Upscale Birmingham Restaurants

Birmingham has some of the better quality restaurants in the known world. Here is a listing of a few of them. Although all of these listed have excellent food and service, note that the are ones, in our opinion, are outstanding because of their fine food and excellent service. If you have visited a restaurant in Birmingham area and would recommend it, please send us an email, we are always looking for a reason to experience a new restaurant.

	Bottega - Restaurant and Cafe One of Birmingham's premier dining spots, Bottega Restaurant and Cafe comprise the second in award-winning chef Frank Stitt's family of restaurants. The seasonally changing menus feature the sundrenched flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean basin. http://www.bottegarestaurant.com/
	Brio Brio offers a lunch, dinner and Kid’s menu daily along with a brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays. The food at Brio is simply prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients, with an emphasis on high- quality steaks, house-made pasta specialties and flatbreads prepared in an authentic Italian wood-burning oven. Brio serves these generous portions of meats, pastas and roasted fish on large oval, hand-painted Italian plates. BRIO also caters to large groups. Our Tuscan Feast Menu with large pans of pasta, house specialties and bread is great for all your home and office celebrations or meetings. http://www.brioitalian.com/locations
	Carrabba's Italian Grill We're not real chefs. We're real eaters. We don't mean diners, gourmands or bon vivants. We're two big Sicilian boys from Texas who love to cook and eat. We love the Sicilian food our parents and grandparents cooked. We love the Creole and Southern food our family members picked up passing through Louisiana and stepping off the boat right on the dock in Galveston. And we love the Western food that's just part of being in Texas. Food, you see, isn't only about food. It's not some big secret. It's something that just happens when all of our interconnected families get together-the Carrabbas and the Mandolas, plus anybody with enough good sense to marry in. You may be poor, went the saying a mere generation ago, but you'll never be hungry. Our Texas accents may be strange to you, especially when you're watching a PBS cooking series with a name like "Cucina Amore." Let's just say, we don't find our accents strange at all. We talk the way we grew up talking along the Gulf Coast, just like we cook and eat the way we grew up cooking and eating. Food was and still is part of everything we do, and not just because we run our own restaurants. Food is part of us because that's how we were raised; food was present at births, christenings, weddings, graduations and funerals. Food is what reminded us we were family. To this day, whenever one family member meets another and starts talking about something or someplace, the first question has to be, "Whadya eat?" Our Gulf Coast experience is about the place where all of our ancestors came to build their lives. They called it America! And they didn't just mean Ellis Island, or Little Italy in New York, or the North End of Boston or South Philly. They meant the whole damn place, wherever it began and ended, which of course nobody much knew. And it meant an idea too, a big promise in the air during the hard times in Sicily that if you sacrificed just about everything and pretty near worked yourself to death, you could have something a little better. Which, after all, was exactly what you did in the Old Country-without any promise at all. http://www.carrabbas.com/
	City Hall Diner City Hall Diner is located in Beautiful Vestavia Hills, Alabama next to City Hall. We wanted a breakfast and lunch place. We've wanted a breakfast and lunch place since the 80's, when we met a man in Florida who had one and we always coveted it. Nights off with our family is a dream come true for restaurant lifers like us. But now we'll be open at dinnertime too, Thursday through Saturday until 9:00 pm. A couple of things I've learned in my career have stuck with me. First, the food has to be good, or why bother? And along these lines, we work very hard to purchase the best raw products and we have a lot of confidence in our ability to prepare them. Second, if the food doesn't make it to the table in a timely fashion, it's not going to matter how good it is. Especially at breakfast and lunch. In other words, the service had better be quick and friendly. Servers should be knowledgeable and helpful. So ours will be. Some of you know us and we hope you'll visit. Some of you we haven't met yet, and we hope you'll visit too. And we're pretty sure that the food and the service and the overall feelings of joy and coolness will entice you to return often. We also cater; give us a call to talk about your event. http://www.cityhalldiner.com/
	Daniel george Located in quaint Mountain Brook Village.A creative American cuisine in an elegant, yet unpretentious atmosphere. Menu changes daily. http://www.birminghammenus.com/danielgeorge
	Highlands Bar & Grill Located in the historic Five Points South District, Highlands Bar & Grill combines the simple elegance of country French cooking with rich southern tradition to create a dining experience that is, according to Birmingham Magazine readers, time and again among the best. http://www.highlandsbarandgrill.com/
	McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant features 30 varieties of FRESH seafood on a daily changing menu. Recognized with Best Seafood Bringing the freshest seafood to Birmingham, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant is located in the Colonial Brookwood Village Shopping Center. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant serves more than 30 varieties of fresh seafood flown in daily from the local gulf to international waters, available from menus that change daily. In addition to delicious seafood, we serve tempting pasta, poultry and beef specialties, prepared using fresh ingredients and served in a timeless and traditional presentation. http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/
	Ocean Voted Best Restaurant, Best Chef and the recipient of The Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence in 2004, Ocean offers fresh seafood in an exciting and contemporary atmosphere. The menu features fresh oysters and fish from around the world. Locally owned and operated by George and Harriet Reis. Dinner Tues-Sat. starting at 5:30pm. Reservations recommended. 933-0999. http://www.birminghammenus.com/ocean
	Prairie Fire Grille Prairie Fire Grille features innovative Southwestern fare with regional influences. Prairie Fire Grill, located on Hwy. 280 at the Terrace at Greystone... http://www.birminghammenus.com/prairiefiregrille
	Ruth's Chris Steak House What to expect at Ruth's Chris Steak House? First and foremost, an enthusiastic welcome. Then, the distinctive sizzle of tender, custom-aged U.S. prime beef, broiled to a turn and presented at your table with a flourish. You can expect to take your time and be perfectly pampered. After an unforgettable Ruth's Chris experience, the word "sizzle" will take on a new and delectable meaning. "Succulent cuts and an expert staff." —Arthur Schwartz, The New York Daily News "Succulent cuts and an expert staff." —Arthur Schwartz, The New York Daily News "Best restaurant in the United States." —Robb Report Magazine "Steak invasion headquarters! The steaks are top drawer!" —Gael Green, New York Magazine "Rich barely begins to describe the filet. The meat, the highest grade available is ultra-rich." —Scott Joseph, Orlando Sentinel "When it comes to dessert, Ruth's Chris wins the steakhouse sweepstakes." —Rachel Reichl, The New York Times "The savvy traveler knows this is a safe steak haven, so it's like a club away from home." —Paul Vittel, Chicago Tribune "Steak is it. Anywhere there is a Ruth's Chris." —Robb Report Magazine "One of the U.S.A.'s prime spots." —USA Today "Big Butterfly, juicy steaks that are right up there!" —Zagat Guide, New York City "Consumers' Choice in Chains award is a wonderful salute to each and every member of our restaurant teams." - Craig Miller, CEO of Ruth's Chris Steak House http://www.ruthschris.com/
	Standard Bistro Mt Laurel’s Standard Bistro makes its mark on fine dining in Birmingham Alabama with contemporary Southern cuisine. The Standard Bistro offers an elegant formal dining experience where you can dress casually and not feel out of place. The Standard Bistro uses only the freshest natural foods: local organic produce from Mt Laurel Organic Gardens and Soul Food Organics, as well as free-range and organic meats, fowl, and lamb. Besides being a fine dining restaurant, the Standard Bistro is also a true community gathering place. http://www.birminghammenus.com/standardbistro
	The Cheesecake Factory The Cheesecake Factory is a unique, upscale casual dining restaurant offering over 200 menu selections including Appetizers, Specialty Salads, Pastas, and Pizzas, as well as great Steaks and Chops, Fresh Fish, and Sandwiches. Be sure to save room for one of our 50 delicious cheesecakes and desserts with a cappuccino or latte. At The Cheesecake Factory, there is truly 'something for everyone'! enjoy this high-energy atmosphere seven days a week, serving appetizers, lunch, dinner, late-night dining, full bar, and sunday brunch. we also offer our entire menu take-out http://www.cheesecakefactory.com/
	Bombay Cafe Bombay Café opened its doors on February 3, 1987 in the old 1920's Avondale Theatre located within Birmingham's historic Lakeview District. Today Bombay Café continues to be one of Birmingham's prime restaurants. http://www.birminghammenus.com/bombaycafe
	California Pizza Kitchen California Pizza Kitchen, a leader in authentic California-style cuisine. More than 180 CPK locations in 27 states and 5 foreign countries. http://www.cpk.com/
	Carinos In the Italian countryside, it's the simple things in life that matter most. The people there measure wealth not by money, but by friends. Food is their center. And every meal is an excuse to get together and celebrate life. The same is true of Johnny Carino's. We too, celebrate the simple values and colorful lifestyle of the Italian countryside. We have the same passion for food and enjoy it just as heartily. Come share the bold, flavorful cooking of Johnny Carino's. Your place in the Italian countryside. http://www.carinos.com/
	Classic Joe's Classic Joe's restaurant is a premier dining destination offering delicious and unusual cuisine prepared by one of Birmingham's premier chefs. Our executive chef is regularly featured on Channel 6, "Good Day Alabama". Stepping into Classic Joe's is like entering a new York penthouse overlooking the city. From Spring to Fall, you may also dine on "The Terrace" under the Big Oak Tree. As you relax, cool breezes will take you away to fond beachside memories. While enjoying delicacies sure to tantalize the palate or relaxing at the bar, you will be take down memory lane as you are surrounded by smooth love songs and lively jazz. Friday nights and Saturday brunch always include live entertainment. Slip off to Classic Joe's for an evening - the "get away" experience may convince you to stay all weekend! http://www.birminghammenus.com/classicjoes/
	Don Shula's Home Shula History Shula's Steak House Shula's 2 Shula's On The Beach Shula's 347 Hotel, Golf & Athletic Club Talk to the Shulas Shula Store Raving Fan Stories Join Team Shula 48 oz. Club Purchase . http://www.donshula.com/
	Fleming's Steak House Since the first Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar opened in 1999, we've raised the standard of excellence for steakhouses to a whole new level, winning awards all over the country for outstanding food, wine and service. Stylish, contemporary dining is the hall mark of Fleming's. As our name implies, our menu features the finest in prime beef, augmented by a tempting variety of chops, seafood, chicken, generous salads, inventive side orders and indulgent desserts. http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/
	GianMarcos Italian Restaurant Yes, Virginia, there really is an Italian restaurant in Birmingham. It's called GianMarco's, and you'd better have a reservation, because it's one popular place. http://www.bhamdining.com/gianmarcos/
	Jim 'N Nick's Great Bar B Q.....several locations including Trussiville. http://www.birminghammenus.com/jimnnicks/newsite/newsite.html
	Kimono Japanese Restaurant "Kimono" is targeting for later customers with their quests for comfortableness and high quality of foods. "Kimono" is the new place where customers could experience the authentic Japanese cuisine, which is also recognized as healthy diet worldwide. The restaurant offers both traditional and modern Japanese cuisines. The chefs also prepare unique list of special dishes which are derived from the freshest produce, meat and seafood they can get from the markets. They pride themselves for having the creativity in delivering unique and exciting Japanese cuisines. http://www.thekimono.com/
	La Dolce Vita La Dolce Vita, is a new Italian restaurant but not new to Italian cuisine. Chef Bernard Tamburello has been cooking and researching Italian food all of his life. He says, "It is his passion!" Good food, Good wine equals great company. From the time you arrive the ambiance will take you away, your mind will feel as if you were in a Trattoria in Italy. Bon Appetito! http://www.birminghammenus.com/ladolcevita/
	Lakeview Oyster House Welcome to Lakeview Oyster House, one of the newest additions to the Lakeview area of Birmingham. Owner, Kevin Witherington, has remodeled an old Victorian type house and has transformed the place. http://www.birminghammenus.com/lakeviewoysterhouse
	Lovoy's Italian Restaurant In a fast changing world where the only certainty is uncertainty, isn't is nice to know there is still a place where family tradition is being carried on. At Lovoy's restaurant, the authentic recipes of three generations of cooks brings the true taste of Italy to your table. These delicious dishes have stood the test of time. As you walk in the door, the aroma of Lovoy's sauces fills the air. Yes, it is the unique flavor that only Lovoy's can offer. http://www.birminghammenus.com/lovoys/
	Mauby's Recently remodeled by Richard Tubb, and Nestled in beautiful Mt. Brook, loyal clientelle of Mauby's delight in the quaint neighborhood charm and consistently creative cuisine. The menu changes daily with hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, lamb, pork, and chicken entrees served with a French cajun flair. Patrons enjoy the casual sophistication of the main dining area or a more relaxed atmosphere on the garden deck featuring a wood burning fireplace during colder months. Sports enthusiasts often dine at the spacious bar to watch their favorite games. http://www.birminghammenus.com/maubys
	Nabeel's Café & Market Nabeel's® Café & Market was concieved in its present form by John and Ottavia Krontiras. They believed very strongly that there should be a place in America for a neighborhood facility, much as they had in their hometowns of Patras in Southern Greece and Trieste in northern Italy. There the whole family could browse in leisure, enjoy a cup of coffee or a cold beverage, shop for the items they desired, and be warmly treated by the shop owner as a person - not just another ticket passing through the checkout stand. http://www.nabeels.com/
	O'Carr's O'Carr's is a new restaurant. June and Cameron Carr love their work. They see the food they create as a delectable work of art. The table is considered an integral part of the celebration. It should be as festive, and exciting as the occasion. The Carrs are excited by the idea of entertaining people, driven to create one masterpiece after another. Whether you are visiting the delicatessen or having your special event catered, the wizardry of O'Carr's will dazzle your eye and tempt your palate. Please visit the links on our website to learn more about the dining and catering opportunities available at O'Carr's. O'Carr's looks forward to expanding to Downtown and Cahaba Hts. in 2006 http://www.birminghammenus.com/ocarrs/
	P.F. Chang's China Bistro The goal of a P.F. Chang's meal is to attain harmony of taste, texture, color and aroma by balancing the Chinese principles of fan and t'sai. Fan foods include rice, noodles, grains and dumplings, while vegetables, meat, poultry, and seafood are t'sai foods. P.F. Chang's cuisine is reflective of China's evolving culinary landscape. http://www.pfchangs.com/
	Plaza III Steakhouse in Birmingham, Alabama Plaza III Steakhouse in Birmingham, Alabama http://www.plazaiiisteakhouse.com/
	Sol Y Luna Sol Y Luna provides Nouveau Mexican Cuisine in a casual, yet contemporary atmosphere serving premium tequila and tapas in the Birmigham Alabama Lakeview District. http://www.birminghammenus.com/solyluna
	The Fish Market In this new restaurant, the live lobster have company. Our state-of-the-art tanks hold a choice selection of live seafood such as shrimp, blue crabs, rainbow trout and tilapia. This is in addition to 36 feet of fresh fish display cases. And we'll offer all this fresh fish with the genuine knowledge and expertise that you have come to rely on. We go to great lengths (and we're on very good terms with overnight shippers) to bring you a variety of fine, fresh seafood from our own Gulf coast and around the world. Our suppliers are the "Who's who" in the seafood business - Stavis Seafoods and Slade Gorton & Co. of Boston; Camanchaca in Miami; Pride of the South from Brooksville, Miss.; and Incredible Fresh in Naples, Fla. The shrimp come from our Gulf waters; we get them from Sea Pearl Seafood C. and International Oceanic Enterprises, both in Bayou La Batre, Ala. And the crabmeat is from our own plant, Olympic Crab Company. Some things, though, we've kept the same. In fact, you'll notice that the prices at the Fish Market haven't changed at all. I can continue to say we offer "the only inexpensive fresh seafood in Birmingham." http://www.birminghammenus.com/thefishmarket
	The Restaurant at Culinard Restaurant Enjoy a symphony of sights, sounds, and taste sensations... To some, the kitchens of the world's finest restaurants appear loud, hectic, even chaotic. The great chefs and their staff scurry and shout as they simmer exotic herbs and spices, stir their savory sauces, grill and sauté the finest prime beef and fresh caught seafoods. They call out to one another as they work in a symphony of sights, sounds, and taste sensations. But for all the noise and apparent confusion, to the great chefs, everything is always in perfect order, every utensil and ingredient is in its proper place...and every meal prepared is a masterpiece. To the great chefs, this is known as "mise en place" The Restaurant at Culinard is unlike any fine dining restaurant before. Taking its lead from the credo of the great chefs...every ingredient of the highest quality, every detail of preparation in perfect order and every meal...a masterpiece. Located at Culinard, 195 Vulcan Road in Homewood. Reservations recommended, call 205-271-8228 or fax 205-271-8229. http://www.therestaurantatculinard.com/
	Village Tavern Some traditions only get better. Village Tavern, the neighborhood gathering place for all occasions, serving great food, attentive service at an unbelievable value. http://www.villagetavern.com/