Photos courtesy of Alexa Cutrer
In the heart of Ocean Springs, tucked just behind the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, lies The Traveler — a restaurant where food, art and the natural world unite in a way that feels deeply and distinctly coastal.
Housed in a century-old building and reimagined as a full-service dining destination, The Traveler embodies the adventurous spirit of its namesake muse, Walter Anderson. Known for his reverence for the outdoors and habit of pedaling across the South with a paintbrush and sketchpad in tow, Anderson lived by instinct and imagination. His influence lingers here — in the wildflower garden buzzing with butterflies, the handcrafted tables and murals inside, and every thoughtfully sourced dish on the menu.
A MENU ROOTED IN STORY
Since Chef Dannie Landry joined the team in June, The Traveler has evolved from a simple coffee stop into a full-fledged restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and Sunday brunch. Landry, who moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast from New Orleans as a child and has spent his career in kitchens across the region, brings a passion for local ingredients and house-made details to every plate.
“Our goal is to honor the land and the legacy,” Landry says. “Everything here has intention — whether it’s the honey from nearby beekeepers, the sweet potatoes in our greenhouse biscuits or the Delta Tang chow chow we make from whatever vegetables we’ve pickled that week.”
THOUGHTFUL FLAVORS AND INTENTIONAL DETAILS IN EVERY BITE
That intentional spirit shines through the menu, which feels both familiar and fresh. I began with the Singing River chicken salad sandwich, a signature item that perfectly captures the restaurant’s farm-to-table approach. The creamy chicken salad, accented by The Traveler’s specialty Delta Tang chow chow, delivers just the right punch of tang and texture, tucked between slices of soft croissant. It’s simple yet memorable — the kind of sandwich that makes you pause to savor.
Next up was the ranchdust smashburger, made with house-ground beef, smoky bacon, melted American cheese, sautéed onions and a drizzle of house-made hot honey aioli. Every element — from the perfectly toasted bun to the pickled vegetables — feels intentional, with layers of flavor that build into something crave-worthy. It’s indulgent without being over the top, served with a side of crispy chips and the option to swap in roasted potato salad for an extra touch of comfort.
That day’s special, a risotto jambalaya, was creamy, savory and brimming with the soul of a Southern kitchen. It came paired with green beans cooked just right — slightly sweet with a whisper of bacon. It’s the kind of dish you won’t find anywhere else on the Coast, and one that shows off Landry’s knack for balancing tradition with creativity.
To finish, I sampled a few of the sweet offerings. The morning glory muffin was warm and fragrant, while the apple tart — delicately spiced and perfectly balanced — was my favorite of the group. I also tried a biscuit layered with sweet ricotta and berry coulis, a creative combination that showcased the kitchen’s thoughtful use of ingredients. For something simple and nostalgic, the gluten-free rice krispy treat offered a satisfying touch of sweetness to end the meal.
DINING AMONG ART
Meals at The Traveler are served in a space that feels alive with meaning. I sat at the Blue Jay Table, a stunning handcrafted piece by Gulf Coast artist Shane Sekul, created in homage to Walter Anderson’s original table on display in the museum. Sekul’s version, carved from cypress and rich with color, invites conversation and connection — an emblem of what The Traveler hopes to nurture.
The walls tell stories, too. One of the most striking pieces is “Cows on the Border,” a mural by local artist Julia Reyes inspired by one of Anderson’s legendary journeys through Texas. As the story goes, while cooling off in a stream, Anderson felt a soft tickle on his face and opened his eyes to find a cow gazing down at him. The whimsical encounter enchanted him so much that he painted it around his bathtub at Shearwater Pottery. Reyes’ modern reimagining brings that same spirit of wonder to The Traveler’s walls.
MORE THAN A MEAL
Beyond its daily offerings, The Traveler doubles as a community gathering place. The team hosts Friday night pop-ups featuring trivia, sip-and-paint sessions and live music. Sunday brunch includes favorites like biscuit brisket with tomato gravy and grit cakes, served alongside mimosas and local brews. Coffee lovers will appreciate syrups made in-house, while eco-conscious diners will notice the restaurant’s move toward sustainability with recyclable silverware, agave straws and plans for composting.
Outside, guests can unwind among wildflowers, string lights and yard games — or simply sit back and enjoy the sound of laughter drifting from the stage. Inside, chess boards, coloring pages and local art invite a slower pace.
Whether you stop in for a quiet breakfast, a mid-day retreat or a lively Friday night, The Traveler is more than a restaurant — it’s a reflection of Ocean Springs itself: soulful, welcoming, and ever inspired by the spirit of Walter Anderson.
IF YOU GO
The Traveler
1007 Joseph St., Ocean Springs, MS 39564
(228) 800-6515
https://www.walterandersonmuseum.org/thetraveler
Instagram: @thetraveler.os
Alexa Cutrer is the owner of Gather Gulf Coast, where she spotlights local restaurants and experiences through Reels and giveaways. Watch the Reel from her visit to The Traveler on Instagram at @gathergulfcoast!