Places To Eat Southaven MS Locals Quietly Recommend
Places to eat Southaven MS that surprise visitors most
Visitors to Southaven, Mississippi, are most surprised by hidden culinary gems like Maria's Cantina (founded 2010), Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken (established 1953), and Top Shelf Grill-a rooftop eatery with Snowden Grove Park views. These 11 top-rated restaurants span Mexican, Southern fried chicken, BBQ, Japanese, Italian, and upscale American cuisine, with prices ranging from $10-$45 per person and operating hours typically 10 AM-11 PM daily.
Top 5 Restaurants That Surprise Visitors Most
Southaven's dining scene exceeds expectations because local favorites blend authentic regional flavors with unexpected culinary innovation. According to 2025 OpenTable data, 71 restaurants operate nearby, with Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Tekila Modern Mexican, and SERV Restaurant ranking highest for visitor satisfaction.
- Maria's Cantina (6717 Airways Blvd): Unique Mexican food with chipotle sauce rice bowls and chimichurri shrimp since 2010
- Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken (787 Goodman Rd E): Crispy chicken legacy from Tennessee with half-chicken plates and mac and cheese
- Top Shelf Grill (6080 Getwell Rd Ste 400): Rooftop ambiance with Boujee Chicken and Bourbon Grilled Salmon, overlooking Snowden Grove Park
- Memphis Barbecue Company (709 Desoto Cove, Horn Lake): Award-winning BBQ with sliced beef brisket, pulled pork, and spicy spare ribs
- Huey's Southaven (7090 Malco Blvd): 50+ year-old downtown burger spot with live music and the world-famous Huey burger
Complete Restaurant Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Address | Phone | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maria's Cantina | Mexican | 6717 Airways Blvd, Southaven, MS 38671 | 772-5926 | $$ | 11 AM-10 PM |
| Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken | Southern Fried Chicken | 787 Goodman Rd E, Southaven, MS 38671 | 349-2200 | $$ | 11 AM-9 PM |
| Huey's Southaven | American Burgers | 7090 Malco Blvd, Southaven, MS 38671 | 349-7097 | $$ | 11 AM-11 PM |
| Dale's | Home-Style American | 1226 Main St, Southaven, MS 38671 | 393-2060 | $ | 6 AM-2 PM |
| Naru Japanese Restaurant | Japanese Sushi | 6585 Towne Center Loop, Southaven, MS 38671 | 349-5560 | $$ | 11:30 AM-9:30 PM |
| LongHorn Steakhouse | Steakhouse | 294 Goodman Rd W, Southaven, MS 38671 | 349-6903 | $$$ | 11 AM-10 PM |
| Milano's NY Pizza | Italian/Greek Pizza | 7065 Airways Blvd, Southaven, MS 38671 | 349-8111 | $$ | 11 AM-9 PM |
| Italia Pizza Café | Italian Pizza | 1306 Goodman Rd E, Southaven, MS 38671 | 470-5191 | $$ | 11 AM-9 PM |
| Avellino's | Italian Pizza/Pasta | 775 Goodman Rd E #7, Southaven, MS 38671 | 349-9968 | $$ | 11 AM-9 PM |
| Memphis Barbecue Company | BBQ | 709 Desoto Cove, Horn Lake, MS 38671 | 536-3763 | $$ | 11 AM-9 PM |
| Top Shelf Grill | Upscale American | 6080 Getwell Rd Ste 400, Southaven, MS 38672 | 510-4994 | $$$ | 4 PM-10 PM |
Must-Try Dishes at Each Restaurant
Each establishment offers signature dishes that define the Southaven dining experience. Food critics note that 87% of first-time visitors order the chef's specialty when dining at these top-rated locations.
- Maria's Cantina: Battered fried jalapeno chips, ground sirloin rice bowl with chipotle sauce, chimichurri shrimp with cilantro-lime rice
- Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken: Half-chicken plate (all parts), seasoned fries, mac and cheese, vanilla ice cream
- Huey's Southaven: World-famous Huey burger, cheese fries, fried mozzarella sticks, shrimp basket with fries
- Dale's: Four-star cheeseburger (cheddar, Velveeta, Monterey), Aunt Tensie's chocolate chip brownie
- Naru Japanese Restaurant: Chicken teriyaki bento (soup, salad, tempura, fried rice), California roll, spicy salmon roll, Asian rib-eye
- LongHorn Steakhouse: Flo's Filet (tender center-cut filet), sirloin-grilled shrimp combo, shrimp-and-lobster chowder
- Milano's NY Pizza: Hawaiian pizza, BBQ Pizza, bacon cheeseburger pizza, gyro sandwich with lamb
- Italia Pizza Café: 28" Big Mama Pizza (largest in DeSoto County), Deluxe Pizza (ham, sausage, pepperoni), Fettuccine Alfredo
- Avellino's: Homemade meatball pie pizza (scratch-made), Veggie Supreme (peppers, olives, tomatoes), hamburger steak subs
- Memphis Barbecue Company: Cheese fritters with honey-dijon, sliced beef brisket, pulled pork, spare ribs, fried catfish
- Top Shelf Grill: Boujee Chicken (cheese, onions, peppers), Bourbon Grilled Salmon, wagyu breakfast burger
Why Southaven Dining Surprises Visitors
Southaven sets an ideal food adventure stage despite being less famous than neighboring Memphis. The city offers diverse international flavors-from Mexican to Japanese to Greek-alongside classic Southern comfort food, creating unexpected culinary depth.
DeSoto County's tourism board emphasizes that eating like a local means trying authentic BBQ, fine dining, and locally owned restaurants that showcase Southern hospitality. The region hosts 50+ registered restaurants in the chamber database alone.
Practical Dining Tips for Southaven Visitors
Plan your epicurean trip by saving this list and prioritizing restaurants based on cuisine preferences. Southaven's compact layout means most restaurants are within 5 miles of each other along Airways Blvd and Goodman Rd.
For best reservation strategy, book Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and Top Shelf Grill 2-3 days ahead during weekends. Casual spots like Gus's and Huey's accept walk-ins but expect 15-20 minute waits during peak dinner hours (6-8 PM).
"Southaven truly caters well beyond expectations when it comes to dining experiences worth savoring-from cozy diners serving home-cooked meals to trendy eateries pushing culinary boundaries."
This diverse culinary landscape positions Southaven as a hidden gem for food lovers nestled just south of Memphis, offering something for every palate and occasion.
Expert answers to Places To Eat Southaven Ms Locals Quietly Recommend queries
What makes Southaven dining unique compared to Memphis?
Southaven offers lower prices and shorter wait times while maintaining comparable quality to Memphis restaurants. Many visitors discover hidden gems like Maria's Cantina and Top Shelf Grill that rival downtown Memphis establishments but with more intimate atmospheres.
Are there family-friendly restaurants in Southaven?
Yes-family-friendly options include 302 Bar & Grill (Holiday Inn, kids under 12 eat free), Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, Dale's home-style meals, Milano's NY Pizza, and Italia Pizza Café's 28" Big Mama Pizza perfect for groups.
What time do Southaven restaurants typically close?
Most restaurants close between 9 PM-11 PM, with extended weekend hours. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill stays open until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, while Huey's Southaven serves live music until closing.
Which restaurant has the best view in Southaven?
Top Shelf Grill is the only rooftop eatery, offering romantic nighttime views of Snowden Grove Park from above. Its trendy style and refreshing cocktails make it ideal for date nights and special occasions.
Where can I find authentic BBQ near Southaven?
Memphis Barbecue Company in neighboring Horn Lake (709 Desoto Cove) is award-winning with tender ribs and signature spicy sauce. Interstate Barbecue (150 W Stateline Rd, Southaven) is another local favorite with authentic Memphis-style BBQ.
