10 Spots

By Jason Horn Bettola Chef James Lewis and his rigorously authentic Italian dishes have received plenty of national acclaim, from being named one of the best new chefs of 2011 by Food & Wine to a James Beard Award semifinalist nod this year. The wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas and more are all wonderful. 2901 2nd… Read More

For Appetizers by Jason Horn Avo This spot upstairs from Dram Whiskey Bar serves a somewhat fancier menu than its sister restaurant. The West Coast-inspired fare includes Sonoma sliders: mini-burgers on house-made focaccia topped with onions, port-wine mustard, and melted foie gras. They’re definitely more than indulgent enough to share, though you may not want… Read More

By Jason Horn Demitri’s BBQ The Homewood favorite is known for its barbecue and its chili, and you can actually get both for breakfast—the former in an omelet and the latter with eggs, salsa, and tortillas in huevos rancheros. The more conventional dishes are also sold, including what is perhaps the city’s most addictive French… Read More

Indie Candy Though it produces goodies free of gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts and soy, that doesn’t mean this Crestline Village confectionery lacks flavor. Its dark chocolates and truffles are seriously delicious and made with love. 73 Church St., Mountain Brook; 205-835-0094; Mix If you’re serving your sweetheart breakfast in bed on Valentine’s Day, don’t risk… Read More

by Jason Horn Paramount Named for the candy store that occupied its downtown space back in the 1930s, this frozen-yogurt parlor brings a much-needed weekend and nighttime vitality to the neighborhood. If you’re not into the cold stuff, try one of its delicious cupcakes or fruit-topped Belgian waffles. 200 20th St. N; 205-909-0312; Ollie Irene… Read More

by Jason Horn Rogue Tavern You wouldn’t expect one of Birmingham’s best music venues to serve some of its best burgers as well, but that’s the case here. The monster meat patties can be had topped with everything from green chiles and guacamole to Asian slaw and teriyaki. 2312 2nd Ave. N; 205-202-4151; Trattoria Centrale… Read More

Ollie Irene The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into this Mountain Brook Village gastropub is the huge chalkboard listing all of the local farms that provided the evening’s meat and produce. The Southern, seasonally focused menu features an array of fantastic cocktails, delicious house-made charcuterie and elegant-but-hearty entrees. 2713 Culver Rd., Mountain Brook;… Read More

For Outdoor Dining Bottega Restaurant & Café The vast patio of Frank Stitt’s Italian-inspired restaurant is the best place in town to see and be seen at lunchtime or for an after-work cocktail and snack. The bar even opens onto the space, so you don’t have to venture inside to order a drink. 2240 Highland… Read More

For Pie by Jason Horn Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q Besides serving what is possibly the best barbecue chicken ever smoked by humankind, this Cahaba Heights staple always has a range of pies on display in the glass case next to the counter. With a soaring layer of meringue on top, the coconut cream is perhaps… Read More

Camp Taco Why settle for Taco Bell when this place exists? There are a wide variety of filling choices for the tasty tacos and burritos at the quick and inexpensive 5 Points spot. Try the chicken with white sauce or flatiron steak with blue cheese Tip Top Grill At this Bluff Park joint, you can… Read More

by Jason Horn Sitar Indian Cuisine You can specify the heat level of anything you order at this Southside spot. But make one of the already spicy dishes, like chicken vindaloo or lamb madras, “Indian hot” and you’re in for a tongue-searing treat. Or come in for lunch and try a range of heat levels… Read More