4 Best Restaurants in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

For nearly three decades, the Purple Parrot Cafe has feathered her fine dining nest in Hattiesburg, attracting foodies from as far away as New Orleans, who migrate north to sample the weekly five-course chef's tasting menu. No wonder, when you consider that the Purple Parrot is owned by author, syndicated newspaper columnist, television personality, and veteran restaurateur Robert St. John, who was named Mississippi's top chef for three consecutive years. Oenophiles will appreciate the sommelier's carefully curated wine pairings, which have earned the restaurant multiple Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence. Don't let the "Purple Parrot" name fool you. This restaurant is about as far from Margaritaville as you can get.

Fresh produce from local farmers turns into a party on a plate after it passes through the kitchen at Cotton Blues, where everything on the menu is made from scratch every day. With a generous nod to grandma's kitchen, the Southern creole menu is a carnivore's delight, although vegetarians do get at least one entrée option daily. Try the Deep South eggrolls, made from Gulf shrimp, rabbit tenderloin, and cabbage dragged through a mustard dipping sauce. Dinner specials are available every night except Friday and Saturday, and there's live music on the patio Thursday through Saturday nights.

Finding this place can seem like a culinary scavenger hunt, but the search is worth the effort. Just look for a yellow Leatha's sign and smoke rising behind the Dairy Queen to lead you to baby back ribs and chicken that fall off the bone, pulled pork that melts in your mouth, and sauce that's good enough to drink. Although Ms. Leatha passed away in 2013, her two daughters are carrying on her legacy of down-home hospitality served up as generous portions of consistently good food. The pecan pie makes a perfect conclusion to the meal. Parties of six or more should call ahead for seating.

Like historic downtown Hattiesburg itself, the menu here respects time-honored traditions, but wraps them with a modern approach. Locally sourced ingredients, fresh breads and pastries, as well as house-made sauces (tomato remoulade) and condiments (cranberry mayo) lend a flavor of authenticity to local favorites like crawfish rolls and wasabi-potato salad. Although the sandwich selection is a little sparse for vegetarians, the grilled-cheese option comes with your choice of five cheeses. Coffee aficionados will appreciate the Counter Culture direct-trade blends, and tea devotees can choose from a variety of award-winning rishi teas. Outdoor seating is available.