Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Birmingham

Niki's West has been a Birmingham institution since 1957, and little has changed since then. Diners can opt for quicker cafeteria service of the classic southern "meat and three", or table service, where you can order more extensive steak and seafood dishes. Get the full range of southern specialties at Niki's West, from country fried steak, fried catfish and crab legs to sides like collared greens, sweet potatoes, lima beans and fried okra.

Located downtown near the University of Alabama-Birmingham and its medical center, the Fish Market is the cheapest and possibly the best seafood restaurant in Birmingham. The owners are from Greece, so the self-service dining area is decorated with Greek photos and artwork. There is a small grocery area and of course, a fish market. The food is fresh, and the portions large. Be prepared for a crowd at any given time; this place is an unbeatable value and that's a well-known fact.

Trattoria Centrale is a popular, casual place located in Birmingham's bustling downtown. The trattoria serves Italian-inspired dishes, from pizzas with toppings ranging from three cheese to sweet potato or egg to pastas and salads. The trattoria is especially well known for its daily specials, which might be anything from Chicken Piccata to Panzanella. They also source much of their produce from their own rooftop garden, and are especially popular for their Sunday brunch.

Rojo is a popular choice for people looking for outstanding Latin and American menus in one trendy place. Diners can take their pick of American favorites like cheesesteaks, burgers, wings and big salads, or Latin dishes like tacos, burritos and quesadillas. There is also a gluten-free menu and a kids menu. Also popular is the weekend brunch with a small but solid selection of breakfast burritos, egg dishes and Mexican-inspired foods. Daily specials include a weekday happy hour, sangria Sundays and Corona Tuesdays.

Located on First Avenue North in downtown Irondale, Irondale Café, the original WhistleStop Café, has been serving traditional Southern food at the same location for years. The cafe is a traditional Southern restaurant where the customers order their food cafeteria-style, then carry the tray to a seat. The cafe became famous to the rest of the world when it was the setting for the book and film Fried Green Tomatoes. Though judging from its large and loyal clientele, it became famous in Irondale many years before that for its quality and consistency—and cornbread rolls!

This bright, casual restaurant is a favorite in Birmingham for serving up flavorful portions of Mediterranean favorites with a twist. Feast on dishes like gyros, grilled meat plates and some incredible hummus. For a family meal, Taziki's does a "Dinner for 4" package with a choice of grilled meats (including a whole roast chicken or pork loin) with sauce, Greek salad, pita chips and rice or potatoes. For some healthy, fresh Mediterranean food, head to Taziki's.