18 Best Restaurants in Jackson, MS

By VacationIdea Staff on October 21, 2022 - Updated

18 Best Romantic Restaurants in Jackson, MS

Rasulov/stock.adobe.com

The capital city of Mississippi, Jackson is a fascinating blend of turbulent history and thriving present. Called "The City with Soul" for numerous local musicians that made fame playing blues, gospel, folk, and jazz, Jackson is a quintessential Southern city with beautiful architecture and meticulously maintained gardens and parks. It is as proud of its culinary heritage, happily practiced and brought to the 21st century in a number of world-class restaurant in Jackson and its suburbs. If you are looking for a place for a romantic dinner, your only problem is having too many choices. There are French restaurants located in historic inns such as 1908 Provisions, lively, dramatic places with great music like the Iron Horse Grill, clubby Char with romantic booths and charming bistros like Table 100.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Table 100

Table 100 is an elegant and inviting bistro in Flowood on the outskirts of Jackson, popular with locals for special occasions, romantic dinners and family celebrations. Warm woods, soft lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows and wonderful piano bar make great background for the menu that seamlessly combines Southern specials with European classics and modern American dishes. The restaurant fits all budgets – you can have great plate lunch special for $10, or you can go all out with pan-seared salmon or black Angus filet with a special bottle of wine from their extensive collection. Cozy piano bar offers original and classic cocktails – you can get anything from mint julep to Sazarac – a mix of whiskey, absinthe and bitters. Don’t miss their week-end brunch, it is a popular local event.

100 Ridge Way, Flowood, MS 39232, Phone: 601-420-4202

2.The Manship

The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen, located in the historic Belhaven neighborhood of Jackson, Mississippi, is known for its fresh, seasonal Mediterranean food fused with Southern classics, all freely interpreted by Chef Alex Eaton. The restaurant is bright and cheerful, with elegant, comfortable furniture and walls covered with original paintings by local artists. The menu includes dishes from Spain, Lebanon, Italy and Greece. Most dishes are prepared over open wood fire and the menu changes with what is in season and available locally. Large, cozy bar area offers original and classic cocktails, extensive and wonderfully curated wine list and great beer selection. Pleasant and comfortable outdoor area is inviting on cool evenings. The Manship is as inviting for a romantic dinner for two as it is for a business lunch or dinner with clients.

1200 N State St #100, Jackson, MS 39202, Phone: 601-398-4562

3.Babalu Tapas & Tacos

Babalu Tapas and Tacos is a chain of upscale restaurants with Latin-inspired cuisine that focuses on small plates, tapas and tacos. Their Jackson destination is located in Jackson’s historic Fondren district, in a rustic chic, bright, lively space with spacious outdoor porch. All Babalu dishes are meant as a sharing experience and guests are encouraged to explore the extensive menu by ordering more than one of the tapas, tacos or sides and share them with friends and family. Their famous guacamole is made fresh daily from fresh Hass avocados, sun-dried tomato, lime juice, red and green onion, kosher salt and cilantro and is served with house chips. Cuban, Spanish and Latin music of all genres is playing in the background and is a big part of Babalu experience.

622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216, Phone: 601-366-5757

4.1908 Provisions

Located on the ground floor of the beautiful historic Fairview Inn in the Jackson’s Belhaven neighborhood, 1908 Provisions is an elegant, upscale restaurant that offers French cuisine with Southern touches and imaginative cocktails. Open only for dinner and Sunday brunch, Provisions is the place for a romantic dinner date or a special celebration. Luxurious décor with the Old World atmosphere is the background for the Executive Chef Zack Athearn’s superb menu that includes Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, 1908 Filet, Signature Redfish, Simon's 1908 Burger and many other dishes created with seasonal fresh ingredients. The menu changes often, but if you are lucky, you will be able to finish your meal with the Chocolate Espresso Bread Pudding. Besides their famous martinis, Provisions has a nice wine list.

734 Fairview St, Jackson, MS 39202, Phone: 601-948-3429

5.Amerigo Italian Restaurant

Amerigo is a popular regional chain of Italian eateries with extensive menu of Italian and American favorites and great wine list. Their Flowood restaurant is located in Market Street Flowood LP shopping center, in a cozy, pleasant spot with high ceiling and checkered black and white tiles that add a nice Old World Italian touch. They offer a full lunch and dinner menu daily, a daily early bird specials and weekend brunch. Their extensive wine list includes many Italian wines, many available by the glass. Amerigo-Flowood has three private dining rooms for special occasions, meetings and receptions, some small enough for a romantic dinner for two, just ask for some candles on the table.

155 Market St, Flowood, MS 39232, Phone: 601-992-1550

6.Caet

Caet is a new trendy, lively upscale restaurant and bar located in Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland, Mississippi. CAET focuses on sharable snacks, small plates, oysters, unique large plates and extensive list of drinks. The guests can enjoy their meals in the elegant dining room, at the oyster bar or at the table in the charming outside area. The best deal is the lunch Blue Plate that changes daily and comes with two veggies, salad, biscuit and iced tea and includes such treats as catfish blackened or fried and chicken and andouille jambalaya with fried crawfish tails. The large bar offers unique cocktails, large list of craft beers, Mississippi-brewed craft beers on tap and an extensive wine collection from New and Old World, with many available by the glass.

1000 Highland Colony Parkway #9015, Ridgeland, Mississippi, Phone: 601-321-9169

7.Char Restaurant

Located in Highland Village Shopping Center, Char Restaurant is an upscale steakhouse with a private club atmosphere, gleaming woodwork, cozy booths with leather banquettes, white tablecloths and fascinating black and white photos on the walls. At night, interesting light fixtures create romantic, cozy vibe. Chef Derek George serves only Evans beef, the highest quality USDA beef, but also classics like short ribs, crab cakes, fried Simmons catfish, crab claws and more. Extensive wine list has something for everyone and the well-stocked bar makes imaginative cocktails. Char has several private dining rooms for special occasions. Their weekend brunch is a special treat with unique, very Southern menu that includes such unusual dishes as their Award-Winning Crab, Shrimp, and Andouille Gumbo.

4500 Interstate 55 North Frontage Rd, Jackson, MS 39211, Phone: 601-956-9562

8.Drago's Seafood Restaurant

Drago’s is a casual family-owned and run seafood restaurant in Jackson, Mississippi, famous for their charbroiled oysters. The delicious grilled oysters are so popular that on some days they sell 900 dozens. And if you are totally taken by them, they even sell a kit for making them at home. Other house special that is popular with guests is Drago's Mixed Grill with half charbroiled Maine lobster, a small filet and blackened shrimp, drenched with a light Cajun cream sauce and served with potatoes and corn maque choux. The menu is extensive and has something for everyone. They have a huge beer list with brews from all over the world.

1005 E County Line Rd, Jackson, MS 39211, Phone: 601-957-1515

9.Local 463 Urban Kitchen

Located in Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland, Local 463 Urban Kitchen is a modern, spacious restaurant with several distinct areas, large windows that flood the dining space with light and beautiful original art on the walls, in support of local artists. The restaurant is owned by the renowned chef Derek Emerson who brings Southern cuisine to a different level with his own modern twist. The menu is full of everyone’s favorites like Florida Rock Shrimp Pizza, Crème Brule and Fresh Lump Crabmeat. The wine list is great and has large number of wines available by the glass. The best deal is 463 blue plates, served for lunch, with different daily specials served with two veggies, salad, cornbread, and tea, for just $12.

1000 Highland Colony Pkwy #5002, Ridgeland, MS 39157, Phone: 601-707-7684

10.Parlor Market

Parlor Market is an upscale restaurant in downtown Jackson, Mississippi that offers Southern-style food in a rustic chic dining room with exposed brick walls and long cozy banquettes along one entire wall. The menu is seasonal, using local produce whenever possible. Southern cuisine is fused with contemporary American. The menu is extensive and includes comfort food and everyone’s favorites such as Smoked Quail with dried cherry faro, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus and figs in red wine, and Shrimp & Bottarga Scampi with linguini, capers, roasted tomatoes, lemon, parmesan, garlic and herb butter. Well-stocked bar serves imaginative Prohibition-style cocktails, an extensive wine list and a nice selection of local and imported beers.

115 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39201, Phone: 601-360-0090

11.Walker's Drive In

Walker’s Drive In is a charming bistro that has been Jackson’s icon for the last 70 years. Located in Fondren, Jackson’s Art District, Walker’s Drive In is the place for all seasons – with black and white tiles on the floor, comfortable booths along the wall and art on the walls, it is delightfully retro. The world-class cuisine is New Southern, with Southern classics reimagined by the Chef Derek Emerson. He offers affordable but no less delicious lunch specials – you can get fried barbecue oyster po’boy or grilled redfish sandwich for less than $13. The star of the dinner menu, and the crowd favorite, is the Redfish Ana, with redfish, lump crabmeat, garlic, sautéed string beans and charred tomato lemon butter. The rest of the menu is no less attractive, with imaginative salads, fresh seafood and the best quality meats. Walker’s has huge wine list with something for every budget and many wines available by the glass.

3016 N State St, Jackson, MS 39216, Phone: 601-982-2633

12.Anjou Restaurant

Anjou is an upscale restaurant located at The Township next to The Club in Ridgeland, Mississippi, serving traditional French cuisine with Southern touches. Chef Christian Amelot offers weekday lunch specials, dinner with delicious desserts, and popular weekend brunch menus, served in a beautifully decorated dining room, with parquet floor, white tablecloths and large windows that flood the room with light. There is a cozy outdoor dining space for al fresco dining. Chef Amelot’s menu offers a fine balance of traditional French dishes and the southern comfort food. It includes such French favorites like house-made beignets, quiches and crepes, but also Southern classics such as fried oysters and shrimp and grits.

361 Township Ave, Ridgeland, MS 39157, Phone: 601-707-0587

13.Lou's Full-Serv

Lou’s Full-Serv is a refined restaurant located in English Village shopping center next to McDade’s Market in Jackson, Mississippi. It serves elevated Southern dishes in the renovated former drug store/post office. Gray walls, black and white floor tiles and long leather banquette along the wall create friendly, lively vibe and great background for Chef Louis LaRose’s superb fare. The lunch menu includes rich sandwiches, fresh seasonal salads and daily specials. The star of the dinner menu is LFS Flat-Top House Burger made of a 10-ounce patty cooked on a flat top and served with candied bacon, grilled green tomatoes, white cheddar, and smoked tomato-bacon aioli. The menu also includes pastas, steaks, shrimp, grilled fish and salads.

904B E Fortification St, Jackson, MS 39202, Phone: 601-487-6359

14.Aladdin Mediterranean Grill

Aladdin Mediterranean Grill is a colorful, lively storefront eatery that serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes with many vegetarian options. The décor is quirky and romantic, recreating fairytale Aladdin’s cave with rich fabrics and drapes. The menu includes classics like falafel, hummus, musabaha, baba ganuj, foul, qudsia and basmati rice. All dishes are made from scratch, fresh for each guest, and beautifully plated. They do not serve alcohol so the guests are encouraged to bring their own. It is fun place for a quick lunch and dinner. It is great for those who are not familiar with Middle Eastern food, to get introduced to its flavors, colors and unique mix of spices.

730 Lakeland Dr, Jackson, MS 39216, Phone: 601-366-6033

15.Crechale's

Crechale’s is an old-fashioned, family-owned and family-friendly restaurant serving Jackson, Mississippi since 1956. It is famous for its classic steaks made with USDA-certified prime beef and a large range of fresh fish and seafood. Some of everyone’s favorites are succulent filet mignon, stuffed shrimps, crispy fried onion rings and broiled flounder that is de-boned at the table. Each entre comes with Crechale’s Crisp Garden Salad, baked and filled Idaho russet potato and their homemade rolls with butter. An antique jukebox plays classic songs from 45s records. The full bar mixes classic cocktails and has a nice selection of wines and beers.

3107 US-80, Jackson, MS 39204, Phone: 601-355-1840

16.Johnny T's Bistro & Blues

Named by the legendary Johnny T, a charismatic blues musician, Johnny T’s Bistro is a popular Jackson, Mississippi hangout and bistro in the historic Farish Street district. It serves internationally and seasonally inspired menu with strong Southern influence. Chef Brian Myrick and GM John Tierre create imaginative dishes using the fresh seasonal ingredients. Many of the dishes are designed for sharing. There is a nice outdoor patio for dining al fresco or for having a romantic drink under the stars. Upstairs from Johnny T’s is the trendy, opulent Ultra Lounge 540, with a wall of mirrors and a performance and dance stages, a perfect place to come for some fun after a meal at Johnny T’s.

538 N Farish St, Jackson, MS 39202, Phone: 601-954-1323

17.The Iron Horse Grill

Located in the Jackson’s historic 1906 former Armour Smokehouse, The Iron Horse Grill is an enormously popular bar and grill a music venue and gathering spot. Vast two-level space is dramatic, with huge bright red mural, large chandeliers and a stage that presents live music every night from Thursday to Saturday. The food is Southern-style pub fare that includes delicious burgers, po'boys, tacos, seafood dishes and grilled meats, washed down with unique craft cocktails, whiskeys and bourbons. Chips and salsa are free. Sunday brunch at the Iron Horse Grill is a big event, with special stations where chefs prepare their specials and chat with guests.

320 W Pearl St, Jackson, MS 39203, Phone: 601-398-0151

18.MM Shapley's Restaurant

MM Shapley’s Restaurant is an elegant upscale family-owned and operated eatery in Ridgeland, Mississippi, serving Southern-inspired surf ’n’ turf. The dining room is divided into private enclosures, elegantly appointed with crisp tablecloths and plush banquettes. The extensive menu offers classic fish and seafood dishes and a range of grilled steaks, lamb, chicken and veal dishes with their signature sides. The restaurant has a full bar and a large, well-curated wine list. MM Shapley’s has several beautiful private event rooms for big and small celebrations.

868 Centre St, Ridgeland, MS 39157, Phone: 601-957-8000