Jackson, Mississippi, Named the South’s Top Culinary Town by The Local Palate

Visit Jackson has announced that Jackson, Mississippi, has been named the South’s Top Culinary Town for 2025 by The Local Palate in the publication’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards. After two rounds of public voting from July 21–31, Jackson emerged as the region’s top pick — an honor that reflects the community’s creativity, heritage and deep-rooted culinary pride.

This year’s award recognizes destinations shaping and defining Southern food culture. For Jackson, the win highlights a dining landscape where longstanding neighborhood institutions stand alongside innovative chefs reimagining Mississippi cuisine. As The Local Palate noted in a recent city profile, Jackson offers varied culinary experiences anchored by bold flavors, global influences and the people who bring them to life.

From nationally recognized chefs like Chaz Lindsay and Hunter Evans to beloved staples such as the Mayflower Café, Hal & Mal’s and Brent's Drugs, Jackson’s food scene reflects the city’s identity as the City With Soul — welcoming, resilient and full of character.

“This recognition speaks to the extraordinary passion behind Jackson’s kitchens,” said Dr. Rickey Thigpen, President and CEO of Visit Jackson. “Our chefs, restaurateurs and food makers pour their hearts into every plate, honoring tradition while creating something distinctly their own. Being named the South’s top culinary town affirms what our residents know well: Jackson’s story is told through its food, and it is a story worth celebrating.”

The accolade also strengthens Jackson’s growing position as a premier travel destination in the South. As interest in food-driven travel continues to rise, the award provides a meaningful boost for the city’s hospitality industry and reinforces Visit Jackson’s mission to connect, engage and inspire through cultural experiences that benefit both visitors and residents.