Vote for Jackson in Local Palate's 'Best Culinary Town in the South'
July 15, 2025
Jackson, Mississippi, has been selected as one of only 10 towns competing for The Local Palate's prestigious "Best Culinary Town in the South" award for 2025. This recognition celebrates what locals have known for years: Jackson's vibrant food scene is truly special.
Visit thelocalpalate.com from July 21-25 to cast your vote for Jackson in the first round of voting.
What Makes Jackson's Culinary Scene Unique
From the intimate storytelling at The Mayflower Café where Chef Hunter Evans greets guests personally, to the authentic African flavors at Sambou's African Kitchen where Joseph Sambou shares his family's culinary traditions, Jackson offers what The Local Palate sought: authentic, personal culinary experiences that connect visitors to the heart of Southern food culture.
Our diverse culinary landscape includes acclaimed restaurants like Crazy Cat, Hal & Mal’s, Pulito and The Pig & Pint, each offering unique flavors that reflect Jackson's rich cultural heritage. The city's food scene embodies our City With Soul brand, where every meal tells a story and every restaurant reflects our community's deep roots and innovative spirit.
Why This Recognition Matters
The Local Palate researched more than 40 small towns across the South, evaluating everything from restaurant and bar scenes to farmers' markets, food festivals, and culinary education offerings. Jackson's selection recognizes not just our individual restaurants, but our entire food ecosystem, from the JXN Food & Wine Festival to our local markets and the passionate people who make our culinary scene thrive.
How You Can Help Jackson Win
- Share the News: Use #JacksonCulinaryTown and #CityWithSoul on social media, and tag @thelocalpalate when sharing your favorite Jackson food memories.
- Spread the Word: Tell friends, family, and fellow food lovers about Jackson's nomination and encourage them to vote.
The winner will be featured on the cover of The Local Palate's "Best Culinary Towns of the South" issue, arriving on newsstands December 16, 2025. This recognition would showcase Jackson's culinary excellence to food lovers across the region and beyond.
Ready to Vote? Visit thelocalpalate.com starting July 21 and show the South what we already know: Jackson is a culinary destination with soul.