Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Birmingham

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Birmingham? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Founders Pub

4.9

4.9 (108)

$30 and under

Contemporary Southern

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Founder's Pub is The Farm’s exclusive restaurant offering chef-inspired selections throughout the day along with a fully stocked bar of spirits and beverages. Sit back and enjoy the view over the bucolic marble valley while enjoying a signature cocktail and savory cuisine.

Top review

Kev

Dined on Mar 20, 2025

This was a great first experience for me. What a great experience it was too. The food was great, the service was beyond our expectations. It is great to see motivated workers who seem to work very well together. The facility is absolutely fabulous and the food was by far the best I have had EVER! Thank you for a great first experience...I will be back.

Daniel George Restaurant and Bar

4.8

4.8 (1520)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Birmingham

About the restaurant

We hope you will join us at Daniel George restaurant. Located in the heart of Mountain Brook Village, we offer a casual yet elegant dining experience. Our menu includes fresh seafood and local produce. "Farm to Fork" is a philosophy we believe in and strive to pursue on a daily basis.

Top review

Helen Kathryn

Dined 6 days ago

We had a delicious lunch at Daniel George, including wonderful, fresh fried oysters with remoulade sauce that the chef made gluten free. The caramelized Brussels sprouts were tasty. The cucumber tomato feta salad could have used a bit of Italian dressing or other flavorful addition, but it was light and fresh. And the noise level is just right if you want to have a meaningful conversation.

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Popular dish

Pappardelle Bolognese

Bistro V

4.8

4.8 (2066)

$30 and under

American

Birmingham

About the restaurant

New American in Alabama. Thank you for your patronage.

Top review

Bill

Dined 6 days ago

Always a pleasure, the gumbo and oyster salad were delicious. The service was excellent, not intrusive. The beverage service was timely and the drinks tasty. Easy to make reservations and we enjoyed sitting in the bar area.

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Popular dish

Scallops over Grits

Bellini's Ristorante & Bar

4.7

4.7 (3038)

$30 and under

Italian

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Great ideas often occur in the most comfortable of settings and Bellinis is no exception. With that in mind, in 2008 after discussing ideas over a bottle (or 2) of wine, the concept of Bellinis was formed. Come see why "Life is Sweet" at our place. Relax and enjoy your own glass of wine among friends and see where your discussions take you. At Bellinis OUR Passion is YOUR Food and YOUR Service.

Bellini's features 100% Prime Organic Beef, housemade pastas, veal, seafood and classic Tuscan Italian dishes. Bellini's maintains an extensive wine selection and weekly desert specials. Our bar opens weekdays at 4pm for drinks and dinner service begins at 5pm Monday to Saturday.

We have two private dining areas available for large parties. Our private dining room accommodates 20 to 25 patrons and features a 48" TV with audio visual capabilities. Our Intimate Dining room accommodates 10 to 15 patrons. Reservations are suggested.

Top review

john

Dined 3 days ago

Latief was our server. He was wonderful. Food and drink exceptional. Love it.

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Popular dish

White Chocolate Bread Pudding

4.7

4.7 (21)

$30 and under

Mexican

Birmingham

About the restaurant

"Sharing is a Mexican tradition: Life is a continual feast to be shared with our family and friends. Sol y Luna since 1998, carries the flavors of Mexico and embodies the sacred tradition of eating together in a communal celebration of life".

Mexican cuisine is earthy food, full of flavor, mastering the Mexican approach to flavors is simply a matter of understanding a few basics.

Sol y Luna proudly offer 80 different tequilas. Tequila opened our hearts to another Mexico, an enduring ancient place, where 500 years ago, after the European conquest, the spirit, pride and passion of the people continued undiminished.

Top review

Billy

Dined on Apr 20, 2025

We had the best time! Food was delicious! Service was impeccable!

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Birmingham

4.6

4.6 (3587)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is an American Restaurant and Steakhouse serving authentic wood-fired steaks, seafood, specialty cocktails and select wines. Join us for Happy Hour at the FIREBAR® or on the patio for drink specials and bar bites. We offer top-notch service and upscale dining at a modest price. Reserve Your Table with us today.

Top review

David

Dined 3 days ago

We were looking for dinner after a long day vacationing when we found Firebirds online. It was easy to make a reservation. We were greeted and seated in a timely manner. Our server, Fernando, was excellent. Attentive, helpful, but not intrusive. Our food came out in t timely manner, prepared beautifully and delicious. We felt the portions and quality of the food was commensurate to the price.

Emmy Squared Pizza - The Summit, Birmingham

4.5

4.5 (122)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Vestavia Hills

About the restaurant

Serving Detroit-style pizzas and an award-winning burger. Full service bar, local drafts & wine selection.

Top review

Mary Ann

Dined 6 days ago

First time dining here. We had the Meatsiah pizza...it was delicious. Also, had the cheese bread it was just ok. Service was great. Will definitely return to try more items.

CharBar No.7 - Mountain Brook

4.4

4.4 (117)

$30 and under

American

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Life is serious enough, dinner and drinks with friends and family should be a break from the daily grind. This, “come for drink, stay for while” attitude has shaped us into what we are today... a relaxing, no hassle, neighborhood spot. While we do take our food seriously, we strive to offer a welcoming feeling in our restaurant. Whether it is with family, friends, or by yourself, we invite you to come enjoy some good music, eat a big meal, and stay for a drink.

Top review

Rachel

Dined on Feb 13, 2025

Always great food at Char bar. Server was polite!!

Ironwood Kitchen & Cocktails

4.3

4.3 (722)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Birmingham

About the restaurant

For decades, craftspeople from around the world were drawn to Homewood by a common theme - the lure of fire and iron. The ability to wield a spark became their calling card and for these hard-working artisans, food played a key role in their legendary story. Ironwood Kitchen & Cocktails is a tribute to this legacy where iron and fire come together to create elevated comfort food for a new generation in Birmingham.

Top review

MeKeisha

Dined 5 days ago

Service was slow, but the food was delicious (especially the Hanger and steak frites!).

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Popular dish

The Hanger

Grand Ticino

4.0

4 (135)

$31 to $50

Italian

Mt Laurel

About the restaurant

Just south of Birmingham on Hwy 280 you’ll discover a hidden gem that reflects old world comfort with modern twists on Mediterranean cuisine. Grand Ticino Trattoria Italiano is an upscale casual Italian restaurant. We offer a variety of food including: made from scratch pastas, authentic Neapolitan pizzas, signature dishes, and full bar with custom cocktails. Between our intimate dining room, classy bar, and covered patio, we have a space for all to enjoy! At Grand Ticino, we pride ourselves in making you feel like you are part of our famiglia.
Saluti!

Top review

Pat

Dined on Apr 4, 2025

The food was delicious. Service was pretty good. It was a tad loud.

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