Page 55 - Play Coastal Mississippi - Winter, 2026

Pork Belly Ramen
French Onion Smash Burger
Bread Pudding
something far more sophisticated: a swirl of chocolate scent, a burst of Chambord flavor, and a deceptive strength that made me pace myself.
From there, we eased into appetizers that showcased both creativity and comfort. The Ahi Tuna was seared with a delicate hand, leaving room for the natural flavor of the fish to shine. A colorful Asian slaw added brightness, and the plate was decorated with eel and wasabi glazes that turned it into a small work of art.
The Fried Green Tomatoes, meanwhile, brought a taste of Southern home. Thick slices held their shape beneath a golden, seasoned crust, topped with a peppery crawfish cream sauce and crowned by plump Gulf shrimp. It was Coastal indulgence at its finest.
For soup, the Pork Belly Ramen stole the show. “Ramen, but fashion,” I scribbled in my notes, and I stand by it. The pork belly was easily the best I’ve ever had—caramelized, chewy, and perfectly rendered—floating in a rich mushroom-beef broth with jammy egg, mushrooms, noodles, and a sprinkle of green onion and cilantro. It’s the kind of dish that would be perfect after a chilly day on the golf course.
For the main course, attention was split between the French Onion Smash Burger—a local legend that recently won first
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place at the 2024 Bud & Burgers competition—and the 18- Hour Braised Short Rib, served bone-in with heirloom carrots and garlic-herb mashed potatoes. The burger’s layers of caramelized onion, melted cheese, and sweet onion bun earned every bit of its trophy, while the short rib offered the kind of fork-tender comfort food that lingers in memory.
Dessert was a towering Bread Pudding with vanilla bean ice cream and a warm bourbon-pecan glaze—crisp on the outside, pillowy inside, and utterly Southern.
But beyond the food, what makes The Oak Room truly special is its warmth. Between bites and conversation, I met the manager, the chef, my gracious server Shannon, and even a table of regulars who invited me into their birthday celebration. It was one of those evenings that remind you why dining out can feel like community.
The Oak Room is old-school finery with a modern soul. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this absolute gem in Diamondhead is worth the drive.
THE CLUB AT DIAMONDHEAD
7600 COUNTRY CLUB CIR. | DIAMONDHEAD 228.255.2918 | THECLUBATDIAMONDHEAD.COM
WINTER 2026 I PLAY COASTAL MISSISSIPPI 55