Southern Living Names Oxford Restaurant One of the 'South's Most Legendary'

City Grocery Restaurant is the only Mississippi eatery to make the prestigious list.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 9:08am

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Southern Living magazine has released its 2026 list of the most legendary restaurants in the American South, and Oxford, Mississippi's City Grocery Restaurant is the sole Mississippi establishment to earn the prestigious honor. Opened in 1992 by acclaimed chef John Currence, the restaurant is praised for its mix of culinary styles and homegrown Southern flavors that have helped catalyze a renewed interest in North Mississippi dining.

Why it matters

Being named one of the South's most legendary restaurants is a major accolade that can boost a restaurant's profile and draw more visitors to the local community. City Grocery's inclusion on the list highlights Oxford's growing reputation as a culinary destination and underscores the city's ability to foster long-standing, community-focused dining institutions.

The details

City Grocery Restaurant is located on the historic Oxford Square and operates out of a converted livery stable. In addition to its fine dining offerings downstairs, the restaurant also features an upstairs bar. Under Currence's leadership, City Grocery has earned a Michelin Guide American South Recommended Restaurant designation and the chef himself is a James Beard award nominee. The restaurant is open six days a week for both lunch and dinner, with bar hours starting at 4 p.m.

  • City Grocery Restaurant opened in 1992.
  • In 2025, the restaurant was named a Michelin Guide American South Recommended Restaurant.
  • Southern Living released its 2026 list of the South's most legendary restaurants in March 2026.

The players

City Grocery Restaurant

A renowned restaurant located on the historic Oxford, Mississippi square, founded in 1992 by acclaimed chef John Currence. The restaurant is praised for its mix of culinary styles and homegrown Southern flavors.

John Currence

The founder and chef of City Grocery Restaurant in Oxford, Mississippi. Currence is a James Beard award nominee who has helped catalyze a renewed interest in North Mississippi dining.

Southern Living

A popular lifestyle magazine that recently released its 2026 list of the most legendary restaurants in the American South.

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What they’re saying

“The South's most legendary restaurants have shaped their cities, hosted generations of celebrations, and perfected the dishes that keep guests coming back.”

— Southern Living

“Grounded in a mix of culinary styles and featuring homegrown flavors that define Southern cooking, this spot catalyzed a new interest in North Mississippi restaurants that's still going strong over three decades later.”

— Southern Living

What’s next

City Grocery Restaurant plans to celebrate its inclusion on Southern Living's prestigious list with special events and promotions throughout 2026.

The takeaway

City Grocery Restaurant's recognition as one of the South's most legendary dining institutions underscores Oxford, Mississippi's growing reputation as a culinary destination and the ability of community-focused, mission-driven restaurants to thrive and become beloved local icons.