A visit to Natchez, Mississippi is a fascinating mixture of the past and the present. Their slogan, “Where the river is wide and the history runs deep,” showcases their history as a town built upon river trade. Today you’ll find stately homes set among centuries-old Live Oaks with tendrils of moss dangling from their limbs. You’ll also find gracious hospitality and delicious dining that’s a compilation of the city’s heritage. So whether you’re looking for where to eat in Natchez or where to stay in Natchez, this guide will help you plan a fun girlfriend’s getaway, romantic retreat or historical getaway.

Thanks to Visit Natchez for partnering with us. All opinions are our own.

Where to Eat In Natchez-

You can’t go wrong with Southern cuisine. These Natchez restaurants have taken Southern Cuisine to a whole new level.

Where to Eat Breakfast in Natchez MS

Steampunk Coffee Roasters– Although their slogan is “Purveyors of Fine Specialty Coffee,” Steampunk is known for much more than this. The quirky shop was originally a long-abandoned blacksmith shop that had disappeared under a pile of ivy. “I’ve lived in Natchez all my life,” our waitress told us, “and I never knew this building was here until the owners rescued it.” The brick building has been carefully restored to retain its historic charm and is worth a visit for the architecture. But be sure to check out their food while you’re there. I don’t drink coffee and I was captivated by their Iced Latte. The food is delicious too. We were advised to not miss the quiche and muffins. The muffins are large enough to split with a friend so I split a blueberry muffin and a piece of ham and cheese quiche. They are tasty enough you might decide not to share! Steampunk Coffee Roasters is located at 114 High Street and are open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 AM until 5 PM. Outdoor seating is available or you can walk across the street, sit on a bench in the local greenspace, and enjoy a view of the Mississippi River.

Natchez Coffee Company-This is the place to be in the morning. Family owned and operated, this spot is a favorite with the locals for the weekend breakfast buffet and the daily lunch specials. Located in a historic downtown building, this is a cozy place with a warm family atmosphere. On Saturday morning when we arrived, the place was packed but we were served drinks quickly and where soon on our way to the buffet. It’s a classic Southern breakfast; fluffy biscuits with a side of sausage gravy, hash browns, scrambled eggs, light-as-air pancakes, and more. You’ll leave full and feeling like a Natchez native citizen. They’re located at 421 Franklin Street. When you’ve finished eating stop by Nest, the gift shop next door for unique gifts and a chance to pet the owner’s pet poodle, Noah.

Where to Eat Lunch in Natchez MS

The Carriage House Restaurant-Located on the grounds of Stanton Hall, a circa 1859 Greek Revival Mansion now owned by the Pilgrimage Garden Club, the Carriage House has been delivering delicious Southern cuisine since 1946. While you can find classic favorites like fried chicken and light, flaky biscuits, you can also find a delicious assortment of gourmet sandwiches. Chef Bingo Starr is originally from New Orleans and he makes a half shrimp and half oyster Po’ Boy that is to die for. Piled high with lightly spiced fried shrimp and fried oysters, I suggest forgetting the bread and going straight for the shrimp and oysters. Served with a side of fries, you won’t leave hungry after eating one of these. However, you have to save room for dessert. We tried a sampler of the Coconut Cake with Caramel Sauce, the Pecan Bread Pudding with homemade Praline ice cream, the Creme Brulee, and a cookie. We all had our favorites, but mine was the moist cake with a light frosting and drizzled with homemade caramel sauce. The Carriage House is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM until 2 PM and is located at 401 High Street.

Where to Eat Dinner in Natchez MS

The Castle Restaurant-Located in the original carriage house at Dunleith, the restaurant is divided into two sections. Downstairs there is Bowie’s Pub, a casual place to relax with friends, and upstairs is The Castle Restaurant, an upscale dining experience. We ate at the restaurant twice; once for dinner and once for Sunday brunch. Chef Rose Jones has created upscale versions of classic dishes a delicious country fried steak made with Angus steak and served with fresh asparagus and homemade mashed potatoes. If you’re in the mood for dessert, try the Strawberry Silk Pie, a huge slice of rich, creamy pie with a sweet strawberry flavor or the Pecan Bread Pudding.  The breakfast buffet features classics like sausage gravy and buttermilk biscuits and shrimp and grits along with lunch specials like spaghetti bolognese.  The Castle Restaurant is located at 84 Homochitto Street and is open daily for breakfast, Thursday through Saturday for lunch, and Monday through Saturday for dinner.

Pearl Street Pasta– After one bite of the pasta specials you’ll understand why Pearl Street Pasta was voted “the best place to ruin your diet” by Mississippi Magazine.  Family owned and operated, they offer an extensive choice of selections and large portions. I could have easily split my meal with someone else. Thanks to my love of boudin, we ordered the Italian Boudin Balls for an appetizer. They were made with a mixture of pancetta mushroom risotto, panko & parmesan breading, and a tomato cream sauce. It’s a tasty take on a classic Cajun dish. For the main dish, I chose the Chicken Farfalle made with sundried tomatoes & fresh spinach tossed in chardonnay cream sauce. The sauce was so good I could have eaten the entire bowl of pasta, but the chicken put it over the top. Be sure to finish the meal with their caramel cheesecake. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.  One of the oldest restaurants in downtown Natchez, they are family owned and operated and it shows in their attentive service.  Pearl Street Pasta is located at 105 South Pearl Street and is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Where to Stay in Natchez MS-

There’s no shortage of historic accommodations in Natchez. With over 30 bed and breakfasts, all offering delicious food and charming accommodations, take advantage of the opportunity to treat yourself to a relaxing getaway.

Dunleith Historic Inn– Built in 1856 to replace the former home that burned, Dunleith is a step back in time. Set on 40 acres, the property includes several original buildings;  the 22 room mansion, the carriage house, now used as the Castle Restaurant upstairs and The Pub downstairs, the former dairy barn, now a guest house, a 19th-century greenhouse and garden building, an original brick “dependency” or former slave quarters, and a poultry house.  There are 8 guest rooms in the main Greek Revival style mansion, and 11 rooms located in the Courtyard Rooms housed in the former dependency. Each room is tastefully furnished with ensuite baths, luxury bedding, and gas fireplaces. Complimentary breakfast is served each morning in the Castle House restaurant. The service was impeccable at both the restaurant and the Inn. One day, when I couldn’t get my door open, someone was immediately dispatched to my aid.

For history lovers, Dunleith was once the home of John Roy Lynch, who was born into slavery. After receiving his freedom at the end of the Civil War, he became the first African American from the state of Mississippi to win a seat in the Mississippi State House and later, the US Congress.  Dunleith is located at is located at 84 Homochitto Street just minutes from downtown.

Sunnyside Bed and Breakfast– Built in 1852 by Methodist minister Williams Watkins, Sunnyside is a graciously decorated mansion owned and managed by Colleen Wilkins. Situated on ten acres, guests will find the gardens restored to their original glory. The home has been decorated with a mixture of antiques and tastefully blended modern decor to show that decorating should showcase items you love. There are three guest rooms, one of the first floor and two upstairs. Each room includes a private bath. Ms. Wilkins is a personable host, making guests fill like friends. Because she wants you to relax and enjoy the experience, the guest rooms do not include televisions, although guests are welcome to use the television in the library. Due to the thick brick walls, wi-fi is only available in certain rooms of the house. Breakfast is included with the stay and all of Ms. Wilkins dishes I tried were delicious.   Sunnyside is located at 102 Rembert Street.

Choctaw Hall– Built in 1836, this four-story mansion combines the architecture of the Federal and the Greek Revival Style. Located in the heart of downtown, Choctaw Hall is owned by David Garner and Lee Glover. The home is furnished with period antiques, many of which belonged to David Garner’s grandparents. There are four separate suites, each with ensuite baths and their own exit to the outside. Guests can share a common living room with light snacks and refreshments available at all times and have complimentary wi-fi. Vouchers are provided for breakfast at a choice of nearby restaurants. David is a sparkling conversationalist and will make your stay memorable with the history of the home and humorous antidotes from his colorful family history. Choctaw Hall is located at 300 North Wall Street and is pet-friendly. 

Concord Quarters–Built around 1820 as one of two buildings to house the enslaved population of Concord Plantation, Concord Quarters was remodeled into a single family dwelling in the 1920’s. It was recently purchased by Gregory and Deborah Cosey and has been loving restored. Known for their motto “The Soul of Southern Hospitality,” the home features 3 suites, The George Morton Room, The Charity Morton Room, and the Hester Williams Room. While the George Morton Room and the Hester Williams Room are always available, the Charity Morton Room can only be rented as part of a suite combination with the George Morton Room. Rooms include a private bath, free wi-fi, breakfast, and ample on-site parking. The Cosey family have done extensive research on the home and its former occupants. Deborah is a gracious hostess and happy to share the fascinating history if asked. Be sure to visit the room of Deborah’s favorite things which includes a beautiful painting dedicated to one of the formerly enslaved persons who once lived at Concord Plantation. Concord Quarters is located at 301 Gayoso Street.

 Have you visited Natchez? Where is your favorite place to eat or stay?

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