Destination Guidebook for Biloxi, Mississippi
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| Dining Overview | Top  |
If you are searching for more than just casino fare, you won't be disappointed by the offerings in Biloxi and Gulfport. Seafood, of course, is abundant and popular—and you can always be sure is fresh. If you want to try a few local dishes, you'll find that the Biloxi po'boy differs greatly from its New Orleans' cousin. Although the Biloxi version also is served on French bread, it often comes "dressed and pressed" (accented with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise, then squeezed with a sandwich press).
After many Biloxi restaurants were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, the number of restaurants and bars in Ocean Springs greatly increased, and there are now several sushi restaurants there. Most are located on Washington Avenue, Government Street and Highway 90.
At breakfast, keep in mind that Biloxi bacon doesn't come from a Mississippi pig. It's the local term for smoked mullet. At lunch, you'll want to try local pizza—it comes with French dressing. The locals will tell you it's the only way to eat a pizza, and after a bite, you may just agree. Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of a dinner for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$10; $$ = US$10-$20; $$$ = US$21-$50; and $$$$ = more than US$50. | Local & Regional | Top |
Although this restaurant in the heart of downtown Biloxi is best known for its friendly, late-night atmosphere, it is now also open for lunch from 11 am. A full menu is offered until 7 am. $. 789 Vieux Marche Mall, Biloxi. Phone 228-435-9558. http://www.adventuresbarandgrill.com. Specialties include hand-cut prime rib and the seafood platter. If you still have room for more, check out the dessert case to see what tempts you. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. Bernard Bayou, Gulfport. Phone 228-896-9812. http://www.blowflyinn.com. The Burger-Burger sandwich was created in 1947—a hamburger on French bread, topped with a mustard blend, chopped onions and a secret sauce. The restaurant was for many years in Ocean Springs, and its relocation to Biloxi delighted locals who grew up eating the sandwiches. Open Monday-Friday for breakfast and lunch. $. Most major credit cards. 1039 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Phone 228-432-5183. Although the restaurant was established on Ascension Thursday (7 May) in 1964, the house dates to about 1737 and is a fine example of Creole architecture. There are several intimate dining rooms and a beautiful New Orleans-style courtyard shaded by ancient live oak trees. The shrimp and lump crabmeat is an interesting spin-off of the escargot appetizer, and the Sisters of the Sea au gratin is exquisite. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 138 Rue Magnolia, Old Biloxi, Biloxi. Phone 228-374-0163. http://www.marymahoneys.com. This favorite with locals moved from Point Cadet to higher ground in downtown Biloxi after the hurricane. The restaurant's comeback was featured in a story on National Public Radio. There is a story (it's fun, if of dubious accuracy) that this unassuming diner once had a special table hidden in the back room at Point Cadet, where Elvis Presley would eat roast-beef po'boy sandwiches (the restaurant was called Rosetti's then, and Elvis was doing his military service). The crabmeat and cheese po'boy is popular with locals these days, and Schooner fries are served with homemade gravy. Open Monday-Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations not accepted. $-$$. No credit cards. 871 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Phone 228-435-8071. Though the Vrazels have owned this restaurant since 1986, they still get occasional visitors who remember the original restaurant that was built around a tree. That building was destroyed by Hurricane Camille, but the tree is still right outside the door. Vrazel's was heavily damaged by Katrina but has since reopened. Specialties include seafood a la Vrazel and the eggplant la rosa. Flaming desserts are also popular. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 3206 W. Beach Blvd., Gulfport. Phone 228-863-2229. After Hurricane Katrina, all that remained of Alberti's in Biloxi was a statue of a gorilla, two tablecloths and a couple of unbroken bottles of wine. The restaurant moved to Ocean Springs, where the gorilla still greets visitors. Other than its somewhat improbable mascot, which was originally part of the Goofy Golf that preceded Alberti's in the Biloxi building, Alberti's is known for its steaks and veal parmigiana. The fettuccine Alfredo is especially delicious. For dessert, try the rum cake or the cheesecake—baked from scratch by Mrs. Alberti, whose husband does the rest of the cooking. Tuesday-Saturday 4-10 pm. $$$. Most major credit cards. 1203 Bienville Blvd., Ocean Springs. Phone 228-818-9143. Jazzeppi's is known for succulent seafood dishes and distinctive martinis, such as the "007." Co-owner Sharon Mattina describes the food as "Italian with a coastal flair." Try the very popular veal Mattina with a cream sauce of shrimp, crabmeat and crawfish. Another favorite is brandied apricot shrimp. Open Monday-Saturday 5-11 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$. 195 Porter Ave., Biloxi. Phone 228-374-9660. This beautiful historic home has been restored following Katrina and is open for business. The setting is elegant and relaxing, and the food is spectacular. Owners Stella LeGardeur and Michael Eastham both trained at the Culinary Institute of America. Thursday-Saturday for dinner and Sunday for brunch. 210 Main St., Bay St. Louis. Phone 228-469-0107. http://www.thesycamorehouse.com. Enjoy the funky tropical theme and West Pascagoula River scenery while you eat dinner. A marina abuts the dining area, and many customers arrive by boat. Try the blackened grouper salad or seafood po'boy. Open Tuesday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am-midnight, Sunday noon-10 pm. Closed Monday. $. 3000 Oak St., Gautier. Phone 228-497-4309. http://www.huckscove.com. From its location on a bluff overlooking Old Fort Bayou, this seafood-specialty restaurant has one of the nicest views of any on the Gulf Coast. Open Wednesday-Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $-$$$. 703 Bienville Blvd. (Highway 90), Ocean Springs. Phone 228-818-4600. | Other Options | Top |
After this small French bakery was flooded by Katrina, the owners put up a sign that said, "The bread will rise again. It just kneads time." They kept that pledge by becoming one of the first businesses in the area to reopen. That area of Biloxi is home to many Vietnamese immigrants, several Vietnamese churches and a Buddhist temple, and owner and pastry chef Sue Nguyen-Brown points out that the French once occupied the area. The bakery serves French-Vietnamese style po'boys, pastries, fresh-baked breads, fruit smoothies, bubble teas and Asian desserts. For something refreshing on a hot day, try a coconut or sugarcane drink. Open Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm, Sunday 9 am-3 pm. Closed Monday. $. Visa and MasterCard accepted. 280 Oak St., Biloxi. Phone 228-436-0850.
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