Just a couple short months ago I had the chance to experience some of the best places to eat in Birmingham, with everything from BBQ to Greek they’re sure to please the foodie in everyone.
The Best Places to Eat in Birmingham
Highlands Bar & Grill
The first stop on our trip was to Highlands Bar & Grill, to say that this restaurant is the best in the south is probably an understatement. Famed chef, Frank Stitt, a nine-time James Beard Foundation finalist, is known for his French training that converts Southern standards into new and amazing dishes.
Our evening started with cocktail creations that left only the desire for more amazing courses during the night. We were not disappointed with each different plate that passed around the table, the food was perfection. My favorites were Crispy Duck Confit and the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee.
Starting the trip on such a high note with an exquisite meal would lead you to believe that it couldn’t get any better, while I think this was my favorite meal, all of the food in Birmingham were hands down the best food I have ever eaten. And, guys, I’ve eaten a lot of food in my 40 years!
Trattoria Centrale
If you want to try the only truly local latte in the city, you need to stop by this little sidewalk cafe for breakfast. Trattoria Centrale has a daily breakfast menu highlighted with locally sourced eggs, bread, grits, coffee and milk that gives diners a taste of what has become Trattoria Centrale’s most popular event: Sunday brunch.
I tried a couple things while we had a leisurely breakfast at the cafe, of course, I had to have the latte that was amazing but there was also Pumpkin Spice Waffles on the menu that just screamed of fall. Since it was September, this seemed like the right choice and it surely did not disappoint. I’ve tried to make these a couple times at home for my family but they’re never quite as good as in Birmingham. I believe this means a Family Vacation to Alabama for breakfast is in order.
Johnny’s Restaurant
There’s a wide variety of cuisines in Birmingham, I was surprised by the Greek restaurants. There are quite a few and they’re fabulous. If you love buffets, Johnny’s Restaurant is a place you need to stop!
At Johnny’s you will find the comfort of classic “Meat & Three” dishes, as well as Greek specialties, such as Spanakopita, Souvlaki, Rolo Kima (Greek Meatloaf w/Lamb) and House Made Yiaourti Cheesecake.
A couple of my favorites were the Parmesan Grit Cake, Baked Greek Chicken, and the Cornbread! All of these were amazing!
Niki’s West
Another wonderful buffet option in Birmingham is Niki’s West, the cafeteria line at Niki’s West is legendary. Mid-morning you can find folks in line, piling their plates high with some of the freshest and most colorful vegetables in Birmingham. And if the cafeteria line isn’t your style, they also have an a la carte menu where you’ll find even more fresh seafood, steaks, and a few traditional Greek dishes.
My favorites were the sweet potato casserole and the blackened tilapia, these are comfort foods that I would have at home in Iowa but maybe kicked up a knotch!
Saw’s Soul Kitchen
Saw’s Soul Kitchen serves some of the best smoked meat around! Whether it’s pork or shrimp you’re hungry for, they have a delicious menu that’ll change your mind again and again because everything sounds so amazing!
Saw’s is a simple place with food served in paper baskets and tables squished together for a true family get together meal experience.
Can we talk about their Fried Green Tomato BLT? It’s kind of ridiculously amazing, which my favorite sandwich ever somehow turned into something even more delicious than I could have ever imagined.
The Bright Star
The last night of our trip we were treated to another spectacular meal at The Bright Star, this restaurant has been serving guests since 1907! They have a variety of delicious steaks, seafood, and amazing award-winning pies.
It is a James Beard Foundation award winner for American Classics.
These are just a few of the restaurants that Birmingham, Alabama have to offer but if you ask my opinion – they are the BEST in town! I left my trip with a craving for these fabulous foods and Birmingham being on my short list of places I need to visit again in 2018.
For more information on the delicious foods and info on Birmingham check out these articles!
Best Restaurants of Birmingham
Birmingham: History, Hospitality, and Heart
Best Things to Do (and eat) in Birmingham
This is a sponsored post, but as always the thoughts and opions are 100% my own.
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