Birmingham guide
The best French food in Birmingham
Birmingham has 5 standout French food worth your time — these are the ones locals actually send people to, ranked by how well-loved each spot is and checked by hand. Chez Fonfon, La Fête and Rêve lead the list. No chains, nobody pays to rank.
Chez Fonfon
The burger, and the bocce court. French bistro in Five Points South from the Stitts. Steak frites, a zinc bar, and a bocce court out back.
Michelin RecommendedJames Beard Best Chef: Southeast · Frank Stitt
La Fête
Roast chicken & potato gratin. Kristen Hall's French bistro on Morris Avenue. Marble bar, tiled floors and a patio, with bread and pastry from its sister bakery, Bandit. Michelin gave it a Bib Gourmand in 2025.
Michelin Bib GourmandJames Beard semifinalist, Best Chef: South · Kristen Hall
Rêve
The French tasting menu. Jacob Stull's French tasting-menu restaurant inside the Pizitz, across from McWane Science Center. Dinner only, a few nights a week. Book on Resy.
Michelin Recommended
Chez Lulu & Continental Bakery
European breads & bistro lunch. Bakery up front, bistro in back, on Cahaba Road in English Village.
Bistro V
French-Southern dinner and a wine list. Vestavia Hills' dinner spot for a birthday or an anniversary, in the City Center. Open more than sixteen years.
Good to know
What is the best French food in Birmingham?
Chez Fonfon — the burger, and the bocce court. La Fête and Rêve round out the top of the list. Every place is locally owned and checked by hand.
How many French food are on this list?
5, all locally owned and ranked by how well-loved they are. None of them paid to be included.
Which have a Michelin or James Beard honor?
Chez Fonfon, La Fête and Rêve.