Best Restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama

Planning a special night out in Birmingham? Whether you’re a local or just stopping by, we guarantee you’ll enjoy any one of the excellent restaurants listed here. Don’t miss out on the best restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama!

Highlands Bar & Grill

Since 1982, Highlands Bar & Grill has been serving the Hoover area with a menu that changes along with the harvest of fresh local ingredients. With a foundation of classic French technique, Highlands’ chefs transform those flavorful raw ingredients into regional Southern fare. Whether you stop in for a cocktail or book a table for a feast of lamb shank and pheasant, don’t forget the oysters. There’s no jacket requirement, but you may feel out of place without one in the elegant 1920s-inspired dining room!

El Barrio

You’ll find El Barrio on downtown Birmingham’s quickly emerging 2nd Ave. North. Something between a traditional Mexican restaurant and a bustling neighborhood bar and grill, this is your go-to for Mexican flavors with an inventive twist. All the recipes at El Barrio are inspired by your favorite regional classics from Mexico — but with a little something different! They source local and organic produce whenever possible, and only serve meat, seafood, and poultry that have been humanely raised and fed natural diets.

Gianmarco’s Restaurant

Struggling to find the right atmosphere for date night? We suggest Gianmarco’s! You really can’t go wrong with crisp white tablecloths, romantic candlelight, and generous glasses of Chianti.

GianMarco’s is proud to serve authentic Italian meals to their neighbors in Birmingham and Vestavia Hills — from grass-fed prime cut ribeyes, to fresh grouper with andouille gumbo! Even better, they’re family-owned by a father-and-sons team.

Chez Fonfon

If you’ve ever pined for a classic French bistro experience without going all the way to Paris, here’s your chance. Chez Fonfon is that casual, cozy spot you hit up for Wednesday brunch in your Paresian alternate-universe life. With authentic salvaged decor to evoke 1920s Paris, you might even find a time-space rift in the folded pleats of your bistro napkin. Hang about until evening to sample their well-chosen selection of quirky and delicious wines!

Discover Birmingham with Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover!

Have lingering questions about the Birmingham establishments above? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. Explore our Hoover guide to learn more about the best dining and entertainment near Vestavia Hills and Bessemer, including top-rated Mexican restaurants. And always remember – if you’ll be enjoying drinks with friends while you’re out, utilize Uber or Lyft or hop on Birmingham’s public transportation system to get home safely.