Featured Image: Explore Ridgeland
What exactly earns a city the title of Steakhouse Capital? I suppose it could come down to the number of chops served per capita, the number of visitors flocking solely for steaks, or the number of actual restaurants classified as steakhouses in a given zip code. In this instance, it isn’t an argument worth having because in Mississippi, Ridgeland is the clear winner.
So if you’re a local looking to woo your date or a traveler interested in putting a special occasion spin on your next getaway, head right to Ridgeland. With no shortage of steakhouses (obviously), seafood spots, and international eateries galore, we’re helping narrow the list of dining options for when you’re researching your next reservation.
Here’s where to start.
Anjou
If you’re a fan of French cuisine, Father-daughter duo Christian and Anne Amelot-Holmes run lakeside bistro, Anjou, that merges forty-plus years of French culinary training with Southern sensibility. Christian trained at the Savoie-Leman culinary school in France; Anne grew up in Le Ferte-Bernard and now manages the front of house.
The fried crab claws are regularly recommended to kick off your special occasion meal, then carry on with a redfish entrée and a strawberry crepe or crème brûlée to finish. On a nice night, the lakeside patio really dials up the ambiance.
Amerigo
When your special occasion calls for classic Italian comfort food, look no further. Amerigo has been around since 1987 and features a menu that covers all the bases: pizzas, pastas, steaks, and seafood. They also offer a Sunday brunch if you’re opting for a daytime date. While the restaurant started in Ridgeland, it’s since expanded around the South, including Tennessee, Alabama, and throughout Mississippi.
CAET [seafood | oysterette]
CAET is equal parts eatery and wine bar, and does both with expertise. After you get you and your honey settled on the outdoor patio, browse the extensive wine menu that offers tastes, half-glasses, and full pours, which is much appreciated if you’re indecisive like me. Then turn your attention to the food menu, where the decisions get tougher: jumbo scallops with shrimp and feta risotto and tarragon-Meyer lemon butter sauce; prime rib with smoked Gouda and caramelized-onion mashed potatoes. We’ll stop there.
Ely’s Restaurant & Bar
Ely’s sits upstairs overlooking the Railroad District in Old Town Ridgeland, which already gives it an atmosphere all its own. Owner Richard Shapley named it after his grandfather Elias “Ely” Shapley of Greenville, opened the doors in 2008, and has been aging steaks for 28-plus days ever since. Filet Louisiane drenched in Creole bbq butter and topped with shrimp is regularly lauded, and the list of starters, sides, and desserts is long enough to warrant a second date all its own.
Kathryn’s Steakhouse and Seafood Restaurant
What sets Kathryn’s Steakhouse apart is not only its (near) daily food and drink specials, but also its nightly live music, serving dinner with a side of show. Kathryn’s has kept many of the same recipes that have delighted visitors since opening in 1979 – the menu ranges from hand-cut steaks to seafood, prime rib, and classic sides and desserts.
M.M. Shapley’s
If this last name sounds familiar, you’d be right. Kin to the Ely’s team, the original Shapley’s opened in 1985, and today offers a wide variety of fish, beef, and lamb. If you’re coming in for date night, it’s worth noting how shareable many menu items are: for starters, there’s a long list of, well, starters, but mains include a massive porterhouse, cowboy ribeye, and family-style sides.
Taste Italian Kitchen
TASTE opened its Ridgeland location in July 2025 after building a reputation in Starkville. Executive Chef Shannon Lindell runs the kitchen, turning out a variety of pasta dishes, hand-tossed pizzas, and entrees that include, you guessed it, steak.
There’s a bar, a lounge, and a gorgeous new patio on the way for warmer days. Pro tip: prices are notably lower here than your average Italian spot, which we thought we’d share if you’re picking up the check.
Tico’s Steakhouse
Tico’s has been doing its old-school steakhouse thing in Ridgeland since 1989, and just recently expanded to Oxford in 2024. The menu here spans steaks, seafood, chops, and chicken, featuring all the classics like a wedge salad, garlic bread, steak and lobster, and potato sides in many forms. Don’t let the neon lights or the log cabin exterior fool you – one bite will prove this is a worthy spot to woo your date.
This article is presented in partnership with Explore Ridgeland, a Modern South Founding Partner.
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