Ridgeland’s Al Fresco Dining Hot Spots Reign Supreme

Let's face it: sometimes where we eat can fail to live up to what we’re eating.

With the heat dying down and cool creeping in, we’re rapidly presented with another option, one with limitless potential for fine dining and finer memories. Ridgeland’s Al Fresco scene offers a safe, delicious alternative for avid foodies and weary delivery diners alike.

In Ridgeland, you can comfortably enjoy your oysters on the half shell, salmon benedict, or applewood smoked bacon burger as they were meant to be enjoyed—at a patio table just steps away from where they were made.

Anjou Restaurant ($$)

Classic French Bistros like Anjou typify the joie de vivre at the core of outside dining. Owned and operated by an authentically French father and daughter team, Anjou merges culinary precision with Southern ingredients to the betterment of both traditions.

Enjoy a melon ball mimosa and shrimp omelet for brunch, a crawfish crepe for lunch, or an oven roasted duck breast for dinner—all while taking in views of the nearby lake from your patio table. Whatever meal you decide to take at Anjou, bon appétit. And like many of Ridgeland's al fresco dining spots, this restaurant is pet-friendly!

Crabs Seafood Shack ($)

Crabs Seafood Shack is an established restaurant with a brand new location overlooking the Barnett Reservoir! This local-favorite gives all the beach vibes with tropical cocktails and a full seafood menu. No matter what season it is, you'll feel like you're in full vacation mode.

Koestler Prime ($$$)

They don't call us the Steak Capital of Mississippi for nothing! This family owned and operated establishment is a must-stop for a luxurious evening. There's truly nothing quite like a Koestler Prime filet paired with a fine wine amidst the open air.

Want to take a little bit of heaven home with you? Snag a bottle of their All Purpose Seasoning to hold you over until you can make it back to Ridgeland!

Red 8 Kitchen ($$)

Red 8 Kitchen is open and ready to serve you! Named for the owner’s lucky color & number, we sure feel like the lucky ones to have them in Ridgeland.

Choose from an eclectic mix of Asian dishes, enjoy a full-service bar on a divine outdoor patio overlooking the Renaissance fountains.

Sombra Mexican Kitchen ($$)

Something about margaritas and patios just makes sense. Sombra takes its own twist on familiar Mexican dishes and cocktails while situated ideally among the buzzing area known as Township at Colony Park.

Stop by each day for Happy Hour 3-6PM to enjoy half off house margaritas, draft beers and $2 wines!

Krilakis ($)

Enjoy an authentic Greek meal on the outdoor patio of Krilakis Greek Gyros, Salads & Burgers. And we don't take their burgers lightly-- truly, these are some of the best burgers around! Krilakis is situated among the historic Railroad District with old-fashioned, downtown vibes.

Local 463 Urban Kitchen ($$)

Owner and operator Derek Emerson—award-winning chef and James Beard semi-finalist—made a name for himself by blowing minds at Local 463 with affordably elevated favorites and tastebud-cracking classics.

Gorgeously plated kung pao rock shrimp starts off your al fresco experience, followed by spicy Thai flatbread and a grilled redfish sandwich. For dinner, the tuna tartare and super Kobe burger are sure to leave their mark. From surf to turf and everything in between—you won’t forget your trip to Local 463.

Bulldog Burger ($$)

As a certain fan base is prone to say, "Dawgs finna eat!" And you're only doing it right if you've got a cold brew with a juicy burger on the patio of Bulldog Burger.

First established in Starkville, Mississippi, this restaurant has quickly made itself a staple spot among the Ridgeland scene as well. Choose from a menu filled with every type of burger to satisfy your cravings!

CAET Seafood ($$)

When going outside meets going all out, CAET Seafood (pronounced “Kate”) satisfies with opulent dishes in a casual atmosphere guaranteed to satisfy. Featuring a full oyster bar and an expertly curated wine menu, you’ll find options and pairings to last you a lifetime.

Wood-oven baked crab fondue, black pepper calamari, crispy lobster rolls, and (of course) green apple and shallot mignonette raw oysters—whatever you choose at CAET, you won’t believe how good it is.

Pelican Cove Grill ($)

Seafood and outdoor seating couldn’t be better partners. At Pelican Cove, with its covered patio hovering above the waters of the Barnett Reservoir, you’ll get the best of both entrée and environment.

Kick your feet up with a signature cocktail or margarita and contemplate your meal to the sound of lightly lapping waves. Try the mahi tacos, catfish basket, or signature B.L.T before going all in with a slice of key lime pie. You can also enjoy live music most days of the week! Al fresco dining at Pelican Cove is so satisfying that it almost qualifies as a vacation in itself.

Pictured | Pelican Cove Grill at the Barnett Reservoir

Zea Rotisserie & Bar ($$)

What started as the brainchild of three accomplished chefs on a catering assignment in Hawaii has become, at last, Zea Rotisserie & Bar—an upscale, casual restaurant combining American culinary standards with international zest.

Centered on an authentic French open-flame rotisserie—perfect for crisping chicken, pork, ribeye, and ribs—Zea elevates the rust-and-char BBQ experience into something equal parts transnational as transcendent. Start with some duck empanadas or a serving of hummus before diving into your signature Thai ribs. This spot also features outdoor televisions!