The legendary Trilby’s fine dining restaurant is back on the Coast. Is it still special?

Scott Watkins
·2 min read

Trilby’s served customers in Ocean Springs with its small, elegant menu for around 40 years before changing hands and becoming Germaine’s in 1990.

Now, over 30 years later, the restaurant is back on Highway 90, combining the nostalgic past with a modern, but classic atmosphere and a traditional menu that lifelong locals will remember.

For decades, Trilby’s was a popular location for parties, meetings and other gatherings. The new building is designed to do the same in the new century.

Trilby’s restaurant as seen in ad in the December 27, 1986 edition of the Sun Herald.
Trilby’s restaurant as seen in ad in the December 27, 1986 edition of the Sun Herald.

Within the lavender-painted walls are several sectioned dining areas. The first is illuminated by a crystal chandelier with two separate dining rooms attached for more private seating. In the back is the largest dining area. Plush seats surround cloth-topped tables in a room surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, filling the room with natural light.

And attached to this room is a two-table, cozily private dining room. The restaurant is fitted with a bar and a sectioned standing room, further emphasizing the building’s adaptation as an event-hosting venue.

But, how is the food? Again, the menu isn’t large. That’s by design, however. According to their website, the menu has changed little over the years. Instead of wide offering of dishes, you get a tight selection of family recipes made with premium ingredients.

The shrimp and grits at Tribly’s restaurant in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
The shrimp and grits at Tribly’s restaurant in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

The appetizers include crab claws, fried green tomatoes and Tasso-stuffed fried shrimp. I had the crab cakes, which were made with shallot, peppers, parsley, Creole mustard, herbs and more. It was served with a remoulade that went well with the crab meat.

The lunch menu features burgers, a shrimp po’boy, salads, pastas, chicken and trout. On my ticket came the shrimp and grits. The shrimp was well-seasoned and not lacking for size. The grits were topped with Conecuh sausage and Tasso and served in a brothy mix of Worcestershire sauce, spices and fresh herbs.

I passed on dessert, but I wouldn’t recommend doing so yourself. They serve chocolate bread pudding with chocolate rum sauce, peach cobbler, creme brulee and ice cream.

The foyer area at Trilby’s in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
The foyer area at Trilby’s in Ocean Springs, Mississippi

If you enjoyed Trilby’s in days past, you’ll enjoy the newest embodiment of the restaurant. If you’re an import or just a Millennial Coastie, Tribly’s is a perfect spot to enjoy a date night or a lunch gathering.

Located at 1203 Bienville Blvd., Trilby’s is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and for dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday.