Dining Off The Beaten Path in Jackson

With over 200 locally-owned restaurants in Jackson, there are bound to be more than a few you may have never frequented.

Make your list (or use ours) and venture off the well-worn path to experience a richer dining scene in the City With Soul.

a lunch plate with chicken, rice, plantains and salad

Taste of the Island Caribbean

TASTE OF THE ISLAND - 436 EAST CAPITOL STREET

Located in the old Fanatics location on the corner of Capitol and President streets, Taste of the Island is primarily a carryout joint with some seating available inside the restaurant. Crowd favorites include the jerk pork, jerk chicken and oxtails and gravy. The meals are made to be as authentic to these Caribbean staples as possible, making it a favorite for those who take cultural comfort in the recipes or a new favorite for those looking to expand their palate.

LOADED LETTUCE - 2584 ROBINSON STREET

At Loaded Lettuce in Westland Plaza, you can find a variety of cuisines such as the build-your-own salad line, wraps, lettuce wraps, fruit salads & fruit cups.

Ingredients like romaine lettuce, banana peppers, strawberries and nut are freshly chopped and Loaded Lettuce offers keto, low carb and vegan and vegetarian-friendly cuisine.

Order online for carryout or delivery.

MEALS THAT HEAL - 612 NORTH FARISH STREET

In the historic Farish Street District, Meal That Heal takes plant-based dining seriously.

Meals that Heal was started by a plant-based family that includes herbalist Eric T. and professor Detrice R. That expertise built a menu that includes no meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs in their kitchen. The food is made from vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, nuts, and seeds – and never microwaved. Natural sweeteners and non-GMO ingredients round out the care taken to ensure a healthy product.

Their menu is ever-changing. Try their pecan spaghetti, creole greens, veggie fried rice, spring rolls, creole pasta or New Orleans okra gumbo.

JERK CITY GRILLE - 4157 ROBINSON ROAD

Jerk City Grille has several Caribbean-style bites with classic Southern twists, boasting a newly updated menu and pricing. The jerk chicken po’boy is a popular menu item, loaded with juicy jerk chicken, sausage and stir-fried veggies. Another is the red strip rib, made by slow braising a rack of ribs and glazing with Jerk City’s special sauce. If you’re looking for pasta, Jerk City also has a creamy, jerk-seasoned dish called Rasta pasta. The dish includes sausage, jerk chicken, penne and vegetables tossed in Alfredo sauce.

a breakfast plate with biscuit, grits, and eggs

Fred's Soul Food

FRED’S SOUL FOOD - 930 PALMYRA STREET

Fred’s Soul Food holds the distinction on this list as being your absolute go-to for a good old fashion country breakfast your parents would write home about. With the convenience of opening at 6 a.m. for those on the early commute, Fred’s has an extensive menu ranging from salmon croquettes and buttered rice to fried bologna and eggs. It is convenient and straightforward – and always made with love at Fred’s. Foodie favorites include the salmon croquettes and buttered rice, a full breakfast platter and pancakes.

SPICE AVENUE - 4711 I55 NORTH

Known for its butter chicken and lamb curry, Spice Avenue is well-known for its Indian delicacies. Spice Avenue is also the only place in Jackson with an elaborate vegetarian menu with over 14 entrée dishes and specialty orders. For the main course, try the Lamb Chop, Tandoori Prawns, Chicken Tikka Kabab, or, for the best of all worlds, try the Tandoori Platter. It includes chunks of fish, prawns, lamb, and chicken lightly marinated in herbs and then grilled. Vegetarian specials include Aloo Ghobi (cauliflower and potatoes cooked in onions, tomato, ginger, and spices), Mixed Vegetable Korma, and BaiganBhurta (eggplant cooked in the oven, then chopped and mixed with onions and tomatoes). If you’re headed to Spice Avenue for lunch, check out their lunch buffet.

BONSAI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE - 1925 LAKELAND DRIVE

Nobody told the owner of Bonsai Japanese Steakhouse - Cheryl Truong - that you couldn’t get good hibachi in Mississippi, so she continues to serve it up daily alongside an impressive sushi menu. On the sushi side of the menu, the list of traditional rolls and nigiri options is impressive. But the menu also offers a distinctly welcoming Mississippian twist with items like the deep-fried Mardi Gras roll, which features crawfish.

But the hibachi grill is where Bonsai’s approach begins to shine. With the multitude of meat and sauce choices, it would be easy to order an entire meal that a hibachi purist wouldn’t even recognize, such as whole lobster tail with sweet chili sauce or high-grade ribeye with sriracha.

A plate of food - beans, cabbage, a corn muffin and fried chicken

Josephine's Kitchen

JOSEPHINE’S KITCHEN - 4638 HANGING MOSS ROAD

Josephine’s Kitchen offers burgers, sandwiches, seafood, sides, sweets and more “with a hint of nostalgia in every bite.” The restaurant is on a mission to create elevated, hand-crafted versions of the classics. Strictly a takeout spot (with local delivery through several vendors), Josephine’s prides itself on a customer-focused experience with cooked-to-order meals. Satisfied Foodies remark about well-seasoned and flavorful dishes like Josephine’s wings, pasta and sandwiches.

MARTIN’S FISH HOUSE - 5249 CLINTON BOULEVARD

Serving chicken wings, pork chops and other Southern favorites, the menu at Martin’s Fish House also boasts a large selection of fried fish dishes. Customers can choose from fried pan trout, fried catfish, whole catfish, catfish steak, catfish nuggets, tilapia and several other fishy options. Complete your meal at the Martin’s with their golden-brown hushpuppies or French fries.

OOPS ALL VEGAN - 4409 NORTH STATE STREET

Oops All Vegan was founded by LaMarcus Robinson as Mississippi’s first vegan food truck. With its first brick-and-mortar location in North Fondren, Oops All Vegan strives to provide nutritious, savory, fresh vegan food options with clean ingredients. Their version of burgers, teriyaki bowls, burritos and wings just may make you give up meat altogether!

10 Black-Owned Restaurants You Want To Visit in JXN Learn More

Down Home: 4 Places for Soul Food Learn More

Spice Things Up: International Options Learn More

Author

Paul Wolf

Paul is the Director of Destination Storytelling for Visit Jackson, overseeing the organization's digital platforms and travel journalism strategy. With 30 years in communications, he enjoys writing, photography, video production and podcasting and brings those skills to his work. Outside of work, you'll find Paul enjoying Jxn's food and drink scene or hanging out with friends.

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