If you’re looking to experience some good old-fashioned Southern hospitality, look no further than Birmingham’s Bottega. The Italian fine dining restaurant on Highland Avenue was recognized for its “outstanding hospitality” in a recent Southern Living article titled, The 20 Friendliest Places In The South.

Bottega one of “The 20 Friendliest Places In The South”

Located at 2240 Highland Ave in Highland Park, Bottega is an upscale fine dining establishment where “The American South meets the Italian Countryside.” Founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Frank Stitt in 1982, Bottega features flavors “carefully crafted by linking ingredients from the American South with artisanal producers from the Italian countryside.”

With its renowned waitstaff—led by Frank Stitt’s wife and co-owner, Pardis—it’s no surprise that Bottega made it on Southern Living’s list of friendly places in the South. Southern Living noted the expertise of Bottega’s waitstaff, including their knack for remembering regulars’ drink orders and how they guide first-timers through the menu.

Birmingham — Frank, Pardis and Weston Stitt in Bottega. (Bham Now)

Bottega wasn’t the only Alabama establishment spotlighted by Southern Living. Located just a couple of hours down U.S. 280 in Auburn, the Laurel Hotel and Spa is the first and only AAA Five Diamond hotel in the state of Alabama and is majority staffed by students enrolled in Auburn University’s Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management.

What is your favorite dish at Bottega? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!