"Emily Blount's wood-fired Italian near Oxford Square — a 2017 James Beard Best New Restaurant semifinalist where the blistered pizzas and the cocktail bar both earn their reputation."
About Saint Leo
Saint Leo sits at 922 Jackson Avenue East, a short walk from the Square in Oxford, Mississippi. It anchors part of our Oxford guide and our Italian coverage as the town's go-to for wood-fired cooking and a serious drink.
It is the dream of owner Emily Blount, born and raised in Northern California, who spent over a decade in New York City before settling in Oxford. The restaurant was a 2017 James Beard Foundation 'Best New Restaurant' semifinalist, and its bar program, led by Joe Stinchcomb, earned a James Beard nomination in 2019.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is built around the wood-fired oven and the earthy simplicity of Italian cooking. The pizzas are the signature — perfectly scorched dough topped with combinations like burrata and soppressata; pork belly, kale and ricotta; or butternut squash, pork jowl and Sicilian red pesto.
Around them sit fresh salads and a busy weekend brunch menu, all built on local purveyors and a from-scratch, in-season ethos. Blount's brief — big-city style, small-town hospitality — runs through every plate.
The Room
The room is warm and convivial, the kind of neighbourhood restaurant that does equal duty as a date spot, a family table and a place to drink well at the bar. The 2019 James Beard-nominated cocktail program is reason enough to sit at the counter.
It serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch; booking ahead is wise at weekends and during Ole Miss event weekends.
Not for
Not for a hushed white-tablecloth tasting menu or a quiet, formal dinner — it is a lively wood-fired Italian and cocktail spot built for sharing plates and easy nights out.
Frequently Asked
What is Saint Leo known for?
Wood-fired Italian cooking, especially its blistered pizzas, and a James Beard-nominated cocktail program. It was a 2017 James Beard Foundation Best New Restaurant semifinalist.
Who owns Saint Leo?
Emily Blount, who grew up in Northern California and spent over a decade in New York before opening the restaurant in Oxford, Mississippi.
Where is Saint Leo?
At 922 Jackson Avenue East, a short walk from the Square in Oxford, Mississippi.
Has it won any awards?
It was named a 2017 James Beard Foundation 'Best New Restaurant' semifinalist, and its bar program, led by Joe Stinchcomb, was a James Beard nominee in 2019.
How much does it cost?
It sits in the moderate $$ band, with pizzas and plates running roughly $14-26 and a typical meal for two around $50-80 before cocktails.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Saint Leo
Booking is advised at weekends and on Ole Miss event weekends. Find it at 922 Jackson Avenue East, a short walk from the Square.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address922 Jackson Ave E, Oxford, MS
NeighbourhoodNear Oxford Square
CuisineWood-fired Italian
Recognition2017 James Beard Best New Restaurant semifinalist
BarJames Beard-nominated cocktail program (2019)
PricePlates roughly $14-26; about $50-80 for two
ReservationBooking advised at weekends
