7 Bay St. Louis Restaurants You Must Try | Where to Dine in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi

Bay St. Louis is a lovely Mississippi seaside city. Budget Travel rated it one of America’s Coolest Little Towns, while Coastal Living Magazine ranked it a Top Ten Small Beach Town.

You may be wondering why Bay St. Louis, which is just 58 miles from New Orleans, is receiving so much attention. It is due to the city’s ethos and the tagline A Place Apart. Bay St. Louis has long attracted colorful individuals, and the locals have always valued variety.

It’s a gourmet hotspot, with restaurants in Bay St. Louis dishing up delicious seafood dishes as well as regional and international cuisine. When you combine a thriving art scene, a rich cultural past, including The 100 Men Hall, a historic stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail, and all the finest restaurants in Bay St. Louis, MS, it’s easy to understand why it makes all the best lists.

The nautical heritage, seafood, and link to New Orleans all have a big influence on the cuisine you’ll find at the restaurants on the west side of the Bay of St. Louis. Fresh fish is harvested directly from the Mississippi Sound, and it is not to be missed.

With New Orleans influences, you must taste the oysters and the famed Poboy sandwich, which are on practically every menu. Plus, since this is the south, you’ll find southern mainstays like scratch-made biscuits and grits. These are seven restaurants in Bay St. Louis that you must visit for some wonderful meals.

Not in the mood to dine out tonight? Click here to have Grubhub deliver right to your door from the greatest restaurants in town.

Visiting other places in Mississippi? Check out our other tasty guides:

• 10 Must-Try Restaurants In Oxford, Mississippi
• 18 Must-Try Jackson, MS Restaurants & 15 Fun Things To Do In Jackson MS
• 5 Best Biloxi Restaurants
• 7 Best Ocean Springs Restaurants
• 9 Best Pascagoula Restaurants
• 5 Best Natchez MS Restaurants
• 5 Best Pass Christian Restaurants
• The 7 Best Mexican Restaurants In Jackson MS
• 6 Best Jackson MS BBQ Restaurants

The 7 Best Restaurants in Bay St. Louis

Caf Mockingbird

+1 (228)467-8383110 South St. Louis, Mississippi

Locals have found comfort, camaraderie, and connection inside the walls of this old structure built in 1868, dubbed the Living Room of The Bay. This one-of-a-kind facility, which is half art gallery and part coffee shop, debuted in 2006, after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

At that turbulent period, the Bird provided a welcome, soothing presence to anyone who needed a place to relax and find refuge. It is still a popular meeting spot seven days a week.

Locals and travelers come to the Bird for breakfast, brunch, and lunch because of their scratch-made buttermilk biscuits, pancakes, muffins, omelets, baked goods, granolas, and jams.

They provide Coast Roast coffee and teas, as well as libations. From 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day of the week, you may order anything from the menu, including breakfast and lunch specialities (sandwiches and burgers), which are all handcrafted. Sit outdoors at a picnic table if the weather is nice. If not, take in the paintings on the walls from a caf table inside.

I wanted fluffy scrambled eggs with tomato and a massive handmade buttermilk biscuit with raspberry jam on the side. My turmeric latte, presented in the largest cup possible, was topped with a cinnamon sunshine stamp that made me happy. To-go foods are always provided in biodegradable cups, containers, or bags. That was a fantastic start to a lovely day.

Try this legendary Bay St. Louis restaurant for an early morning breakfast; it’s one of the greatest places to dine in Bay St. Louis.

The Tiger Who Is Blind

+ (228)216-2600119 N. Beach Blvd. Bay St. Louis, MS

During prohibition, Blind Tigers were late-night illicit taverns that offered bootleg whiskey and moonshine (1920-1933). Everyone in Bay St. Louis liked the blind tigers, even local politicians and cops. Just offshore from Cat Island, Al Capone maintained a major rum smuggling enterprise.

Rum shipments from Cuba were readily trafficked utilizing fast boats that could evade US Coast Guard patrols along the coastline. These runabouts would travel to the Bay St. Louis railroad bridge. The rum could then be shipped to New Orleans, Chicago, and Mississippi River tributaries for distribution across the United States.

When it first debuted in 2013, this Blind Tiger was an immediate success. Eight years after Katrina’s damage, it was time for eateries to reopen on Beach Boulevard’s restored pier and marina. It was so popular that the proprietor, Thomas Genin, decided to establish three additional Blind Tigers in adjacent towns.

Due to Katrina, Genin, who learned under Emeril Lagasse, established and closed a restaurant in Pass Christian, a few miles up the road. He envisioned an open-air venue with sea vistas and a laid-back island ambiance, comparable to those seen in the Caribbean. He nailed it, and the Blind Tiger was fantastic.

The menu is minimal, with just a few things produced to perfection and a well-stocked bar. If you’re looking for a superb seaside restaurant in Bay St. Louis, go no further.

Smoked tuna dip, Mahi or shrimp tacos, a pound of Royal Red peel and eat shrimp, cantina wings, a burger, fries, seared tuna, and a chicken sandwich are among the options. The menu is written in colorful chalk on a chalkboard. The drink menu is extensive.

With a chilled beer in hand, the cantina shrimp tacos were the ideal meal. The shrimp were cooked briefly and then mixed in a spicy cantina sauce. They were stuffed into two flour tortillas and topped with a corn, tomato, red onion, cilantro, and black bean salsa. That was very delicious.

The ambience and cuisine are superb, and the views of the Bay of St. Louis are breathtaking. If you’re in town, go for lunch or dinner, but sunsets are ideal for capturing the views of the water at this must-try Bay St. Louis restaurant.

Fields Steakhouse and Oyster Bar

+1 (228) 231-1972111 Bay St. Louis, MS Main Street Unit A

Chef Lauren Joffrion went above and above. It was her day off, and she was experimenting with new menu items for us to test. The day I visited Bay St. Louis, Fields was closed, but she volunteered to open simply to explain what was new and provide a sampling. Lauren started working at Fields in 2019, where they are known for their oysters and hand-cut steaks.

She was a self-taught chef who studied architecture before discovering her real love, cooking. Lauren is enamored with butchering and dry-aging meat, and she has numerous inventive ideas for the Bay St. Louis restaurant. Fields Steak and Oyster Bar has some new menu options, and she is thrilled to explain them and receive some comments.

We’ll eat steak, but first Lauren arranges a colorful tower of layers on the table. The tower of yellowfin tuna, mango salsa, avocado, seaweed salad, fried onions, yuzu soy glaze, and spicy dynamite sauce is stunning. Accompanying the tuna are crunchy triangles of wonton chips to scoop and chew on.

We hate to ruin the beautiful display, but we are hungry and eager to test. The tastes complement each other well, both spicy and sweet. The crunch of the chips, along with the fresh tuna, creamy avocado, and salty seaweed salad, is so wonderful that we can’t stop eating it. We give it two hearty thumbs up.

Lauren then serves panko-fried cauliflower with a sweet and sour sauce, yuzu soy, sesame seeds, and green onions. We like this meal as well. It’s great to have a vegetarian choice at a steakhouse, and this crisp cauliflower is addicting. It’s a keeper.

As we come to the steak, the presentation is stunning. On the bottom is an eight-ounce blue crab cake with almost no filler. On top of it, a small, pepper-crusted, aged filet is seared in cast iron. The steak is then topped with sautéed asparagus and finished with wagyu butter. To cleanse the palate and create for a spectacular display, a branch of rosemary is ignited on fire. Almost single morsel is a hit with us.

We are so stuffed that we can only eat half of our steaks. The attention to detail in the preparation and the high quality of the meal should entice you to eat at Fields. Every aspect is considered, from the aging to the slaughtering. Our lunch was very delicious.

This is one of the top restaurants in Bay St. Louis for a truly gourmet experience.

Restaurant & Bar 200 North Beach

+ (228) 467-9388200 North Beach Boulevard Bay St. Louis, MS

The vintage eatery at 200 North Beach Boulevard is a hidden gem. It was the home of the Sea Coast Echo Newspaper when it was built in 1903, and it is one of the outstanding examples of early 20th century architecture on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Ann Tidwell and her family rebuilt the building to its previous magnificent self after Hurricane Katrina destroyed it in 2005. It reopened to the public in 2011. Since then, the restaurant has served great seafood, steaks, and beverages.

With its outside wrought-iron terrace and patio, this romantic setting offers stunning views of the bay. The menu underwent significant modifications with the advent of Chef Bernard Carmouche, a protégé of Chef Emeril Lagasse. Chef Bernard reimagined local seafood dishes, charbroiled oysters, a local favorite, and other inventive meals and drink specials.

I went for the fried shrimp Poboy. The Poboy is a traditional New Orleans sandwich served on a French baguette. It’s available everywhere and nearly usually consists of fried shrimp, oysters, or catfish. This sandwich is eight inches long and comes with a side of fries.

I had it with mayonnaise, shredded lettuce, tomato, and sliced pickles on top. That was divine. The shrimp were not greasy and were crisp. The bread is fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, and it’s just delicious. It’s a fantastic combo with the crisp lettuce and creamy mayo with all the toppings. I had to cut it in half to eat it, but the pleasure was well worth it.

I can see why every restaurant serves this classic; it’s a must-try while visiting Bay St. Louis eateries, and 200 North Beach does it properly.

Old Town Oyster Bar & Grill Cuzs

South Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, Mississippi +1 (228) 467-3707108

This family company has withstood the test of time and a severe catastrophe since 2004. The traditions continue at their new restaurant on South Beach Boulevard. They hope that faithful customers will enjoy the freshest seafood, the coldest beer, and the same friendliness that keeps people returning to eat inside or outdoors under the live oak trees on a regular basis. They utilize only the freshest ingredients and have them delivered daily.

Oysters are constantly available, either raw or chargrilled. Alligator bites, gumbo, seafood bisque, redfish dip, and fried green tomatoes are among the appetizers. You offer a wide variety of Poboys, including alligator sausage, which I had not seen before.

Then the charred redfish captures my attention. I love Cajun seafood, and I was informed it was brought in fresh today. It comes with a salad, hush puppies (fried cornmeal balls), and wild rice. The portion is massive. A whole filet covered with blackened spices and topped with a squeeze of fresh lemon. It’s delicious, especially the hush puppies, which are sweet and crispy.

I like it everything, although there is a lot of food. Cuzs is a bustling place where everyone appears to know one other. The waiters know everyone, and my server is kind and conversational. It’s a family restaurant with a lot of kid-friendly options on the menu.

I like how you can have a complete bar, sports on TV, and nice cuisine at affordable rates in a relaxed setting. Children are welcome both inside and outside, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Everything here is genuine and excellent, making it an ideal spot to dine in Bay St. Louis.

The Buttercup On 2^nd Street

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi +(228) 466-4930112 N. 2nd St.

The Buttercup is a popular choice among locals. Inside, there’s a cute small breakfast spot with a few tables. The terrace is nice outside. There are many wrought iron tables in front of the old, little yellow home, as well as a few on the charming front porch. There are a few tables outdoors that are used by locals. I requested to seat outdoors, and now I had a whole table to myself.

The Buttercup is open everyday for breakfast and lunch. I came early in the morning and bought coffee before perusing the breakfast menu. I see the most of the standard options, and then I see the Betty Special.

I inquire of my server. Betty, she recalls, was a frequent client who regularly got the same meal. Her meal consisted of two eggs over easy on top of grits, with crumbled bacon pieces and shredded cheddar cheese on top. You also have the option of toast. I saw handmade biscuits and decided to have one instead of toast.

After Betty died, the owner hung her photo on the wall and served her favorite meal. I dug in when the bowl arrived. The egg yolks spilled into the grits, and the cheese and bacon melted on top. That had been a breakfast bowl! Betty was much ahead of her time, and it was fantastic. I didn’t need the biscuit, but I nibbled on it nevertheless. It was light, fluffy, and delicious.

I was struck by the Buttercup’s compassion and goodness. The welcoming atmosphere at this Bay St. Louis restaurant enhanced my day, and the breakfast was delicious. Sandwiches, burgers, vegetable paninis, and salads are available for lunch.

Trapani Restaurant

Bay St. Louis, MS +(228) 467-8570116 N Beach Blvd.

Trapanis Bistro first opened its doors in 1994. It was demolished and rebuilt in the same spot where it has been serving the greatest seafood, steaks, and world-famous Poboys for more than two decades. You may relax on the balcony with bay views or inside with a beach atmosphere and a gigantic crab hanging from the ceiling.

The locals like this spot, and live music is often performed on the terrace. Trapanis boasts a genuine New Orleans ambiance with meals inspired by Big Easy staples, such as the Muffuletta sandwich. Genoa salami, smoked ham, turkey, Provolone cheese, and handmade olive salad make up the sandwich.

In Trapanis, I had to try a Poboy. All of the sandwiches come with lettuce, mayonnaise, and tomatoes, but you can have them in four-inch or eight-inch sizes on baguette bread. This is great news since the servings at Bay St. Louis restaurants are generally very large.

Fried shrimp, oysters, and classic catfish are available. Yet, as I continue reading, I see sautéed shrimp, grilled tuna, a Cuban press, roast beef, meatballs with melted provolone and red sauce, and sautéed veal with red sauce. I know roast beef is customary, but I’d like to sample the four-inch non-fried shrimp.

The roll is smaller and prepared differently than described, but the platter is brimming with garlicky, buttery shrimp. The bread is crunchy, and the shrimp are amply seasoned with salt and pepper. This rendition is amazing, and I devour it. I like the fact that Trapanis offers a variety of Poboys. Even a Cuban Sandwich is a Poboy, according to my sources, since the bread makes it such.

If you want a true flavor of New Orleans and the south in general, this Bay St. Louis restaurant is for you.

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The influence of New Orleans, the seafood from the Mississippi Sound, and the Gulf of Mexico provide an endless feast from the seas just off the shore to the top Bay St. Louis restaurants. The cooks are motivated. They receive their inspiration from seasonal products from farmers and residents who return again and again.

Their fortitude, support, and loyalty to the Bay by electing to remain and rebuild after disaster are wonderful. Additionally, the people support one another, which causes the cooks want to do their best to serve their neighbors from the heart. Such broad mood facilitates hospitality. Wonderful moments, excellent people, and delicious food Let the party begin!

Which of these Bay St. Louis restaurants do you wish to try the most? Please share your thoughts in the comments box below!