14 Mississippi Spots Where Seafood Steals The Show
Ever wonder where you can find the freshest shrimp, oysters, and catfish along the Gulf Coast? Mississippi has some of the most mouthwatering seafood spots you’ll ever visit!
From historic restaurants serving up gumbo to casual beachside shacks with crispy fried platters, these places make seafood lovers incredibly happy. Get ready to explore amazing restaurants that turn simple catches into unforgettable meals!
1. Mary Mahoney’s Old French House
Picture stepping into a piece of history every time you sit down for dinner. Mary Mahoney’s has been serving incredible Gulf Coast seafood since way back when. Their stuffed flounder is legendary, packed with crab and shrimp that melts in your mouth.
The seafood gumbo here tastes like your grandmother spent all day making it from scratch. Old brick walls and wooden beams create an atmosphere that feels magical and cozy at once. You’ll leave with a full belly and stories to share with friends!
2. Half Shell Oyster House
If you love oysters prepared a million different ways, this place is your paradise. Half Shell brings that New Orleans vibe straight to Mississippi’s coast. Raw, chargrilled, or Rockefeller style, every oyster tastes incredibly fresh and delicious.
Their crab cakes are crispy on the outside and tender inside, bursting with sweet crab meat. The seafood gumbo is thick, spicy, and loaded with shrimp and sausage.
It’s the kind of spot where you can wear shorts and flip-flops while enjoying seriously good food!
3. Bozo’s Seafood Market
Nothing beats a restaurant that doubles as a seafood market where everything is super fresh. Bozo’s has been a local treasure for decades, serving simple but amazing dishes. Their shrimp po’boys are stuffed so full you can barely fit them in your mouth!
Fried seafood platters come piled high with golden shrimp, catfish, and oysters that crunch perfectly. Prices won’t break your piggy bank, which makes this spot even better. You can grab lunch here and still have money left for ice cream later!
4. Taranto’s Crawfish
When crawfish season arrives, locals know exactly where to go for the spiciest boils around. Taranto’s is a family-run gem that treats crawfish like an art form. They pile those bright red mudbugs high, seasoned with just the right amount of kick.
Their po’boys are absolutely massive, overflowing with fried shrimp or oysters that stay crispy. It’s messy eating, but that’s half the fun of a good seafood feast! The friendly staff makes you feel like part of their extended family every single visit.
5. Desporte Seafood, LLC
Sometimes the best meals come from places that look simple but taste extraordinary. Desporte’s combines a seafood market with a deli, so everything is caught fresh daily. Their gumbo is dark, rich, and filled with chunks of crab and shrimp that taste like the ocean.
Po’boys here are made with bread that’s crusty outside and soft inside, perfect for holding fried seafood. You can also buy raw seafood to cook at home if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a no-frills spot that lets the quality speak for itself!
6. Shaggy’s Biloxi Beach
Imagine eating fresh seafood while feeling sand between your toes and ocean breeze on your face. Shaggy’s sits right on the beach, making every meal feel like a mini vacation. Their Royal Red shrimp are sweet and tender, caught locally from deep Gulf waters.
Fish tacos arrive loaded with crispy fish, fresh toppings, and tangy sauce that makes your taste buds dance. The laid-back atmosphere means you can relax completely while watching waves roll in. It’s the perfect spot for families who want good food without fancy dress codes!
7. The Dock at Bay St. Louis
There’s something special about eating where fishing boats actually bring in their daily catch. The Dock sits right on the water, giving you front-row seats to beautiful bay views. Grilled fish here tastes smoky and perfectly seasoned, straight from local fishermen’s nets.
Their shrimp and grits combine creamy comfort with plump Gulf shrimp in a dish that warms your soul. Sunset dinners here are absolutely magical, with colors painting the sky while you eat. You’ll want to take a million pictures before your food even arrives!
8. The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint
Who says barbecue joints can’t serve amazing seafood too? The Shed proves that Southern cooking can mix perfectly with Gulf Coast catches. Their fried catfish is crispy, flaky, and seasoned with secret spices that keep people guessing.
Live music plays while you munch on hush puppies and coleslaw that complement every seafood basket. The whole place feels like a backyard party where everyone’s invited to have fun. It’s quirky, colorful, and completely different from your typical seafood restaurant experience!
9. The Reef
Picture yourself eating fish tacos with your toes in the sand and the Gulf breeze in your hair. That’s exactly what you’ll find at this beachfront paradise on Beach Boulevard. The restaurant combines Southern hospitality with coastal flavors in every bite.
Their seafood nachos are piled high with fresh catches and melted cheese, creating a tower of deliciousness. The menu features everything from classic fried platters to creative twists on Gulf favorites.
Families love the relaxed vibe where flip-flops and swimsuits are perfectly acceptable dinner attire.
With windows overlooking the water, every seat offers a view worth savoring alongside your meal.
10. White Pillars Restaurant & Bar
Stepping into this elegant establishment feels like traveling back to the Old South, where gracious dining was an art form. The white columns and sophisticated atmosphere create a special-occasion vibe that makes any meal memorable.
Since opening its doors, this spot has become famous for transforming Gulf seafood into culinary masterpieces. Their crab cakes are legendary among locals, featuring jumbo lump meat with minimal filler. The chefs prepare each dish with careful attention to flavor and presentation.
You’ll find everything from blackened redfish to stuffed shrimp on the menu. Perfect for celebrating birthdays or anniversaries with style and exceptional food.
11. Fisherman’s Wharf
Ever wondered where local fishermen eat after a long day on the water? This waterfront jewel is their go-to spot for good reason. The restaurant sits right where the boats dock, guaranteeing the freshest seafood possible arrives on your plate.
Their fried catfish is crispy on the outside and flaky inside, served with hushpuppies that practically melt in your mouth. The casual atmosphere means you can relax without worrying about fancy table manners. Large portions ensure nobody leaves hungry, and the prices won’t break your piggy bank.
Kids especially love watching the shrimp boats unload their daily catches right outside the windows.
12. Woody’s Roadside
Don’t let the simple appearance fool you, this roadside stop serves some of the most flavorful seafood on the coast. Bright colors and a laid-back attitude make it feel like summer vacation every day of the year. The outdoor seating area buzzes with conversation and laughter from happy diners.
Their shrimp po’boys are absolutely massive, stuffed with perfectly seasoned Gulf shrimp on fresh-baked bread. The menu keeps things straightforward with classic preparations that let the seafood shine. Cold drinks and hot food arrive quickly, perfect for hungry beach-goers.
Many visitors claim this spot captures the true spirit of Mississippi coastal dining better than anywhere else.
13. Salute Italian Restaurant
Who says Mississippi seafood can’t get an Italian makeover? This sophisticated restaurant proves that Gulf catches pair beautifully with Mediterranean flavors and techniques. The chefs trained in traditional Italian cooking methods but use locally sourced seafood exclusively.
Their seafood linguine features tender shrimp, scallops, and fish tossed in garlic-white wine sauce that’s absolutely divine. Fresh pasta made daily provides the perfect foundation for showcasing the ocean’s bounty. The wine list includes selections specifically chosen to complement seafood dishes.
Romantic lighting and attentive service make this an ideal choice for date nights or special celebrations with Italian flair.
14. Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant
Catfish is king at this down-home restaurant where Southern cooking traditions are taken seriously. Aunt Jenny’s recipes have been making mouths water for decades, using time-tested methods that bring out the best in freshwater catches.
The dining room feels like eating at your favorite relative’s house during Sunday dinner. Golden-brown catfish fillets arrive at your table alongside coleslaw, hushpuppies, and all the fixings you’d expect.
The batter stays crunchy without being greasy, a skill that takes years to perfect. Generous portions mean you’ll likely need a takeout box for leftovers. This is comfort food at its finest, proving Mississippi knows how to fry fish right.
