13 Best Restaurants in Gadsden, Alabama

Panoply Arts Festival Concession Stands

Name and Location: Panoply Arts Festival takes places annually in April with food vendors set up in outdoor concession stands surrounding Cathedral Square in downtown Birmingham.

History and Significance: Since its founding in 1982, Panoply has brought live performances, local cuisine, and live music to Birmingham’s inner-city park. It is organized by the local arts group Red Mountain Theatre Company. The city’s diversity is exemplified by its culinary vendors.

What to anticipate: Birmingham specialties like sausages and Greek food, as well as whimsical festival fare like fried oreos and enormous turkey legs, are available from mobile concession stands lining the walkways. Pay for real city specialties at several booths. Dispersed seating during the celebration.

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Information for Visitors: Only during the three-day festival in late April are Panoply’s mobile food vendors open. Items range in price from $5 to $12. Only cash accepted at separate booths. Dining details are included in the festival schedule.

Every May, foodies swarm Riverfront Park in downtown Gadsden to feast at the Panoply Arts Festival food stalls. The park is transformed into an outdoor food court for this weekend-long arts event, where vendors sell everything from funnel cakes to Philly cheesesteaks.

Fest goers laud standouts such as Eugene’s Chicago Dogs for their succulent Vienna dogs made entirely of beef and heaped with crunchy toppings. Highly praised are the chicken parmesan sandwiches and arancini rice balls from Little Italy. Panoply has some of the greatest casual, grab-and-go food in town, along with family-friendly entertainment and picturesque Coosa River vistas.

Atmosphere: Lively outdoor festival setting in Riverfront Park
Signature Dishes: Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian rice balls and sandwiches
What Makes It Stand Out: Fun weekend atmosphere with diverse food stall options

Irondale Cafe

Name and Location: The Irondale Cafe restaurant resides at 1906 1st Ave N Irondale, AL 35210 inside the old Irondale city hall building.

History and Significance: This century-old diner, made famous by Disney’s Real Steel and the novel Fried Green Tomatoes, offers guests a trip down memory lane with Southern homestyle meals served in a Victorian chamber brimming with exhibits on local history. Landmark eatery.

What to Expect: On-site sliced roast beef, chicken and dumplings, and fried green tomatoes are among the house specialties. In a charming setting, a vegetarian-friendly cuisine of BLTs, cinnamon buns, corn fritters, and daily specials are served on antique china.

Accessible: Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays and Mondays are closed. On weekends, reservations are advised via phone at 205-956-5258. $12–16 for an entree.

Irondale Cafe, made famous by the best-selling book Fried Green Tomatoes, honors its heritage as a real 1930s Southern supper club. Diners still swarm this historic restaurant today for its secret recipe fried green tomatoes and other local favorites including country fried steak, fried okra, turnip greens, and delicious baked desserts.

Eating at Irondale Cafe transports you back in time to a bygone era, complete with tableside preparation, courteous servers dressed in historical attire, and classic decor.

Atmosphere: Charming historic Southern supper club setting

Signature Dishes: Fried green tomatoes, fried okra, country fried steak, pies
What Makes It Stand Out: Landmark from the novel/movie Fried Green Tomatoes

Top O’ the River

Name and Location: Top O’ the River is located at 1 Clubhouse Ln Gadsden, AL 35904 atop Lookout Mountain at Riverview Country Club.

History and Significance: For more than 50 years, Gadsden’s special occasion demands have been met by this esteemed fine dining establishment. Diners are surrounded by floor to ceiling views, and the seasonal American cuisine of head chef Dion Guy is just as impressive as the expansive views of the mountains.

Anticipate: A sophisticated, traditional eating area overlooking the Coosa River valley. Tasteful meal that is usually exceptional but changes every month depending on what’s in season. Wine list and service that wins awards. On-site nightclub featuring live music.

Information for Visitors: Tuesday through Saturday only, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations via phone at 256-456-3393 or via the website are advised. In the main dining area, formal attire is required, including a men’s jacket. Parking is valet.

Gadsden’s leading special occasion restaurant, Top O’ the River, offers great cuisine with an elegant view of the river. With a view of the Coosa River, this sophisticated New American cafe serves inventive modern food and visually arresting presentations.

Some of the most well-liked recipes are bacon-wrapped filet mignon, seared scallops with pumpkin risotto, and rainbow trout with a pecan crust. Ample wine selection, good service, and a classy riverfront location. Ideal for commemorating important occasions, business dinners, and romantic nights.

Atmosphere: Ultra elegant riverfront setting with impressive views

Signature Dishes: Pecan trout, seared scallops, bacon-wrapped filet
What Makes It Stand Out: Refined ambiance and beautifully plated contemporary American cuisine

MeMa’s Deli & Bakery

Name and Location: MeMa’s Deli & Bakery is located at 2300 Tenth Terrace South, Birmingham, AL 35205 in Birmingham’s Highland Park neighborhood.

History and Significance: MeMa’s is a modern, airy market cafe that opened in 2019 and uses a farm-to-counter philosophy, serving made-from-scratch cafe meals with specialized goods. The local eatery, run by a woman, honors Alabaman chefs.

What to Expect: The menu features inventive salads, sandwiches, soups, and casseroles made with ingredients from nearby suppliers. Cases stocked with freshly baked breads and treats from a large bakery. A lot of Alabama-made products, such cheese, coffee, and granola, are sold at grocery stores.

Accessible: Tuesday through Sunday, 7:30 am to 3 pm; closed on Mondays. Breakfast costs under $12, while lunch costs between $10 and $15. For catering, give 205-207-4130 a call.

A beloved neighborhood destination for freshly cooked soups, sandwiches, and baked goods is MeMa’s Deli & Bakery. Towering deli sandwiches on house-baked breads are made at this adorable cafe; the Chrome Dome, which combines shaved turkey, swiss, and coleslaw, is one of the menu’s highlights.

Loaded baked potatoes, chili, and hearty rotating soups are the ideal combinations. Make sure to leave space for MeMa’s delectable cakes, fruit pies, and cookie trays. MeMa’s makes you feel as though you’re dining in Grandma’s kitchen with its comfortable seating, charming vintage decor, and traditional comfort food created from scratch.

Atmosphere: Adorable old-fashioned cafe setting like Grandma’s kitchen
Signature Dishes: Giant deli sandwiches, hearty soups and chili, freshly baked desserts
What Makes It Stand Out: Homemade baked goods and scratch-made classics

Nina’s Uptown Grill

Name and Location: Nina’s Uptown Grill is located at 2104 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203 in the historic Empire Building of the Parkside District.

History and Significance: Nina’s restaurant was named after grandmother Nina Camacho, and it was founded in 2015 by husband and wife proprietors who had immigrated to Birmingham from Puerto Rico in the 1990s. Using family recipes, they brought traditional island cuisine to the Uptown neighborhood.

What to Expect: Traditional Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo, pernil, empanadillas, and arroz con pollo are served in a colorful, relaxed setting. They have a complete bar with their exclusive tropical cocktails, wings, tacos, and sandwiches as well. Daily supper specials are available along with a lunch buffet.

Details for Visitors: Tuesday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Thursday & Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 11 am–10 pm on Friday and Saturday. Sundays and Mondays are closed. Happy hour discounts. 205-324-2583.

Visit Nina’s Uptown Grill for a taste of Southern warmth mixed with big-city flair. This modern American cafe creates sophisticated dishes like blackened shrimp spaghetti, theriberry glazed salmon, and fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs by combining local and foreign ingredients.

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Seared sea scallops in a creamy beurre blanc sauce and chargrilled filet mignon are examples of more premium options. The exposed brick walls, chandeliers, and crisp white linens at Nina’s provide a sophisticated yet homey atmosphere perfect for a night out.

Atmosphere: Sophisticated chic downtown bistro setting
Signature Dishes: Berriberry salmon, blackened shrimp pasta, filet mignon, ribs
What Makes It Stand Out: Creative upscale entrees fusing global flavors

Classic on Noble

Name and Location: Classic on Noble is located at 1030 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203 downtown between 1st & 2nd Avenue North.

History and Significance: Classic on Noble has been bringing inventive Southern cuisine and warmth to Birmingham’s historic red light area since 2015. In their elegant historic setting, Chef Brandon Cain uses market-driven food to highlight regional farmers, fisheries, and artisans.

Anticipate: Local art displayed on exposed brick walls. recipes made with locally sourced products and traditional methods, incorporating Alabama flavors. Frequently changes, but some of the best dishes are wedge salads, pimento cheese fritters, catfish, and grit bowls. Craft cocktails are available at the full bar. Sunday brunch is served.

Info for Visitors: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Every night at 5 p.m., dinner. Make appointments by calling 205-202-4546. Saturdays between lunch and dinner are closed. There is valet parking available.

Restored from the ground up in an 1895 Victorian house, Classic on Noble provides great dining in a very special historic setting. The exquisite modern American cuisine made with local ingredients is served in the quaint dining rooms featuring stained glass windows and functional fireplaces.

Two standout dishes are the braised beef short ribs with crispy smoke onions on top and the pecan-crusted chicken breast served with buttermilk mashed potatoes and haricots verts. With its delicious cuisine and gorgeous vintage surrounds, Classic on Noble is the perfect place to have special events or spend a romantic evening out.

Atmosphere: Refined and intimate in a beautiful historic Victorian home
Signature Dishes: Pecan chicken, braised short ribs, buttermilk mashed potatoes
What Makes It Stand Out: Elegant vintage Southern setting

Rosita’s Cantina

Name and Location: Rosita’s Cantina is located at 489 Montgomery Highway, Birmingham, AL 35216 between Oxmoor Road and Lakeshore Drive.

History and Significance: Family-run establishment that has been a mainstay of Birmingham’s Hispanic dining scene for more than 30 years at the same Valley Avenue retail center. Their vibrant, laid-back restaurant offers a flavor of Mexico with its traditional recipes for sauces, fillings, and more that are made fresh every day.

Anticipate: Flavorful Mexican paintings and décor accompanied by authentic enchiladas, tacos, burritos, fajitas, and combination meals. Domestic beers and specialty margaritas, such as an eye-catching 55-ounce gigantic Rita served with an electrified machete, are available at the full bar.

Information for Visitors: Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Saturday and Friday, 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. moderate prices, ranging from $16 for fajita platters to $1.99 for taco deals. 205-836-0200.

Rosita’s Cantina serves some of the most authentic Mexican food in the city, which is something that Gadsden enjoys. With friendly service, this vibrant restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes including sizzling fajitas, enormous burritos, enchilada plates, and filled quesadillas.

You can mix and match items on signature combo platters to satisfy every palate at the table. Rosita’s vibrant colors and chili pepper lights make it the ideal Cinco de Mayo celebration for both small and large events. Plus, their affordable costs make it simple to savor excellent cuisine from south of the border.

Atmosphere: Bustling and cheerful family-friendly Mexican setting

Signature Dishes: Fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, combination plates
What Makes It Stand Out: Inviting cantina ambiance, fantastic authentic dishes

Whistle Stop Cafe

Name and Location: Whistle Stop Cafe resides at 2401 2nd Ave N, Irondale, AL 35210 two blocks north of the Irondale Cafe and Museum District.

History and Significance: The Whistle Stop is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving casual Southern comfort food made with family recipes since it opened in a converted hardware warehouse in 1998. Irondale stands apart due to its rural character. Oneonta, AL is the second place.

What to Expect: A family-friendly restaurant serving hearty dishes including chicken salad, pot pie, Monte Cristo sandwiches, hot fudge cake, and other classic Southern dishes. Regulars in the neighborhood always flock to the daily specials.

Visitors: Open for breakfast, lunch, and supper from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Make beer and wine available as well. For catering or groups larger than six people, call 205-957-7544.

Those who enjoy Fried Green Tomatoes will not want to miss eating at the actual Whistle Stop Cafe, which is featured in the well-known film. These days, tremendous flavor is served in a historic setting at this little Irondale restaurant with a railroad motif, located just outside of Gadsden.

Savor enormous fried green tomato sandwiches, homemade meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, and their well-known Waffle Challenge, which consists of four enormous waffles covered in toppings. After filling yourself on food, browse for mementos such as the well-known “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe” t-shirts.

Atmosphere: Adorable railroad-inspired cafe setting straight from the movie
Signature Dishes: Fried green tomato sandwiches, waffles, chicken and dumplings, meatloaf
What Makes It Stand Out: Featured in the novel and film Fried Green Tomatoes

Tre Rivali Ristorante

Name and Location: Tre Rivali Ristorante resides at 323 N.Palm Circle in Prattville, AL 36066 just north of I-65 Exchange 212.

History and Significance: Using fresh Prattville produce and artisan goods imported from his home in Italy, Executive Chef Fabrizio Facciolo has been creating sophisticated authentic Italian cuisine at Tre Rivali since 2013. The cozy eatery combines traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine.

What to Expect: Amber lighting and dark woods are what to expect. large selection of Italian wines. Wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, house-made risotto, veal marsala, lobster ravioli, and steaks from the on-site butcher are all available. An exquisitely designed “A Taste of Italy” encounter. Perfectly polished assistance.

Visitors: Dinner alone is served from Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Reservations via phone at 334-361-7954 are strongly advised. Entrees within budget: $14–$30. The chef’s tasting menu is offered. Sunday and Monday are closed.

Tre Rivali Ristorante elevates Gadsden’s dining scene with its elegant, contemporary Italian cuisine that is cooked from scratch. Diners are drawn to this chic downtown hot spot by its exceptional rustic meals, wood-fired pizzas created with international ingredients, and handcrafted pastas.

Popular house specialties include the Tre Carni pizza, which combines Italian sausage and pancetta, sweet pears, gorgonzola, and caramelized onions, and meaty Tuscan-style short ribs that are cooked in a thick wine sauce. Tre Rivali’s chic urban decor, featuring exposed brick and cozy booths, transports guests to an Italian retreat with each visit.

Atmosphere: Sophisticated contemporary Italian setting downtown
Signature Dishes: Gourmet wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, braised short ribs
What Makes It Stand Out: From scratch regional Italian cooking in a swanky urban setting

Back Forty Beer Company

Name and Location: Back Forty Beer Company is located at 2011 1st Ave North, Birmingham, AL 35203 in the Parkside District.

History and Significance: Back Forty Beer Company was established in 2009 in Gadsden, Alabama, and relocated to Birmingham in 2021, occupying a former mechanics shop. Back Forty favorites like Freckle Belly IPA and Truck Stop Honey brown ale are available on draft in their taproom.

Anticipate: A contemporary industrial taproom featuring exposed ducting and distinctive barn doors. There is an outside beer garden with yard games and picnic tables. Back Forty’s entire beer menu is available on tap, along with a few wines and cocktails made with their beer. There are light snacks available, or pack your own lunch.

Accessible: Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 12 to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 7 p.m. Under adult supervision, minors are permitted. Parking is available on the street.

Back Forty Beer Company is a great spot in Gadsden for a tasty casual lunch because of its vibrant brewpub atmosphere and fantastic beer and pub cuisine menu. Modern American fare like salads, burgers, and wings are served at this popular local restaurant. House specialty pizzas are also available.

Make sure to enjoy your meal with one of Back Forty’s exclusive craft beers, such as Freckle Belly IPA or Bama Bud American Blonde Ale. The enormous Big Boy Burger, which is heaped with toppings, and the substantial Chicken Pot Pie are two of the menu’s highlights.

Atmosphere: Casual brewpub setting with a welcoming, friendly vibe
Signature Dishes: Big Boy Burger, Chicken Pot Pie, specialty pizzas
What Makes It Stand Out: Great selection of craft beers, mouthwatering pub fare menu

Saigon Bistro

Name and Location: Saigon Bistro is located at 2900 Highland Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205 in the Highland Park neighborhood.

History and Significance: Authentic Vietnamese cuisine, including hard-to-find specialties from Hanoi and Saigon, is brought to Birmingham by the family-owned Saigon Bistro, which has been operating since 2015. Recipes from the relatives of the proprietor, Trinh Tran, are served in this quaint restaurant.

Expect traditional Vietnamese fare such as rice plates, banh mi sandwiches, pho noodle soup, and stir-fried dishes prepared using family recipes. Asian beer, wine, and sake cocktails are available at the full bar. Take a seat and put your order at the counter.

Open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays and Mondays are closed. Prices for entrees range from $10 to $18 with casual counter service.

Go no farther than Saigon Bistro for unique Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant, upmarket atmosphere. This modern eatery serves wok-seared dishes, banh mi sandwiches, and pho soup—authentic Vietnamese classics.

Popular delicacies include the Viet Steak, which is a grilled marinated hanger steak, and Saigon Noodles, which are stir-fried rice noodles with chicken or shrimp. Saigon Bistro offers a fine dining experience with scratch-made, internationally inspired cuisine, a full bar, and a stylish red and black atmosphere.

Atmosphere: Stylish, upscale ambiance perfect for a special night out
Signature Dishes: Saigon Noodles, Viet Steak, pho soups
What Makes It Stand Out: Elevated Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant setting

City Cafe

Loved by the community, City Cafe is renowned for both its hearty fare and its quaint, small-town vibe. Hearty comfort favorites like pancake platters, loaded three-egg omelets, and fluffy biscuits with sausage gravy are served up at this welcoming diner, making it the ideal place to start the day.

Lunch and dinner features country cooking specialties such fried catfish, chicken and dumplings, and classic meatloaf, as well as plate lunch specials, chargrilled burgers and patty melts, and chicken tenders. City Cafe serves some of the greatest homestyle food in Gadsden, with a homey diner vibe and delicious stick-to-your-ribs meals.

Atmosphere: Casual Southern diner setting with counter seating

Signature Dishes: Biscuits and gravy, patty melts, chicken and dumplings, catfish
What Makes It Stand Out: Comfortable welcoming atmosphere, huge portions of downhome cooking

Conclusion

Gadsden rewards food enthusiasts with a wide variety of delectable dining facilities to suit every taste or budget, ranging from modest diners to elegant cafes. The 12 restaurants we’ve looked at here have received great ratings time and time again for their delicious menus that feature both local and international food in atmospheric surroundings.

Make sure to visit these best local spots for a great dinner that embodies the city’s dynamic food scene and charming warmth, whether you’re traveling or fortunate enough to call Gadsden home. Just be ready to eat a lot and be open to discovering new favorite foods and eateries to visit often.