IMG 3819 edited 1 10 seasonal dishes for apple lovers in Birmingham — Got apples? (Grace Howard / Bham Now)

Do you love fall produce? Have strong opinions about the best apple varieties? This guide is for you.

One of the best parts of fall in Birmingham—aside from the near-perfect weather—is the wave of seasonal menus featuring fresh, local ingredients. We’ve rounded up 10 spots serving apple-inspired creations, from drinks and desserts to savory dishes.

Fall Tortellini Salad | Trattoria Zaza

IMG 8532 10 seasonal dishes for apple lovers in Birmingham — Zaza’s fall tortellini salad is a perfect lunch. (Grace Howard / Bham Now)

With each new season, I’m always looking forward to one thing: Trattoria Zaza’s new menu items. The crown jewel of the fall menu—in my opinion—is the tortellini salad.

It’s a tortellini-based pasta salad with shaved fennel, apple and leafy greens tossed in balsamic vinaigrette and topped with queso fresco.

(Bonus: Looking for something more hearty and warm but just as apple-y? Zaza’s current Wednesday special is a gemelli pasta featuring fennel sausage, rapini, apple, chili flake, butter and pecorino!)

Location: 207A 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Seasonal Guacamole | El Barrio

IMG 8402 10 seasonal dishes for apple lovers in Birmingham — Fall seasonal guacamole at El Barrio. (Bham Now)

Apple…in my guacamole?

I know what you’re thinking, but trust me. El Barrio’s famous guacamole is topped with green apple, bacon, jalapeños and mint for a crisp, zingy twist on a classic. I recommend pairing it with fried plantain chips for an extra crunch.

Locations:
- Downtown Birmingham: 2211 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Homewood: 195 Oxmoor Rd Suite 113, Homewood, AL 35209

Apple Fritter | HERO Doughnuts

HERO Doughnuts is one of my favorite places to grab breakfast, and during the fall I have one thing on my mind: the apple fritter. It’s crispy, sweet and spiced with a tasty apple filling. Get them now, before they’re gone!

Locations:
- Downtown Homewood: 1726 28th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209
- Railroad Park: 1701 1st Ave S Suite 135, Birmingham, AL 35233

Chai Apple Spice | June Coffee

IMG 8529 10 seasonal dishes for apple lovers in Birmingham — Hot drink = built-in hand warmer (Bham Now)

June’s seasonal menus are always killer, but one offering takes the cake for me: the Chai Apple Spice.

Made with a blend of chai, Martinelli’s apple juice and cinnamon syrup, it’s warm, festive and so satisfying

Location: 213 25th St N Suite C, Birmingham, AL 35203

Apple Galette | Continental Bakery

IMG 7027 10 seasonal dishes for apple lovers in Birmingham — Continental Bakery’s apple galette is a sight to behold. (Wesley Chandler / Bham Now)

At Continental Bakery, picking a favorite pastry is like picking your favorite child.

With peak apple season underway, the apple galette is what I’m craving. And so photogenic, too!

Location: 1907 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223

Cinnamon Caramel Apple Ice Cream | Big Spoon Creamery

If fall had a flavor, this would be it. Think creamy cinnamon frosting ice cream loaded with gooey caramel and crisp bites of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples. Cozy, nostalgic and irresistible.

Locations:
- Avondale: 4000 3rd Ave S #104, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Homewood: 927 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209

Cheese Lulu | Chez Lulu

IMG 7066 10 seasonal dishes for apple lovers in Birmingham — Cheese Lulu at Chez Lulu. (Wesley Chandler / Bham Now)

Cheese boards are all the rage, and this one at Chez Lulu is my all-time favorite. Served year round, it gives you a taste of seasonal offerings like brie, cheddar, spent grain crackers, honey and you guessed it—apple!

This pared down, simple but delicious plate is best enjoyed with a crisp white wine and the perfect appetizer for a delicious French-inspired meal.

Location: 1911 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223

Apple Havarti Sandwich | Ashley Mac’s

AppleHavartiSandwich 00009 10 seasonal dishes for apple lovers in Birmingham — The perfect addition to your lunch rotation. (Bham Now)

Ashley Mac’s is one of my go-to spots for warm, Southern comfort food. But if you’re looking for something lighter with more of a bite, this sandwich is for you.

It includes smoked turkey, havarti, gala apples, balsamic drizzle, mixed greens and honey mustard between two slices of toasted wheatberry bread. It’s slightly sweet, savory and perfectly balanced.

See 5 locations in Birmingham.

Apple Pancake | Original Pancake House

E4CF0566 62A9 4271 B004 EF92E5982D3C 10 seasonal dishes for apple lovers in Birmingham — This behemoth pancake could *probably* be shared amongst the table. (Catherine O’Halloran / Bham Now)

What’s more comforting than an apple pancake on a fall morning?

For those not in the know, this Original Pancake House special is less of a “pancake” and more of a super-dense and moist soufflé. It’s oven-baked with fresh Granny Smith apples and topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze.

Location: 1931 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205

The Farmer | Maple Street Biscuit Co.

Want to upgrade your average chicken biscuit?

Fried chicken, bacon, cheddar and apple butter come together for a delicious sweet-meets-savory breakfast experience. Pair it with a honey maple cold brew and you’ll be set.