7 best things we ate in Birmingham in November

What to eat in Birmingham - Avondale Burger Co.
Dig in, Bham. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

Wondering what to eat in Birmingham in December? The Bham Now team is back with the best things we ate in November—and trust me, we eat a lot, so we know what we’re talking about. Here are seven of the best dishes we tried, from jerk chicken to orange rolls.

1. Burrata anolini + white truffle garlic bread from North Italia

what to eat in Birmingham - North Italia
Not sure what to eat in Birmingham? Garlic and cheese are a safe bet. Photo via North Italia’s Facebook

“There’s just something about handmade pasta! The dish was incredible—it gave me the warm fuzzy feeling you get when you eat your favorite dish at home. Plus, fresh bread. Garlic. Cheese. Enough said. Imagine Texas toast—now make it fancy.”

Gabi Hembree, Sales Success Manager
  • Location: 225 Summit Blvd Ste 1100, Birmingham, AL 35243
  • Hours: Monday-Thursday 11AM-10PM | Friday 11AM-11PM | Saturday 10AM-11PM | Sunday 10AM-10PM
  • Website | Instagram | Facebook

2. Pimento cheese with sweet heat BBQ crackers from Avondale Burger Co.

“Anything from Avondale Burger Co. [pictured in the top]. Don’t miss out on the pimento cheese and sweet heat bbq crackers. Next time you’re at Avondale, be sure to give it a try.”

Matthew Niblett, Multimedia Producer
  • Location: 201 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
  • Hours: Wednesday 5PM-sold out | Thursday-Sunday Noon-sold out
  • Website | Instagram | Facebook

3. Chicken tikka masala + street dosa from Bay Leaf

Bay Leaf chicken tikka masala
I can confirm: Bay Leaf’s street dosa is one of the best things to eat in Birmingham. Photo via Jessica Broom for Bham Now

Bay Leaf is one of my favorite restaurants in Birmingham. Chef Z is one of the most talented chefs I’ve met! We started out with the Street Dosa (aka cone of deliciousness) which is served with coconut chutney and lentil curry to dip into. And the Chicken Tikka Masala is AMAZING. It’s rich and creamy and comes with a side of perfectly cooked rice. YUM!

Jessica Broom, Account Executive
  • Location: (Five Points) 1024 20th St S Unit 101, Birmingham, AL 35205 | (280) 5426 US-280 Suite # 14, Birmingham, AL 35242
  • Hours: (Five Points) Sunday-Thursday 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9:30PM; Friday-Saturday 11AM-2:30PM, 5-10PM | (280) Tuesday-Sunday 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9:30PM
  • Website | Instagram | Facebook

4. Joyce Farm’s Jamaican jerk chicken from Cayo Coco Rum Bar & Restaurante

Jamaican jerk chicken
Looking for inspiration for what to eat in Birmingham… and drink? Head to Cayo Coco. Photo via Tira Davis for Bham Now

Cayo Coco has quickly become one of my favorite spots and I can add their jerk chicken to the favorites list. There was just enough sauce, it wasn’t too spicy but had a nice kick and the pineapple salsa was amazing. I felt like I was back in Jamaica.”

Tira Davis, TikTok Manager + Content Producer
  • Location: 2015 1st Ave N, Unit-A, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4–9PM | Friday-Saturday, 4–10PM
  • Website | Instagram | Facebook

5. Sesame chicken from Red Pearl

what to eat in Birmingham - sesame chicken
The flavors are melting on my tongue. Photo via Cecilia Wood for Bham Now

This was my first time trying Red Pearl, and it didn’t disappoint. The sesame chicken had the perfect flavors and texture with the sesame seeds. I will definitely be back to try everything on the menu… and of course, I’ll be checking out the market.”

Cecilia Wood, Content Producer + Social Media Manager

6. Gnocchi mac & cheese from Freddy’s Wine Bar

Gnocchi mac and cheese from Freddy's
Sign me up for a bowl (or two) of that. Photo via Freddy’s Wine Bar on Facebook

“I’m obsessed with gnocchi, so I’ve had a lot in my life, and this is some of the best. The potato dumplings are pillowy soft with a cheesy bechamel sauce that is tastebud heaven. The whole thing is topped with more cheese (because you can never have too much) and broiled to have a perfect crispy top.”

Miranda Shaffer, Content Producer
  • Location: 2251 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
  • Hours: Monday-Thursday 4-10PM, Friday 2-11PM, Saturday 4-11PM
  • Website | Instagram | Facebook

7. Orange rolls from Edgar’s Bakery

Orange rolls
Orange you wishing you had some of these right now? Photo via Madison Croxson for Bham Now

“I brought Edgar’s orange rolls as a hostess gift and they were a HIT! Super moist and lots of orange zest folded in. You can’t go wrong with anything at Edgar’s—we also loved the ham and cheese croissants.”

Madison Croxson, Content Producer

You’ve heard our favorite recs for what to eat in Birmingham—we want to know YOURS! Tag @BhamNow to let us know the best thing you ate this month.

Cecilia Wood
Cecilia Wood
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