## A Culinary Journey Through Alabama: 12 Restaurants for 2025
2025 is here, and with it, a new opportunity to explore the vibrant culinary landscape of Alabama. This year’s curated list highlights twelve exceptional restaurants, one for each month, showcasing the diverse flavors and traditions found across the state. From the Wiregrass region to the Black Belt, and from coastal Orange Beach to the city of Florence, this gastronomic road trip promises a memorable experience.
January: Zack’s Family Restaurant (Dothan)
Begin your culinary adventure in Dothan at Zack’s Family Restaurant, a Wiregrass institution. Reopened in November 2024 after a devastating fire, Zack’s continues its tradition of serving classic Southern comfort food. Their meat-and-three lunch menu boasts six meats (including fried chicken, pork chops, and catfish) and twelve rotating vegetable sides, all made from cherished family recipes. This is true Southern cooking at its finest.
* Address: 1495 Headland Ave., Dothan, AL
* Phone: 334-673-9225
February: Valentina’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar (Madison)
Journey north to Madison and experience the pizza artistry of Valentina’s. Owner Joe Carlucci, a New York native, honed his skills alongside a world champion pizza maker. His signature creation, “The Godfather,” is a meat lover’s dream, showcasing a delectable blend of chorizo, sausage, pepperoni, and more. Valentina’s earned a Top 50 ranking in the US, a testament to its exceptional quality.
* Address: 25783 Huntsville Brownsferry Road, Madison, AL
* Phone: 256-325-2240
March: The Alabama Grill (Greenville)
Step back in time at The Alabama Grill in Greenville, a revitalized landmark reopened in 2019. This cozy restaurant, housed in a historic building, offers a charming atmosphere and a menu that honors its legacy. Don’t miss the parmesan-crusted snapper or the Greek-style Liveakos pizza, a nod to the restaurant’s original owner.
* Address: 109 West Commerce St., Greenville, AL
* Phone: 334-371-4745
April: Rock House Eatery (Guntersville)
In Guntersville, the Rock House Eatery provides an elevated Southern dining experience. This stone building houses a menu featuring inspired dishes like a hand-cut ribeye, pecan-crusted chicken, and creative sandwiches. The Rock Star and Tomato Melt are local favorites.
* Address: 1201 Gunter Ave., Guntersville, AL
* Phone: 256-505-4699
May: Voyagers (Orange Beach)
Head to the coast and indulge in fine dining at Voyagers, located within the Perdido Beach Resort. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Voyagers offers fresh seafood, aged steaks, and stunning views. Chef Brody Olive, a recent Great American Seafood Cook-Off winner, creates innovative dishes like chicken-fried lobster and showcases local Alabama products.
* Address: 27200 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL
* Phone: 251-981-9811
June: The Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar (Mobile)
In Mobile, The Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar offers a delightful seafood experience. Chef Jim Smith, a former Governor’s Mansion chef and Great American Seafood Cook-Off winner, creates a menu featuring fresh, local ingredients. The heirloom tomato and peach salad is a seasonal must-try.
* Address: 351 George St., Mobile, AL
* Phone: 251-408-9562
July: Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot (Selma)
Experience generations of barbecue tradition at Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot in Selma. Recently relocated to a larger space, Lannie’s continues its legacy of delicious smoked meats. Their pulled pork sandwich, topped with crispy pork skin, is a standout.
* Address: 2115 Minter Ave., Selma, AL
* Phone: 334-874-4478
August: Bayonet (Birmingham)
Birmingham’s dining scene gets a boost with the arrival of Bayonet, the second restaurant from James Beard Award-nominated chef Rob McDaniel. This seafood-focused establishment will feature a wide array of fresh oysters and other seafood from across the country.
* Address: 2015 Second Ave. North, Birmingham, AL
September: River (Tuscaloosa)
With stunning views of the Black Warrior River, River in Tuscaloosa offers a seasonally inspired menu featuring local ingredients. Enjoy dishes like fried Alabama catfish or a selection from their impressive sausage board.
* Address: 1650 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa, AL
* Phone: 205-632-3801
October: The Grille at Botanic (Opelika)
Experience a unique blend of nature and cuisine at The Grille at Botanic in Opelika. Located within a vibrant garden center, this restaurant offers a refined menu featuring dishes like pork belly burnt ends and chicken-fried chicken.
* Address: 1702 Frederick Road, Opelika, AL
* Phone: 334-748-9082
November: D’Road Cafe (Montgomery)
Montgomery’s D’Road Cafe offers a taste of Venezuela in the heart of the Capital City. Chef Janett Malpartida’s menu features arepas, empanadas, and the popular pabellón criollo. Friday nights bring a special, reservation-only international dinner.
* Address: 121 Montgomery St., Montgomery, AL
* Phone: 334-328-2938
December: Odette (Florence)
Conclude your culinary journey in Florence at Odette, a stylish restaurant known for its seasonal menu and creative dishes. Executive chef Josh Quick and chef de cuisine Kyle Ogden collaborate on a menu that showcases the best of local and seasonal ingredients.
* Address: 120 North Court St., Florence, AL
* Phone: 256-349-5219
This curated list provides a starting point for an unforgettable culinary adventure through Alabama in 2025. Happy travels!