Michelin Guide Coming to Alabama!

Get ready, foodies! The prestigious Michelin Guide is making its way to Alabama, shining a spotlight on our incredible culinary scene.

The Michelin Guide is expanding its reach beyond the usual big cities to uncover the true flavors of the American South. That includes us! Along with Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, Alabama is finally getting its due.

What Michelin Looks For

Michelin inspectors aren't just looking for fancy plating. They consider:

• Quality of ingredients
• Mastery of cooking techniques
• Chef's personality shining through
• Value for the price
• Consistency in every visit

Stars and Bib Gourmands

Restaurants can earn one, two, or three stars, with three being the ultimate honor. There's also the Bib Gourmand, which recognizes restaurants offering amazing food at reasonable prices.

Birmingham Restaurants to Watch

So, which Birmingham spots could snag a Michelin star or a Bib Gourmand? Here are a few of our top picks:

Hot and Hot Fish Club

A Birmingham institution! Chef Chris and Idie Hastings' Southern-inspired dishes, with global influences, are pure magic. That tomato salad? Summer in a bite.

Helen

Chef Rob McDaniel's spot brings Southern memories to life with dishes inspired by his grandmother. Simple, elegant, and focused on local ingredients. Don't miss those angel biscuits!

Chez Fonfon

Step into a Parisian dream! Chef Frank Stitt's brasserie-style restaurant is all about charm, consistency, and classic French technique. And that French 75? Perfection.

Current Charcoal Grill

Chef Adam Evans and Chef Luke Joseph bring Asian flavors to life with a focus on Gulf seafood and local produce. Binchotan charcoal is key!

OvenBird

Fire is the star here! Chef Chris Hastings' small plates are packed with smoky flavor, inspired by Spain, Portugal, and the American South.

La Fête

A secret dinner party! Chef Kristen Hall's tasting menu is a carefully composed narrative, with refined, French-inspired dishes.

Automatic Seafood & Oysters

Simple, fresh ingredients shining in the right hands. Chef Adam Evans showcases Gulf seafood and oysters in this ode to Americana.

Lé Fresca

Old-school Italian cooking meets Southern hospitality. Chef Duaine Clements carries on the tradition with house-made pastas and hearty braises.

Bay Leaf Modern Indian Cuisine & Bar

Indian flavors with a creative twist! Bay Leaf is doing something different, and doing it well, in Five Points South.

Bib Gourmand Contender: Saw's Soul Kitchen

BBQ opinions are strong, but everyone loves Saw's! Their Avondale spot serves up iconic pulled pork and greens over cheese grits. Unfussy, flavor-packed cooking with heart.