Birmingham, Alabama is fast becoming a foodie’s haven with its thriving food scene and diverse range of cuisines. From Southern comfort food to international specialties, the city’s restaurants offer a variety of flavors and experiences that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to eat in Birmingham, whether you’re looking for a delicious brunch spot, a fancy dinner destination or a hidden gem for foodies. We’ll also take a look at Birmingham’s famous food festivals, vegan and vegetarian options, and food delivery services.
Brunch spots in Birmingham
If you’re looking for a mouth-watering brunch experience in Birmingham, you’re in luck. The city has a plethora of options to choose from, each offering its own unique twist on classic brunch fare. One of the most popular spots for brunch is the Urban Standard. Located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, this quirky café boasts a menu of gourmet sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. Their breakfast sandwiches are a must-try, especially the “Breakfast BLT” made with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and a fried egg.
Another brunch spot worth checking out is the OvenBird. This restaurant offers a Spanish-inspired brunch menu, complete with tapas-style dishes and a variety of sangrias. One of their most popular dishes is the “Huevos Rotos,” which is a Spanish-style hash made with potatoes, chorizo, and eggs. If you’re looking for a more laid-back brunch experience, the Trattoria Centrale is the perfect spot. This cozy Italian café serves up a range of breakfast and lunch dishes, including their famous breakfast pizza topped with eggs, bacon, and cheese.
Lunch spots in Birmingham
For a midday meal, Birmingham has plenty of options to choose from. One of the best lunch spots in the city is the Saw’s Soul Kitchen. This tiny restaurant may be small, but it packs a punch with its famous barbeque sandwiches and sides. Another great lunch spot is the Shu Shop, which offers a variety of Japanese-inspired dishes, including sushi rolls and ramen bowls. Their “Pork Belly Bun” is a must-try, made with braised pork belly, pickled cucumber, and hoisin sauce.
If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, head over to the Mile End Deli. This New York-style deli serves up classic sandwiches like pastrami and corned beef, as well as bagels and lox. Another great option for lunch is the El Barrio Restaurante Y Bar. This Mexican-inspired restaurant offers a range of dishes, including their famous guacamole made tableside. Their “Taco Trio” is also a popular choice, featuring three different tacos with your choice of protein.
Dinner spots in Birmingham
When it comes to dinner, Birmingham has no shortage of options. If you’re looking for a fancy night out, the Highlands Bar and Grill is the perfect spot. This restaurant is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country and offers a menu of Southern-inspired dishes like shrimp and grits and fried chicken. Another great option for a special occasion is the Hot and Hot Fish Club. This restaurant offers a rotating menu of seasonal dishes, all made with locally sourced ingredients.
For a more casual dinner experience, head over to the Post Office Pies. This restaurant specializes in wood-fired pizzas and offers a variety of toppings, including house-made sausage and fresh vegetables. Another great option for dinner is the Chez Fonfon. This French-inspired restaurant offers a range of classic dishes like escargot and steak frites. Their wine list is also impressive, with a variety of French wines to choose from.
Hidden gems for foodies in Birmingham
If you’re looking to explore Birmingham’s food scene, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover. One of the best is the Pizitz Food Hall. This indoor market features a variety of food vendors, including Israeli street food, Vietnamese pho, and classic Southern dishes. Another hidden gem is the Taj India, which offers a range of authentic Indian dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, head over to the OvenBird. This restaurant offers an open-fire hearth where chefs cook up a variety of tapas-style dishes. Another great option for a unique dining experience is the Bamboo on 2nd. This restaurant offers a fusion of Asian and Southern cuisine, with dishes like shrimp and grits sushi rolls and Korean BBQ pork belly.
Birmingham’s famous food festivals
Birmingham is home to several food festivals throughout the year, each offering its own unique culinary experience. One of the most popular is the Magic City Mac and Cheese Festival. This festival features dozens of vendors offering their own take on the classic comfort food. Another popular festival is the Greek Food Festival. This festival offers a variety of Greek-inspired dishes like gyros, pastitsio, and spanakopita.
If you’re a fan of barbecue, don’t miss the Birmingham Barbecue Festival. This festival features some of the best barbeque in the city, as well as live music and a beer garden. Another great festival for foodies is the Breakin’ Bread Festival. This festival features a variety of local restaurants and chefs, each offering a unique dish for guests to try.
Vegan and vegetarian options in Birmingham
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, Birmingham has plenty of options to choose from. One of the best spots for vegan food is the Nourish Café. This café offers a range of plant-based dishes, including smoothie bowls and avocado toast. Another great option for vegan food is the Golden Temple Health Food Store and Café. This restaurant offers a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as a health food store with all-natural products.
For a vegan fine-dining experience, head over to the Roots and Revelry. This restaurant offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, including their popular “Vegan Charcuterie Board.” Another great option for vegan food is the Delta Blues Hot Tamales. This restaurant offers a range of vegan tamales, as well as other Southern-inspired dishes.
Birmingham’s food delivery services
If you’re looking to enjoy Birmingham’s food scene from the comfort of your own home, there are several food delivery services to choose from. One of the most popular is the Waitr app, which offers delivery from a variety of local restaurants. Another great option is the Grubhub app, which offers delivery from chain restaurants as well as local favorites.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, check out the Shipt app. This app offers grocery delivery from local stores like Publix and Whole Foods, as well as meal delivery from restaurants like Jason’s Deli and Zoe’s Kitchen. Another great option for food delivery is the DoorDash app, which offers delivery from a variety of local restaurants.
Top-rated restaurants in Birmingham
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down the best restaurants in Birmingham. However, there are a few that consistently rank as some of the city’s best. The first is the Highlands Bar and Grill, which we mentioned earlier. This restaurant has won numerous awards and is consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the country.
Another top-rated restaurant is the Hot and Hot Fish Club, also mentioned earlier. This restaurant offers a rotating menu of seasonal dishes, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Another top-rated restaurant is the Bottega Café. This Italian-inspired restaurant offers a range of dishes, including homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas.
Conclusion
Birmingham, Alabama may be a hidden gem when it comes to food, but it’s quickly becoming a destination for food lovers from all over the world. With a diverse range of cuisines and a thriving food scene, the city offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a delicious brunch spot, a fancy dinner destination, or a hidden gem for foodies, Birmingham has it all. So, put on your eating pants, and get ready to indulge in some of the most delicious eats that Birmingham has to offer!