14 Best Restaurants in Gulfport Mississippi

Gulfport, Mississippi is the place to be if you are looking for fresh seafood, warm hospitality, and other sensational restaurants. That is why it is no surprise that Gulfport has become a popular destination for foodies from all over the United States.

From quaint seafood shacks to fine dining experiences, the place is every foodie’s dream. You can get everything from a classic Po’boy sandwich, french fries, and a platter of freshly shucked oysters, to a flawlessly grilled steak. 

Here is our guide to the finest restaurants in Gulfport, MS, where each dish is an experience in itself.

1. Best Steakhouse – The Rack House Steak & Spirits

For a truly remarkable meal in Gulfport, Mississippi, make a reservation at the Rack House Steak and Spirits. Everything at this upscale restaurant is made with attention to detail, from the perfectly grilled steaks to the carefully mixed cocktails.

A selection of juicy, flavorful steaks is available on the menu. The sides are just as delicious, with choices like roasted Brussels sprouts and truffle mac & cheese. The Rack House’s range of fish and poultry dishes is just as remarkable as the steak for those who prefer something other than steak.

The bar, however, is the real show-stopper at The Rack House. The bartenders are skilled mixologists who create original cocktails that are as creative as they are beautiful to look at.

What to Eat:

The Rack House is known for its steaks. Their menu features a variety of cuts, including ribeye, filet mignon, New York strip, and more. Steaks are typically cooked to order and come with your choice of side dishes, such as loaded baked potato, garlic mashed potatoes, or creamed spinach.

2. Best Seafood Restaurant – Half Shell Oyster House

This is one of the best Gulfport restaurants hidden gem in the city, serving up delectable dishes with a Southern flavor and a contemporary touch

As soon as you enter Half Shell Oyster House, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a nautical paradise, what with the oyster shell chandeliers and ocean blue decor. Raw oysters, shrimp and grits, seafood gumbo, and much more can be found on the menu, making it a seafood lover’s paradise.

Half Shell may be known for its seafood, but in addition to that, they also serve steaks, burgers, and salads.

What to Eat:

They offer a variety of oyster preparations, including raw oysters on the half-shell, charbroiled oysters with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, and Rockefeller-style oysters topped with spinach, bacon, and hollandaise sauce. If you’re a fan of oysters, this is a must-try.

The Half Shell Oyster House also has a seafood platter which is a popular choice for seafood lovers. It typically includes a combination of fried fish, shrimp, oysters, crab claws, and sides like hush puppies and coleslaw.

3. Best Seafood Bar – Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar

Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar in Gulfport, Mississippi, is the place to go if you want to sample authentic Gulf Coast cuisine. It has some of the freshest oysters around, and they come prepared in a number of different ways (including charbroiled, Rockefeller, and raw).

Although oysters are a specialty, other seafood options include crab cakes, shrimp po’boys, and seafood platters. It doesn’t matter if you don’t like seafood; Felix’s has something for everyone. Southern staples like fried chicken, red beans & rice, and jambalaya may also be found here.

The restaurant has been in the same family for more than three generations, and this commitment to excellence and warmth is apparent in every detail of the meal.

What to Eat:

One of the Southern favorites is their delicious plates of shrimp and grits. This dish typically features succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful sauce with Andouille sausage, served over creamy grits.

4. Best Coastal Cuisine – The Chimneys

One of the best places to eat in Gulfport is The Chimneys. The restaurant occupies a structure with a rich history; it was constructed in the early 1800s and emanated a quaint, traditional Southern ambiance.

Seafood is caught daily from the local seas and is the restaurant’s main attraction. I love their grilled Gulf shrimp, crab cakes, seafood gumbo, and charred redfish.

The Chimneys is housed in a beautiful, historic building with a rich history, which dates back to the 1800s. The interior features a classic, elegant ambiance, tasteful decor, soft lighting, and comfortable seating. The dining rooms are often adorned with artwork and antiques, creating a refined and sophisticated atmosphere.

What to Eat:

The restaurant’s menu contains delicious meat dishes, such as steak au poivre and slow-braised lamb shank, despite its reputation for fish. Vegetarians can also find a lot to love, like the roasted veggie Napoleon and the stuffed portobello mushroom.

5. Best Seafood Classics – Shrimp Basket

For good reason, patrons flock to this local seafood restaurant, as the menu is stacked with tempting options that make the most of the season’s best catches.

The Shrimp Basket in Gulfport is located near the beach, and the restaurant’s ambiance is inspired by the coastal charm of the Gulf Coast. The decor often includes nautical-themed elements, such as fishing nets, seashells, and beach-inspired artwork, creating a relaxed and beachy atmosphere.

I suggest trying their fried shrimp, crawfish, oysters, and grilled and charred seafood for a taste of traditional Southern cooking. Po’ boys, seafood gumbo, and other traditional Gulf Coast foods can also be found on the menu.

What to Eat:

All seafood lovers should try shrimps, which are delicious and succulent, whether steamed or fried. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, the Shrimp Basket also serves up burgers, chicken tenders, and salads. In addition, the fried Oreos and key lime pie are delicious options for dessert.

6. Best Italian Restaurant – Salute Italian Seafood Restaurant

The Salute Italian Seafood Restaurant in downtown Gulfport, Mississippi, serves up seafood with a taste of the Italian Coast.

They use only the freshest seafood caught by local fishermen and the highest quality ingredients imported worldwide. Everything from their flawlessly cooked scallops to their hand-made pasta.

Salute Italian Seafood Restaurant often features a cozy and romantic ambiance, with dim lighting, soft music, and comfortable seating. The restaurant is designed to create an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a date night or a special occasion.

What to Eat:

In addition to traditional Italian fare, the menu also offers seafood-inspired renditions of some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, such as the linguine alle vongole, which is made with linguine pasta, fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley.  Wine is an essential part of any Italian dinner, and this restaurant has a wide variety of wines. 

7. Best Japanese Cuisine – Koi Sushi Japanese Steak House & Hibachi

If you want an authentic and amazing sushi experience, Koi Sushi is the place to go.

When you enter, you’ll be whisked away to the finest Japanese cuisine.  The atmosphere is contemporary and chic, with minimalistic decor and subdued lighting.

The restaurant may have a vibrant atmosphere with a bustling and interactive environment. The hibachi grills are often a focal point of the dining experience, where skilled chefs showcase their cooking techniques and entertain guests with their culinary skills. The sizzling sounds, flames, and aroma of the grilled meats and vegetables can add to the ambiance and create an exciting and engaging dining experience.

Koi Sushi indeed caters to both sushi experts and those who have never tried Japanese food before.

What to Eat:

Sushi, sashimi, udon, tempura, and other staples of Japanese cuisine are just some of the options available at Koi Sushi. Their hibachi chefs are highly trained professionals who will wow you with their culinary prowess as they make your dinner in front of your own eyes.

8. Best Thai Restaurant – Miss Thai and Ramen Noodles Cafe

Gulfport, Mississippi’s Miss Thai, and Ramen Noodles Cafe is a popular dining spot known for its innovative combination of two popular cuisines: Thai and Japanese ramen. Diners are greeted with friendly service and a lively vibe in the cafe’s chic, contemporary decor.

Miss Thai and Ramen Noodles Cafe staff may provide friendly and attentive service, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diners.

The restaurant may also offer a casual and laid-back atmosphere, making it suitable for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a casual meal with friends or family.

What to Eat:

Miss Thai and Ramen Noodles Cafe has you covered whether you’re craving some traditional Pad Thai or a bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen. Vegetarian and vegan selections are plentiful, making the cafe suitable for customers with various dietary restrictions.

9. Best Jamaican Cuisine – Coastline Caribbean Restaurant

Gulfport, Mississippi’s Coastline Caribbean Restaurant is an undiscovered gem that provides authentic Jamaican cuisine and ambiance to the Gulf Coast.

The food, though, is the true highlight of the restaurant. Coastline Caribbean offers various island-inspired cuisine that will satisfy your taste buds and take you away to the islands.

The restaurant has a colorful decor, tropical-themed artwork, and reggae or Caribbean music playing in the background creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.

What to Eat:

Every meal, from jerk chicken to curry goat to oxtail, is prepared with care and attention to detail and features perfectly balanced flavors. 

The menu also features a number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, such as a robust lentil soup and a tasty vegetable curry.

10. Best Family-Friendly Restaurant – Shaggy’s 

If you’re looking for a place to take the whole family and chill out on the Gulf Coast, Shaggy’s in Gulfport, Mississippi, is the way to go. Shaggy’s is also a great place to take the kids because they have a special menu with all their favorites, such as chicken tenders and grilled cheese.

Outdoor seating, live music, karaoke, and quiz nights make it a perfect place for birthday dinner.

What To Eat:

Menu items range from luscious shrimp and fresh oysters to flawlessly grilled fish, showcasing the best of the Gulf Coast. A wide variety of cuisine is available for those who do not eat fish, such as a scrumptious bacon cheeseburger or a juicy grilled chicken sandwich. 

11. Best Pizza House – Tony’s Brick Oven Pizzeria

If you’re looking for a warm, welcoming place to satisfy your appetite for pizza made the old-fashioned manner, go no further than this cozy family-owned pizzeria.

The pizza at Tony’s Brick Oven Pizzeria is legendary. In the brick oven, the crust achieves the ideal balance of crispiness and chewiness. I love how the toppings complement the flavor making it tasty and fresh, and the sauce is savory and zesty.

Overall, I would recommend Tony’s Brick Oven Pizzeria as a hidden gem that serves you real, excellent pizza in a warm, inviting setting.

What To Eat:

You can get a traditional pepperoni pizza or go for something more unique, like prosciutto and arugula.

12. Best BBQ House- Murky Waters Blues

Anyone looking to have a good time and eat some pretty wonderful food should head to one of the popular restaurants in the area.

Murky Waters Blues & BBQ is a gateway to a world of smokey flavors and foot-tapping rhythms. The meat in this barbeque is so delicate and juicy that it just falls off the bone. If you want BBQ, I would recommend you get your fill of pulled pork, brisket, or ribs.

With lots of room to spread out and enjoy the tunes and the fare, the Murky Waters ambiance will surely leave you relaxed.

13. Best Southern Favorite Seafood – Beach Blvd Steamer

If you’re looking for a relaxed and tasty seafood restaurant, look no further than this one.

From the standard shrimp and crab to the more exotic crawfish and gator bites, Beach Blvd Steamer has it all when it comes to seafood. Plus, the best thing is that it is all steamed to perfection and delivered at a steaming hot temperature.

However, the Beach Blvd Steamer is much more than just a fantastic restaurant. It’s a great place to spend a relaxed evening with friends or family. I genuinely enjoy some of the freshest seafood from the Gulf of Mexico with a cold beer or a revitalizing cocktail, and I’m sure you will too.

What To Eat:

Murky Waters is known for its delicious and tender BBQ ribs. They may be slow-cooked, smoked, or grilled to perfection, with a variety of BBQ sauces to choose from, such as sweet, tangy, or spicy.

14. Best Crawfish Cuisine – Claw Daddy’s

Claw Daddy’s is a busy and entertaining seafood restaurant serving a large selection of crab, shrimp, and crawfish meals. The restaurant’s relaxed vibe is ideal for a fun evening out with loved ones.

It is known for its large servings and crab claws, and seafood boils are especially noteworthy because they come with abundant fish, potatoes, and corn. Claw Daddy’s is well-known not only for its delicious food but also for its lively and exciting ambiance.

Everything about Claw Daddy’s is about making you happy and at home, from the upbeat music to the warm and helpful staff.

What To Eat:

Try their crawfish boil, a classic Louisiana-style dish featuring boiled crawfish seasoned with Cajun spices. It’s typically served with corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage, making for a flavorful and messy meal.

You can also indulge in Claw Daddy’s lobster tail for a decadent treat. Lobster tails are often broiled or grilled with butter and garlic, resulting in a rich and succulent dish. .

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