Following a conversation with my boss, I realized how little exposure I had to the wide variety of local restaurants and food staples in Oxford, Mississippi. To gain more insight into the local dining scene, we decided to try one new restaurant each week and document our experiences, including what we ordered and photographs of the meals. In this series, Oxford, MS Food Scene, I will showcase restaurants that have been recommended to me and are trying for the first time.
With Oxford boasting three Michelin-star, Southern Restaurant recommendations and dozens of highly rated dining options, the opportunities for memorable dining experiences are endless. To begin this series exploring Oxford’s food scene, we decided to try Tallahatchie Gourmet on the Square.
Located on the ground floor of the building shared with Neilson’s, the South’s oldest department store, the restaurant immediately creates a promising first impression. One of the first things that stood out to me was its location right on the Square. I also appreciated how the restaurant’s design blended Southern charm with a fun, modern atmosphere. Several televisions were placed throughout the restaurant, making it easy to keep up with sporting events and other entertainment while dining. It is the end of May and of course they were playing three different Ole Miss football games from years past where the team was victorious. The 2009 Cotton Bowl vs Texas Tech, 2014 upset over Alabama, and this past seasons defeat of Oklahoma in the Rebels inaugural trip to Norman.
From the moment we arrived, the service was punctual and welcoming. We were seated almost immediately, and our food arrived quickly as well. The atmosphere, service, and food all contributed to an excellent dining experience. Tallahatchie Gourmet offers Southern-style food in a casual setting, making it an ideal lunch spot.
I ordered a meat plate with one vegetable for $10.25. My plate included chicken dressing, green beans, and a roll. While everything tasted great, the chicken dressing was undoubtedly the highlight of my meal. The quality of both the food and service was evident throughout our visit. For less than $25, two people can enjoy a quality meal, which adds to the restaurant’s appeal.
My boss, Addison, ordered the grilled chicken with two sides: green beans and roasted carrots. He especially enjoyed the grilled chicken, which stood out as the highlight of his plate. Additionally, all of the food was plated with care and intentionality, making the presentation just as enjoyable as the meal itself.
Another aspect of the restaurant that caught my attention was the variety of to-go meal options available, ranging from smaller portions for two people to larger dinner-sized servings. The restaurant also features a full-service bar and a staff that genuinely seems to care about their work. As a student at the University of Mississippi, I especially appreciated seeing many college-aged employees working there, which reinforced the small-town, local-business charm of the establishment.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Tallahatchie Gourmet and will certainly be back. From the welcoming service to the quality food and convenient to-go options, the restaurant exceeded my expectations. It is an experience I am proud to say sets a strong tone for this series exploring Oxford’s food scene.
