Considered by many as one of the best places to hang-out in Jackson, Julep is a happening place for one to dine at. Usually packed with locals this place is well-known for its amazing cuisine and great alcoholic beverages. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming and the menu has contemporary food items on offer. Try the pecan crusted chicken and fried green tomato napoleon or stick to favorites like the Butterbean Hummus and Seared Tuna Salad. Actually the entire food menu is impressive so are the drinks with brand new labels added daily. So come down to Julep to see whats cooking and what the fuss is all about.

Broad Street Baking Company won 7 awards in the 2007 Jackson Free Press Best of Jackson Reader Poll for good reason. Imagine delicatessen fare, proudly produced from scratch, served in an open family atmosphere with 4 unique seating areas, and you'll understand why people keep coming back for more. The breakfast menu offers many choices including quiche, omelets, cheese grits, and homemade granola, while lunch offerings are hearty salads, sandwiches made as you like them on bakery-fresh breads, and delicious soups. Dinner showcases various styles of pizza and many creative pasta dishes. A popular gathering place for locals, with a great ambiance, there's something for everyone here. -Cindy Leggett

If you are a fan of seafood, you will be hard pressed to find a better dining option in the Jackson area. The catch of the day covers a lot of territory, featuring everything from mahi mahi and Gulf Stream tuna to lake salmon and lobster. But as you may have guessed, trout is the undisputed king, whether fried in a pan, served hot with slaw or in a subtle shrimp ragout. Add a nice glass of wine, and you will be hooked. Call-ahead seating makes sure your table is ready when you are.

A pleasant step up from your typical cash-and-carry Chinese joint, this pleasant eatery provides a comfortable ambiance for quiet dinners or lively business lunches. The restauarant specializes in several variations of Chinese cuisine, and the Kung Pao selections are, as ever, consistent winners. Kirin and various domestic beers are available, as is a limited selection of wine. Best Wok's humorous fortune cookies will end your meal with a smile, if you are not wearing one already.

Ask 10 local residents where to find great seafood, and nine will give you a one-word answer: Penn's. (The tenth one probably does not like seafood.) This longtime local establishment offers great Southern takes on all your favorite catches, including a deep-fried catfish that will simultaneously steal your heart and clog your arteries. A full child's menu ensures that there is something for everyone, including chicken fingers for the finicky fish-hater. Private dining and business space can also be arranged, as well as catering for those who want to impress clients with their good taste.

The first thing you see when you walk in is the huge blackboard above the cashiers' heads. The next thing you notice is the huge list of choices, from standard deli items and unique combination sandwiches to loaded baked potatoes and salads. The large servings satisfy, and you will be hard pressed to finish the super-large cup of tea the restaurant brags about. The staff is helpful and friendly.

BRAVO! has been chosen "Restaurant of the Year" for four years in a row by the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau. For anyone who has had a power lunch or romantic dinner here, these culinary awards are not surprising. This restaurant brings together Italian and Southern ingredients in its unique dishes, such as the superb linguine with crawfish and andouille. The wood-oven-cooked pizzas are also a hit, and the meat-lover and vegetarian pizzas are favorites. An excellent wine list is offered, and wine tastings are hosted regularly. The small, cozy bar serves as a popular meeting place for singles.

Would you prefer to use chopsticks or a fork? Either way, just dig into the best tempura teriyaki, sukiyaki or sushi this side of Japan-or at least the best in Jackson. The food became so popular here that a second restaurant was built at 876 Avery Blvd in Ridgeland (+1 601 991 3800) to meet the public demand. The decor at both restaurants is simple, comfortable and attractive. Liquor, beer and wine are served at both locations.

Located at Renaissance at Colony Park, Mint the Restaurant is the place to head to for a typically Southern dining experience. A great spot for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch, this restaurant has a vast assortment of mouthwatering delicacies to offer. Starting with appetizers like tuna tartare and dusck nachos, you can move on to a meal comprising mint julep chicken and waffles, lobster mac and cheese, pan-roasted redfish and more. desserts like creole cream cheese cake and peanut butter pie are a great way to end the meal.

A restaurant that doesn't shy away from blending the old with the new, Amerigo serves traditional Italian fare with modern influences. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, this is a restaurant you can visit with the family, with everyone going away happy. In addition to the delicacies on the regular menus, there are mouthwatering specials on offer every day. Chicken Acuto, cedar wood roasted fish and Tuscan rib-eye are just a few of the scrumptious dishes to gorge on. A wine list is also offered.