Mississippi’s Very First Italian Restaurant Has Literally Been Around Forever

Where better to satisfy your craving for Italian food than the state’s oldest Italian restaurant? If you agree, you’ve got to pay a visit to Lillo’s. The decades old eatery has long been known for its "famous pizza pies and Italian dishes." Take a look:

This is Lillo's in Leland. It first opened its doors in 1948, which means it’s been serving up tasty Italian food for 71 years!

Ever since opening, running Lillo’s has been a family affair – complete with family recipes.

According to the restaurant’s owner, "90% of the Italian dishes are entirely homemade," making for one tasty experience.

The menu is full of classics, like spaghetti and meatballs and chicken Parmesan.

There’s also a variety of pizzas. A customer favorite, the handmade pizza features a thin, crispy crust and unique mix of cheeses.

In addition to a slew of Italian dishes, the menu also includes steak, catfish, and several seafood dishes, so there really is something for everyone.

Only adding to Lillo’s appeal is the fact that the restaurant has live music – and dancing – on select nights.

Over the years, Lillo’s has won numerous awards and has even begun bottling its pasta sauce and salad dressing. The products are sold at the restaurant, which means you can take the tastiness of Lillo’s home with you.

Despite its small town locale, Lillo's has withstood the test of time. Are you ready to see what all the fuss is about?

For more information, call (662) 686-4401. You can also visit the eatery’s Facebook page.

Address: US-278, Leland, MS, 38756

This isn’t the state’s only longstanding eatery. Read about others here.