3 of the best restaurants on the continent are in Alabama

DiRōNA has tapped three of Alabama’s restaurants as some of the best in North America. Who is DiRōNA? The Distinguished Restaurants of North America works to “elevate the dining experience for restaurant-goers across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean,” according to their website. Their food critics put together a list of Distinguished Restaurants you can’t miss, and we’ll tell you all about their three picks in the Yellowhammer State.

Dumbwaiter Restaurant in Mobile

The 251 is home to not one but two of the top 98 restaurants in the country, and the first we’re highlighting is Dumbwaiter. This downtown Mobile spot serves up Southern comfort food with a modern twist and exciting flavor combinations. Owner Wes Lambert says being recognized by DiRōNA is an honor.

I was esctatic, because I knew what it meant… We don’t have the Michelin Star down here, but we do have the DiRōNA and it’s really cool to be in that elite group. It’s a lot of hard work, and it really goes to my staff….And the patrons that visit with us, we thank them for it as well.

Wes Lambert, owner of Dumbwaiter Restaurant

If you want to make the trip to Dumbwaiter, Lambert recommends the prime ribeye.

• Where: 167 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 5-9PM | Closed Sunday & Monday
• More Info: Website | Facebook

Plane & Level Coastal in Fairhope

Plane & Level Coastal in Fairhope is not just a restaurant, it’s a culinary experience. They strive to use fresh, local ingredients in their tapas-style menu complete with wine pairings, which feature unique wines you can’t find anywhere else in Alabama.

They have another restaurant in Texas, which has already received a DiRōNA designation.

“We’re very honored to have recieved the DiRōNA designation…We’re very excited for what that means as far as the culinary landscape in Baldwin County…We’re humbled and honored, very excited.”

Amelia, Marketing Director at Plane & Level

Some highlights from their menu that made this Content Producer’s mouth water include Breakfast Paella, their Famous Empanadas (Wagyu Beef would be my choice) and Solomillo (Prime beef tenderloin, wild mushroom, crispy potatoes, truffle-demi, according to their menu)

• Where: 61 N Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532
• Hours: Monday – Friday: 11AM-2:30PM, 5-10PM | Saturday & Sunday: 10AM-2:30PM, 5-10PM (closes at 9PM on Sundays)
• More Info: Website | Facebook

Ocean Restaurant in Birmingham

A Birmingham staple bringing some Gulf Coast seafood flavor to our northern friends, Ocean Restaurant in the Magic City rounds out the list of Alabama restaurants added to this prestigious list.

“This award is a big honor for Ocean. First, it means that I have a talented, passionate team that cares about what they do. Second, it means that our guests truly support us, as we were nominated by an anonymous customer. The Ocean team is thrilled to be added to this list!”

George Reis, Chef and Owner, Ocean

• Where: 3814, 1218 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: opens at 5:30PM | closed Sunday
• More Info: Website | Facebook

What’s your favorite dish at these restaurants? We’d love to know! Tag us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. And make sure to sign up for our newsletter, we’ll bring all the buzziest stuff in Alabama right to your inbox.