Veranda on Highland, The 2220 Highland Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-939-5551, Uncork a fine time at the Veranda Restaurant, Birmingham's finest wining and dining spot. A vast selection of fine wines and champagnes. Private party and event Rooms. A unique variety of gourmet Southern cuisine. more... 

Garage Cafe 2304 Tenth Terrace South, Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-322-3220, During the day, the Garage Cafe provides outdoor seating surrounded by yard art, antiques, and sculptures which are for sell. At night, locals love to come and hang out to listen to live music.

Fish Market Restaurant 612 South Twenty First Street, Birmingham, AL 35233, 205-322-3330, A specialty foods market, the Fish Market Restaurant offers a nice selection of cured olives and spices, imported Greek foods, marinated items, locally grown vegetables, live seafood including shrimp, blue crabs, rainbow trout and tilapia, homemade sauces, breads, herbs, wines, and fresh fish.

Golden Temple Natural Grocery & Cafe 1901 Eleventh Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-933-6333, The city's first vegetarian/vegan restaurant. Enjoy dining in their casual atmosphere. Low fat and low salt dishes are available. Also visit the attached health food store. 

Back Alley, The 1312 Cobb Lane, Birmingham, AL 35205, Southside, 205-933-6211, Folk, blues and acoustic music are featured at The Back Alley. Enjoy casual indoor or outdoor dining complemented by live music from the patio.  

Edgar's Old Style Bakery 3439 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35243, Cahaba Heights, 205-987-0790, This restaurant serves imaginative renditions of old favorites in a cheerful, casual atmosphere. 

Fox Valley 6745 Highway 17, Birmingham, AL 35114, Maylene, AL, 205-664-8341, Fox Valley offers gourmet entrees without fancy surroundings; the emphasis is on the food. Wine Spectator Magazine's gave them the Award of Excellence. 

Going Home Restaurant & Catering 10 25th Avenue Northeast, Birmingham, AL 35215, 205-815-1100, Meat and veggie plates, hamburgers, salads, catfish & tilapia and great homemade desserts are what you will find at Going Home Restaurant & Catering. more... 

Metro Grill, The 553 Brookwood Village, Birmingham, AL 35209, 205-871-4446, The Metro offers a combination of fine dining and live entertainment unique to the area. The gourmet American grill fare includes a broad appetizer selection, gourmet deli sandwiches, and entrees featuring Black Angus prime filet, porterhouse pork chop, and stuffed shrimp. Beautiful stained glass and artwork adorn this upscale, white tablecloth restaurant. The upstairs loft is available for private parties of up to 30 people. Closed on Sunday. 

Niki's West Steak & Seafood Restaurant 233 Finley Avenue West, Birmingham, AL 35204, 205-252-5751, A good ole' meat and three restaurant, Niki's also offers a full menu of fresh seafood and steaks for dinner.

Silvertron Cafe 3813 Clairmont Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35222, Forest Park Area, 205-591-3707, This restaurant offers a wide variety of entrees in a casual atmosphere. The décor is simple with historic photos of Birmingham on the walls. The eclectic menu offers American favorites, Italian pasta dishes and Mex entrees.  

Surin on 20th 1005 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-939-3200, This restaurant features Pacific Rim and Thai cuisine. They offer a vegetarian menu.  

Surin West 1918 Eleventh Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205-2604, 205-324-1928, Enjoy authentic, fresh Thai cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Surin's offers a full vegetarian menu and a fabulous wine selection. 

Jim & Nicks 11th Avenue Grill Smokehouse 1908 11th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, Southside, 205-320-1060, This casual restaurant offers a varied menu which includes steaks, seafood and their speciality—bar-b-que. Their Heath Bar Pie is a house favorite. 

Chez Lulu 1911 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook, AL 35223, Located in English Village, 205-870-7011, The sister restaurant of The Continental Bakery, Chez Lulu is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Their menu features such fresh selections as hand-tossed pizzas, sandwiches, pastas, soups, French tartes, and assorted cheeses. more...

Preston's 3811 Clairmont Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35222, Forest Park, 205-595-9915, Preston's offers upscale cuisine in a European bistro environment. The lunch menu includes gourmet sandwiches, pastas, and soup of the day. The white-tablecloth atmosphere in the evening offers Atlantic salmon, duck, lamb, and New York Strip.  

Crape Myrtle's Cafe 2721 18th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35209, Homewood, 205-879-7891, Located in the Little Professor Bookstore, this easygoing yet efficient cafe serves fresh vegetables, fish, sandwiches and homemade soups. 

Bahama Breeze 101 Resource Center Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35244-8096, 205-995-0059, This wildly popular, casual chain boasts indoor and outdoor dining, live tropical music, and Caribbean cuisine. The menu features items such as jerk chicken, West Indies ribs, pepper seared tuna, paella, and Jamaican grilled chicken wings.

Golden Dragon II 1020 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-250-1940, This restaurant is conveniently located and features authentic Chinese cuisine in a pleasant atmosphere. 

Mr. Wang's Restaurant 217 Lakeshore Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35209-7108, Homewood, 205-945-9000, A grand buffet is the centerpiece, allowing diners to sample dishes on the menu. An a la carte menu features appetizers and other expected Chinese fare.  

P.F. Chang's 233 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35243, 205-967-0040, 866-732-4264, The P.F. Chang's experience is a unique combination of Chinese cuisine, attentive service, wine, and tempting desserts all served in a stylish, high-energy bistro.  more...

Cheese Cake Corner, The 81 Church Street, Birmingham, AL 35213, 205-873-2253, This cozy, sophisticated coffee house offers soups, sandwiches, steak, seafood, and great cheescake. 

195 Mizan Plaz 195 Vulcan Road, Birmingham, AL 35209, Homewood, 205-271-8228, This restaurant specializes in progressive American Cuisine, including fresh seafood, Cajun, and Southern dishes, utilizing fresh ingredients from all over the country. They have an extensive wine list and an upscale, casual atmosphere. Mizan Plaz is open Tuesday through Friday for lunch and dinner. more... 

Hot and Hot Fish Club 2180 Eleventh Court South, Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-933-5474, This vibrant up-scale restaurant is home to the creative new American cuisine of Chef Chris Hastings. Named one of the South's top neighborhood restaurants by Bon Appetit, Hot and Hot Fish Club's nightly menu focuses on seasonality and the best regional produce, from the sea as well as steaks, pasta and chicken. Dinner is offered Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended. 

Bombay Cafe 2839 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233, Lakeview Area, 205-322-1930, The menu at Bombay Cafe changes daily and features continental cuisine prepared with only the freshest ingredients. The 1920's Avondale Theater was renovated to house this restaurant. They are open for dinner Monday through Saturday and reservations are recommended. 

Wellington's Bistro 1500 Second Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203, 205-324-2345, Wellington's serves Continental cuisine featuring pork, chicken, and seafood selections. 

Bro'Chette's Que and Bayou 1709 Fourth Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203, 205-326-3663, A cast-iron gas stove simmers various gumbos and 4th Avenue Stew, a concoction of 20 different types of beans, beef, chicken, and a little bit of everything else. They also feature homemade desserts. 

Rojo 2921 Highland Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-328-4733, Rojo is a casual neighborhood restaurant featuring both Latin and American cuisine. It is the perfect place to unwind with friends for lunch, dinner, or late night drinks. Rojo also serves a delicious weekend brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.  

Doodle's Muffaletta Place 715 Richard Arrington, Jr. Boulevard South, Birmingham, AL 75203, Southside, 205-251-5558, This New Orleans-style sandwich house features po'boys and other Cajun-style dishes such as muffalettas and gumbo. They are open daily for lunch and have a buffet on Friday evening.  

King Tut Deli 117 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35210, Downtown, 205-324-0475, This Egyptian deli/restaurant features spicy hummus dip, gyro sandwiches, vegetarian plates, kebabs of all varieties, and delicious entrees. Exotic juices and desserts fill the self-serve cooler.  

McAlister's Gourmet Deli 3411 Colonnade Parkway Suite 800, Birmingham, AL 35243, 205-967-1717, This restaurant features an expansive menu that includes Muffalettas and Southwest specialties such as nacho appetizers and tortilla soup, and hoagies and corned beef sandwiches from the Northeast.  

Vincent's Market 531 Brookwood Village Convenience Center, Birmingham, AL 35209, 205-871-2800, Vincent's offers an extensive selection of fresh pizzas, salads, meats, cheeses, breads and steam-table vegetables. It is located inside Vincent's Grocery Market.

Johnny Rockets 1036 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205-2606, Five Points South, 205-322-0200, Step back into the 50's at Johnny Rockets featuring checkered floors and a juke box selector at every table. Their hamburger comes with all the 50's fixin's. 

Melting Pot, The 2015 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-592-4386, Enjoy the comfortable, conversational atmosphere with many options and combinations available for a variety of fondues. They are open for dinner only. 

Bon Appétit 2816 Culver Road, Birmingham, AL 35223, Mountain Brook Mall, 205-871-3266, Birmingham's only authentic French café/bistro. Features homemade lunch quiches, soups, salads, country pate, and desserts. Prix fixe French dinners are offered Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.  

Rue de Provence 2838 Culver Road, Birmingham, AL 35223, Mountain Brook Village, 205-870-4904, This quaint little bistro/bakery features both classic and nouvelle French cuisine. Offerings include fine cheeses, soup, salads, quiches, fancy sandwiches, and homemade desserts. 

Klingler's European Bakery & Cafe 621 Montgomery Highway, Birmingham, AL 35216, Vestavia Hills, 205-823-4560, Klingler's is the city's only restaurant serving an exclusive menu of authentic German pastries, breads and meat specialties.  

Nabeel's Cafe and Tavern 1706 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, AL 35209, Homewood, 205-879-9292, This restaurant and market are open Monday through Saturday and feature Greek, Italian and Mediterranean specialties. Enjoy authentic cuisine in a casual atmosphere.  more... 

Pappas' Delicious Foods 1066 Montgomery Highway, Birmingham, AL 35216, Vestavia Hills Plaza, 205-823-4458, This Greek restaurant takes the concept of a walk-up lunch counter to a higher level by serving some fancy items such as lamb, chicken and even swordfish kabobs in addition to the usual burgers, Greek chicken sandwiches, and salads. 

Taziki's Greek Fare 3439 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35233, The Shops of Colnnade, 205-968-6622, This Greek restaurant offers casual dining in a cheerful atmosphere. Taziki's is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner and take-out is available. 

Shish Mahal 220-A Green Springs Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205, South, 205-322-7242, Fine Indian fare is served in a casual atmosphere. Guests may order from the menu or choose the buffet.  

Taj India 2226 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205, South, 205-939-3805, This classy haunt features such entrees as seafood, lamb, chicken, and vegetarian dishes, all served with flavorful Basmati rice. You may choose from a lunch buffet or full menu.  

Anthony's 2131 Seventh Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233, 205-325-1215, Guests will enjoy this fine Italian restaurant with a romantic atmosphere highlighted by delicious traditional dishes. 

Arman's 2117 Cahaba Road Park Lane, Birmingham, AL 35223, Mountain Brook, 205-871-5551, Arman's features contemporary Italian cuisine in the 101-year-old Brunswick bar. Guests may chhose to dine in the Chef's Exhibition Kitchen. Enjoy the elegant but not pretentious atmosphere at this fine restaurant.

Assagio 2015 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-933-6605, The art-filled decor is contemporary and the stocked bar boasts nearly two dozen cognacs, brandies and ports. Enjoy one of a dozen coffees on brew with dessert.  

Bongiorno 68 A Church Street, Birmingham, AL 35213, Crest line Village, 205-879-5947, This intimate Italian restaurant has a Sicilian influence and a flair for seafood. Bongiorno's menu of family recipes is augmented by nightly seafood specials.  more... 

Bright Star Restaurant, The (circa 1907) 304 Nineteenth Street North, Birmingham, AL 35020-4925, Bessemer, 205-426-1861, The Bright Star Restaurant has an atmosphere and decor of the early 1900's. It is known especially for steaks, seafood, and Italian cuisine.  

Cafe Ciao 2031 Cahaba Road, English Village, AL 35223, 205-871-2423, Caio is a cozy, continental Italian restaurant featuring fresh pasta made daily and seafood and meat specials. They are open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. 

Carnaggio's (circa 1954) 616 Bessemer Super Highway, Birmingham, AL 35228, Midfield, 205-923-7696, This local landmark restaurant features traditional Italian specialties and atmosphere. They also serve steaks and seafood.  

Johnny Carino's 4330 Creekside Avenue, Hoover, AL 35244, Located in Patton Creek Shopping Center, 205-560-0505, Johnny Carino’s Italian is a casual, full service Italian concept with an innovative menu inspired from Southern Italian country recipes. Johnny Carino's offers deluxe delivery, full service catering and curbside pickup in addition to dining in. Open seven days a week with a 3-6 p.m. Happy Hour Monday-Friday with half priced appetizers and pizzas.

Juliano's 1006 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, AL 35209, 205-870-4733, This casual Italian restaurant features pasta dishes and meatball and muffaletta sandwiches. 

La Trattoria 4643 Highway 280, Birmingham, AL 35242, 205-408-4088, In a simple but elegant white tablecloth atmosphere, La Trattoria recreates the delicious cuisine of small family-owned eateries from the various regions of Italy. Romantic outdoor patio dining is also available.  

Leonardo's Italian Restaurant 2520 Rocky Ridge Road, Birmingham, AL 35243, 205-979-6996, Guests enjoy this family-owned, neighborhood restaurant which serves southern Italian cuisine. Indoor and outdoor dining are available.  

Petruccelli's Italian Eatery 10 Meadow View Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242, 205-991-7455, This popular Italian restaurant offers all the classics for the whole family. 

Pilatos' at Greystone Park 5511 Highway 280 East, Suite 215, Birmingham, AL 35242, 205-981-7171, A cozy Italian restaurant that features both traditional and creative Italian fare in an elegant, yet comfortable atmosphere. Now open for both lunch and dinner, Pilatos' is the perfect place to share a meal with co-workers and clients in the middle of the day, or unwind with your friends and family in the evening. Pilatos' also offers full service catering for your next special event.

Salvatore's Italian Restaurant (circa 1985) 720 Pld Town Road, Birmingham, AL 35216, 205-822-7310, A family owned and operated Italian eatery, Salvatore's features fresh seafood, steaks, veal, and pasta dishes. Enjoy intimate candlelit dinners.

Tortellini Market & Grill 420 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233, 205-324-9999, Enjoy hearty Italian recipes that have been passed down for generations. The menu includes fresh pastas, pizza pies, calzones, fresh seafood, and chargrilled steaks.  

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse 3501 Grandview Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35243, 205-298-0200, This friendly, upscale-casual restaurant features authentic Japanese cuisine. more... 

Sakura 1025 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205-2605, 205-933-1025, Enjoy dining at this Japanese restaurant and sushi bar which features vegetable tempuras, miso soup, salads with sweet ginger dressing, and soba noodle specialties. 

Stix 3250 Galleria Circle, Birmingham, AL 35244, 205-982-3070, Dine at Birmingham's only restaurant which blends Japanese and Chinese cuisine. This fine dining restaurant also has a sushi bar. 

Ali Baba 110 Centre at Riverchase, Birmingham, AL 35216, Hoover, 205-823-2222, One of Birmingham's best ethnic restaurants, Ali Baba specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine such as kabobs, lamb, beef, chicken, seafood, pasta, and vegetarian dishes.  more...

Anabel & Lulu's Cafe 2222 Highland Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, In Western Supermarket shopping center, 205-935-5355, The all-new menu at Anabel and Lulu's offers the diversity of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and African fare.  

Bottega 2240 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205-2922, Sourth, 205-939-1000, Biotega serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine created by award-winning chef and owner Frank Stitt. It is located in a beautiful Italianate mansion. The menu, which changes daily, offers such items as veal, seafood, and steaks. 

Pita Stop 1106 12th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205, Near the University of Alabama-Birmingham, 205-328-2749, The Pita Stop was voted number one ethnic restaurant in Birmingham four years in a row. This restaurant offers Lebanese-American specialtiesn in a casual atmosphere.  

La Cocina (circa 1974) 2111 Seventh Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233, Downtown, 205-252-7626, On the Southside, this restaurant offers a casual dining and family atmosphere featuring homemade Mexican food from original recipes.  

La Paz Restaurant 99 Euclid Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35213, 205-879-2225, The incredible Mexican cuisine at La Paz features seafood, fajitas, burritos, and enchiladas. The casual, rustic setting captures the spirit of Mexico.  

MexiRoma 5129 Alabama Highway 17, Birmingham, AL 35205, Helena, 205-621-0160, Enjoy the interesting taste of MexRoma's cuisine - a touch of Mexico and a taste of Italy.

Sabor Latino 2008 First Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203, 205-581-1710, Sabor Latino homemade style Mexican food and a blend of Latin and Peruvian fare. You will enjoy a wide variety of authentic selections with fast friendly service. Lunch is available 8am to 3pm Monday through Friday.  

Sol y Luna 2811 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233, Lakeview District, 205-322-1186, Enjoy casual sophistication featuring Authentic Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. Sol y Luna has a tequila and tapas bar.  

Superior Grill 4701 Highway 280, Birmingham, AL 35242, 205-991-5112, Superior Grill is Birmingham's premier Tex-Mex restaurant featuring Mesquite grilled specialties. This favorite singles night spot features local live entertainment Friday and Saturday. Fresh tortillas are made daily.  more... 

Cosmo's Pizza 2012 Magnolia Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205, Pickwick Place, 205-930-9979, Cosmo's gave the city its first taste of gourmet pizza toppings such as artichoke hearts and pesto sauce. The house special includes rich goat cheese and fennel sausage over a pesto-based sauce and whole wheat crust.  more... 

Dave's Pizza 1819 Twenty-Ninth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35209, Homewood, 205-871-3212, Gourmet pizza at it's best. A talk of the town for its unique advertisement . . .For A Good Pizza Call Dave! The place for pizza in Birmingham and voted No.1 by the locals. 

Davenport's Pizza Palace 2837 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223-2322, Mountain Brook, 205-879-8603, Best in the South, possible the North, maybe the World! Established in 1964. Enjoy a variety of speciality pizza, pasta, and Italian selections. Dine-in or take-out available.   

Niki's Cafe 1101 Second Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203, Located in Downtown Birmingham, 205-251-1972, Niki's serves a great selection of fresh meats and vegetables every day. It is a favorite of the locals for lunch and dinner.  

O.T.'s Neighborhood Sports Grill 720 South 29th Street, Birmingham, AL 35233, 205-323-6727, O.T.'s is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to midnight. They feature a made to order menu and daily homemade vegetable lunch specials.

Halfshells Oyster Bar and Grille 1005 South 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203, 205-933-0525, Enjoy fresh Apalachicola oysters offered raw, steamed, broiled, baked and fried. Other shellfish dishes include lobster, crab, shrimp and scallops. Delicious cooked to order steaks are also available. 

John's Restaurant 112 Twenty-First Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203, 205-322-6014, A downtown landmark, John's is old-fashioned fine dining specializing in seafood and Greek-style vegetables. Try John's famous Slaw and Dressing. Lounge and private rooms are available.  

Lakeview Oyster House 731 29th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35203, 205-252-5888, An old-style Florida restaurant with cuisine more upscale than your typical oyster bar. In addition to the oysters, the menu includes items such as shrimp and amberjack po-boys, mesquite-grilled Atlantic swordfish, Jamaican grilled chicken, and grilled chipotle-peppered ribeye. 

Landry's Seafood House 139 State Farm Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35209, Homewood, 205-916-0777, This restaurant serves seafood specialties such as grilled snapper, shrimp, crab dishes, and regional specialties. 

Cobb Lane Restaurant 1 Cobb Lane South, Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-933-0462, For over 60 years, Cobb Lane Restaurant has featured fine Southern food in its historic cobblestone courtyard. Menu items include chicken salad, she-crab soup, caramelized pork tenderloin, shrimp & grits, chicken divan, fried green tomatoes, catfish filets, filet mignon, and chocolate roulage.

Green Acres 1705 Fourth Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203, 205-251-3875, Green Acres serves fabulous fried chicken wings, livers, and gizzards. Other popular offerings include fried green tomatoes, fried okra, and catfish.  

Highlands Bar & Grill 2011 11th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205-2858, 205-939-1400, Dine at the city's first white-tablecloth restaurant. Chef Frank Stitt continues to serve delicious cuisine with a Southern emphasis that has become his signature.  

Original Whistlestop Cafe a.k.a. Irondale Cafe 1906 1st Avenue North, Irondale, AL 35210, Located 6 Miles East, 205-956-5258, Even after having received many accolades from such publications as Southern Living and USA Today, being featured in the hit movie Fried Green Tomatoes, and 75 years, the Irondale Cafe has retained its down home country cookin'. more...

Ted's Old Hickory Restaurant 328 12th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233, 205-324-2911, The family owned and operated Ted's Old Hickory Restaurant is a "meat & three" dining establishment serving eight entrees and 15 vegetables daily. more... 

Connie Kanakis Cafe 3423 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35243, In the Shops of Colonnade, 205-967-5775, The distinctive menu at Connie Kanakis features Black Angus steak and fresh seafood. They are open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and dinner on Saturday. Banquet facilities are available for your special occasion. 

Jimez's 2903 Warrior River Road, Birmingham, AL 35023, Bessemer, 205-744-9321, Kimez's features steaks and seafood. Their extensive wine list has something for everyone.

Mauby's 121 Oak Street, Birmingham, AL 35213, Crestline Village, 205-870-7115, This casually upscale restaurant serves elegant steak and seafood entrees and has a loyal local following. Mauby's is open for dinner Monday through Saturday and a Sunday brunch. more... 

Ruth's Chris Steak House 2300 Woodcrest Place, Birmingham, AL 35209-1304, Riverchase Galleria, 205-879-9995, This restaurant serves serious steaks and features fine dining. It is located inside the Embassy Suites Hotel. 

Thai Emerald Restaurant 5408 Highway 280 South, Birmingham, AL 35242, 205-995-5775, Sushi, soups, salads, vegetarian entrees and specialties, all authentically prepared, are just some of the selections available at the Thai Emerald Restaurant. Catering services for all occasions is available. more...