Birmingham’s diverse food scene is home to many neighborhood staples and award-winning destinations. The flavors, legacy, and traditions are what make these places special and why you must check them out. Here are our top 10 restaurants in Birmingham.
Bottega | Downtown
2240 Highland Avenue
An intimate and beautifully designed restaurant, Bottega is a Birmingham favorite that fuses Southern ingredients with the rich culinary heritages of Italy. Since 1988, Bottega has been a charming establishment for thoughtfully crafted Italian dishes and cocktails that bring together pieces of wine bars and trattorias from Italy’s most sacred places. Staple dishes include the Risotto and Beef Carpaccio, which leave you dreaming of your next visit.
Chez Fonfon | Downtown
2007 11th Avenue South
Disappear within Five Points for a little while and immerse yourself in French-inspired cuisine. Chez Fonfon is a bistro classic with comfort dishes like steak frites and escargots that reflect chef Frank Stitt’s love for food, farming, and travel. From gaining experience in San Francisco to the South of France, Stitt found his way back to Alabama and has created an authentic space offering European wines and aesthetic inspiration from Lyon.
Niki’s West | North Birmingham
233 Finley Avenue West
Since 1957, Niki’s West has had full parking lots and lines out the door for their Southern cuisine and soul food. Dishes are served cafeteria-style, making it a quick spot to dine in or grab a to-go plate during your lunch break. This legendary restaurant has an ever-changing menu, with fan favorites including center-cut pork chops, Greek chicken, and catfish.
Davenport’s Pizza Palace | Mountain Brook
2837 Cahaba Road
Family-run and a staple for Birmingham natives since 1964, Davenport’s Pizza Palace is built on hard work, dedication, and maybe a little baseball. Founder Rex Hollis named this special place after his friend Jim “Peanut” Davenport, a professional baseball player for the San Francisco Giants. You can taste the passion through the pizza dough and sauce made from scratch. And the atmosphere? It brings you back with nostalgic movie posters and vintage video games.
The Bright Star | Bessemer
304 19th Street North
Since 1925, generations of the Koikos family have poured their passion and hearts into The Bright Star, building not just a restaurant, but a legacy. What started as a 12-seat bar in the early 1900s, quickly turned into something truly iconic. The tile floors and hand-painted murals carry the love of the many years they’ve seen, highlighting the restaurant’s meaningful past. From the mouthwatering Southern meat-and-three lunches to the savory seafood dinners, The Bright Star is a go-to destination.
Gus’s Hot Dogs | Downtown
1915 4th Avenue North
Gus’s Hot Dogs, known for its Greek-style hot dogs and rich history, is a family-founded Birmingham staple. Started in 1947 by Greek immigrant Gus Alexander, the establishment has stuck to its Greek roots through its decades of leadership. With multiple locations across Alabama, you can find eclectic flavors around any corner to satisfy any craving you may have. From a chili dog to a slaw dog, you’re going to keep coming back.
Hot and Hot Fish Club | Downtown
2901 2nd Avenue South #110
Tucked away in Birmingham’s Pepper Place, Hot and Hot Fish Club is a non-negotiable must-visit local favorite where Southern, French, and California flavors blend together in a refreshing and modern way. From the exposed brick to the chef’s counter, this stylish atmosphere is the perfect companion to the superb ingredients used in the dishes. As a James Beard Award-winning restaurant, there is no way you can miss out on Hot and Hot!
Saw’s BBQ | Homewood
1008 Oxmoor Road
Saw’s BBQ started almost two decades ago when Mike “SAW” Wilson turned a fun time barbecuing with friends into a spot that every Birminghamian can easily recognize. This flavorful gem built its reputation on Carolina-style smoked meat and house-made sauces. Despite its humble beginnings, Saw’s BBQ quickly grew into multiple locations thanks to the quality and flavors that ignite the taste buds and create good memories.
Johnny’s Restaurant | Homewood
2902 18th Street South
From generations of flavor and a story that feels like it came straight from a movie, Chef Timothy Hontzas brings a multitude of flavors to the table at Johnny’s. His grandfather’s legacy, from Greece to New Orleans to Birmingham, is what serves as the heart of the beloved local establishment. Chef Timothy blends Southern meat-and-three flavors with Greek staples like spanakopita and souvlaki. The result? A special place with unforgettable dishes.
Gilchrist | Mountain Brook
2805 Cahaba Road
Feel the love when you walk into Gilchrist! Once a neighborhood drugstore, it is now a cozy, intimate kitchen-style sandwich shop known for its warm and welcoming service. Regulars are often known by name, making you not just a customer, but part of the family. Fan favorites are the Tuna Salad Sandwich and the Pimento BLT, which keep locals coming back!
