This Birmingham spot just landed on Bon Appétit’s list of the best new restaurants in the country

Birmingham’s food scene just scored another major national shoutout. Bayonet Raw Bar has been named one of Bon Appétit’s 19 Best New Restaurants of 2026, putting the Magic City seafood spot alongside some of the country’s buzziest new dining destinations.

Bayonet Raw Bar earns national recognition from Bon Appétit

Led by James Beard semifinalist chef Rob McDaniel, Bayonet Raw Bar opened on 2nd Avenue North in 2025 and quickly made a splash with a menu dedicated entirely to fresh Gulf seafood. The restaurant offers an extensive oyster selection by the half or whole dozen, along with creative takes on Gulf Coast favorites, lesser-known catches and plenty of unique cocktails.

What makes Bayonet one of the best new restaurants in 2026?

So, how did Bayonet catch Bon Appétit’s attention?

The publication highlighted Bayonet for its creative approach to Gulf Coast seafood, including dishes that put unexpected spins on familiar ingredients.

Among the dishes getting a national spotlight are rudder fish aguachile and a swordfish belly Reuben.

If the food hasn’t intrigued you yet, Bayonet’s cocktails may just seal the deal. One that caught Bon Appétit’s attention is the Cry Baby—a tequila-forward cocktail made with Nerds syrup and topped with a Nerds Gummy Cluster. Who knew seafood and candy could be BFFs?

Bayonet in Birmingham adds to its growing list of accolades

Bon Appétit isn’t the first organization to take notice of what’s happening at Bayonet Raw Bar. The Birmingham restaurant has already racked up some impressive recognition.

Other Bayonet Raw Bar awards and honors include:

• Bayonet named best seafood restaurant in Alabama by The Takeout
• Local seafood restaurant named among 50 Best Restaurants in America by New York Times
• 2 Birmingham restaurants named best in South by “Southern Living” + why we agree
• Bayonet named No. 1 date night spot in Alabama—here’s why

Bayonet puts Birmingham seafood on the national map

Having a Birmingham restaurant recognized by Bon Appétit is a big deal, especially when Bayonet is one of just 19 restaurants across the country included on the publication’s 2026 list.

Bayonet shared its excitement on Facebook, stating:

“Ahh, we made the list! Bayonet has been named one of Bon Appétit’s Best New Restaurants of 2026 — one of just 19 restaurants across the country. What an incredible honor for our little corner of Birmingham.

To every person who has been part of the Bayonet team — past and present — thank you. You helped build this place, shaped what it has become and continue to bring it to life every single day.

And to our guests: thank you for showing up, sitting at our tables and staying curious about seafood with us. For trying something unfamiliar, asking questions, trusting us to introduce you to something new and coming back for more.

We are incredibly proud to represent Birmingham and the Gulf Coast on this list. Thank you, bonappetitmag. What a day.”

Bayonet Raw Bar

Whether you go for the swordfish belly Reuben or the Cry Baby cocktail, now is a great time to see what all the national buzz is about

Visit Bayonet Raw Bar in Birmingham

• Where: 2015 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• When: Mon–Sat: 11AM–9PM | Happy Hour: Mon–Sat: 3PM–5PM
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