The 25 best restaurants in Birmingham

What do you think is the best restaurant in Birmingham?

Depending on who you ask, the answer will vary. Luckily for us, the Magic City has an incredibly vibrant culinary scene, from Southern staples to authentic ethnic cuisine. There are hundreds of spots to try, and it can be difficult to know where to start.

Bham Now compiled a list of 25 restaurants based on key criteria — like popularity, awards and publication mentions — to determine the best restaurants in the Birmingham area.

Methodology

To decide on which restaurants are the best in Birmingham, we gathered a list of awards and notable publications (e.g. James Beard awards, Michelin designations, Southern Living, Garden & Gun, Eater) in addition to some crowdsourced rating lists (e.g. Yelp, Resy, TripAdvisor) and assigned each of them scores. 

The more important the recognition, the higher weight it received. For instance, a James Beard Winner received the max of 6 points, but being included on a Yelp list granted 1 point.

After tallying up scores for more than 150 restaurants, we had some clear front runners. 

25. Niki’s West

Niki’s West is one of The Magic City’s classic meat-and-three joints, having served the area since the ’50s. With its cafeteria-style setting, this spot comes recommended by some big names like Southern Living.

• Niki’s West: 205-252-5751 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 233 Finley Avenue West, Birmingham
• Hours: Monday-Friday 10:30AM-5PM

24. Yo’ Mama’s

Are these the best waffles in Alabama? Put that claim from Eat This, Not That to the test at Yo’ Mama’s. If chicken and waffles isn’t your jam, don’t fret — this restaurant serves up a number of brunch and lunch favorites, from the expected cheeseburgers and hot wings to the more unexpected orange chicken and salmon croquettes.

• Yo’ Mama’s: 205-957-6545 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2024 4th Avenue North, Birmingham
• Hours: Monday-Friday 10:30AM-2:30PM

23. Bettola

Located at Pepper Place, Bettola is a great place to get a variety of authentic Italian dishes, including pasta made from scratch. Garden & Gun, Food Network and Southern Living all have great things to say, so it’s hard to go wrong here if you’re searching for delicious food.

• Bettola: 205-731-6499 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2930 3rd Ave S, Birmingham
• Hours:
  • Lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11AM-2PM
  • Dinner: Tuesday-Thursday 5-9PM, Friday-Saturday 5-10PM
  • Closed Sunday-Monday

22. Eugene’s Hot Chicken

Sure, some people may see Eugene’s and think it’s “just a hot chicken restaurant.” But what Eugene’s really brings are the different styles, heat levels and sides you can curate your meal with. In addition to their two restaurants in the Birmingham metro area, check out their third if you happen to be in Montgomery.

• Eugene’s Hot Chicken: 205-322-7555 | Website | Instagram
• Address:
  • Birmingham: 2268 9th Ave N, Birmingham
  • Hoover: 3232 Galleria Circle, Hoover
• Hours:
  • Birmingham: Tuesday-Thursday 11AM-9PM, Friday-Saturday 11AM-10PM, Monday-Sunday 11AM-3PM
  • Hoover: Monday-Thursday 11AM-8PM, Friday-Saturday 11AM-9PM, Sunday 11AM-3PM

21. Little Betty Steak Bar

Accentuated by its stunning location in Mountain Brook, Little Betty prides itself on supporting local agriculture and curates its menu around seasonal offerings. This restaurants beef is sourced from Texas’ HeartBrand Beef, which places priority on sustainability and animal welfare. But steaks aren’t its only specialty — try out mouth-watering entrees like chicken milanese and swordfish saltimbocca.

• Little Betty Steak Bar: 205-834-8674 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 321 Rele St, Mountain Brook
• Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5-10PM, Friday-Saturday 4-10PM

20. Trattoria ZaZa

Zaza is a popular neighborhood spot, in part because it’s perfect for any occasion. Its rotating menu — complete with daily pizza slices, dinner specials and standout seasonal produce — means there’s always something fresh to try.

• Trattoria ZaZa: 205-202-6207 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 207 20th Street North, Birmingham
• Hours: Monday-Friday 11AM-9PM, Saturday 4PM-9PM, Saturday-Sunday brunch 10AM-2PM

19. The Rougaroux

Get transported straight to New Orleans at “Iron City’s go-to food destination for authentic Creole and Cajun food.” The eccentrically decorated locations in Forest Park and Mountain Brook exude NOLA charm, but the menu is the real star of the show. Get a taste of their gumbo, boudin links, muffuletta, po’boys, fried seafood and more. Don’t forget to try the bread pudding served with pecan praline rum sauce before paying your bill!

• The Rougaroux: 205-518-6677 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address:
  • Forest Park: 817 39th St S, Birmingham
  • Mountain Brook: 2716 Culver Road, Mountain Brook
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 11AM-9PM, closed Sunday (except when the Saints are playing!)

18. El Barrio

Whether you’re at their original downtown location or the new spot over in West Homewood, you can bet you’re getting a great-tasting meal, top-notch service and an atmosphere that’s comfortable whether it’s date night, or just-grab-some-grub night. The restaurant’s consistency is something like a miracle.

• El Barrio: 205-868-3737 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address:
  • Downtown: 2211 2nd Ave N, Birmingham
  • Homewood: 195 Oxmoor Road, Homewood
• Hours:
  • Downtown: Monday-Saturday 11AM-9PM, Saturday brunch 11AM-3PM, closed Sunday
  • Homewood: Monday-Saturday 11AM-9PM, Sunday brunch 10AM-2PM, Sunday snacks + drinks Only 2-4PM, Sunday dinner 4-9PM

17. The Essential

Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in Mercantile on Morris at The Essential, which serves up dishes made from scratch — including house-made pasta — natural wines and curated cocktails. A Bham Now favorite is the cacio e pepe, a simple dish that is elevated by being made totally in house with fresh ingredients.

• The Essential: 205-718-7612 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2215 1st Ave N, Birmingham
• Hours:
  • Monday-Friday 11AM-9PM, Saturday-Sunday 5-9PM
  • Brunch: Saturday-Sunday 9AM-2PM

16. Back Forty Beer Company

Many folks may think of Back Forty as just a place to enjoy a glass of beer with their friends, but its offerings far exceed its brews. This spot offers American pub foods that are primarily locally-sourced, which pair perfectly with its wide array of beer and ales on hand. It first opened in Gadsden, where it still operates, but has since opened in Birmingham and Huntsville, as well.

• Back Forty Beer Company Birmingham: 205-407-8025 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 3201 1st Avenue North, Birmingham
• Hours: Monday 11AM-9PM, closed Tuesday, Wednesday 11AM-9PM, Thursday 11AM-10PM, Friday-Saturday 11AM-11PM, Sunday 11AM-8PM

15. Current Charcoal Grill

Current Charcoal Grill, named after the Kuroshio Current in the Pacific Ocean, pays homage to Asian cuisine and “the bounty of the Pacific.” This is the perfect spot to book a reservation before or after a show at Red Mountain Theatre, which is adjacent to the restaurant.

• Current Charcoal Grill: 205-829-1625 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 1625 2nd Ave S, Birmingham
• Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4-9PM, Friday-Saturday 4-10PM

14. Last Call Baking Company

It may not be strictly a restaurant, but we would be remiss to not include Last Call Baking Company on this list. Not only have its flaky pastries been name-dropped in national publications, but previous owner and pastry chef Channah Willis (who recently sold the business to June Coffee’s Jimmy Truong) has been named a James Beard Award Semifinalist for Emerging Chef. Be sure to get in the door early if you want to catch their baked goods before they sell out!

• Last Call Baking Company: 205-601-2564 | Website | Instagram
• Address: 213 25th St N Suite A, Birmingham
• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 8AM-noon (or until sold out), closed Monday

13. Blue Pacific at Hoover Food Mart

Going to a gas station may not be the fine-dining experience you would expect from a best restaurants list, but Blue Pacific appears over and over again on local tourist guides, crowdsourced favorites and expert recommendations. This authentic Thai food restaurant is owned and operated by the Aroonsakulwongse family and serves traditional recipes such as coconut soup, basil fried rice and top-notch dumplings.

• Blue Pacific at Hoover Food Mart: 205-978-0754 | Facebook
• Address: 3219 Lorna Rd, Hoover
• Hours:
  • Lunch: Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-2:30PM, closed Sunday-Monday
  • Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday 5:30-8:30PM, closed Sunday-Monday

12. Pizza Grace

Located in Mercantile on Morris, Pizza Grace takes a “maximalist approach to toppings,” according to the Michelin Guide. This “Bib Gourmand” restaurant has perfected its menu offerings, from the large pizzas to the savory meatballs. Before you leave, try out their pistachio tiramisu to round out your evening.

• Pizza Grace: 659-202-0133 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2212 Morris Ave Suite 105, Birmingham
• Hours: Sunday 11AM-9PM, closed Monday, Tuesday-Thursday 11AM-9PM, Friday-Saturday 11AM-10PM

11. La Fête

La Fête, a “Bib Gourmand” Michelin Guide restaurant, is an idyllic bistro that will make you feel like you’re on the streets of France. Its pastries are to die for — thanks to a partnership with Bandit bakery, both from chef Kristen Hall — but don’t pass up the opportunity to enjoy dinner, as well.

• La Fête: 205-703-3012 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2018 Morris Ave, Birmingham
• Hours:
  • Dinner: Wednesday-Thursday 4-9PM, Friday-Saturday 4-10PM, Sunday 4-9PM
  • Weekend brunch: Saturday-Sunday 10AM-3PM

10. Hot and Hot Fish Club

This restaurant takes a “modern approach to blending Southern, French and California styles of cooking.” Enjoy an evening at Pepper Place while eating James Beard Award-winning food in a beautiful dining area with Greystone Italian marble tabletops.

• Hot and Hot Fish Club: 205-933-5474 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2901 2nd Ave S # 110, Birmingham
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5-9:30PM, closed Sunday-Monday

9. Golden Age Wine

This place is perfect for a girls’ night out, especially considering prices that make it easy to order a glass or two of wine. Golden Age’s charcuterie is also delicious to pair with your wine of choice. Don’t know much about wine? The staff is very knowledgeable and can help you match a wine with your preferred palate! 

• Golden Age Wine: Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address:
  • Wine Shop & Bar: 2828 Culver Rd. Mountain Brook
  • Wine Garden: 2021 2nd Ave N, Birmingham
• Hours:
  • Wine Shop & Bar: Monday-Thursday 10AM-9PM, Friday-Saturday 10AM-10PM, closed Sunday
  • Wine Garden: Tuesday-Thursday 4-9PM, Friday-Saturday 4-10PM, closed Sunday-Monday

8. OvenBird

Another destination at Pepper Place, OvenBird focuses on Southern ingredients with inspiration from Spain, Portugal, Uruguay and Argentina. While you’re there, check out their seasonal cocktail menus, diverse beer selection and wine pairings for each menu item.

• OvenBird: 205-957-6686 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2810 3rd Ave S, Birmingham
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5-10PM, closed Sunday-Monday

7. Helen

Head to Helen for an elevated perspective on classic Southern cuisine. Chef Rob McDaniel, a six-time James Beard Award semifinalist, and his wife (who are both mentioned further up on this list) were inspired by “Rob’s grandmother cooking over the hardwood coals of her indoor grill, in a home where friends and family gathered to share meals, celebrate and create lasting memories.”

• Helen: 205-438-7000 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2013 2nd Ave N, Birmingham
• Hours:
  • Lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11AM-1:30PM
  • Dinner: Monday-Saturday 5-9PM

6. SAW’s BBQ

SAW’s is on practically all of the “best restaurants in Birmingham” lists, and we’d say there’s a reason for the hype. Each of its locations across Birmingham offers a totally different atmosphere depending on what you might be looking for, so get ready to explore. A standout for us at Bham Now is the Sweet Heat Fried Chicken Sandwich, but you can’t go wrong with their good ol’ fashioned Alabama BBQ.

• SAW’s BBQ: Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address:
  • Soul Kitchen (Avondale): 215 41st St S, Birmingham
  • Juke Joint (Crestline): 1115 Dunston Ave, Birmingham
  • Homewood: 1008 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood
  • Southside: 1154 11th Ave S, Birmingham
  • Hoover: 3780 Riverchase Village, Hoover
  • Leeds: 6200 Grand River Blvd E Suite 510, Leeds
• Hours: Varies by location

5. Bayonet

The Michelin Guide, which named Bayonet a “Bib Gourmand” restaurant, says that “the makings of a great day begin with lunch at this airy raw bar that gets all the details just right.” Owners Rob and Emily McDaniel also operate their flagship restaurant, Helen, next door. Bayonet focuses primarily on seafood, with wahoo salami, cobia sausage and Gulf coast crab bound with corn remoulade.

• Bayonet: 205-829-1899 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2015 2nd Ave N, Birmingham
• Hours: 11AM-9PM Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday

4. Johnny’s Restaurant

Not only will you find the classic meat and three at Johnny’s, but you’ll also find Chef Timothy Hontzas’ Greek specialties, including spanakopita, souvlaki, rolo kima and yiaourti cheesecake. Johnny’s has received several James Beard Award nominations in addition to a semifinalist title for Best Hospitality in 2022.

• Johnny’s Restaurant: 205-802-2711 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2902 18th St S, Homewood
• Hours: Sunday-Friday 11AM-2PM, closed Saturday

3. Chez Fonfon

This bistro in the heart of Five Points South opened in 2000, and its been bustling ever since. Enjoy their gorgeous patio while playing a game of boule with friends, or stay indoors in the elegant dining room that is reminiscent of Paris. The atmosphere is certainly hard to beat, but the food has received its own accolades, too. Chez FonFon’s top-tier hospitality received a James Beard Award semifinalist recognition, and it is a frequent mention in travel guides and insider lists alike.

• Chez Fonfon: 205-939-3221 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2007 11th Ave S, Birmingham
• Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11AM-9:30PM, Saturday 4-9:30PM

2. Bottega

An evening at Bottega is always such a special treat. There are a few different dining atmosphere options, such as the slightly-more-casual “café side” (walk-ins only!) or sitting out on the dreamy terrace. A recommendation from a Bham Nower who loves this spot: Start with the beef carpaccio, enjoy a seasonal entrée, finish with a slice of the famous coconut cake, and don’t escape without picking up a bottle of olive oil for your kitchen (or to share with a friend — a great gift idea!).

• Bottega: 205-939-1000 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2240 Highland Avenue, Birmingham
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-9:30PM

1. Automatic Seafood and Oysters

Throughout our research for the best restaurant in Birmingham, Automatic Seafood and Oysters came up time and time again. Chef Adam Evans was recognized as a winner of a James Beard Award for Best Chefs in America South in 2022, Michelin Guide gives it applause and it appeared in nearly every publication we included in our calculations — not to mention that it easily held its own among crowdsourced lists, as well.

Come ready to eat some classic seafood dishes — which are primarily sourced from the Gulf of Mexico — like fried oysters, octopus, scallops and fish collar. Automatic also offers a delicious weekend brunch that includes breakfast favorites among some more savory lunch offerings. Swordfish schnitzel, anyone?

• Automatic Seafood and Oysters: 205-580-1600 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 2824 5th Avenue South, Birmingham
• Hours:
  • 4-10PM everyday
  • Lunch: Friday 11:30AM-1:30PM + Saturday-Sunday 10AM-2PM

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