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Top 25 places to eat in Birmingham



Yo’ Mama’s – Photo by business

Yelp’s Top 25 Places to Eat is a list unlike any other “best of” out there. Sure, you’ll see your obvious local favorites on the list, but it’s also chock full of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path joints like Blue Pacific at Hoover Food Mart tucked away in a former gas station in Hoover. From fine dining to shawarma food trucks — find them all in Yelp’s Top 25 Places to Eat in Birmingham.

Did your favorite restaurants make it into the top 25? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram. Remember, we only know how good a spot is if you take the time to review it. So share your thoughts on Yelp, and maybe your favorites will be on next year’s list! 

Topping this year’s best 25 list is Antojitos Izcalli, a hidden Mexican food destination in a strip mall in nearby Tuscaloosa.

Pro tip: You’re going to want to make a note of these spots, so we made it easy for you. For great businesses at your fingertips, get the Top 25 to-go. Follow this collection on Yelp.

  1. Antojitos Izcalli (Tuscaloosa)
    Cuisine: Mexican
    What they’re known for: Street Tacos
    Yelpers say: “The only authentic Mexican food in Tuscaloosa county! For $10 you can get some of the most delicious street tacos or a quesadilla that’s bigger than your face with sides.” -Sarah H.
Antojitos Izcalli – photo by Shannon J.
  1. Smiley Brothers Specialty Food  (Pelham)
    Cuisine: For sandwiches and special meats
    What they’re known for: Club Sandwich
    Yelpers say: “I had a turkey club. Best bacon around. The stone ground made in house mustard is a must!” -Amanda B.
Smiley Brothers Specialty Food – Photo by Jon C.
  1. Falafel Cafe (Birmingham/Downtown – Southside)
    Cuisine: Mediterranean
    What they’re known for: Mujadara
    Yelpers say: “My daughter ordered buttered chicken over mujadara. She really enjoyed it and it was was delicious as I stole a few bites. I ordered the mujadara as well but topped with lamb.” -Marcella S.
Falafel Cafe – Photo by Jp C.
  1. Taqueria Juarez (Vestavia Hills)
    Cuisine: Mexican
    What they’re known for: Carne Asada Tacos
    Yelpers say: “Carne asada tacos were so delicious and big- no mini tacos here’s. Salsa verde was on point. Def will come back to wherever you guys are parked next!” -Nikki R.
Taqueria Juarez – Photo by Zenalda M.
  1. Dos Hermanos Taco Truck (West Homewood)
    Cuisine: Mexican
    What they’re known for: Pork belly tacos
    Yelpers say: “The pork belly tacos are to die for, and could easily be my new favorite. The staff is so friendly.” -Heather B.
  2. Blue Pacific At Hoover Foodmart
  3. Samurai Japan
  4. Yo’ Mama’s
  5. Red Mountain Crawfish
  6. Taqueria Tafoya
  7. Hector’s Kitchen
  8. El Barrio
  9. Avenue Pub – Tuscaloosa
  10. Gus’s Hot Dogs
  11. Kabob-Licious
  12. EastWest
  13. Trattoria Zaza
  14. Ooka Chinese & Japanese Restaurant
  15. Umami Bham
  16. Los Valedores
  17. Chez Fonfon
  18. Harp & Clover
  19. Masaman Thai Kitchen
  20. Donut Joe’s
  21. The Little London

Top Places to Eat in Birmingham Methodology: This is an all-time list of the Top Places to Eat in the Birmingham area according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurant category on Yelp, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews. This list looked at businesses in and around the Birmingham area. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of July 1st, 2022. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of July 1st, 2022.

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