The state of Alabama has a lot to offer the culinary-minded diner, with its rich cultural traditions and lively flavors. We look at ten of the top restaurants in Dixie to sample some of the tastiest cuisines.
1. Acre
Auburn is more than simply a football-crazed college town for visitors. Acre, a restaurant committed to providing the community with upscale interpretations of traditional meals, is located in historic downtown. Its dining area is light and airy, with simple furnishings, neutral hues, and huge windows that bring in plenty of natural light. Deep-fried gouda grits, Mississippi catfish tacos, and bourbon chocolate pecan pie are the menu’s reinterpreted Southern favorites. Please relax and enjoy one of their trademark cocktails, such as the Chilton Co. peach julep.
2. Chez Fonfon
You can find a beautiful sliver of France deep in the American South. Chez Fonfon is a restaurant that serves lunch and dinner. The dining space features design elements and decor pieces acquired from abroad to create a spot-on French bistro ambiance. Even an outdoor courtyard with French lawn games is available at the restaurant. Moules et frites, croque madame, and trout amandine are among the bistro favorites on the menu of Chez Fonfon. Customers rave about the hamburgers and steak Frites served at the eatery. This is the spot in Birmingham for comfortable French cooking, with pleasant personnel and a great wine list to match any meal.
3. Highlands Bar and Grill
Highlands Bar and Grill has been a Birmingham institution for decades. This restaurant, which has been open since 1982, has received multiple distinctions, including nominations from the James Beard Foundation. With white starched tablecloths and well-dressed wait personnel, the ambiance at Highlands is posh and sophisticated. Southern classics and French traditions inspire the foods; it’s an unusual pairing, but it works. The stone-ground baked grits appetizer and the lamb porterhouse chops are trendy. Highlands Bar & Grill is an excellent choice for a special occasion or to enjoy delicious food.
4. Hot and Hot Fish Club
The food at Hot & Hot Fish Club is a visual and gastronomic delight. The importance of plating and presentation is stressed, and the food emerges from the kitchen looking elegant. The cuisine is primarily influenced by seasonal vegetables, with components gathered from local food suppliers. The menu is constantly changing, but dishes like cauliflower soup with truffle oil and rabbit roulade with farro risotto and mustard greens are popular. It’s clear why Hot and Hot Fish Club has won so many prizes and honors. Both the ambiance and the food are exquisite and executed flawlessly.
5. Fisher’s
Fisher’s is essentially two restaurants in one: one providing fresh seafood and the other serving it in a somewhat different setting. Fisher’s Upstairs is sophisticated and stylish, with a light, airy design reflecting the seaside surroundings. Seared scallops and grilled swordfish are among the superb delicacies on the Upstairs menu. Fisher’s Dockside is a more laid-back establishment with fanciful fish artwork and beautiful terrace seating. There are various sandwich, taco, and salad options on the Dockside menu. Don’t sweat it if you can’t decide between the two. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Orange Beach Marina from either restaurant and unrivaled fresh seafood.
6. Ollie Irene
Ollie Irene was named after the owner’s grandmother and the Southern history of farming and fresh, home-style food. Guests are treated as family members who have come to share a simple and comforting dinner. Customers will feel as though they are entering a farmstead dining room because the dining room is comfortable and modest. Seasonal fruit and locally raised meats are used on the menu. Homemade pickle selection, house pork sausage, and fried catfish are among the most popular delicacies. Ollie Irene is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
7. Cotton Row
Cotton Row is situated in a roughly 200-year-old historic structure. The restaurant pays homage to its surroundings and its Southern roots. The dining area is designed and romantically illuminated on the inside. Huntsville’s historic downtown is seen from the outside seating. Cotton Row’s chef has been dubbed a culinary genius, winning numerous honors and attracting the attention of the restaurant elite. The restaurant’s menu features a wide range of vegetable, fish, and meat selections, all expertly cooked, focusing on quality and taste.
8. Grille 29
Grille 29 offers consistent quality and service while serving contemporary American cuisine. Above all, this restaurant can be classified as a steakhouse. Hand-cut steaks are proudly featured on the menu, grilled to the correct temperature and perfection. However, there are lots of possibilities for those with different tastes. Popular menu items include potato-crusted halibut, grouper oscar, blue crab gazpacho, and gorgonzola fondue and hummus crudité platter. Grille 29 offers a wide variety of delicious dishes at moderate pricing.
9. SpringHouse
SpringHouse is a small, warm, and stylish retreat on the scenic banks of Lake Martin. The interior is warm and rustic with enormous roaring fires, massive brickwork, and exposed wooden beams. The staff is friendly and welcoming, going out of their way to ensure that customers have a pleasant stay. The restaurant’s menu frequently changes to reflect the abundance of fresh foods available at any given time. SpringHouse is a lovely spot to eat, with Southern food and home-style warmth.
10. Simp McGhee’s
This restaurant has a fascinating past, having been named for a rowdy Tennessee River riverboat captain. Simp McGhee’s brings a dose of Cajun spice to the Alabama restaurant industry with the same spirit of defiance and adventure. The menu includes seafood gumbo, crawfish eggrolls, shrimp, and andouille ravioli, which are significantly influenced by New Orleans cuisine. Simp McGhee’s also has a tapas menu consisting of small portions to share with others. This is the ideal spot for a straightforward, tasty dinner devoid of smugness.
