Four Oxford Restaurants Earn MICHELIN Guide Recognition

Oxford, Mississippi is making headlines in the culinary world. Four beloved local restaurants, City Grocery, Snackbar, Ajax Diner, and Taylor Grocery, have been recognized in the MICHELIN Guide’s first-ever American South 2025 Recommended list. This honor celebrates what Oxford locals have known all along: this small town is packed with big flavor. From elevated dining on the Square to comfort food in the heart of Taylor, these restaurants represent the best of Southern cooking, creativity, and hospitality. As the MICHELIN Guide expands into the South, this recognition shines a spotlight on Oxford’s growing reputation as a destination for food lovers.

City Grocery

Located on the Square, City Grocery has long been at the heart of Oxford dining. Founded by acclaimed chef John Currence, the restaurant offers a refined take on Southern cuisine with a menu that changes with the seasons. Dishes like collard green dolmas, smoked duck, and shrimp and grits show off the kitchen’s creativity and commitment to local ingredients. With Chef Jon “JD” Davis leading daily operations, City Grocery continues to set the standard for what Oxford dining can be: thoughtful, flavorful, and full of Southern charm.

Snackbar

Snackbar blends the feel of a French brasserie with the flavors of the South (founded by James Beard Award winner, John Currence, and Vishwesh Bhatt). The restaurant is known for its inventive small plates, fresh oysters, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. The current team, including chefs Bryan Sapp, Sebastian Markowitz, and Thomas Henry Freeland, carries on Bhatt’s vision of global flavors rooted in Mississippi ingredients. Snackbar is a place where creativity and comfort come together, making every meal memorable.

Ajax Diner

A visit to Oxford is not complete without a stop at Ajax Diner on the Square. Known for its hearty portions and laid-back feel, Ajax serves the kind of food that tastes like home. Favorites include fried catfish, chicken and dumplings, and country-fried steak, all made with care and served with a smile. Ajax’s recognition by the MICHELIN Guide proves that simple, soulful cooking can stand alongside fine dining when it is done with heart.

Taylor Grocery

A short drive from town, Taylor Grocery has been welcoming guests since 1977 with its famous fried catfish and true Southern hospitality. Housed in a historic building filled with character and signatures from decades of visitors, Taylor Grocery offers an experience that is as genuine as it gets. From hushpuppies to gumbo to live music on the weekends, it captures the spirit of Mississippi dining. The MICHELIN recognition puts this beloved spot on the national radar while keeping its down-home roots intact.

A Big Win for Oxford

Having four restaurants recognized by the MICHELIN Guide is a huge moment for Oxford. It celebrates not only the chefs and owners but also the entire community that supports them. This recognition will draw even more visitors to explore Oxford’s unique mix of flavor, culture, and hospitality.

Whether you are craving fine dining, comfort food, or classic Southern fare, Oxford’s restaurants are ready to impress. These MICHELIN recommendations are more than just awards; they are a reminder of why Oxford continues to be one of the South’s most delicious destinations.