Celebrating Culinary Culture
Though this town is most often noted for its list of literary legends, it also enjoys the company of several celebrated chefs. Among these is John Currence, who has been instrumental in putting Oxford’s culinary scene on the map. His flagship restaurant, City Grocery, has been an icon of Oxford’s fine-dining scene for nearly 20 years and is a staple on the Square. Here, he combines his expert knowledge of French techniques and traditional Deep South cuisine to deliver selections ranging from seasonal salads and appetizers to his highly touted Shrimp and Grits.
He has followed up City Grocery’s success with other flourishing ventures: an upscale family restaurant called Bouré; a raw bar and charcuterie known as Snackbar, led by award-winning chef Vishwesh Bhatt; and a morning-to-midday favorite, Big Bad Breakfast (BBB). The success of BBB has translated in a handful of Southern cities; this location serves up creative takes on morning staples, like “Cathead” Chicken Biscuit, Shrimp Fried Rice Bowl, Chicken and Waffles, and more.
Locals and college students alike appreciate the eclectic energy and delicious assortment of European-style breads and pastries at Bottletree Bakery. The bakery—whose name derives from Southern folk art—features a freshly baked lineup that includes bagels, brioche, Danish, and focaccia to accompany the bakery’s special blend coffee, which is air-roasted and delivered weekly. Croissants in many flavors promise 1,280 flaky layers, but the bakery is known for its Humble Pie, made with a butter-vanilla shortbread crust, seasonal fruit, and streusel. Bottletree also serves lunch, offering a selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Proud Larry’s has been a favorite on the Square for years, and its tasty menu is just as extensive as the lineup of concerts it hosts. Larry’s Creole Catfish sandwich is full of flavor, and you can’t go wrong with any of the joint’s hearty dishes, from pizzas to po’ boys and everything in between.
If you’re looking for tried-and-true homestyle Southern food, a visit to Mama Jo’s Country Cookin is a must. The owner, who goes by Mama Jo, says what sets her food apart is the love she puts in it—so much love that the staff prays over it before it’s served—and her loyal customers can taste the difference. It’s hard to choose from the delicious rotating options like fried cornbread, turnip greens, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, fried chicken, and sweet potato pie, but no matter what you get, it’ll be just like your mama used to make it.
You won’t want to miss out on the lovely Saint Leo. The delectable Italian eatery’s sophisticated yet inviting ambiance is the perfect place to sit back and savor a day of exploring the Oxford culinary scene.
There are a few newbies on the scene as well. Good Day Café, which opened in September of last year, has the same owners as Bar Muse, another Oxford favorite, and its succinct menu lends itself to a casual, grab-and-go lunch. Tarasque Cucina prides itself on serving “old world comfort food,” and that’s exactly what you get when browsing the menu. Simple, classic pasta dishes like Parpardelle Bolognese and Linguine with Shrimp in Cream are cozy and comforting and give diners that “mom-and-pop” feel.
While Oxford is always growing and evolving, adding new dining and shops to the scene, it still holds true to the best part of its Southern roots, ever maintaining that small-town charm we’ve all grown to love.
