Savoring Alabama: A Culinary Journey Through Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville, and Mobile
Do you fancy yourself a foodie? Are you always on the lookout for exceptional dining experiences? You’ve come to the right place. Alabama, often praised for its rich history and warm hospitality, is also an epicenter for epicurean enthusiasts. From the vibrant city of Birmingham to the capital city of Montgomery, the tech-driven Huntsville, and the coastal charm of Mobile, these Alabama locales are ready to wow palates of every variety while showcasing their unique culinary prowess. Show up hungry and embark on a journey to explore the best local eateries the state has to offer. From high-end, award-winning establishments to cozy, local gem hideaways, Alabama knows delicious.
Birmingham: A Fusion of Flavors
High-End Delights
Hot and Hot Fish Club – Known for its exquisite Southern cuisine with a modern twist, this James Beard Award-winning restaurant promises a memorable dining experience. Set in the always-cool backdrop of downtown Birmingham, Hot and Hot Fish Club blends Southern, French, and California styles of cooking, offering guests delicious, upscale dishes and cocktails that rotate seasonally. Dishes, such as the Southern Bouillabaisse and Iron Chef Rabbit Roulade, are examples of the blended style of cooking that makes this location a hot spot for folks looking for a unique and classy choice in Birmingham. Price: $$$$
Bottega Italian Restaurant- Bottega is known for pairing ingredients from the American South with artisanal producers from the Italian countryside to make a fusion completely unique and delightfully unexpected. Bottega is in the Five Points South area of Birmingham in the historic Beaux-Arts building and is well-known for its elevated ingredients and warm, sophisticated atmosphere. Bottega’s porchetta is a must-try, with slow-roasted pork belly as the Southern star main paired with rustic ingredients, including okra, field peas, and rosemary and then topped with a tantalizing tomato chutney vinaigrette for that intriguing Italian flair for which Bottega is so well-known. You will have yourself a perfect romantic date night meal for when you want to indulge a little. Price: $$$$
Mid-Range Marvels
Saw’s Soul Kitchen – A haven for BBQ aficionados, this spot dishes out mouthwatering smoked meats and hearty sides. Saw’s is simply a vibe. Adorned with piggy paraphernalia in a small, cozy space, Saw’s has been serving up soul food since 2012 in the Avondale neighborhood but has since expanded into other locations around the Birmingham area. However, the original Saw’s Soul Kitchen is still going strong, with some of the best pulled pork on this side of the Mississippi and scrumptious sweet tea chicken that people around the area rave about. Its atmosphere and general southern-style deliciousness are perfect for an afternoon spent with friends. Price: $$
El Barrio – Offering a contemporary take on Mexican flavors, this trendy eatery features handmade tortillas. Their multi-regional Mexican-inspired cuisine is prepared with the freshest seasonally sourced produce, gulf seafood, and humanely raised meats, making El Barrio a great spot for the conscientious diner. Their carnitas are truly a cut above the rest, prepared with citrus braised pork, onions, and tomatillo sauce for a bright flavor, but if you are a vegetarian or vegan, El Barrio has plenty of options for you as well. Price: $$
Local Faves
The Essential – Celebrating global flavors with a Southern touch, this neighborhood bistro is beloved for its comfort food and welcoming ambiance. Their brunch, served on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. is always a hit with locals, with great brunch staples made to perfection, like their huevos rancheros and salmon benedict. If you are looking for a good lunch or dinner option, their house-made pasta dishes are simply scrumptious and prepared perfectly with many unique options, such as their Paccheri al Polpo, which includes octopus, salsa verde, and charred peppers. The Essential has something for everyone, making it a good option for large crowds and families. Price: $
Yo’ Mama’s Restaurant – Yo’ Mama’s is a soul food staple, serving up classic Southern comfort dishes with lots of heart. Open from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on weekdays, Yo’ Mama’s is a prime spot for a stick-to-your-sides lunch in downtown Birmingham. Offering classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits, fish tacos, hot wings, and chicken and waffles, if you are craving Southern goodness, Yo’ Mama’s has it. They also offer a classic Southern-style brunch every 2nd and last Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. that you would not want to miss. It is a great place to bring the whole family for an affordable and tasty meal together! Price: $
Montgomery: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
High-End Delights
Central – A blend of New American and Southern cuisine, this upscale establishment focuses on farm-to-table fare in a refined setting. You will love the cozy atmosphere and attentive service of this restaurant, and its location in the downtown entertainment district of Montgomery is convenient to everything cool happening in the city. Try the fan-favorite bearnaise-crusted ora king salmon with pan-roasted lyonnaise potatoes, green bean almondine, and red chimichurri sauce for a hearty fish dish or the eggplant cannelloni stuffed with spinach & creamy tofu filling, tempura fried artichoke hearts, red pepper coulis, olive tapenade for a vegan option that is sure to delight your tastebuds. Price: $$$$
Ravello Ristorante- Fine Italiano with a touch of dark glamour in the heart of Montgomery, stepping into Ravello is like stepping onto the set of a Hollywood movie. Decorated in what customers describe as a classy urban gothic style, Ravello Ristorante simply feels romantic, which is why it is the perfect place to take that someone special for a memorable night on the town. The food is phenomenal, with exquisite main dishes like the Veal Milanese, which is fried to perfection and served with creamy polenta, lobster-mushroom caper compound butter, and cherry tomato; and stand-out sides like their Ndunderi E Sugo, which is their ricotta gnocchi and tomato sugo. And if you are looking for an elevated pasta, there is no better place in Mongomery than Ravello, where every pasta dish is lovingly prepared authentically and to perfection. Price: $$$$
Mid-Range Marvels
Vintage Year – Housed in a historic building, this eatery specializes in modern Southern cuisine. It is the best place for a night out on the town, as the food is delicious, and the vibe is cool. Vintage Year started out as Montgomery’s only specialty wine store and has since grown to a thriving restaurant that serves amazing dishes like their popular Seared Duck Breast, served with garlic braised greens, crispy sweet potatoes, a soft-boiled egg, spiced orange marmalade, and pickled mustard seed as well as their English Pea Spätzle, made with herb spätzle, English peas, Swiss chard, asparagus, and topped off with Green Goddess dressing and feta cheese. There is something for everyone to enjoy at Vintage Year. Price: $$
Cahawba House – Cahawba House is a cozy, family-owned restaurant, delivering Southern comfort favorites made from locally sourced ingredients. Folks rave about their Smash Burgers topped with fried green tomatoes, bacon jam, pimento cheese, and bacon in addition to perfectly crafted Chicken and Waffles. You will love that it is located right in the heart of downtown Montgomery, and you will love the friendly service and bona fide Southern cuisine even more. Price: $$
Local Faves
Derk’s Filet & Vine – Part gourmet market and part restaurant, this spot serves delectable sandwiches, salads, and meats to take home. Derk’s is known for its yummy casseroles to-go; gourmet groceries; delicious, handcrafted soups and sandwiches in their deli; and their meat and two hot bar specials. This place has lots of items worth taking a look while you wait for your food to be prepared. Price: $
Lek’s Railroad Thai – Lek’s Railroad Thai is situated in the heart of historic Montgomery and is known for serving authentic Thai cuisine. The restaurant offers a wide range of mouth-watering delicacies that are sure to please even the most discerning palates. Along with the impressive list of Thai dishes, the menu also includes a selection of American cuisine and traditional Japanese sushi. They offer an excellent lunch special menu that is perfect for bringing your entire family out to enjoy. Price: $
Huntsville: Where Innovation and Flavor Collide
High-End Delights
Cotton Row Restaurant – Elevating regional Southern cuisine with a contemporary flair, this restaurant is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Located in a 1921 colonial-style brick building on South Side Square, Cotton Row is an elegant New American restaurant that serves up amazing dishes like Raised Black Angus Short Ribs paired with creamy yellow grits, balsamic-portobello mushroom, arugula, and a blistered tomato; and their Coffee Crushed Broken Arrow Ranch Venison Chop served with sweet potato gnocchi, Swiss chard, foraged mushrooms, and a delicious port wine sauce. This is the perfect place for people who want an exceptional meal with an amazing dining experience. Price: $$$$
Purveyor Huntsville – A fusion of global flavors and Southern ingredients, this upscale eatery crafts dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. The establishment has a comfortable and lively ambiance, with rustic wooden textures, exposed brick walls, and concrete floors adding to its charm. The kitchen is a vital part of Purveyor, and it offers a variety of small plates, including some of its most beloved signature dishes like the Lobster Avocado, Beet Panna Cotta, and Redfish Risotto—all of which are guests’ favorites. Price: $$$
Mid-Range Marvels
Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro – This spot caters to various dietary needs with Southern-inspired comfort food and delightful baked goods. In their Bistro, their Turkey Banh Mi is to die for, made with fresh ingredients like cucumbers, pickled red onion, curry carrot, radish, and roasted jalapeno aioli. Meanwhile, the Veggie Bowl, crafted with brown rice, avocado, cucumbers, pickled red onion, jalapeno, radish, bean sprouts, sesame seeds, chili oil, and red curry vinaigrette is a perfect option for vegans who want a delicious, substantial lunch. In their extensive bakery, guests can choose from a variety of specialty breads, cakes, rolls, cookies, pies, cheesecakes, and other decadent delights to take home with them. They also offer special seasonal flavors, paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and vegan options, so that everyone can find something to enjoy, even if they have dietary restrictions. Price: $$
Cyn Shea’s Café & Catering – Cyn Shea’s Café and Catering is a true downtown favorite, offering an array of Southern dishes with a creative touch. Cyn Shea’s is located in the heart of downtown Huntsville and is famous for its mouth-watering baked goods, which are made in-house every day. They also serve delicious sandwiches and original salads. All the items on the menu are prepared fresh and with the finest ingredients to ensure a perfect culinary experience for every customer. Saturday morning offers live Jazz with a New Orleans-inspired brunch menu that the weekend crowd absolutely adores! Price: $$
Local Faves
Hildegard’s German Cuisine – Hildegard’s German Cuisine offers a unique experience featuring authentic German flavors and hearty portions in a cozy setting. This spot offers delicious schnitzels and sausages, paired with their yummy, traditional sides like sauerkraut, German potato salad, and spätzle. Affordable and authentic, this out-of-the-box eatery is ideal for those in search of a soul-warming, special meal. They also offer an entire gluten-free menu of which every dish is prepared with special pans and utensils to ensure no cross-contamination with any wheat items. Talk about something for everyone! Price: $
Stanlieo’s Sub Villa – Stanlieo’s Sub Villa is known for its mouthwatering subs and sandwiches that have captured the hearts of Huntsville locals. Their most popular sub is The Kitchen Sink, a monster of a sandwich containing seven different types of meat, three different kinds of cheese, and all dressed up with Stanlieo’s onions, pickles, and tomatoes. But if you are not a meat eater, they offer a plethora of fresh and fabulous vegetarian subs that are seriously just as tasty. Pair any of their subs with their fried mushrooms, hot stuffed peppers, or fried green tomatoes, your entire family is bound to enjoy what is on their plates! Price: $
Mobile: Coastal Flavors and Southern Traditions
High-End Delights
Dauphin’s – Nestled atop a historic building, this restaurant offers breathtaking views and a menu celebrating Gulf Coast cuisine. Located on the 34th floor of the Trustmark Building and overlooking Mobile’s downtown revival, Dauphin’s serves up delicious French Creole fair that is sourced from within the state of Alabama. Nothing beats the view at Dauphin’s, except perhaps their amazing dishes. People rave about their intriguing menu, with favorites being the Bon Secour, created with fresh fish, saffron rice, a fresh vegetable medley, and Dauphin’s signature Caribbean spiced rum sauce; and Steak a La Bimini, which consists of a perfect soy garlic glazed #1 tuna fillet served medium rare and paired with garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and parmesan. Price: $$$$
NoJa – Blending Mediterranean and Asian flavors, this upscale eatery focuses on locally sourced ingredients that are high-quality and picked at the peak of their freshness. The menu rotates weekly so guests enjoy something new and exciting each week, looking forward to flavors that always excite the palate. Their options and service provided at NoJa is impeccable with a cozy, inviting setting. Price: $$$
Mid-Range Marvels
Spot of Tea – Known for its charming atmosphere and Southern-inspired dishes, Spot of Tea is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. They offer brunch daily and serve up the most amazing Seafood Eggs Benedict and Monte Cristo. For lunch, their Philly Cheesesteaks are phenomenal, and you cannot go wrong with their classic Gourmet Chicken Salad Croissant. Spot of Tea is an excellent location to bring your friends to for a little quality time. Price: $$
The Royal Scam – The Royal Scam is a Mobile institution offering a mix of seafood and American classics in a lively setting. They are well-known for their outstanding hospitality, huge courtyard, and delicious seafood entrees, such as their Grilled Mahi prepared with white wine poppyseed butter sauce and served with grilled broccolini and grit cakes. They offer delicious desserts as well, such as their “crème brûlée of the day” and their decadent Bread Pudding Scam, which is their take on traditional bread pudding. The Royal Scam is a great place to finish your day with a great meal. Price: $$
Local Faves
Callaghan’s Irish Social Club – Callaghan’s is a quirky dive bar serving up legendary burgers and a taste of Ireland in the heart of Mobile. Locals love their truly tasty dishes, including their hearty brunch menu and gut-busting burgers that were voted by USA Today as “The Best Burger in Alabama”. Callaghan’s Irish Social Club has been open since 1946 and is located in Mobile’s Oakleigh Garden District, and live entertainment still happens within their walls, so do not skip this spot when in Mobile! Price: $
Dumbwaiter Restaurant – The Dumbwaiter Restaurant is a modern eatery that combines Southern comfort with a contemporary twist, creating a memorable dining experience. Their elaborate variety of dishes is inspired by southern heritage cooking with a coastal flare, and their ingredients are never frozen and always locally and regionally sourced. This quaint restaurant is located in downtown Mobile right across from Bienville Square and has been featured on the Travel Channel’s hit television show “Food Paradise.” Their Seared Scallops served on a fresh bed of fennel and fruit, paired with an arugula salad with a tarragon butter sauce, is a fan favorite, and their signature Hook to Table dish is perfect for when you are in the Bay area and want a taste of that delicious famous Gulf seafood. Price: $$
Alabama Knows Delicious
Alabama’s major cities are quickly becoming known as culinary destinations, offering a diverse range of dining experiences that showcase the intersection of Southern traditions, global influences, and modern techniques. Whether you are a fan of high-end gourmet fare, crave unique twists on comfort classics, or seek out storied eateries with soulful flavors, Alabama’s cities are ready to impress. So, pack your appetite and embark on a foodie adventure through Alabama! Come for the food, stay for the hospitality. See why Alabama is an excellent place to lay down your roots by clicking here today.