Birmingham, The Magic City has been long known for its exquisite food scene all over the world. From American cuisines and French delights to delectable Italian dishes, the city engages in giving the best culinary experience to everyone far beyond their ethnicities.
If you are looking forward to exploring assorted cuisines from different corners of the world at one stop, have a look at the Best Restaurants In Birmingham to satisfy all your dining standards.
Best Restaurants in Birmingham, AL
1. Chez Fonfon
Chez Fonfon is one of the popular restaurants in Birmingham serving classic French fare in an antique and aesthetic setting having both indoor and outdoor seating. It is a small French bistro with a low-lit and romantic ambience perfect for intimate parties and date nights.
Chez Fonfon is run by executive chef Frank Stitt along with his wife and offers classic French dishes served to perfection.
Some of their popular dishes are hamburger Fonfon with comté & Pommes Frites, trout amandine, steak tartare, moules frites made in basque style, braised beef cheeks, crab cakes, escargot in shallot butter and their infamous charcuterie platter.
Don’t miss out on their coconut pecan cake and lemon meringue tart to end on a sweet note. Chez Fonfon has an excellent set of staff who make sure you have a comfortable dining experience and recommend wonderful wine choices to compliment your dishes.
If you are craving the finest French delicacies in a chic setting, head over to Chez Fonfon to have an unforgettable dining experience like never before!
Location: 2007 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205, United States
2. The Original Pancake House
The Original Pancake House is a great breakfast and brunch spot serving exclusive pancakes of different varieties along with palatable omelettes, waffles and other American breakfast classics.
Some of their signature items are pumpkin pancakes with breakfast potatoes, blueberry pancakes, Granny Smith apple pancakes topped with cinnamon glaze, buttermilk pancakes drenched in maple syrup, sourdough French toast, corned beef hash, turkey sausage, perfectly cooked bacon, pecan waffles, swiss oven omelettes and steaks & eggs.
With courteous and prompt customer service along with fair prices, The Original Pancake House is a must-visit place to have some delicious breakfast goodies.
Location: 1931 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205, United States
3. Bistro Two Eighteen
Bistro Two Eighteen is one of the finest restaurants in Birmingham that has an upscale bar room and serves contemporary French and American cuisine in a historic and minimalistic setting with high ceilings and brick walls filled with local art.
The whole ambience of this restaurant is elegant and romantic making it one of the most popular restaurants in Birmingham to have special dining out with your loved ones.
Some of their popular dishes are duck confit, Beef Wellington, wild gulf shrimp and vegetable risotto, fried green tomato salad and crab cakes.
Start with their mouthwatering appetizers like Fritto Misto and charred Spanish octopus and then move towards their flavorful main courses like chicken paillards made with lemon butter caper sauce and creamy risotto.
To end your meal on a satisfying note, try their finger-licking desserts like flourless chocolate torte and vanilla bean crème brûlée. The Bistro Two Eighteen restaurant has an extensive wine list and serves a variety of wines, cocktails and craft beers in a relaxed and affluent ambience.
Make sure you reckon to visit Bistro 218 on your next trip to Birmingham to have an outstanding culinary experience that you will cherish for a long while.
Location: 218 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
4. Bottega
Bottega is one of the promising Italian restaurants in Birmingham located amidst Highland Avenue serving classic Italian dishes in a historic and classy edifice that looks like it has been lifted from Italy.
They also have an outdoor patio that is so beautiful with a lovely ambience that enhances your overall dining experience.
Try their Parmesan souffle and homemade ravioli for appetizers. And for main courses, indulge in their scrumptious grilled swordfish, pan roast venison, beef tenderloin and gulf shrimp risotto.
To top it off, have their pleasing desserts like tiramisu, seven-layer coconut cake and Valrhona chocolate tarte that are the cherry on top!
Some of Bottega’s other popular dishes prepared using fresh ingredients are beef carpaccio, hanger steak, seared scallops, fried oysters, rigatoni with meatballs, Margherita pizza and chicken pesto pizza.
If you are ever in the Birmingham area and are looking for a luxurious restaurant, drop by Bottega to have a memorable fine dining experience.
Location: 2240 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205, United States
5. Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille
Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille is one of the most popular Birmingham restaurants with four private dining rooms, an island bar and an outdoor patio serving an extensive menu of seafood and chops along with a wine list that accommodates their menu.
Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille has been long known to be the best place that offers world-class steaks that are full of flavour and prepared to perfection.
You must try their signature lamb chops, crab cakes, filet mignon, Perry’s famous pork chops, gluten-free French onion soup, cowboy ribeye steak, chargrilled oysters, steakhouse brick chicken and symphony kabob. Also, try their vegan speciality skillet chopped steak and their jumbo shrimp cocktails and martinis.
Enjoy the fine dining experience at Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille with live music and excellent steaks that are truly ‘Rare and Well Done’.
Location: 4 Perimeter Park S, Birmingham, AL 35243, United States
6. Automatic Seafood and Oysters
The Automatic Seafood and Oysters is one of the best restaurants in Birmingham serving varieties of seafood dishes originating from the Gulf of Mexico like fish and oysters along with steaks and cocktails in a friendly and welcoming ambience.
If you are a diehard seafood lover, Automatic Seafood and Oysters (ASO) is your one-stop destination to indulge in some exquisite cuisines!
Some of ASO’s popular dishes are raw or grilled oysters, roasted yellow-edge grouper, seared tuna, yeast rolls, octopus a la plancha, marinated crab claws, deviled eggs and fried chicken. All the dishes at ASO have a unique touch and give an explosion of flavours in the mouth.
With exceptional service, luscious food and high-quality dining, ASO’s executive chef Adam Evans has climbed to the top to earn the James Beard Award for the Best chef status. If you are looking for the best brunch spots in Birmingham, ASO is the one for you!
Location: 2824 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
7. Texas De Brazil
Texas De Brazil is one of the Brazilian steakhouse restaurants in Birmingham with an open-view wine bar and lounge area to fully relax and indulge in the goodness of more than 15 varieties of meat that is cooked on an open flame with natural wood charcoal.
The Brazilian steakhouse offers flame-grilled braised beef ribs, herb-marinated pork loin, Brazilian sausage, a rack of lamb, chicken breast wrapped in bacon, filet mignon, flank steak, lamb picanha and barbecued pork ribs.
Texas De Brazil restaurant also has a salad area where you can indulge in their in-house salads or even prepare your own from the special chef-crafted salads and other delicately prepared vegetables and imported cheeses.
To end your fulfilling meal on a sweet note, try their lip-smacking desserts like Brazilian cheesecake, key lime pie, chocolate mousse cake, carrot cakes and crème brûlée. Add Texas De Brazil to your go-to list of restaurants in Birmingham to have an enthralling experience!
Location: 2301 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
8. SAW’s Soul Kitchen
SAW’s Soul Kitchen is an amazing barbecue spot in Birmingham serving traditional Southern cuisine in a small yet cosy setting. They specialise in serving their signature barbecue sandwich along with delicious burgers and other ingenious specialities.
Some of SAW’s soul foods are Carolina-style smoked pulled pork sandwiches with vinegar-based coleslaw, sweet tea chicken sandwiches, pulled chicken, fried chicken, smoked chicken thighs dipped in white bbq sauce, fried green tomato BLT, fried okra and shrimp and grits.
They also have amazing choices for kids like cheeseburgers, sweet tea chicken fingers and grilled cheese. For a decadent dessert, try their infamous banana pudding.
SAW’s Soul Kitchen is not your typical upscale dining destination, but its delicious dishes and courteous service Thai it worth visiting and having a phenomenal experience.
Location: 215 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222, United States
9. Hot and Hot Fish Club
Hot and Hot Fish Club is one of the finest American restaurants in Birmingham for an exclusive fine dining experience in a romantic setting with aesthetic decor, a comfortable dining room and well-spaced tables.
Hot and Hot Fish Club uses seasonal ingredients to serve fresh and delectable cuisines. Some of Chef Chris Hastings’s popular items on the menu are wagyu beef tartare, chicken fried steak, grilled fish, sautéed yellow edge grouper, braised rabbit with duck dumplings, pan-seared scallops and charcuterie and cheese with okra, whole grain mustard and seasonal accompaniments.
Start with their amazingly hot and hot tomato salad and work all your way up to some decadent desserts like Elton’s Chocolate Soufflé, white chocolate and raspberry bread pudding to have a fulfilling culinary experience.
With innovative flavours and impeccable customer service, Hot and Hot Fish Club remains on top of the best restaurants in Birmingham you must visit!
Location: 2901 2nd Ave S Suite 110, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
10. Amore Ristorante Italiano
Amore Ristorante Italiano is a family-owned Italian restaurant offering exquisite traditional Italian fare in a cosy, romantic and elegant ambience perfect for special occasions and intimate parties.
Amore Ristorante Italiano offers high-quality and exquisitely prepared Italian cuisine and seafood dishes that are worth every penny. Amore(meaning: love) restaurant has an amazing lunch menu, dinner menu and an extensive wine list for every wine connoisseur out there.
Some of Amore Ristorante Italiano’s popular dishes are eggplant parmigiana, seafood risotto, shrimp scampi, red snapper, filet mignon medallions, vitello alla marsala, fettuccine alfredo, lasagna bolognese, bistecca alla pizzaiola and penne carbonara.
Try their luscious desserts like budino di pane made with white chocolate and caramel, Amaretto cheesecake and tiramisu.
If an upscale dining experience with impeccable and courteous service along with an elegant ambience fits your dining standards, head over to the great Amore Ristorante Italiano to have the fantastic meal of your life!
Location: 5510 US-280 Campus Police, Birmingham, AL 35242, United States
11. Slice Stone Pizza and Brew
Slice Stone Pizza and Brew is one of the best pizza restaurants in Birmingham that serves freshly baked pizza made with locally sourced ingredients and in-house made fresh dough that is hand-tossed daily.
The Slice Stone pizzeria offers varieties of pizzas made in a stone oven. They claim to have constantly changing menus that are as fresh as their ingredients.
Slice Stone’s delicately prepared pizza has a thin crust and high-quality toppings that will surely indulge you in a phenomenal experience with an explosion of flavours like never before.
Their must-try specials include Hot Mama with Mike’s hot honey drizzle, soul pie with grilled red and green onions, veggie pesto topped with spinach and mushrooms and bajalieh special with Parmesan, bacon, grilled red onions, cheese blend and banana peppers.
If you are into classic pizza, try their Margherita pizza and spicy Hawaiian pizza. Slice Stone Pizza is not just serving delicious pizza, they also offer amazing small plates and in-house salads.
Don’t forget to try their baked feta, fire-baked wings, brown butter pasta, tater tots and garlic cheese bread. For desserts, try their lip-smacking s’mores calzone.
Location: 725 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
12. El Barrio
El Barrio is one of the popular restaurants in Birmingham serving Mexican-inspired cuisines made from locally sourced ingredients in an inventive and intricate setting.
El Barrio is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Magic City and has an extensive menu that is perfect for every foodie’s taste buds. With huge portions and tons of flavour, El Barrio offers many popular dishes that are worth trying.
The potato taquitos and elote asado prepared with grilled corn and cilantro are full of flavour and very light making them a perfect appetiser for an amazing feast.
Next comes their exquisitely prepared main courses like grilled chorizo meatloaf, beef barbacoa quesadilla, chicken enchiladas, carne asada, pan-roasted salmon, Pepito, bacon quesadilla and roasted chile relleno that are bursting with flavours in every bite you take.
Towards the end, have a taste of their decadent desserts like El Barrio tres leches and chocolate chipotle served with whipped cream and candied pecans that will surely leave you spellbound!
Location: 2211 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
13. Trattoria Zaza
Trattoria Zaza is one of the best Italian restaurants in Birmingham serving delicately prepared Italian fare like delightful portions of pasta and pizzas in a warm and cosy setting that makes you feel at home.
The most special thing that stands out in Trattoria Zaza from other Birmingham restaurants is that they add tips along with the prices on the menu. It is a hidden gem in downtown Birmingham with several brunch options that are scrumptious and healthy.
Some of their popular breakfast options are frittata and eggs, smoked ham sandwich, breakfast pasta, fresh scones, pumpkin spice waffles and smoked salmon & caper cream cheese bagel.
Their lunch menu includes soups, kinds of pasta, sandwiches and delicately prepared pizza served as one, two or four slices topped with roasted chicken, bacon, gulf shrimp or smoked ham.
If you are looking for the best brunch spots in Birmingham, make sure you visit this incredible restaurant to have a hearty meal.
Location: 207A 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
14. Café Dupont
Café Dupont is a traditional bistro with high ceilings and brick walls of art serving Contemporary Southern food and American cuisines in a historic setting perfect for private dinners and business meetings.
Some of the must-try items at Café Dupont are seared foie gras, duck breast, fried green tomatoes, seared large sea scallops, artisanal cheese plate, fried oysters with fried okra, stuffed quail, prime beef tenderloin, baked brie, braised Mississippi rabbit and grilled rabbit tenderloin.
Since they use seasonal ingredients to prepare freshly made dishes, the menu at Café Dupont is not constant and hence leaves room to try a variety of dishes at each visit.
Location: 113 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
15. Gianmarco’s Restaurant
Gianmarco’s is a family-owned restaurant offering authentic Italian cuisine with a Southern twist in a romantic and aesthetic setting making it one of the most popular restaurants in Birmingham for special occasions and private dinners.
Gianmarco’s Restaurant has an extensive menu of delightful dishes that are a must-try. For starters try their delicious Marco’s four cheese torta and flash-fried calamari with marinara sauce along with their in-house Caesar salad with grilled shrimp. Then try their spaghetti with Sunday sauce, meatballs, parmesan and sausage.
Their wild mushroom ravioli with truffled tomato sauce and penne vodka with chicken is a must-try. To have a sweet ending to your wonderful dining experience, try their special tiramisu and flourless chocolate torte.
Location: 721 Broadway St, Birmingham, AL 35209, United States
16. Surin West
Surin West is one of the finest restaurants in Birmingham offering authentic Thai cuisine in a vibrant setting with a full wine bar. Their authentic way of preparing Thai food like Thai curries and sushis provide a magnificent culinary experience to everyone.
From using fresh ingredients to the preparation of foods keeping in mind the quality and taste, Surin West has fully outshined its work in bringing perfection to each table.
Some of their must-try dishes are spicy coconut soup, chicken panang with spicy sauce, California rolls, pad see u, Thai bbq chicken, dim sum and pad woon sen.
Location: 1918 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205, United States
17. Highlands Bar & Grill
Highlands Bar & Grill is one of the luxurious restaurants in Birmingham serving French-inspired cuisines with a Southern twist.
Try their most popular foods like oysters on the half shell, marinated crab claws with ginger sauce, stone ground baked grits, baked Alaska, lamb shoulder, grilled venison and prime new york strip.
They also have an extensive dessert menu to satisfy your sweet cravings like the delectable chocolate mousse cake, opera cake, strawberry souffle and tiramisu.
Location: 2011 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205, United States
18. OvenBird
OvenBird at Pepper Place is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Birmingham with an elegant and romantic ambience with warm lighting. They specialise in offering small plates dishes that are scrumptious and presented beautifully.
Their beef fat candle, deviled eggs, shishito peppers, roasted bone marrow, braised octopus, hanger steaks, Chef inspired paella, roasted chicken with Peruvian lima bean stew, mushroom conserva with chimichurri & farm egg and gingerbread burnt cream are a must-try.
OvenBird is highly recommended if you are into small plates dishes and wonderful ambience with high-quality customer service that makes you feel at home!
Location: 2810 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
19. John’s City Diner
John’s City Diner is one of the finest restaurants in Birmingham serving Southern food and gastro-pub-inspired dishes using locally sourced ingredients along with a wine bar having an extensive wine list and craft beers to choose from.
Try their famous meatloaf served over mashed potatoes, pecan-crusted trout, shrimp and grits, bourbon glazed pork chop, white bbq sandwich and chicken & waffles.
With great food and wine with exceptional service, John’s City Diner is a must-visit place for all the foodies out there.
Location: 112 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203-4106
Final Note
Magic City is well known for providing the best fine dining experience to all locals and travellers alike with its scrumptious delicacies and impeccable service.
From fine dining to traditional bistros, there are a lot of Restaurants In Birmingham that provide an excellent culinary experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Also, check out the Best Restaurants in Manchester.
