City Grocery

The story

City Grocery, Oxford – Inventive Southern Cuisine by Chef John Currence

A Landmark on the Square

City Grocery sits on Oxford’s Courthouse Square, a fixture since the early days of the square’s revival. The space is defined by exposed brick walls and heart pine plank floors, warmed by candlelight and white tablecloths. It feels both historic and refined, a place where the South’s culinary traditions are pushed forward.

The People Behind the Food

Chef John Currence is the force behind City Grocery, and his vision has made it a destination. Day-to-day, Chef de Cuisine Jon ‘JD’ Davis – named Mississippi’s 2025 ‘King of Seafood’ – leads the kitchen, crafting some of the most inventive and interesting food in the region. The restaurant has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction, a mark of its consistent quality.

What to Eat and Drink

The menu changes with the season, but a few signatures stand out. At lunch, the oversized Muffaletta is a hearty classic. Dinner might bring dishes like scallop scampi, showing the kitchen’s seafood expertise. The bar upstairs serves house cocktails, and the wine list is wide-ranging, perfect for pairing with a meal. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or a business outing, the atmosphere is welcoming without being stiff.

Hours and Rhythm

City Grocery is open for lunch and dinner six days a week, Monday through Saturday. The bar opens at 4 pm and stays open late. Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties and special weekends like football or graduation.