Pizza Grace, Bottega, Ted’s Restaurant, Sol Y Luna earn 95+ food service scores in February

Birmingham
Frank, Pardis and Weston Stitt – Bottega Favorita (Bham Now)

Several Birmingham-area restaurants—including two James Beard Award semi-finalists Pizza Grace and Bottega —received 95 and above on their food service scores this past February.

Since 2018, Bham Now has reported the Jefferson County Department of Health restaurant food service scores each month. Over 100 local establishments that handle and serve food are inspected monthly by the health department, including: 

  • Restaurants
  • Schools
  • Nursing homes,
  • Daycare centers
  • Hospitals
  • Grocery stores
  • Concession stands

Food service inspection scores are updated regularly on the Jefferson County Department of Health website

Featured Restaurants

Who made the local restaurant honor roll in February? Here are some notable local establishments:

Pizza Grace – 100

pizza
The pizza pies at Pizza Grace are drool-worthy. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

2023 is only two months old, and already Pizza Grace on Morris Avenue has made the James Beard Semi-finalist list for best new restaurant in the U.S.  and they scored a 100 on their health department inspection! Only a block from Bham Now’s office, we have held several all-staff parties there. If you are looking for great service and one of a kind pizzas and salads, Pizza grace is the place for you.

Bottega – 98

BottegaFavorita 20221214 172331 <strong>Pizza Grace, Bottega, Ted’s Restaurant, Sol Y Luna earn 95+ food service scores in February</strong>
Pappardelle with braised duck, local root vegetables and truffles – Bottega Favorita Reopens (Bham Now)

Another one of Birmingham’s 2023 James Beard Semi-finalists,  Bottega re-opened its newly renovated fine dining room this past December.  It is no surprise to see the restaurant nominated for Best Hospitality by the James Beard judges.

And of course, we can’t wait for Highlands Bar and Grill, the 2018 James Beard “Most Outstanding Restaurant” award-winner to re-open in Spring 2023.

Ted’s Restaurant – 98

Birmingham
Ted’s Restaurant (Jacob Blakenship/Bham Now)

Looking for a classic “meat & three” near UAB? Try Ted’s on 328 12th Street South for lunch. And don’t forget Ted’s serves brunch on Saturdays (beginning at 8AM), including some of the best omelettes in town. By the way, Ted turns 50 this year. Happy Birthday!

Sol Y Luna -95

Sol y Luna Sol y girl <strong>Pizza Grace, Bottega, Ted’s Restaurant, Sol Y Luna earn 95+ food service scores in February</strong>
Sol y Girl, mural at the entrance of the new Sol y Luna at Lane Parke. (Pat Byington/Bham Now)

Last month, Bham Now broke the news about the reopening of Cantina in West Homewood, this coming summer. In the meantime, don’t forget to visit  its sister location, Sol Y Luna in Linn Parke— Birmingham’s original tapas restaurant.

Rest of the Honor Roll

Miss Myra
Far & Wide named Miss Myra’s Bar-B-Q’s BBQ Chicken Sandwich with White Sauce as “top pick”. (Pat Byington/ Bham Now)
Red or White Wine 10 2 <strong>Pizza Grace, Bottega, Ted’s Restaurant, Sol Y Luna earn 95+ food service scores in February</strong>
Red or White (Bham Now)
Los Amigos
Los Amigos (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Learn More

Birmingham, Jefferson County Department of Health
Jefferson County Department of Health. (Pat Byington/Bham Now)

Visit Jefferson County Department of Health’s Food Service website for the latest scores. Food service inspections help keep us all safe. Bookmark the page and stay tuned for our monthly 95+ stories.


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Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

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