Birmingham, Alabama, nicknamed the “The Magic City,” is a place with a bustling restaurant scene of magical food. Part of the reason that I love living in Birmingham is because of all the great food choices. You can always find a delicious place to eat.

Here is a list of some of my favorite places to eat when I’m at home as well as a few honorable mentions. Enjoy! I also apologize for any grumbling stomachs that may result from this post.

Over Easy

It makes sense to start with breakfast, right? Over Easy is one the best and most popular places to eat the most important meal of the day. Located in Homewood, this restaurant features a plethora of great options to start the day.

Honorable mentions: The Original House of Pancakes, Alabama Biscuit Co.

We Have Doughnuts & Heavenly Donuts

And in case you want something sweeter, these donut spots are excellent and tasty choices.

Olexa’s

Olexa's is the ladies luncheon spot right in the heart of Mountain Brook with, in my opinion, the best cake served ever. With the atmosphere of a French café, this is a great option if you feel like treating yourself — and it has a great variety of sandwiches, soups, salads and quiches.

Real & Rosemary

I’ve only gotten a chance to eat at Real & Rosemary, a new establishment, once, but it was an instant favorite for my mom and me. Located in Homewood, the ingredients used are all fresh and healthy!

Honorable mentions: Zoe’s Kitchen, Urban Cookhouse

Post Office Pies

I think that there are probably very few people that do not love pizza and perhaps no one that doesn’t love Post Office Pies. This is probably my favorite pizza place in Birmingham and at least the Southeast.

Honorable mentions: Slice, Melt

Babalu

Babalu is a great taco and tapas place that has amazing guacamole, which the server makes right in front of you. Delicious!

Honorable mentions: Taco Mama, Little Donkey

Hot and Hot Fish Club

Hot and Hot Fish Club. Just go (but be sure to book at least a few weeks in advance).

Barbecue

Saw’s, Dreamland, Full Moon, and Jim ‘N Nick’s are all fantastic options, but you can’t really go wrong anywhere.

Big Spoon Creamery

Saved the best for last… dessert! Big Spoon is a small-batch, artisan ice cream company that makes amazing ice cream with all sorts of unique flavors that rotate every few weeks. The coffee caramel is delicious!

Honorable mentions: Steel City Pops, Doodle’s, and Yogurt Mountain

So, if you head down to Birmingham any time soon, please pick me up a little bit of everything!