Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
My top local recs
18
items Welcome to Birmingham, Alabama & surrounding areas. We have a pretty happening food scene here in the Ham & have many award winning restaurants & chefs. We’re also a burgeoning food truck area that’s always hosting events to promote &...
Map
If you’re in the Birmingham or surrounding area, this is hands down the best Italian. Everything is authentic & made from scratch. Even if you have to take it with you, get dessert!
Joe's Italian
Family owned, 2 locations. Authentic Italian & Mediterranean dishes. Portions are huge. They also have family meals for take out that are great & so reasonably priced. If you need something last minute or are looking to take a meal to a frien...
Costa's Mediterranean Cafe
This bakery (actually the entire shopping area) makes you feel like you’ve stepped into Europe. While shopping & strolling through English Village in Mountain Brook, Alabama, stop in Continental Bakery for nice coffee & treat. From freshly ma...
Continental Bakery
In the mood for a true French cafe experience, but France is a little too far? Pop into Chez Lulu for an authentic Parisian dinner. With its idyllic French charm, you’ll forget that you’re actually in Birmingham. From sandwiches, salads, pizzas, or b...
Chez Lulu
Family owned & locally operated, Ming’s Garden has been a staple in Gardendale, Al for decades. Their weekday lunch buffet creates a line out the door. Wanting a different option, their menu is available during the day as well. Looking for a fill...
Ming's Garden
When it comes to French dining in Birmingham, you can’t beat Chez FonFon. Whether it’s a special event or a business lunch, you won’t leave disappointed or hungry. Side note, they have one of the best burgers around!
Chez Fonfon
Breakfast, brunch, or lunch, The Original Pancake House has been a Birmingham staple since 1960. And for good reason. Whether it’s traditional buttermilk pancakes or something a little more fancy like Fresh Fruit Crepes, you can’t go wrong. Narrowing...
The Original Pancake House
Seafood with a Southern flare? Ocean is the location. This trendy spot, located in the heart of Five Points South has been voted best restaurant & chef by AAA Four Diamond Award thirteen years and counting. From a fully stocked raw bar to the “ca...
Ocean Restaurant
Originating in Tuscaloosa, Al, Dreamland now boasts 10 locations in the Southeast. Best known for their hickory wood-fire pit ribs, basted with their signature vinegar based BBQ sauce, Dreamland has been an Alabama staple for more than 60 years. Tho...
Dreamland BBQ
What began as a small, family owned bakery has expanded to locations all across the state. They are probably best known for their strawberry cake, but their sweet treats have earned them Best Alabama Bakery in numerous publications.
Their stores hav...
Edgar's Bakery
Locally owned & operated Cannella gelato is a taste of Italy in Birmingham. Located in historic Morris Avenue, they have an everyday menu, plus seasonal flavors. Check out their website for current offerings.
Cannella Gelato
I know it’s a chain, but literally if you can’t find something here that you love, there’s a problem!
The Cheesecake Factory
Not native to Birmingham, or even Alabama, but nothing says Southern like peach cobbler. That’s just the beginning though. The menu spans from cobblers, banana pudding, cinnamon rolls, cookies, & much more. Pop in for a treat or order a whole cob...
The Peach Cobbler Factory!
Pizza chains come & go, but nothing says nostalgia like Davenport’s Pizza Palace in Mt. Brook (they’ve opened a 2nd location in Vestavia Hills). Still owned & run by the Hollis family, Davenport’s was named for Jim “Peanut” Davenport, a pro b...
Davenport's Pizza Palace - Mtn Brook
Need a spot for a special occasion? Look no further than Perry’s. Awarded best steak in Birmingham, its award winning menu boasts more than just steak. It offers a great selection of cocktails & has an in house sommelier to help pick the perfect ...
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
If your visiting Huntsville and in the mood for Mexican, head to Rosie’s. A fun, bright atmosphere with a great staff. Head over for Happy Hour specials or a fabulous dinner. The fajitas are sizzling and the margaritas are frozen (or on the rocks).
Rosie's Mexican Cantina
About 40 miles north of Birmingham, in Cullman, Alabama is the All Steak Restaurant. Serving up the best prime rib, seafood, and other American fare. The signature homemade orange rolls are talked about near and far. A warm, welcoming atmosphere &...
All Steak Restaurant
What began as a pop up shop focusing on ice cream sandwiches has now emerged into 3 brick & mortar stores in Avondale, Homewood & Huntsville.
Big Spoon is a small-batch, artisan ice cream company that started right here in Birmingham, AL, in...
Big Spoon Creamery