Picture kicking off your day with gochujang croissants and mochi waffles—knowing that’s only the opening act of a flavor-packed culinary adventure. Alabama’s food scene stretches far beyond a single signature dish or region—it’s a full-flavored journey through distinct areas, each shaped by geography, history, and tradition. From the Appalachian foothills of the north to the seafood-rich Gulf Coast, the state offers a blend of classic Southern staples and bold, globally influenced cuisine.
Like the gochujang croissants from Birmingham’s Last Call Baking Co., this Deep South state is just waiting to wow you. That’s the general reaction from diners at Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur. This legendary open-fire cooking empire has been making mouths water since 1925. Restaurants with a rich history are the story of Alabama. Like Zeke’s in Orange Beach, a maritime mainstay, where anglers reel in their own fresh catch and have it cooked to order by the on-site chefs—grilled, blackened, or fried just the way they like it.
With a deep bench of James Beard Award–winning chefs and restaurants, Alabama’s culinary scene is nothing short of impressive. Birmingham especially shines with James Beard Foundation standouts like Automatic Seafood & Oysters and Chez Fonfon. But the Magic City is just the starting point.
Head southeast to Auburn, where dinner at Acre awaits. Here, five-time James Beard Award nominee chef David Bancroft reimagines Southern cuisine using ingredients harvested from on-site gardens and nearby farms, creating dishes like fried green tomatoes and Gulf blue crab. Or set your course for Florence, where Odette’s menu is dictated by the seasons and one night might bring Louisiana crawfish fritters and the next could promise pappardelle pasta with tasso ham.
In Montgomery, visit Ravello, a modern Italian restaurant, where sustainable seafood is at the center. Or take your movable feast to Mobile, where The Hummingbird Way will greet you with open arms and a menu of the Gulf’s freshest catch that has to be seen to be believed. Bottom line? If you’re serious about eating well, Alabama belongs at the top of your list.
Explore the tastes that define Alabama at Alabama.Travel
