Giuseppe's owner — Giuseppe’s founder Joe Williams. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Giuseppe’s Cafe, a longtime neighborhood pizzeria in Birmingham, recently earned national recognition as the “best hole-in-the-wall” in Alabama according to Mashed.

One of Birmingham’s favorite hidden gems

Giuseppe's Cafe sign — Giuseppe’s Cafe is a neighborhood favorite for Glen Iris residents (like me!) (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

If you’re a Glen Iris or Southside resident, it’s probably no surprise to see this local gem getting its flowers. Opened more than 20 years ago at 925 8th Street S, Giuseppe’s is owned by Seattle native Joe Williams and has become a neighborhood staple for old-style Italian food.

Here’s what Mashed had to say about Giuseppe’s:

“Step into Giuseppe’s Cafe in Birmingham, Alabama, and you’ll find yourself in the kind of old-school Italian neighborhood eatery that your grandparents told you about.

Cited by locals as one of the city’s hidden gems, Giuseppe’s first opened in 2002 and has kept its dining room small to foster a family vibe. Keep an eye out for its ever-evolving specials menu, featuring dishes such as a lamb gyro pizza.”
Scott Harris-King, Mashed

Between its simple, home-cooked menu and cozy neighborhood vibe, Giuseppe’s hasn’t changed much over the years—and that’s what locals love about it.

Back in 2007, Travelocity.com named Giuseppe’s Cafe as one of 295 “Local Secrets, Big Finds” across the United States.