What image comes to mind when you think of Birmingham?

Most people probably think of a steel city, a southern city, or maybe just Alabama.

I was the same way at first. But after learning a bit more, I thought, "Oh? Is this place known for its food?"

Honestly, Birmingham is quite recognized as a foodie city among Americans.

Especially for food lovers, there are several restaurants that many would want to visit at least once.

While not widely known to tourists, it has been a well-known spot among American foodies for a long time.

When talking about Birmingham's food scene, one cannot overlook Frank Stitt. He is often credited with making Birmingham a culinary destination. He operates three famous restaurants: Highlands Bar and Grill, Bottega, and Chez Fonfon, all located near Five Points South.

Among them, Highlands Bar and Grill has been nominated multiple times for the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Restaurant.

It showcases high-quality dishes by using southern ingredients while incorporating French cooking techniques.

The prices are a bit on the higher side (since the cost of living here is low), but it is considered a must-visit restaurant for special occasions.

If you're craving Italian food, Bottega is a great choice, and if you want to experience French vibes, Chez Fonfon is also very popular.

It's unique to Birmingham that one chef operates several renowned restaurants with different atmospheres in the same area.

If you love seafood, I recommend Automatic Seafood and Oysters.

It was selected as 'Best New Restaurant of the Year' by a U.S. food magazine shortly after opening.

Fresh oysters and seafood from the Gulf of Mexico are very famous, and on weekends, there are often long waits for tables.

And if you visit Birmingham, you must try the barbecue. SAW's BBQ is a favorite among locals.

Here, you can taste Alabama's signature white barbecue sauce.

Unlike regular barbecue sauce, which is red, this sauce is made primarily from mayonnaise.

It may seem strange at first, but once you try it, you'll find it hard to forget. It pairs really well with smoked chicken or pulled pork.

If you want to enjoy a variety of foods at once, don't miss Pizitz Food Hall.

It's a beautifully remodeled space in an old department store, featuring over 15 different restaurants, making it great for families or friends.

Beer lovers won't be disappointed either.

Craft breweries like Good People Brewing, Cahaba Brewing, TrimTab Brewing, and Avondale Brewing make Birmingham's nightlife even more enjoyable. Especially, the Avondale and Lakeview areas have become popular spots for young people as new restaurants and pubs continue to emerge.

Birmingham is not as flashy as New York, nor is it a tourist magnet like New Orleans.

But that's what makes it even more charming. You can enjoy delicious food at restaurants that locals truly love without any pressure.

If you're planning a trip or move to Birmingham, consider taking a food tour for a day. You might be surprised by the high quality of food available.

Birmingham may be a quiet southern city, but it's not just a hidden culinary gem; it can hold its own against any city in the U.S. when it comes to food.