Southern Living says MS gem one of ‘South’s Most Legendary Restaurants’

Southern Living released its 2026 list of the most legendary restaurants in the South. These places are longtime favorites that became community icons. They’re fan favorites from breakfast through date night.

“The South’s most legendary restaurants have shaped their cities, hosted generations of celebrations, and perfected the dishes that keep guests coming back,” Southern Living wrote. “From white-tablecloth dining rooms to beloved small-town cafés, these long-standing eateries with decades of history serve up more than just wonderful meals.”

Here’s what we know about the only Mississippi restaurant to make the list.

Southern Living says this Mississippi restaurant is ‘legendary’

City Grocery Restaurant is on the Square in Oxford, Mississippi.

Chef John Currence founded it in 1992 in a converted livery stable. The City Grocery was a 2025 Michelin Guide American South Recommended Restaurant.

“Grounded in a mix of culinary styles and featuring homegrown flavors that define Southern cooking, this spot catalyzed a new interest in North Mississippi restaurants that’s still going strong over three decades later,” Southern Living wrote.

People can grab a drink at the upstairs bar. Or you can experience fine dining downstairs.

Today, the James Beard award nominee runs four restaurants in Oxford:

When to go to City Grocery

City Grocery is open six days a week for lunch and dinner.

Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dinner hours are 6-10 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 6-10:30 p.m. Friday to Saturday.

Bar hours start at 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Reservations are recommended.

More: Delta Hot Tamale Festival ranks best in US. People love the food, fun

Southern Living’s Most Legendary Restaurants in the South

Southern Living names more than 30 restaurants among the most legendary in the South. Only one is from Mississippi.

1. The Olde Pink House in Savannah, Georgia
2. The Old Mill and Restaurant in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
3. Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, Florida
4. Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida
5. Angus Barn in Raleigh, North Carolina
6. Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, Florida
7. Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta, Georgia
8. Poogan’s Porch in Charleston, South Carolina
9. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room in Savannah, Georgia
10. Bottega in Birmingham, Alabama
11. The Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, West Virginia
12. The Loveless Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee
13. Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Louisiana
14. Captain Anderson’s in Panama City Beach, Florida
15. Patti’s 1880’s Settlement in Grand Rivers, Kentucky
16. Hyman’s Seafood in Charleston, South Carolina
17. Michie Tavern in Charlottesville, Virginia
18. The Smith House in Dahlonega, Georgia
19. Crafted at Boone Tavern in Berea, Kentucky
20. 82 Queen in Charleston, South Carolina
21. The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee
22. Sea Captain’s House in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
23. Blue Heaven in Key West, Florida
24. The Pirate’s House in Savannah, Georgia
25. Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
26. Hugo’s in Fayetteville, Arkansas
27. The Bright Star Restaurant in Bessemer, Alabama
28. Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, Texas
29. The Red Fox Inn & Tavern in Middleburg, Virginia
30. Jack Fry’s in Louisville, Kentucky
31. City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi
32. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Contributing: Vanessa Countryman

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.