Top 10 Best Birmingham Restaurants

Birmingham is famous for dishes like its various styles of barbecue, shrimp and grits, and food featuring fresh Gulf seafood, making the city a significant stop for Southern food tourism. The best food in Birmingham often highlights its New South identity, blending traditional Southern cooking with contemporary culinary approaches. What sets food in Birmingham apart is the quality and variety of its barbecue (from vinegar-based to white sauce on chicken), and its acclaimed fine dining scene spearheaded by chefs like Frank Stitt and Chris Hastings. Cooking techniques important to Birmingham include slow-smoking meats for barbecue, classic Southern preparations for vegetables and grits, and refined European techniques applied to regional ingredients in its upscale establishments. Special ingredients often utilized include Alabama white sauce for barbecue, fresh Gulf shrimp and oysters, stone-ground grits, and seasonal produce from Alabama farms.

The average cost of a meal in Birmingham from Birmingham restaurants can range from $10 to over $125 per person, varying with the establishment and type of dining. A single meal at a budget-friendly restaurant or a casual spot might cost between $12 and $25. For a group meal at a mid-range restaurant, individuals can expect to spend between $30 and $60 each. When considering a high-end or fine dining restaurant in Birmingham, the cost for one person can be $75 to $125 or more, especially for tasting menus or at highly acclaimed venues.

Birmingham has a wide selection of popular fast-food restaurants offering quick and convenient meal options throughout the city, with national chains like McDonald's and Chick-fil-A being very common, alongside Alabama-based favorites like Milo's Hamburgers. These spots are known for their recognizable brands and efficient service. Some of the most popular fast-food restaurants in Birmingham include:

• McDonald's: A global fast-food leader known for its Big Macs and fries.
• Chick-fil-A: Highly popular for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries.
• Milo’s Hamburgers: An Alabama institution famous for its unique charbroiled burgers with "Milo's Famous Sauce," seasoned crinkle-cut fries, and sweet tea.
• Taco Bell: Offers Mexican-inspired fast food like tacos and burritos.
• Wendy's: Known for its square beef patties and Frosty desserts.
• Bojangles: While originating in Charlotte, it has a strong presence in Birmingham, known for its Cajun-seasoned fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits.
• Zaxby's: Popular for its chicken fingers, wings, and sandwiches.
• Subway: Provides customizable submarine sandwiches.
• Cook Out: A regional favorite known for its extensive menu of char-grilled burgers, barbecue trays, and many milkshake flavors.
• Krystal: A Southern chain famous for its small, square steamed burgers.
• Jack's: An Alabama-based fast-food chain offering burgers, fried chicken, and breakfast items.
• Whataburger: Though Texas-based, it has a notable presence and is popular for its large, customizable burgers.

New restaurants in Birmingham that have opened or garnered significant attention more recently are shown here:

• Trattoria Zaza an Asian Inspired Kitchen + Bar: The recent reconcepting of this established downtown spot into an Asian-inspired eatery makes it a significant new offering.
• Keyla's Kookies & Katering (Newer brick-and-mortar/expanded presence): Known for baked goods, expansions into cafe or more substantial food offerings make such local businesses feel like new culinary destinations.
• Lady E's Chick'n & Fixin's: This spot focusing on Southern comfort food and fried chicken has been a more recent addition gaining local attention.
• Helen (Continued Acclaim as a newer staple): Though open a bit longer, this contemporary Southern grill focusing on live-fire cooking continues to be regarded as a strong, relatively recent addition making waves.

No, as of the current Michelin Guide coverage in the United States, there are no Michelin star restaurants in Birmingham. The Michelin Guide does not currently rate restaurants in Alabama. However, Birmingham is home to several highly acclaimed restaurants and chefs who have received prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards, which are often considered the equivalent of Michelin stars in the U.S. culinary world. For example, restaurants like Highlands Bar and Grill (from Chef Frank Stitt, though not on the provided list, it's a Birmingham institution) has won Outstanding Restaurant in America, and chefs like Frank Stitt and Chris Hastings (Hot and Hot Fish Club) are James Beard Award winners for Best Chef: South. Automatic Seafood and Oysters has also received a James Beard Award for Best Restaurant. 

Yes, some downtown Birmingham restaurants and upscale establishments in nearby areas offer seasonal tasting menus. These menus allow chefs to showcase the freshest ingredients of the season and present a curated, multi-course dining experience. For example, fine dining establishments like Hot and Hot Fish Club or Bottega Restaurant (both from the provided list and in or very near downtown/Southside, which functions as an extension of downtown's prime dining) often feature tasting menu options or create special menus that highlight seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Automatic Seafood and Oysters, another high-end restaurants downtown Birmingham AL (or close by) contender, has a menu that changes daily based on fresh catches, which inherently reflects seasonality and can sometimes be experienced in a tasting format. These tasting menus often feature the best of what local farms and purveyors have to offer at that time of year.

Yes, some Birmingham fancy restaurants may suggest or require a specific dress code, though it varies by establishment. For the most upscale fine dining restaurants, such as 801 Chophouse or Highlands Bar and Grill (a local institution not on the provided list but relevant to the question), a "business casual" or "smart casual" dress code is often expected or appreciated. This might mean collared shirts and slacks for men, and dresses, skirts, or smart trousers for women. Very few restaurants in Birmingham enforce a strict "jacket and tie required" policy anymore. However, for many other nice restaurants, including several on the provided list like Chez Fonfon or The Essential, the dress code is more relaxed, often described as "casual chic" or simply "no sportswear." It is always a good practice to check a restaurant's website or call ahead if unsure about the dress code, especially for higher-end Birmingham fancy restaurants.

Many Birmingham food places are increasingly able to cater to common dietary restrictions, with chefs and staff becoming more knowledgeable about allergies and preferences. The best food places in Birmingham, especially those offering from-scratch cooking, can often modify dishes to accommodate needs like gluten-free, vegetarian, or dairy-free, provided the request is reasonable and communicated clearly. It is always advisable for diners to inform the restaurant of any allergies or significant dietary restrictions when making their reservation or upon arrival. This allows the kitchen to prepare and offer suitable options. While dedicated allergen-free kitchens are rare, the willingness and ability to adapt menu items is a growing trend in the Birmingham dining scene.

Birmingham has vegan-friendly restaurants like Underground Vegan, SluttyVegan ATL (a popular chain with a Birmingham location), The Essential (with notable vegan options), and Golden Temple Vegetarian Cafe, alongside other establishments that accommodate plant-based diets. Underground Vegan is known for its plant-based comfort food, offering vegan versions of classic American dishes. SluttyVegan ATL has gained a large following for its indulgent, over-the-top vegan burgers and lively atmosphere. The Essential, while not exclusively vegan, often features creative and well-executed vegan dishes on its seasonal menu, especially for brunch and dinner. Golden Temple Vegetarian Cafe has been a long-standing spot offering a range of vegetarian and vegan Indian-inspired and international dishes in a casual setting. Many other Birmingham restaurants are also expanding their vegan offerings.

Birmingham has gluten-free friendly restaurants like The Essential (which is often accommodating), many barbecue establishments where meats and some sides are naturally gluten-free, and most upscale American restaurants that can cater to gluten-free needs, such as Automatic Seafood and Oysters. The Essential, known for its seasonal American food and bakery, can often provide gluten-free options or modifications for its dishes. Barbecue joints like SAW's BBQ (from the provided list) offer smoked meats that are inherently gluten-free, and many of their sides can be as well, though it's important to confirm about sauces and cross-contamination. Upscale establishments like Automatic Seafood and Oysters, focusing on fresh ingredients, are adept at guiding diners toward naturally gluten-free seafood and vegetable preparations and can modify dishes. Many restaurants in Birmingham are becoming more aware of gluten sensitivities and offer suitable choices.

Birmingham's most famous food styles are its distinctive Southern barbecue and its acclaimed New American/Contemporary Southern food, often led by James Beard Award-winning chefs. Listed below are common and popular food styles in Birmingham food:

• Southern/Comfort Food: This is fundamental to Birmingham's food identity, featuring dishes like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, collard greens, mac and cheese, and biscuits. It's famous for its rich flavors, connection to regional heritage, and comforting appeal.
• Barbecue: Birmingham has a strong barbecue scene with several distinct styles, including vinegar-based sauces and the unique Alabama white sauce often served with smoked chicken. It's famous for its slow-cooked meats and deep Southern roots. SAW's BBQ is a prominent example.
• New American/Contemporary Southern: Led by influential chefs, Birmingham has a significant number of restaurants offering innovative, modern interpretations of Southern food, emphasizing seasonal, local ingredients. This style is famous for its culinary artistry and for elevating regional food. Restaurants like Hot and Hot Fish Club and Automatic Seafood and Oysters exemplify this.
• Seafood: Given Alabama's proximity to the Gulf Coast, fresh seafood plays an important role in Birmingham's dining. Dishes featuring Gulf shrimp, oysters, and fish are popular. This is famous due to the availability of fresh, regional catches.
• Steakhouse: Classic American steakhouses offering high-quality cuts of beef are a staple in Birmingham's upscale dining options.
• Italian: From casual pizzerias and family-style trattorias to more refined Italian dining experiences influenced by Southern ingredients (like at Bottega), Italian food is well-represented and enjoyed.
• French Bistro: Establishments like Chez Fonfon offer authentic French bistro fare, which is famous for its classic, well-executed dishes and lively atmosphere.
• Hot Chicken: While originating in Nashville, the trend of spicy "hot chicken" has a strong presence in Birmingham, with places like Eugene's Hot Chicken gaining popularity.