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.
Editorially verified June 26, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Must 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.
Address: 1200 N State St, Suite 100, Jackson, MS 39202
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.
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.
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.
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.
