– Fine Dining –
Camellia Cafe
Best Bite: Grilled filet served with mashed potatoes and spinach, topped with truffle oil, Parmesan, poached egg and bordelaise
Ryan Glass, owner and chef at this cleanly-designed sophisticated Fairhope cafe, specializes in crowd-pleasing steak tartare, fresh-from-the-boat fish dishes and addictive truffle fries. camelliacafe.com
Chuck’s Fish
Best Bite: Gulf fish “Parmadine,” with crabmeat, Parmesan, roasted almonds and Gouda grit cake
As the name alludes, Chuck’s offers fresh, Gulf-to-table seafood. Not feeling fishy? This two-story Downtown hot spot is also known for its naturally-raised beef and award-winning sushi bar. chucksfish.com
Dauphin’s
Best Bite: Fresh fish with saffron rice, vegetable medley and a signature Caribbean-spiced rum sauce
Located 424 feet in the air at the top of the Trustmark Bank Building, Dauphin’s offers diverse, upscale menu items, such as fried alligator and goat cheese, berry, and baby spinach salad. The island bread pudding for dessert adds the perfect meal-ending flair. godauphins.com
Dumbwaiter
Best Bite: New South Brussels sprouts cooked with bacon lardons, shaved red onion and honey balsamic dressing
Though the name and location (Bienville Square) of Dumbwaiter restaurant may be historic, the atmosphere brings a new flair to old style. Wes and Dana Lamberts’ menu also reflects reimagined classics, such as shrimp and grits and the Alabama Benedict. dumbwaiterrestaurant.com
Fairhope Inn
Best Bite: Pan-seared diver scallops with tomato and corn risotto
The Fairhope Inn and Restaurant aims to maintain a charming feel throughout the historic cottage in the heart of Fairhope. The inn’s appeal extends to the menu with roasted oysters, caramelized banana crepes and roasted beet salad. thefairhopeinn.com
FIVE
Best Bite: Ms. Anne’s fried chicken, served only on Sundays
Downtown Mobile’s FIVE restaurant simplifies dining out, with a menu that includes only five dinners, five white wines and five red wines. All products are sourced locally, made from scratch and served in a hipped-up atmosphere. five-bar.com
Guidos
Best Bite: Crawfish penne with andouille and tomato cream
Located in a warm red brick building in Daphne, Guido’s Regional Cuisine is a cozy and relaxed blend of cultures. The menu, always presented on a colorful chalkboard, features pizza, pasta and sandwiches, and lunch is a steal! Facebook
The Hope Farm New!
Best Bite: Fresh catch with puttanesca sauce, cauliflower petals, arugula and citrus
Father and son Robert and Bentley Evans created The Hope Farm in Fairhope, combining their passion for fine wines and hydroponic farming. Sharable dishes include the garden flatbread and mushroom toast with ingredients grown on-site. thehopefarm.com
The Hummingbird Way New!
Best Bite: Grilled oyster casino with bacon, herbs and fennel pollen
Founder and chef Jim Smith reinvigorates Southern classics at his Oakleigh location with fresh produce and seafood harvested in the Mobile region. Can’t decide what to pick off the mouth-wateringly-good menu? Opt for the five-course tasting menu for sampling aplenty. thehummingbirdway.com
Jesse’s
Best Bite: Dry-aged Delmonico rib eye Magnolia-style with crabmeat and hollandaise
A bit out of the way for most, but always worth the drive to Magnolia Springs, this one-of-a-kind steak house specializes in dry-and wet-aged beef. The seafood is also fabulous. jessesrestaurant.com
The Noble South
Best Bite: Pickled shrimp appetizer served in a Mason jar with a side of Saltine crackers
The masterminds behind Fairhope’s The Wash House opened this top-end yet casual Bienville Square restaurant offering a modern take on traditional Southern ingredients. Deviled eggs, fresh fish, local produce and a popular hot plate lunch round out the menu. thenoblesouthrestaurant.com
NoJa
Best Bite: Shrimp and scallops with Parmesan grits and Cajun marsala
Restaurant owner and chef Chakli Diggs serves Mediterranean-Asian cuisine from a renovated 1840s townhouse in the heart of downtown Mobile. Fine dining options: Small bites, such as foie gras, and larger entrees, such as smoked pork chop. nojamobile.com
Ruth’s Chris
Best Bite: Bone-in 40-ounce Tomahawk rib eye
Elegant Ruth’s Chris is known for its sizzling, butter-topped beef. Prime cuts are complemented with an array of salads, seafood, handcrafted cocktails and mouth-watering sides, such as potatoes au gratin and lobster mac and cheese. ruthschris.com
SOCU New!
Best Bite: Mama’s fried chicken and red velvet waffles with pecan-topped sweet potatoes
Homestyle, Southern cooking awaits at this Dauphin Street gem. Owner and founder of Southern Culture (SOCU) Foods Erica Barrett didn’t skimp on culinary creativity when developing the menu teeming with button-busting comfort food. Need some home cookin’ with a Bay flair? Order the charbroiled oysters. socumobile.com
Southern National
Best Bite: Jerk-spiced flat iron steak with mustard cream sauce
The creatives behind Atlanta’s One Flew South, restaurateur Reggie Washington and chef Duane Nutter, moved south and now grace their Downtown place with the likes of sauteed cauliflower, pimento cheese plate and Asian BBQ ribs. southernational.com
Southwood Kitchen
Best Bite: Crispy Kurobuta Pork Shank with braising jus reduction and Robuchon potatoes
Located on Highway 98 in Daphne, Southwood Kitchen is comfortably casual and run by well-known and well-traveled chef Jeremiah Matthews. With knowledge and experience from Le Cordon Bleu and Michelin-starred kitchens, the chef displays his talent of combining classic French food with Southern ingredients. southwoodkitchen.com
Thyme on Section
Best Bite: Lintz Hangar steak with truffle fries and truffle aioli
Located in downtown Fairhope, Thyme on Section blends modern flair and traditional roots. Husband and wife duo Adrian and Rachel Yots bring fresh and local ingredients to the table with menu items ranging from bistro steak to roasted salmon. thymebythebay.com
The Wash House
Best Bite: Gulf shrimp stack with fried green tomato, mozzarella and cream sauce
Robert Yarbrough and executive chef Chris Rainosek head this Point Clear mainstay, open only for dinner. The Wash House is known for its impeccable service and locally inspired cuisine. Among popular dishes are soups and salads, chateaubriand and New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp. The Key lime bread pudding is a must. washhouserestaurant.com
– Food with a View –
Bluegill Restaurant
Best Bite: Muchacho battered Gulf shrimp served with chili lime sauce
Guests come for the fresh local seafood and stay for the lively and casual atmosphere. Open for lunch and dinner, this Causeway favorite right on the Delta marsh grass serves up crab claws, smoked tuna dip, fried chicken tenders and, of course, the flamin’ oysters, a Bluegill specialty. bluegillrestaurant.com
Felix’s Fish Camp
Best Bite: Fresh catch with jumbo lump crabmeat Oscar and rich hollandaise sauce
Locals can enjoy fresh seafood as well as live music and stunning views from Felix’s Fish Camp on the Causeway. Creamy crab bisque, seared ahi tuna and classic Mobile recipes are among the variety of seafood offerings. felixsfishcamp.com
Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina
Best Bite: Grilled swordfish with black-eyed peas, bacon and tomato salad
With casual seafood and burgers dockside and a James Beard-nominated, fine dining menu upstairs, the restaurants at the Orange Beach Marina are any-crowd pleasers. Be sure to catch one of the Southern Grace Dinners at Fisher’s Upstairs, where acclaimed Southern chefs stop by to cook for one night only! fishersobm.com
Grand Hotel: Southern Roots
Best Bite: Basil crusted grouper with sweet pea and crab risotto
Southern Roots’ meticulously prepared menu is inspired by on-site gardens, local farmers and high-quality ingredients. Everything at this resort restaurant is locally sourced right down to the plates used. The menu changes daily and features items such as tomato pie and seared pork belly. grand1847.com
The Gulf
Best Bite: Blackened Mahi-Mahi tacos with salsa verde
Creative shipping container architecture makes this hangout on Perdido Pass perfect eye candy for beachgoers. Family friendly, The Gulf has couches under the palms or picnic tables in the sun. What to order: Sharable snacks or fresh seafood and burgers. thegulf.com
Oso at Bear Point New!
Best Bite: Marinated rib eye bowl with tomatillo salsa and fried jalapenos
Go by boat and hang all day! The restaurant offers covered areas for families to relax and enjoy live music while taking in the fresh breeze. The menu reflects tastes from Florida to Mexico with popular seafood po’boys and tacos. osobearpoint.com
Playa
Best Bite: Fried coconut grouper with sweet corn grits and pineapple salsa
Vintage California decor with a cool surfer vibe welcomes vacationers looking to dine on Caribbean and Latin flavors paired with fabulously fresh cocktails. Street tacos, conch fritters, tuna poke and more delight the palate, but the frozen drinks are worth the drive to Orange Beach alone. playaoba.com
Sunset Pointe
Best Bite: Eastern Shore bouillabaisse with fresh shellfish, Gulf shrimp and fish
Pete Blohme aims to please with a restaurant that revolves around the amazing westward views from his dining room and patio near the Fairhope Yacht Club. This standout menu features crab meatballs, tuna nachos and fried snapper throats. Daily specials ensure there’s something for everyone. sunsetpointefairhope.com
– Let’s Do Lunch –
Butch Cassidy’s Cafe
Best Bite: Butch burger dressed with bacon, cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles, mayo and mustard
Established by Roy Seewer in 1993, Butch Cassidy’s reasonable prices, low-key atmosphere and burger options aplenty keep locals coming back. Daily specials, along with sandwiches, seafood, nachos, wings and low-carb options round out the menu. butchcassidys.com
The Cheese Cottage
Best Bite: The artisan cheese and charcuterie board with local honey, housemade jams, nuts, fruits, crackers and crusty baguette
Owner Kristi Barber left the corporate hustle and bustle to open this charming Downtown cheese shop in a converted gas station. More than 100 cheeses are offered, six of which are highlighted each week for tastings. For lunch, consider fresh salads, pressed sandwiches, sweets and more. The covered patio with picnic tables and cafe lights is a favorite spot when the weather is right. thecheesecottagellc.com
Dew Drop Inn
Best Bite: The Dew Drop Inn hot dog with homemade chili, sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup and a pickle slice
History abounds at this hot dog mecca where regulars keep the same booth, same waitress and same order year after year. The place and the menu as a whole have remained unchanged throughout the decades. The restaurant offers various, amusing ways of serving their bright red hot dogs like upside-down with wiener on top or female, with no wiener at all. Facebook
Dragonfly Foodbar
Best Bite: Kung Pao chicken bowl with fried basmati rice, peanut glaze, fried egg, and jalapeno
This one-of-a-kind eatery serves up inventive tacos, Asian noodle bowls and creative appetizers with a kick. Locals love the outdoor patio and the seasonal Damselfly cocktails. Facebook
Meat Boss
Best Bite: Smoked brisket with jalapeno jelly and crunchy slaw on a sweet bun
This West Mobile outpost satisfies your craving for hearty barbecue and comforting sides. Owners Dara and Benny Chinnis started the business as a takeout counter with only one window, but loyal patrons pushed them to expand. Write your order on a brown paper bag and walk out with a smile and a big stack of napkins. meatboss.com
Mediterranean Sandwich Co.
Best Bite: Greek chicken shawarma pita with housemade tzatziki sauce
Owner Vlad Moldoveanu presents a casual dining atmosphere with an affordable menu, and every item is prepared fresh when ordered. Multiple locations on both sides of the Bay make it an easy place to meet up for lunch. mediterraneansandwich.com
Ox Kitchen
Best Bite: Ox chicken sandwich grilled, fried or Buffalo style with Alabama white sauce on brioche
Ox Kitchen chef and owner Bo Hamilton updates traditional Southern ingredients at his tiny outpost inside The Mill in downtown Fairhope. Families enjoy game nights, live music and access to other eateries under one roof. theoxkitchen.com
Panini Pete’s
Best Bite: Rosemary chicken panini with baby greens, tomato, garlic aioli and homemade goat cheese boursin
Pete Blohme showcases his talents for pressed sandwich making (and killer burgers, too) at his family-friendly breakfast and lunch joint in Fairhope’s French Quarter. The restaurant’s signature New Orleans beignets are also a crowd favorite. Pete’s other establishments are worth a visit, too. paninipetes.com
Provision New!
Best Bite: Burrata press sandwich with house pesto, tomato and balsamic reduction
This modern market combines a wine bar, coffee shop and gourmet retail market all in one. Come to downtown Fairhope for a breakfast biscuit or power bowl and stay for a Provision mule and charcuterie board. provisionfairhope.com
Roosters
Best Bite: Jerk chicken tacos with jalapeno cabbage slaw, grilled pineapple and mango habanera sauce
Casual Latin vibes and authentic Mexican and Cuban fare make this one of downtown Mobile’s most frequented stops. Grab a Tajin-rimmed margarita and a table outside to keep an eye on the activity up and down Dauphin Street. roostersdowntown.com
Warehouse Bakery & Donuts
Best Bite: Shrimp Creole eggs Benedict with fried green tomatoes, Gulf shrimp, Creole tomato sauce and a Parmesan cream sauce
Garage-style doors roll up to bring the nice weather inside this south-Fairhope bakery and lunch spot. Homemade donuts, croissants, kolaches and more sit alongside fresh grain bowls, sandwiches and hearty Southern dishes. The perfect mix of comfort and health food keeps this outpost hopping. warehousebakeryanddonuts.com
– Bar Bites –
Callaghan’s Irish Social Club
Best Bite: Bacon cheeseburger, fully dressed
The Irish-style pub in Oakleigh makes it easy for guests to feel right at home in big wooden booths or on the dog-friendly patio. The burgers and sandwiches draw you in, but some of the best live music in town keeps you glued to your seat. callaghansirishsocialclub.com
Debris Po Boys & Drinks New!
Best Bite: Fried soft-shell crab po’boy with remoulade sauce and a side of gumbo
This renovated Dauphin Street hot spot is the latest brainchild of owner Noell Broughton. Prominent on the menu are the Louisianan-style sandwiches, all served on authentic Leidenheimer bread. There’s no shortage of boozy spirits, and the 50-foot bar is the perfect place to nosh and people-watch. Facebook
The Haberdasher
Best Bite: Avocado fries
Downtown Mobile’s go-to bar for craft cocktails and an ever-rotating selection of craft beer and Mobile’s best spirits. The food bar is open nightly, serving a variety of fresh, handmade morsels and more. Facebook
LoDa Bier Garten
Best Bite: Hugh Jass burger with bacon and Conecuh sausage between two deep-fried waffles
With over 100 different beers and large TVs aplenty, it’s no wonder diners choose LoDa to unwind or watch the big game. For grub, try the Jagerschnitzel. lodabeer.com
Las Floriditas New!
Best Bite: Hemingway bowl with barbacoa, black beans, rice, avocado and lime
Designed in tribute to the birthplace of the daiquiri, this basement speakeasy requires a password (accessible on Instagram or Facebook) for entry. Once inside, guests are treated to signature cocktails and eclectic eats inspired by the flavors of Cuba. lasfloriditas.com
Moe’s BBQ
Best Bite: Moe nachos, served with tangy white barbecue sauce
At Moe’s, barbecue is king, but the side dishes are the crowning jewels. Tender, smoked meats are paired with above-average sides at locations on both sides of the bay and at the beaches. moesoriginalbbq.com
POST Crafted Cocktails & Wine Bar
Best Bite: 504 flatbread with chicken, Cajun alfredo, mushrooms, Conecuh, red peppers, Guinness glaze and Buffalo sauce
This trendy cocktail and wine bar in downtown Mobile quickly became a favorite by serving specialty crafted cocktails and a wide array of sharable snacks and flatbreads. Be sure to check out their brunch menu as well, with a chicken and waffle pizza topped with mozzarella, boneless chicken wings, and maple syrup. postdrinks.com
Pour Baby
Best Bite: Peppered duck breast with duck fat, whipped potatoes and mushroom ragout
This West Mobile wine bar and bistro boasts a stunning wall of bottles. Foodies can enjoy a classic variety of appetizers, from homemade flatbreads and sliders to seafood mac and cheese. pour-baby.com
Red or White
Best Bite: Bruschetta with housemade Boursin cheese and olive oil
Retail wines, a wine bar, divine weekly specials and plenty of shareable small plates have established Red or White as a mainstay on both sides of the Bay. redorwhitewine.com
– Food with Flair –
El Papi
Best Bite: Beef birria tacos served with dipping broth
With a tagline of “Tequila, Tacos, Trouble,” El Papi promises Dauphin Street diners authentic Mexican food and fun. The cuisine, made from scratch, is a traditional mix of burritos, tacos, fajitas, nachos, and of course, margaritas and cervezas. el-papi.com
Master Joe’s Sushi
Best Bite: Russian revolution roll, oven baked with cheese and kapayaki sauce
Master Joe’s Fairhope and Orange Beach locations offer dozens of rolls and Japanese dishes in chic venues. The menu features chef Joe Ou’s specialty rolls, such as the Bay Roll and Sushi Pizza, as well as traditional rolls, teppanyaki and noodles. (Joe’s other restaurant, Wok By d’Bay, located just around the corner in Fairhope, deserves all the kudos, too.) masterjoesrestaurantgroup.com
Sage Lebanese
Best Bite: Lebanese hummus
Fairhope’s Sage restaurant takes a modern approach to Mediterranean and Lebanese dishes. Exceptional food and surprising flavors are a result of the freshest, best ingredients and a perfect blend of spices. Be sure to check out the adjoining tapas bar, La Martina. sagelebanesecuisine.com
Squid Ink New!
Best Bite: Tuna poke bowl with soy sesame sriracha dressing
Panini Pete’s newest downtown Mobile restaurant draws inspiration from our founding nations: France, Spain and England. Hearty options include the MobTown Bao with fried spicy chicken. squidinkeats.com
