Fifteen Alabama eateries have been featured in the inaugural Michelin Guide to the American South, bringing national recognition to the state’s diverse culinary scene.
While no restaurants received Michelin stars this year, being included in the guide signals quality and distinction.
Bib Gourmand selections
Five Alabama restaurants earned the Bib Gourmand designation, which highlights high-quality food at moderate prices:
Bayonet, Birmingham – Seafood and raw bar opened in 2025 by James Beard semifinalist Rob McDaniel and his wife, Emily.
OvenBird, Birmingham – Casual live-fire restaurant founded by James Beard winner Chris Hastings in 2015.
La Fête, Birmingham – Parisian-inspired bistro opened by Chef Kristen Hall in 2022.
Pizza Grace, Birmingham – High-end pizzeria started in 2021 by chef Ryan Westover.
The Noble South, Mobile – Farm-to-table restaurant led by chef Chris Rainosek.
Recommended restaurants
Ten additional Alabama restaurants earned a spot on Michelin’s Recommended list, including:
1856 Restaurant, Auburn – Teaching restaurant at Auburn University’s hospitality school.
Automatic Seafood and Oysters, Birmingham – Elegant seafood by chef Adam Evans.
Bottega, Birmingham – Southern-Italian cuisine opened by Frank and Pardis Stitt in 1988.
Chez Fonfon, Birmingham – French bistro founded in 2000 by Frank and Pardis Stitt.
Current Charcoal Grill, Birmingham – Asian-inspired cuisine from chefs Adam Evans and Luke Joseph.
Helen, Birmingham – Contemporary Southern restaurant by Rob and Emily McDaniel.
Hot & Hot Fish Club, Birmingham – Southern-French-California fusion by Chris and Idie Hastings.
Purveyor, Huntsville – Casual fine dining opened in 2017 by Matt and Stephanie Mell.
Rêve, Birmingham – Tasting-menu restaurant from chef Jacob Stull.
Salt Smokehouse, Huntsville – Elevated barbecue from Rene Boyzo and Ari Cahy.
Recognizing Alabama’s culinary talent
Michelin’s selection emphasizes the region’s rich mix of culinary influences, from Southern barbecue and Creole dishes to French-inspired bistros and modern fine dining. According to Michelin Guides’ international director Gwendal Poullennec, the inspectors were impressed by the skill and creativity of chefs across the American South.
The full list of 228 restaurants included in the guide covers Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and the previously existing Atlanta guide.
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