Best Seafood in Harrison County

Harrison County sits on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and seafood is woven into the identity of every town here. The Biloxi shrimping fleet, the oyster reefs of the Mississippi Sound, and generations of fishing families mean that the seafood is not just fresh — it is the foundation of the local economy and culture.

Oysters

Gulf oysters are a cornerstone of Harrison County dining. Half Shell Oyster House, with locations in both Biloxi and Gulfport, is the most well-known spot for chargrilled oysters — cooked on the half shell with butter, garlic, and Parmesan until bubbling. The chargrilled preparation is the signature Gulf Coast style.

Mary Mahoney’s Old French House in Biloxi also serves excellent oysters alongside its broader menu of refined Gulf seafood.

Shrimp

Mississippi Gulf shrimp are smaller and sweeter than many imported varieties, and locals can taste the difference. Boiled shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices is the simplest and most popular preparation. Chappy’s Seafood Restaurant in Gulfport and McElroy’s Harbor House in Biloxi both serve boiled shrimp by the pound that comes straight from local boats. Blow Fly Inn in Gulfport fries theirs to a perfect golden crisp and stacks them on po’boy bread.

During crawfish season, roughly February through May, Taranto’s Crawfish in Gulfport draws crowds for boiled crawfish by the pound, served on trays with corn and potatoes in the traditional style.

Po’boys

The po’boy is the definitive Gulf Coast sandwich. Fried shrimp and fried oyster po’boys are served on French bread with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade. The best spots use fresh-fried seafood on properly crispy bread — look for places that make their own remoulade.

Gumbo

Every restaurant on the Coast has gumbo on the menu, and everyone has an opinion about whose is best. The Harrison County style leans toward a dark roux with a mix of shrimp, crab, and okra. Some places add sausage in the Cajun tradition, others keep it strictly seafood. Steve’s Marina Restaurant in Long Beach and several of the Back Bay spots in Biloxi are known for consistently good bowls.

Seafood Markets and the Working Waterfront

The Biloxi Small Craft Harbor is home to a working shrimp fleet, and buying directly from the docks is still possible during season. Several seafood markets along the coast sell fresh-off-the-boat shrimp, crab, and seasonal catches for those who prefer to cook at home.

Seasonal Catches

• Shrimp — peak season runs from late spring through fall, though available year-round
• Crawfish — February through May, best in March and April
• Blue crab — summer months, often sold live at markets
• Speckled trout and redfish — popular sport catches, found on restaurant menus when available
• Oysters — traditionally best in cooler months, September through April

Browse the Harrison County business directory for seafood restaurants, markets, and more.