15 restaurants in Birmingham that make you feel like you’re in Europe

Reviewed by: Sharron Swain

Reading time: 6 minutes

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little london kitchen
You don’t have to go to England to ride a double-decker bus. (Bham Now)

Have you been scrolling through Instagram and TikTok and feeling like everyone you know is vacationing in Europe? Yep, we feel like that too. Luckily, Birmingham has some of the best spots to eat, including places inspired by European cuisines. Here are 15 restaurants in town that will transport you to Europe while dining.

1. Chez Fonfon

Chez Fonfon Facebook 15 restaurants in Birmingham that make you feel like you're in Europe
Cue French bistro vibes. (Chez Fonfon / Facebook)

One of our Bham Nowers swears by the burgers at Chez Fonfon. Me? I like to re-experience Paris days with a Croque monsieur and tons and tons of pommes frites.

2. Little London Kitchen

little london truck
Does it get more British than a red double-decker bus? (Bham Now)

Fish ‘n chips are a British classic and a dish that I have eaten maybe one too many times. Be sure to check out Welsh former Bham Nower Jon Eastwood’s opinion on how this double-decker stacks up to food from across the pond.

WATCH LITTLE LONDON ON TV: Local restaurant Little London Kitchen featured on Cooking Channel show

3. Continental Bakery

contiental bakery
Treats so yummy that you’ll want to order everything. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Continental Bakery sees me probably way too often. I just can’t pass up a latte and croissant! While all of them are oh so yummy, the strawberry cream cheese croissant has to be my favorite. Make sure you read owner Carole Griffin’s story to find out how she brought a taste of France to English Village.

4. Nabeel’s Cafe and Market

nabeels picnic cover photo 15 restaurants in Birmingham that make you feel like you're in Europe
Pick up a to-go order and have a picnic. (Chaise Sanders / Bham Now)

A fun fact about me: I could eat Greek food for every meal 24/7. Thankfully, this cute-as-a-button Homewood spot has all of the Greek classics I love to eat. You’ll have to remember to end your meal with their baklava—it’s a must if you’re eating a Greek feast.

5. Tasty Town

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♬ original sound – Johnny Sibilly

When the Bham Now team visited Tasty Town for a team lunch, we didn’t want to leave. The first dish we tried—chargrilled eggplant hummus with pomegranate seeds—won me over. Plus, one of my colleagues said the elderflower grapefruit cordial is the most refreshing summery drink she’s ever tried.

BONUS: New Mediterranean restaurant, Tasty Town, coming soon to Railroad Park

6. North Italia

Every time my sister comes into town, we always stop by North Italia. With gluten-free pasta and pizza options, it’s the yummiest spot to cater to all types of dietary needs. Also, cheers to North Italia for having some of the best sangria.

7. Trattoria Zaza

BBQ pizza from Zaza
Pizza or pasta? (Jessica Broom / Bham Now)

Did I become a runner so I could have an excuse to carb load and eat pasta all the time? Maybe—Trattoria Zaza is one of my favorite spots for my pasta fix because they have one dish absolutely worth running for: cacio e pepe.

8. Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato

New York born and raised, I may have strong opinions about my pizza. But let me tell you, a Margherita pizza and a glass of wine at Vecchia is the way to go.

CHEERS: 11 amazing Wine Wednesday deals worth cheersing to in Birmingham

9. Bistro Two Eighteen

bistro 218 restaurant
Dining like we’re in France. (Bham Now)

When I traveled to Southern France, one of the best meals I had was freshly caught fish from the Meditteranean sea roasted over a wood fire. Bistro Two Eighteen is bringing those flavors to Birmingham with their Gulf red snapper Provencal dish.

10. Bottega

BottegaCafe 20220315 120826 15 restaurants in Birmingham that make you feel like you're in Europe
Can we order everything off the menu? (Bham Now)

A heaping bowl of rigatoni bolognese and tiramisu? Bottega is making me think I may never have to visit Italy with food this good.

WHAT TO ORDER: An inside look at the NEW menu items at Bottega Cafe

11. Bocca Ristorante

I think the arancini at Bocca have to be emphasized because how often can you find this classic Italian dish. Be sure to read all about this tast of Italy in Birmingham.

12. Gianmarco’s Restaurant

Growing up in New York, I was lucky to have some of the best Italian restaurants around the corner with my favorite pasta dish of all time: penne a la vodka. Lucky me for having that dish now at Gianmarco’s in Homewood.

13. Makarios Kabobs & Grill

With the word kabob in its name, you know you have to try a kabob. My recommendation is the shish shrimp ones.

14. Bettola

Bettola
Italian food = the best food. (Cecilia Wood / Bham Now)

Prosciutto, mascarpone and pizza are three of my favorite foods. Bettola mixes them all together in a pizza that’s the definition of a taste of Italy.

15. Vino

With so many seafood dishes and an affogato to cool you off this summer at the end of your meal, you’ll feel like you’re dining along the Mediterranean coast at Vino.

Did we miss one of your favorite European restaurants in Bham? Tag us @bhamnow on Instagram + Facebook to let us know!

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Selah Vetter
Selah Vetter
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