The next era of dining along the Mississippi Gulf Coast may have just arrived with the Siren Social Club in Gulfport. Tucked discreetly within Hotel Vela, this reservation-only restaurant isn’t simply a place to eat—it’s an experience, a revelation, and perhaps the boldest sign yet of what’s possible for the future of the Coast’s dining scene.
The entrance itself feels theatrical. Guests are greeted at the hotel’s front desk before being led to the dining room, giving major speakeasy vibes. Inside, gothic arches frame tropical floral arrangements, a glistening bar, and a life-sized mermaid sculpture presides over the space with a siren’s allure. The effect is lush, dramatic, and unlike anything else on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Chef Austin Sumrall and his wife and business partner Tresse Sumrall have created something remarkable here: a restaurant that feels both intimate and elevated, playful yet sophisticated. The menu is rooted in familiar forms—potatoes, chicken, pasta, ice cream—but each dish is transformed with flair and imagination.
Take the 1000 Layer Potatoes, a dish that turns the humble potato into haute cuisine. Thin potato slices are baked in duck fat, crisped to golden perfection, and sprinkled with sea salt. They’re decadent, savory, and impossibly elegant—roasted potatoes made fashion.
The Beef Tartare pushes boundaries with its freshness and texture. I had never tasted this French classic before, even in my years in France. The beef was so fresh, with a flavor so light it reminded me of sushi-grade tuna. Piled high atop toasted brew paddle sourdough and crowned with a rich duck egg yolk, it’s a classic done with confidence.
For sheer beauty, nothing rivaled the Scallop Crudo. Thinly sliced raw scallops practically melted on the tongue, while radishes, fire-roasted corn, jalapeños, harissa, and pesto oil provided playful contrast. Each bite offered a new arrangement of flavor, but the combination of scallop, corn, and pesto oil was especially divine.
Main courses demonstrated the same creative spirit. The Carbonara was luxurious, saffron tagliatelle tangled with crispy bacon, Parmesan Reggiano, and a glistening spoonful of black caviar—a dish that demanded you slow down and savor. The Crispy Half Chicken, meanwhile, struck a perfect balance of comfort and artistry. Its crunchy, lightly breaded crust gave way to juicy, tender meat, accented by honey and chimichurri for a sweet-and-bright finish. Even the Fried Eggplant managed to impress with its herbaceous rosemary and honey drizzle.
Cocktails are integral to the Siren experience, with standouts like the Airmail and the Espresso Martini, the latter made unforgettable with tequila, Liquor 43, and a frothy finish. Dessert carried the same indulgence—an affogato with espresso and hazelnut ice creams, shortbread, hazelnuts, and a shot of espresso that begged to be savored slowly.
Siren Social Club isn’t just elevated—it’s transformative. Gulfport now has a dining destination that could hold its own in New Orleans, New York, or beyond. By marrying artistry, creativity, and impeccable execution, Chef Sumrall has given the Coast something special: a restaurant that feels like the future.
Siren Social Club
1409 24th Ave., Gulfport
228.678.1000
www.sirensocial.com
Facebook @sirensocialclubgulfport
Hours: Tues-Thurs 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Fri-Sat 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
