland Village is Jackson's contemporary steakhouse, with USDA Prime and Choice cuts, a nightly piano bar, and one of the city's most.
OrderPrime filet with Southern sides, or the Sunday jazz brunch platter
TipSunday brunch jazz trio from 10:00 makes this the most entertaining brunch in town.
$$$$Soul foodMon-Sat 11:00-21:00; Sun 10:30-15:00
Hal and Mal's on Commerce Street is Jackson's signature live-music restaurant, with Southern comfort food and nightly entertainment in a converted warehouse.
OrderRed beans and rice with andouille, or the Sunday brunch plate
TipThursday and Friday nights draw the best local bands; arrive early for a table near the stage.
$$$$Modern SouthernMon-Fri 06:30-14:00; Mon-Sun 16:00-22:00; Sat-Sun 07:00-14:00
Estelle Southern Table at the Westin Jackson serves soulful modern Southern fare with a craft cocktail program and globally curated wine list in a polished.
OrderLarge-format communal feast for the table, or the seasonal fish preparation
TipThe weeknight dinner and weekend brunch both draw local diners, not just hotel guests.
$$$$MediterraneanMon-Thu 07:30-21:30; Fri-Sat 07:30-22:30; Sun 11:00-21:30
Aladdin Mediterranean Grill on Lakeland Drive is open from 07:30, serving shakshuka, falafel, and lamb kebabs - Jackson's most diverse Mediterranean menu.
OrderVegetarian plate with falafel, dolmas, tabouli, hummus, and pita
TipOne of the city's rare spots open for a full Mediterranean breakfast from 07:30.
$$$$GreekSun-Thu 10:30-22:00; Fri-Sat 10:30-23:00
Keifer's Restaurant on Poplar Boulevard has been Jackson's first taste of Greek-inspired food since 1980, serving gyros, feta dressing, and hummus to a loyal.
OrderClassic gyro plate with hummus, or the Greek salad with Keifer's feta dressing
TipLate-night crowds from the Fondren bar scene fill the counter after 21:30; the kitchen runs until close.
$$$$Cajun & CreoleMon-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 11:00-20:00
Drago's Seafood in north Jackson is the Mississippi outpost of the New Orleans chain, famous for charbroiled oysters with garlic butter and Gulf shellfish.
OrderCharbroiled oysters with garlic butter and parmesan
TipCrawfish season runs February through May; call ahead to confirm live product is available.
$$$$Soul foodTue-Fri 11:00-23:00; Sat-Sun 14:00-00:00; closed Mon
Johnny T's Bistro and Blues on Farish Street combines Southern cuisine with live blues music in central Jackson's historic Black entertainment district.
OrderFried catfish plate or the blackened Gulf shrimp, accompanied by live blues
TipSaturday nights have the best live music; the Saturday-Sunday brunch from 14:00-17:00 is an underrated pick.
$$$$AmericanMon-Fri 11:00-14:00; Wed-Sat 17:30-21:30; Sat-Sun 11:00-14:00
Crazy Cat Eat Up is a BYOB neighbourhood kitchen with a cult following for its bread pudding, meatloaf sandwich, and weekend brunch plates served in a homey.
OrderBread pudding for dessert, or the short rib sandwich at lunch
TipBYOB means you can bring a bottle from Briarwood Wine around the corner - a ritual for regulars.
$$$$MediterraneanMon-Sun 11:00-21:00
Aplos Mediterranean at Highland Village is fast-fine Greek and Italian: gyro plates, hummus, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, and baked feta at counter prices.
OrderGyro plate with brown rice, hummus, pita and mini Greek salad
TipOne of Jackson's few quality fast-fine options; ideal for a quick pre-show or post-museum meal.
$$$$MexicanMon 11:00-21:00; Tue 11:00-23:00; Wed 11:00-21:00; Thu-Sat 11:00-23:00; Sun 11:00-23:00
Green Ghost Tacos serves Mexican street tacos on gluten-free corn tortillas, no MSG, with a vegan menu alongside full carnivore and seafood options.
OrderSteak tacos with house salsa, or the shrimp tacos with mango slaw
TipOne of the best late-night taco options in Jackson, running until midnight on Fridays.
$$$$ItalianTue-Thu 11:00-21:30; Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 11:00-21:00; closed Mon
BRAVO! Italian at Highland Village has been a Jackson institution since 1995, with familiar pastas, wood-roasted chicken, and tiramisu that locals love.
OrderPasta of the day or the wood-roasted salmon, followed by tiramisu
TipThe lunch specials Tuesday through Friday offer the best value in the room.