Ocean Springs, Mississippi has no business having a restaurant scene this good. A town of 18,000 people on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it has somehow assembled a collection of restaurants that would be impressive in a city ten times its size — from a nationally celebrated BBQ joint to a farm-to-table destination that earns comparisons to the best restaurants in New Orleans.

The secret is the combination of extraordinary raw ingredients — the Gulf of Mexico produces some of the finest seafood in the world, and the Mississippi coast's warm climate supports year-round farming — and a community of talented, passionate chefs who chose Ocean Springs for its quality of life and its creative freedom.

Here's where to eat in Ocean Springs, from the legendary to the beloved local institutions.

Category: BBQ / American
Price: $$
Address: 7501 MS-57, Ocean Springs

The Shed is one of the most celebrated BBQ restaurants in America — a rambling, funky complex of sheds, trailers, and outdoor spaces that has been winning national awards since it opened in 2001. The Bates family has built something genuinely unique here: a BBQ joint that is also a folk art installation, a music venue, and a community gathering place.

The food is exceptional. The pork is smoked low and slow over hickory wood, producing meat that is tender, smoky, and deeply flavorful. The ribs are a revelation. The banana pudding is the best on the Gulf Coast.

Must Order:

• Pulled pork plate with all the sides
• Baby back ribs
• Smoked chicken
• Banana pudding (non-negotiable)

The Atmosphere: The Shed is decorated with license plates, folk art, and decades of accumulated character. There's outdoor seating, live music on weekends, and a general sense that you've stumbled into something genuinely special.

Hours: Wednesday–Sunday 11am–9pm. Closed Monday–Tuesday.

Category: Farm-to-Table / Contemporary American
Price: $$$$
Address: 1113 Government St, Ocean Springs

Vestige is the finest restaurant in Ocean Springs and one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Mississippi. Chef Alex Perry changes the menu regularly based on what's available from local farms and the Gulf, creating dishes that are technically accomplished, deeply seasonal, and rooted in the flavors of the region.

The restaurant occupies a beautifully renovated historic building with an intimate dining room that seats about 40 people. The service is warm and knowledgeable, and the wine list is thoughtfully curated.

What to Expect: A tasting menu format with 5–7 courses, each showcasing the best of what's available locally. Gulf fish, local vegetables, and Mississippi-raised meats are the foundation. The cooking is creative without being showy.

Reservations: Essential — book 2–3 weeks in advance for weekend dining.

Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 6pm–9pm.

Category: Mediterranean / Gulf Coast
Price: $$$
Address: 1223 Government St, Ocean Springs

Phoenicia has been a beloved Ocean Springs institution for more than 20 years, serving Mediterranean-inspired food with Gulf Coast ingredients. The combination sounds unlikely but works beautifully — the flavors of Lebanon and the eastern Mediterranean translate naturally to the fresh seafood and warm climate of the Gulf Coast.

Must Order:

• Hummus with warm pita
• Gulf shrimp with garlic and lemon
• Lamb dishes (the lamb chops and the lamb kebabs are both excellent)
• Fresh Gulf fish preparations (changes daily)

The Atmosphere: A warm, welcoming dining room with a genuine neighborhood restaurant feel. The service is friendly and attentive.

Category: American / Gulf Seafood
Price: $$
Address: 1109 Government St, Ocean Springs

Government Street Grocery is the kind of neighborhood restaurant that every town wishes it had — a casual, welcoming space with excellent food, creative cocktails, and a genuine sense of community. The menu focuses on Gulf seafood with creative preparations that go beyond the standard fried fish and shrimp.

Must Order:

• Shrimp and grits (a Gulf Coast classic done right)
• Gulf fish tacos
• Oysters on the half shell (when available)
• The cocktail list (creative and well-executed)

Category: American / Brunch
Price: $$
Address: 1000 Porter Ave, Ocean Springs

The Greenhouse is Ocean Springs' best brunch spot — a beautiful space in a converted greenhouse with an excellent menu of creative brunch dishes and a full bar. The weekend brunch is a local institution, with lines forming early on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Must Order:

• Eggs Benedict (multiple creative variations)
• Avocado toast with Gulf shrimp
• Bloody Mary (made with local hot sauce)
• The seasonal pancakes

Category: French / Gulf Coast
Price: $$$
Address: 1008 Government St, Ocean Springs

Maison de Lu brings French bistro cooking to the Gulf Coast, with a menu that celebrates the natural affinity between French culinary traditions and the fresh seafood of the Mississippi coast. The moules frites, the bouillabaisse, and the duck confit are all excellent.

The Atmosphere: A charming bistro with a beautiful courtyard for outdoor dining — one of the most romantic dining settings in Ocean Springs.

Ocean Springs' proximity to the Gulf of Mexico means that the seafood here is genuinely fresh — caught locally and served within hours of leaving the water. Here's what to look for:

Gulf Oysters: Mississippi Gulf oysters are among the finest in the world — plump, briny, and sweet. Order them on the half shell whenever you see them on a menu.

Gulf Shrimp: Brown shrimp and white shrimp from the Gulf are far superior to the farmed shrimp served at most restaurants. Look for "Gulf shrimp" on menus and ask if it's local.

Speckled Trout: The Gulf's most prized food fish — delicate, sweet, and excellent prepared simply with butter and lemon.

Blue Crab: Mississippi blue crabs are exceptional — sweet, tender, and best enjoyed steamed with Old Bay seasoning.

Redfish: A firm, flavorful fish that is excellent blackened (a Cajun technique that creates a spicy, caramelized crust).

Brew Ha Ha Coffee — the best coffee shop in Ocean Springs, with excellent espresso drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.

Slurp — a beloved local ice cream shop with creative flavors and a commitment to local ingredients.

Ocean Springs Farmers Market (Saturday mornings, downtown) — the best place to experience the agricultural abundance of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with local produce, seafood, honey, and artisan food products.

For the full Ocean Springs experience, see our Ocean Springs Weekend Guide, Ocean Springs Outdoor Activities, and Ocean Springs Arts & Culture Guide. Also explore our Best Small Towns in the South for more Gulf Coast destinations.