Mississippi is known for its amazing culinary creations, but if there could only be one official state food, it would definitely be catfish. Most often breaded and fried to purr-fection, there’s just nothing like Mississippi catfish. Looking for the best catfish in Mississippi? Then you’ll definitely want to check out the following 10 catfish restaurants in Mississippi.

1. Jerry’s Catfish House, Florence
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One of Florence’s oldest fish houses, Jerry’s seems to be the city’s best kept secret, especially since the restaurant has no website or official Facebook Page. But according to customer reviews, this is a must-visit. A statement reiterated by one of our readers who said that Jerry’s "has the best fried catfish, hush puppies, and Cole slaw!"
2. Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant, Ocean Springs
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Kevin J./Foursquare
One visit to this coastal gem and you’ll quickly realize Aunt Jenny’s has it all – a great atmosphere and even better catfish, which, by the way, was featured on Good Morning America’s "Best Bite in America Challenge."
3. Moss Creek Fish House, Pearl
Moss Creek Fish House/Facebook
Moss Creek Fish House/Facebook
This family-owned and operated restaurant opened in 2012, and since that time it has become known for its delicious catfish, which is served fried, grilled, or blackened. And while there, be sure to try the thin-sliced catfish - it’s the restaurant’s specialty.
4. Cuevas Fish House, Picayune
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The kind of place you only hear about from locals, this is easily one of the best fish houses in Mississippi. It does require a bit of effort to reach since it's tucked away in a small town, but is completely worth the effort. The all-you-can-eat catfish is accompanied by fries, Cole slaw, and hushpuppies so good, they'll melt in your mouth.
5. Charlie’s Catfish House, Ellisville
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Darren Crosby/Google
For the past 40 years, Ellisville locals have been visiting this fish house to satisfy their catfish cravings. Diners are served hearty portions of southern classics, including perfectly fried whole catfish (no filets).

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6. Taylor Grocery, Taylor
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Referred to by many simply as "that catfish place," Taylor Grocery has been serving up the deep-fried cuisine since the late 1970s. And at this local staple, the "South’s best catfish" is always joined by good music and sweet tea, which can be enjoyed on the front porch. Does it get any more Mississippi than that?!
7. Catfish Corner, Grenada
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Nancy Jane Tilghman/Facebook
A local favorite for over 30 years, Catfish Corner’s "perfectly fried, never greasy catfish" is served buffet-style and joined by a ton of other Southern specialties – all of which is so good, you’ll swear your momma made it.
8. Chatterbox Restaurant, Byhalia
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Mo Mo B/Google
This family-owned restaurant has been serving up what many have called "the best catfish in Mississippi" for years now. And at Chatterbox, the quality is outmatched only by the extremely generous portions, which definitely makes it hard to save room for the amazing homemade desserts you’ll undoubtedly be tempted with.
9. Cock of the Walk, Ridgeland
Cock of the Walk/Facebook
Cock of the Walk/Facebook
With a name that means "best of the best," it should go without saying that this Ridgeland eatery serves some of the best catfish in Mississippi. In fact, if you ask New York Times food critic Craig Claiborne, he’ll tell you it’s "possibly the best in the nation." Cock of the Walk has also been named the "Best Place for Fried Fish" by the Jackson Free Press several years in a row.
10. Catfish Charlie’s, Gulfport
Rick M./Yelp
Catfish Charlie/Facebook
Since 1980, this coastal eatery has been "notorious for serving the world’s best catfish," which is served all-you-can-eat or straight order.

Where do you go when you get a hankering for the best catfish in Mississippi? Tell us in the comments section below.

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Best Catfish In Mississippi

Daniella DiRienzo | February 23, 2021

What’s the best seafood buffet in Mississippi?

For one of the best – and biggest – seafood buffets in Mississippi, you’ve got to head to Mack’s on the River in Hattiesburg. Spanning 45 feet, the lengthy buffet is sure to delight even the most serious of seafood lover’s. In addition to catfish, shrimp, oysters, and other under-the-sea faves, the mouthwatering spread includes sides, specialty items, and homemade desserts. Keep in mind, the seafood buffet is offered on select nights, so make sure to verify its availability prior to visiting.

Where can I fill up on Mississippi catfish as well as a variety of other seafood?

Fish houses are great, but sometimes you’re craving a more expansive offering. Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants that offer just that. One that belongs on your must-visit list is Dempsey’s Steak and Seafood. A true hidden gem, it’s tucked away in the tiny town of Kiln; however, it’s definitely worth seeking out, as it serves up everything from catfish and shrimp to Ahi tuna, flounder, crab legs, and more. Mr. and Mrs. Crab in Gulfport is another can’t-miss for seafood aficionados. The menu boasts fried seafood, baskets, and platters, but that’s just the beginning of the tantalizing offering. Mr. and Mrs. Crab’s specialty is build-your-own seafood boils, which merge “American country taste with traditional Szechuan spices,” resulting in seafood that is bursting with incredible flavor.

What are the best Mississippi restaurants for a quintessential southern fare?

Fried catfish isn’t the only quintessential Southern dish you can fill up on in Mississippi. There are lots of eateries known for their authentic Southern cuisine, including The Old Country Store in Lorman. Housed in an old general store from the 1800s, it offers one of the most unique dining experiences in the state. But its location isn’t its only claim to fame. The eatery is most known for its “world famous” fried chicken. The Dinner Bell in McComb is another great place to get your fix of Southern comfort food. A “round-table” restaurant, the food is served family-style via large lazy Susans.

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Featured Addresses
Jerry's Catfish House, 3326 US 49, Florence, MS 39073, USA
Aunt Jenny's Catfish Restaurant, 1217 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
413 Riverwind Dr, Pearl, MS 39208, USA
2508 MS-43, Picayune, MS 39466, USA
5167 US-11, Ellisville, MS 39437, USA
Taylor Grocery, 4 First St, Taylor, MS 38673, USA
117 Sunset Dr, Grenada, MS 38901, USA
3443 Red Banks Rd S, Byhalia, MS 38611, USA
Cock of the Walk, 141 Madison Landing Cir, Ridgeland, MS 39157, USA
11419 Canal Rd, Gulfport, MS 39503, USA