Birmingham’s food scene is criminally underrated. But it’s not just Southern food that the Magic City excels in. It also boasts a surprising number of wonderful Italian restaurants.
Whether you’re looking for a fancy, white tablecloth meal or a fast-casual Italian spot, Birmingham has you covered.
Here’s my personal list of the best Italian restaurants in Birmingham after living here for five years.
Bottega
Birmingham boasts a few of the top chefs in the Southeast, including Frank Stitt, founder of Bottega.
Bottega’s doors opened in 1990 and it’s been a Birmingham staple ever since. The restaurant is divided into an upscale dining room side and a more laid-back cafe side, with many (me included) preferring the cafe side. If you plan to sit in the dining room, make sure to wear appropriate business attire.
The wait staff at Bottega is particularly exceptional, and people around town know that. There’s no wonder it’s widely considered one of the best restaurants in Birmingham, if not the best.
The leg of lamb is my favorite dish at Bottega. But this spot is so good that you’re not going to be disappointed by any selection.
Le Fresca
Le Fresca is my favorite Italian restaurant in Birmingham.
Head chef Marco Butturini is renowned as one of the best in the city, and he takes great pride in his guests having a faultless experience.
Le Fresca is another Italian restaurant with exceptional service. I’ve gotten to know several staff members very well over the years, and it’s become somewhat of a second home. It perfectly straddles the line between casual and upscale.
For me, nothing beats the rigatoni al ragu. Their espresso martinis and tiramisu are also spectacular. Ask for the bread pudding as a secret off-menu dessert item. Truthfully, though, there’s no bad item on the menu at Le Fresca. I do, however, recommend getting pasta over pizza, because I don’t think any restaurant in Birmingham has better pasta dishes!
Giuseppe’s
Not every top Italian restaurant needs to be a fine dining experience.
For a casual, budget-friendly Italian meal without sacrificing taste, try Giuseppe’s in Five Points South.
Giuseppe’s isn’t known for its ambiance or elegant interior, but don’t let that deter you. The food is phenomenal, especially the pizza. They also serve lunch subs that are fantastic, particularly the meatball sub. The prices are very reasonable as well.
Giuseppe’s is a great place to get quality Italian food to-go if you’re in a hurry or would rather eat at home. For those just visiting Birmingham, it’s a really convenient spot close to downtown.
Gianmarco’s
Another great Birmingham Italian restaurant that has a super passionate following is Gianmarco’s.
Brothers Giani and Marco Respinto, born and raised in New York City, have owned and operated Gianmarco’s since 2003. Located in West Homewood, Gianmarco’s is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, but it’s so good that it attracts diners from all over the city.
Many regulars will correctly tell you that you should ask to reserve a table in the wine bar section of the restaurant or sit at the wine bar itself if there’s space. The vibe is super cozy, and you’ll feel like you’re dining at the local restaurant of a quaint Italian village.
Gianmarco’s prides itself on Northern Italian food with Southern-hospitality-style service. Seafood risotto and veal ricotta are a couple of their most notable dishes. No matter what you order, it will be wonderful paired with a glass of wine, and they have quite a nice selection.
Bettola
In Birmingham’s Pepper Place District, you’ll find Bettola. The vibe is unpretentious, as in it’s a large space without being too upscale. There’s more of a Mediterranean vibe and feel to the menu as well.
Bettola is a go-to lunch spot for professionals in the area. I LOVE their paninis, especially the pollo pomodoro sandwich.
It’s always super lively for dinner, too. The rigatoni bolognese is quite popular, as is the burrata for an appetizer. My favorite, though, is the bietola pizza. I’m a sucker for eggs on pizza!
Amore
Down US-280 about 20 minutes from downtown Birmingham, you’ll stumble upon Amore, a real hidden gem.
This elegant Italian restaurant has some of the best food you’ll find in the burbs. The dim lighting makes for an intimate ambiance, perfect for a fancy date night. Be prepared to dig deeper into your pockets for a night out at Amore, but rest assured the food will not disappoint.
Amore’s menu covers all the bases, and then same. Three veal dishes are a welcome surprise. The lobster ravioli is one of many seafood-infused pasta dishes that jump off the menu. They also serve wonderful cocktails.
Bocca
Bocca fits the mold as a perfect high-end spot in downtown Birmingham for a date night or upscale work dinner. It’s one of several fantastic restaurants on the lively 2nd Ave. N., along with Le Fresca.
As one of the newer top Italian spots in Birmingham, Bocca has slowly worked its way up the ladder. If you’re visiting Birmingham and staying downtown, it’s a reliable spot within walking distance as you typically don’t need a reservation to be seated.
Bocca’s pasta dishes are very reasonably priced (around $20), with the squid ink linguini with calamari being a fan favorite. Their braised rabbit with Umbrian truffle is another one of their most special and unique dishes.
