A bearded man in a plaid shirt and quilted vest stands at a restaurant bar or counter, smiling at the camera — Rob McDaniel is the Owner and Executive Chef of Bayonet in downtown Birmingham. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to make a reservation at the best seafood restaurant in Alabama, here it is: Bayonet is the “absolute best date night restaurant in Alabama,” according to Tasting Table.

In a recent article titled “The Absolute Best Date Night Restaurant In Every State,” the food-and-drink-focused digital publication chose Bayonet, the popular downtown Birmingham restaurant concept led by James Beard-nominated chef Rob McDaniel, as Alabama’s best date night spot. Read on to learn why.

Why did Tasting Table pick Bayonet as Alabama’s best date night restaurant?

Hotel lobby seating area with dark wood chairs, a round coffee table, floral chandelier, colorful ceramic plate wall art, and an abstract painting — Bayonet opened its doors in Birmingham in early 2025. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Restaurant interior with a long sushi bar counter, bar stools, red dining chairs, and a mirrored back wall reflecting the kitchen prep area — Bayonet opened its doors in Birmingham in early 2025. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

According to foodie publication Tasting Table, Bayonet checks all the boxes for an unforgettable date night—from its elegant downtown dining room to Chef Rob McDaniel’s ingredient-driven seafood menu and everything in-between.

“I have to give all the credit to our amazing team that works very hard to ensure our guests have a well-rounded and unforgettable experience.”
Rob McDaniel, Owner and Executive Chef, Bayonet

Located at 2015 2nd Ave N in downtown Birmingham, Bayonet is the second restaurant concept from James Beard-nominated Chef Rob McDaniel and wife Emily McDaniel. The couple previously opened Helen, a contemporary Southern grill with fresh takes on classic dishes, next door at 2013 2nd Ave N in 2020.

Bayonet 118 scaled Bayonet named No. 1 date night spot in Alabama—here's why — Bayonet’s fried soft shell crab sandwich with fries. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Since its opening in 2025, Bayonet has garnered awards from several local and national publications, including:

A spot on The New York Times’ “50 Best Restaurants in America”
A Bib Gourmand distinction from the Michelin Guide
Recognition as Alabama’s “Best Seafood Restaurant” by The Takeout
A spot Southern Living’s “20 Best New Restaurants In The South” and Garden & Gun’s “30 New Restaurants to Try Now”

According to Tasting Table, Bayonet’s combination of locally-sourced Gulf seafood—with dishes like Parmesan-crusted red snapper, grouper roulade and its oyster raw bar—and sophisticated atmosphere make it a clear choice for an Alabama date night.

What do you think of Tasting Table’s choice? What is your favorite dish at Bayonet? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!

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