For a city of its size,Birminghamfar out kicks its coverage when it comes to dining out.

In 2022, Fodors even named it as one of the countrys10 most surprising food towns.

Here are 40 must-try restaurants for your next visit to the Magic City, ranked in no particular order.

The Essential in Birmingham, AL

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

Bottega

Chef Frank Stitt is the undisputed patriarch of Birminghams restaurant scene.

Some of the Souths best chefs have come from the kitchens of his three restaurants.

AtBottega, find Southern-Italian fare in two distinct spaces: a more casual cafe and a reservation-only dining room.

Bottega Restaurant on Highland Avenue in Birmingham, AL

Credit: Courtesy of Bottega Restaurant

In summer months, the famous staked-high tomato salad is the restaurants most-ordered dish.

Birminghams contender can be found inEugenes Hot Chicken.

Go early if you want a cherry rosemary scone to take home.

Chez Fonfon, Birmingham, AL

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Courtesy of Last Call Baking Co. see to it to start your meal here with an order of wontons in spicy peanut sauce.

If you visit during peak lunch hours, you may have a tiny wait for a table.

facebook.com/DosHermanosLLC

Gianmarcos

This cozy restaurant specializing in classic Italian cuisine is everyones go-to date-night spot.

Hot and Hot Fish Club

Hot and Hot Fish Club.Credit:Courtesy Hot and Hot Fish Club

While everyone has their favorite spot, most Birminghamians can agree on the many merits ofSAWs BBQ.

Outside of their delicious food, the restaurant is also known for its killer margaritas and lively atmosphere.

Theres nothing better than a slice, a glass of red wine, and a balmy evening.

Eugene’s Hot Chicken

Credit:Courtesy of Eugene’s Hot Chicken

There are now four locations in the Birmingham metro, plus others in Charleston, Nashville, and Atlanta.

Owner Sammy Graphos openedSams Super Samwichesin 1970 and owned it until his passing in 2021.

For any doubtingThe Rougarouxsauthenticity, note that all their poboys are served on Leidenheimer Baking Company bread.

Trattoria Zaza

Trattoria Zaza.Credit:Courtesy Trattoria Zaza

Get your fried wings served alongside fries and slaw or atop a Belgian waffleyou cant go wrong either way.

Theyre so good that they earned a spot on our Best New Restaurants List in 2023.

Chef-owner Ryan Westovers recipe for three-ingredient sourdough crust is the basis for all things delicious atPizza Grace.

The Essential in Birmingham

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

Luckily, it’s the real deal.

Munch on garlic bread while your 2-inch-thick stuffed pizza bakes in the oven.

No time to wait?

Last Call Baking Co.

Credit:Courtesy of Last Call Baking Co.

Charcoal’s menu is inspired by the flavors and techniques of Asian cuisine.

Other menu standouts include whole Cantonese-style roasted duck and Korean short rib beef bossam.

Perhaps as impressive as the food at Current is is ambiance.

Great Wall

Credit:Courtesy of Great Wall

Tortas, quesadillas, burritos, fajitas, and large plates are also available.

If you’re atTacos Don Tachoson a weekend, order the Menudo.

This Parisian-inspired cafe focuses on classic French fare from escargot topped with whimsical brioche hats to steak au poivre.

Saigon Noodle House

Credit:Courtesy of Saigon Noodle House

Imported ingredients, housemade dough, and wood-fired ovens straight from Italy produce the perfect pies.

After a few slices, head to the dessert bar for gelato or a cannoli.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night food.

Blue Pacific Pad Thai and Pork Noodle Soup in Alabama

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

lagseatery.com; 4350 3rd Ct. S, Birmingham, AL.

Bawarchi is also famous for its biryanis topped with everything from chicken tandoori to fish to goat.

Order a bucket to take home.

Taboon Noon O Kabab

Credit:Courtesy of Taboon Noon O Kabab

Don’t leave without a slice or two from the daily pie selection.

Thelemon ice box, coconut, and peanut butter are especially tasty.

missmyras.com; 3278 Cahaba Heights Road, Birmingham, AL 35243; 205-967-6004

Tacos Dos Hermanos

Credit:Courtesy of Tacos Dos Hermanos

Gianmarco’s Lasagna

Credit: Courtesy of Gianmarco’s

Niki’s West in Birmingham, AL

Credit: Photo: Caleb Chancey

Johnny’s Restaurant in Birmingham, AL

Credit: Zoe Denenberg

Saw’s BBQ in Birmingham, AL

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

Shu Shop in Birmingham, AL

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

Helen Restaurant in Birmingham, AL

Credit: Emily Dorio

Margaritas at El Barrio in Birmingham AL

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

OvenBird Courtyard in Birmingham, AL

Credit: Courtesy of OvenBird

Bettola’s Neapolitan Pizza

Oysters at Automatic Seafood and Oysters

Oysters at Automatic Seafood and Oysters.Credit:Courtesy of Automatic Seafood and Oysters

Hero Doughnuts Chicken Sandwich and Doughnut in Birmingham, AL

Credit: Patrick McGough

Tasty Town

Credit:Courtesy of Tasty Town

Sam’s Super Samwiches

Credit:Courtesy of Sam’s Super Samwiches

Taj India

Courtesy of Taj India.

The Rougaroux

Credit:Courtesy of The Rougaroux

Yo' Mama’s

Yo' Mama’s.Credit:Courtesy of Yo' Mama’s

Pizza Grace

Credit:Courtesy Cortney Sparkman

Makarios

Courtesy of Makarios.

Tortugas Homemade Pizza

Credit:Courtesy of Tortugas Homemade Pizza

Current Charcoal Grill

Credit:Caleb Chancey

Gus’s Hot Dogs

Credit:Courtesy of Gus’s Hot Dogs

Tacos Don Tachos #2

Credit:Courtesy of Tacos Don Tachos #2

The Bright Star

PHOTO: ROBBIE CAPONETTO.Credit:Southern Living

La Fete

Credit:Courtesy of La Fete

Capella Pizzeria

Credit:Courtesy of Capella Pizzeria

Lag’s Eatery

Credit:Courtesy of Lag’s Eatery

Bawarchi Indian Cuisine

Credit:Courtesy of Bawarchi Indian Cuisine

Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q

Credit: Photo: Robbie Caponetto