Several Birmingham-area restaurants, including Bocca and El Barrio on 2nd Ave North in downtown Birmingham and The Great Wall Chinese Restaurant in Homewood, 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. On average, 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

The Great Wall —98

A Birmingham original, Great Wall is one of the oldest and most beloved Chinese restaurants in the Magic City. Established in 1981, Great Wall has stayed in one location, 730 Valley Avenue, surviving a kitchen fire back in 2012, and returning better than ever.

The most popular foodie and nutrition digital publication — Eat This, Not That! — has named Great Wall Chinese Restaurant as the best place in Alabama for Chinese cuisine and takeout.

Bocca Ristorante — 98

If you are looking for an unforgettable evening Bocca Ristorante is the place. My personal favorite is the fresh Scallop Risotto. As you can see in the photo it is not only delicious but a work of art. I’m also a fan of their made-from-scratch pasta and Northern Italian cuisine.

El Barrio — 97

Another popular spot on 2nd Avenue, El Barrio is known for its eclectic menu that includes one of Birmingham’s best meatloaf dishes. Need a fun fact about El Barrio? Back in 2021, Eat This Not named their plantain nachos the best in Alabama!

Additional 95 and above scores

Jefferson County Department of Health

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.