Try this: Artisan coffee & ice pops, or Italian

Headed to Gulfport or Ocean Springs? Here’s the latest on new restaurants in both cities, according to the state Health Department.

Renee’s, an upscale coffee bar, is open at 302 Courthouse Road in Gulfport. “There is nothing like this anywhere around,” promises owner Sharon Peterson.

She is serving Intelligentsia coffee that’s roasted fresh and shipped directly from Chicago to Renee’s, the only spot where you can taste the artisan brand. “When you order, it is ground and brewed right in front of you,” Peterson said. “It’s more of an artisan style of coffee craftsmanship.”

The 18-foot marble coffee bar is now serving but Peterson said the whole coffee bar experience will be available July 1. Look for fine French pastries, bread pudding, crepes and a brunch menu.

Renee’s also serves Haagen Daz ice cream.

Also in Gulfport, Pop Brothers is open at 1501 25th Ave. serving what’s been described as “artisan ice pops.”

Must be some sort of trend in Gulfport.

Meanwhile in Ocean Springs, Washington Avenue Diner is now open at 711 Washington Ave. Owners David and Kelly Beale are serving breakfast and lunch and late night meals with weekly specials.

Nearby, at 708 Washington Ave., Salvetti’s Italian Bar & Grill has taken over the former Al Fresco location. Salvetti’s menu is the same but now they’re offering a larger facility and a bar environment.