15 Alabama restaurants recognized in Michelin Guide’s inaugural American South selection
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The Michelin Guide, a food critic company known for selectively handing out its prestigious star ratings, has recognized 15 Alabama restaurants in its inaugural selection for the American South.
Unfortunately, none of them received an official star from Michelin… yet. But any recognition from the world-renowned food + restaurant guide is a big deal.
Keep reading to find out which of your favorite spots made the list + which Alabama restaurant got a special shoutout for service.
2025 Bib Gourmand restaurants
The Michelin Guide Inspectors gave 50 restaurants across the country the Bib Gourmand distinction, which recognizes eateries for great food at a great value.
Five of them are right here in Alabama including:
- Bayonet | 2015 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, Alabama 35203
- La Fête | 2018 Morris Ave., Birmingham, Alabama 35203
- OvenBird | 2810 3rd Ave. S., Birmingham, Alabama 35233
- Pizza Grace | 2212 Morris Ave., Ste. 105, Birmingham, Alabama 35203
- The Noble South | 203 Dauphin St., Mobile, Alabama 36602
All four Magic City Bib Gourmand restaurants have been nominated for James Beard Awards in the past, including Ovenbird’s Best Southeast Chef James Beard winner Chris Hastings.
American South’s 2025 Recommended restaurants
Michelin recognized 159 restaurants from across the country as its 2025 Recommended restaurants. 10 of them are here in Alabama.
Birmingham once again dominated this list with seven spots making the cut along with two from Huntsville and one from Auburn.
Michelin Guide’s recommended restaurants in Alabama included:
- 1856 Restaurant | 205 S. College St., Auburn, Alabama 36830
- Automatic Seafood and Oysters | 2824 5th Ave. S., Birmingham, Alabama 35233
- Bottega | 2240 Highland Ave. S., Birmingham, Alabama 35205
- Chez Fonfon | 2007 11th Ave. S., Birmingham, Alabama 35205
- Current Charcoal Grill | 1625 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham, Alabama 35233
- Helen | 2013 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, Alabama 35203
- Hot and Hot Fish Club | 2901 2nd Ave. S., Ste. 110, Birmingham, Alabama 35233
- Purveyor | 201 Jefferson St. N., Huntsville, Alabama 35801
- Rêve | 1821 2nd Ave. N., Ste. 176, Birmingham, Alabama 35293
- Salt Smokehouse | 1300 Meridian St., D-104, Huntsville, Alabama 35801
In addition to the restaurant honors, Birmingham restaurateur and Bottega owner Pardis Stitt won the Michelin Outstanding Service Award.
In total, 15 Alabama restaurants were recognized in the Michelin Guide’s selection for the American South.
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