Status: OPEN
Rest Haven in Clarksdale, Mississippi is a Lebanese treasure that’s been feeding the Delta since 1947. After Restaurant Impossible helped owner Paula stop resisting change, this beloved institution continues serving the unique Lebanese-Southern fusion that has made it a Mississippi landmark for nearly 80 years.
Lebanese Heritage in the Mississippi Delta
Rest Haven has been a Clarksdale institution since 1947 – making it one of the oldest family restaurants featured on Restaurant Impossible. The restaurant brought Lebanese cuisine to the Mississippi Delta, creating a unique fusion that became part of the region’s culinary identity.
Paula’s father built Rest Haven into a beloved community gathering place. When Paula took over, she inherited both his recipes and his stubborn streak.
The Episode (Season 20)
Title: “Holding on to the Past”
Filming: October 2021
Location: 419 S State St, Clarksdale, MS
Robert Irvine found an owner who ruled her kitchen with an iron fist. Paula’s unwillingness to change was destroying her father’s Lebanese restaurant and her son’s chance of inheriting it.
The problem wasn’t the food – the Lebanese recipes were still excellent. The problem was Paula’s refusal to adapt anything, even things that desperately needed updating.
A Timeless Experience
What makes Rest Haven special is exactly what made the episode challenging. As one reviewer put it: “The Rest Haven is more like 1954 than 2024. You will love it.”
Restaurant Impossible helped Paula find the balance between preserving tradition and allowing necessary evolution. Some things should stay exactly as they were – like the family recipes. Others needed updating.
Still Thriving
Rest Haven continues operating with positive reviews:
- Still serving authentic Lebanese specialties
- Warm, welcoming staff praised in recent reviews
- Variety of Lebanese options on the menu
- Part of Clarksdale’s culinary tourism scene
Clarksdale is famous for blues music, and Rest Haven has become part of that cultural tourism – visitors seeking authentic Delta experiences find both at this Lebanese landmark.
Visit Information
Address: 419 S State St, Clarksdale, MS 38614
Hours: Mon-Sat 6:00am – varied closing (Closed Sun)
Established: 1947
Cuisine: Lebanese, Southern
View Rest Haven on Google Maps →
Rest Haven proves that tradition and adaptability aren’t opposites – they’re partners. Nearly 80 years of history and counting.
Last verified: January 2026
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