Sycamore House

Giving this place 4 stars because I called ahead to see if we needed reservations for 2 people and the guy who answered kept scoffing at me instead of giving me a simple answer as to whether we needed a reservation and if so how late he would take one. The food and our server’s were both great- but that guy should definitely not be allowed to answer the phone. If I did at the fine dining restaurant I work at in New Orleans I wouldn’t have my job. He’s probably the chef… The food was absolutely wonderful- but don’t call ahead for a reservation- even when they say they accept walk- ins, it’s not necessary- and then you walk in and they ask what your reservation is under and you didn’t make one…and they seem irritated

- Sunshine Owens -

My work has taken me to many places in the world, and this restaurant stands right up against any I’ve eaten at in London or Paris. Not in terms of pomp, circumstance or fanfare, but in the ways that matter - the way they treat their customers with grace and respect, they way they treat their food with grace and respect. Everything here is super high-quality, creative, warm, and welcoming. You can dress up when you come here or dress down, and you will be treated the same. The chefs know what they’re doing. The front of the house and wait staff know what they're doing. The food is exquisite. The kitchen is quite accommodating, too; I like really spicy food, and most places don’t believe me ('middle-aged white woman can't possible really mean spicy!') and won’t spice up my dish. But this kitchen can take their fish almondine and make it extra spicy while still retaining the buttery richness that makes this nutty dish a star. I have a hard time ordering anything else, because it is so good and they make it so perfectly, just for me. My husband is stuck on their shrimp and grits; the shrimp sauce is dark and redolent of long-stewed seafood stock and the grits are perfectly al dente with a creaminess that is outta this world. We’ve had seared callops and ropa viejo and daily specials at Sycamore House, too, and everything has been excellent. The salads are perfectly dressed, very lightly. Every detail is perfect, but nothing is fussy. The ambience is charming, and you are always greeted with a warm smile. It’s a home run from the outset, starting with the crispy French bread and whipped, creamy butter. The wine list is good, too. You absolutely can’t go wrong here. I almost forgot to mention the desserts, because we're almost always too full, but they are also fab! I can personally vouch for the key lime pie and the creme brulee.

- Kim Glover -

My favorite restaurant in Bay St Louis! The food is excellent, there's a great wine list, and the staff is amazing! I went to celebrate my birthday and it was definitely a great special occasion spot! The shrimp remoulade appetizer was great, and the ropa vieja, BBQ shrimp and grits, and BBQ shrimp poboy were favorites with our group. Also there were so many great dessert options we ordered about half of them! Key lime pie and creme brulee were excellent. I can't say enough great things about this restaurant!

- Brittany Savoie -

We were about 10 minutes late arriving due to rain and trains and they greeted us with open arms and were very understanding. Taken to our table and greeted with a Happy birthday for my husband. The sunchoke soup was delicious. My husband enjoyed his fish dish and I got the shrimp curry and while not spicy like I'm used to with Thai food, it had a wonderful lemongrass flavor that was very unusual and super delicious. Dessert was devine. Loved the ambience and warmth of the house feel. Service was excellent. A great place to go for a romantic evening.

- Debra Durante -

As a solo diner one doesn't always want to be privy to other table conversations. So, I asked to be seated on the porch and had the place to myself, as the large group wasn't due to arrive until long after my departure. It was my own special dining experience! If gazpacho is being served, I always order it. This was the best I've had: creaminess from yogurt and lots of minced cucumber. My main course was actually an appetizer: BBQ Shrimp. Thick roux with a dose of spice. Finally, what can be said about their creme brulee other than it was perfectly elegant. Highly memorable!

- Marcia Crawford -

We were so fortunate to get a reservation at such a late notice. A local merchant recommended them to us. Since they only take reservations, we didn't expect to get one when we called. Someone had just cancelled and we got in! Such a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Bay Saint Louis! Thank you to the amazing staff and chefs. We had an amazing experience and delightful dinner at the Sycamore House. Highly recommend! We'll definitely be back!

- Jason “Maestro” Giaccone -

The Christmas Eve dinner at the Sycamore House was a wonderful treat. Food was nothing short of amazing. The four-course menu tastefully curated to offer straightforward but delicious flavors from appetizers to dessert. Service was attentive but reserved and not intrusive, as always, very French in style. My only suggestion would be to freshen up the dining room with lighter colored walls, it would elevate the experience even more.

- William R -