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3 Alabama eateries make Garden & Gun's list of hot, new restaurants to try
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Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, July 29th 2025 at 19:27 GMT by al.com🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The list features stand-out restaurants that opened in 2023 or later throughout the South, ranging from meat-and-threes to upscale dining.
Alabama's Culinary Stars Shine: Three Eateries Land on Garden & Gun's Hot New Restaurants List
In the ever-evolving landscape of Southern cuisine, Alabama is carving out a prominent place on the map, thanks to a trio of innovative eateries that have caught the eye of tastemakers at Garden & Gun magazine. The publication, renowned for celebrating the best of Southern culture, food, and lifestyle, recently unveiled its annual list of "Hot New Restaurants to Try," spotlighting establishments that are redefining dining experiences across the region. This year, three Alabama gems made the cut, each bringing a unique blend of tradition, creativity, and local flair to the table. From the bustling streets of Birmingham to the coastal vibes of Mobile and the innovative hubs of Huntsville, these restaurants are not just serving meals—they're telling stories through their food, drawing on Alabama's rich agricultural heritage, diverse influences, and a passion for hospitality that runs deep in the state's veins.
Leading the pack is Automatic Seafood and Oysters in Birmingham, a spot that's quickly become a beacon for seafood lovers and those seeking a taste of the Gulf Coast without leaving the Heart of Dixie. Opened just over a year ago by acclaimed chef Adam Evans, who honed his skills at some of the South's most prestigious kitchens, including Atlanta's The Optimist, Automatic pays homage to Alabama's coastal bounty while infusing modern twists. The restaurant's name nods to the "automatic" oyster shuckers of yesteryear, but there's nothing mechanical about the experience here. Diners are greeted by a sleek, nautical-inspired interior with exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood accents, and a bustling raw bar that feels like a sophisticated nod to old-school fish houses.
What sets Automatic apart, according to Garden & Gun's feature, is its commitment to hyper-local sourcing. Evans and his team work directly with Gulf fishermen, ensuring that every oyster, shrimp, and snapper on the menu is as fresh as it gets—often arriving at the dock that morning. Signature dishes include the wood-grilled octopus, tender and charred to perfection, served with a zesty chimichurri that highlights the subtle smokiness of Alabama hardwoods. Then there's the oyster pan roast, a creamy, indulgent stew that's a throwback to classic Southern preparations but elevated with house-made bacon and a hint of fennel. For those venturing beyond seafood, the menu offers inventive plates like fried green tomatoes topped with crab remoulade, blending farm-fresh produce from nearby growers with the briny essence of the sea. Beverages aren't an afterthought either; the cocktail program, led by mixologist Christiana Roussel, features libations like the "Bama Breeze," a refreshing mix of local gin, cucumber, and elderflower that evokes lazy afternoons on the porch.
Garden & Gun praises Automatic for its role in revitalizing Birmingham's dining scene, noting how it bridges the gap between casual eateries and fine dining. "It's the kind of place where you can roll up in jeans for happy hour oysters or dress up for a celebratory dinner," the magazine writes. Evans himself emphasizes community: "Alabama has incredible ingredients right at our doorstep, from the Gulf to the Black Belt farms. We're just here to showcase them in a way that feels authentic and exciting." Since opening, the restaurant has garnered a loyal following, with reservations booking up weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons when events like the Magic City Art Connection draw crowds to the area.
Not far down the list is LeGrand Kitchen in Mobile, a cozy yet ambitious venture that's turning heads with its bold take on French-Southern fusion. Helmed by chef-owner Wes Lambert, a Mobile native who trained in New Orleans and Paris before returning home, LeGrand opened its doors in a historic downtown building that once housed a 19th-century bakery. The space retains much of its original charm—think high ceilings, antique chandeliers, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you feel like you're dining in a friend's elegant home. Garden & Gun highlights LeGrand for its innovative menu that marries the buttery richness of French techniques with the soulful spices of Alabama's Creole and Cajun influences, creating dishes that are both comforting and surprising.
Standout offerings include the duck confit gumbo, where tender, slow-cooked duck meets a roux thickened with local okra and andouille sausage, resulting in a bowl that's hearty yet refined. The beef tartare, sourced from grass-fed cattle in nearby Baldwin County, is elevated with pickled ramps and a quail egg, offering a fresh twist on a classic. Vegetarian options shine too, like the roasted heirloom carrots with harissa yogurt and pistachios, drawing from Alabama's fertile soil to deliver vibrant, seasonal flavors. Lambert's wine list is equally impressive, focusing on small-producer bottles from France and the American South, paired thoughtfully with each course. "We wanted to create a space where Mobile's history meets modern creativity," Lambert told Garden & Gun. "It's about honoring our roots while pushing boundaries."
The magazine notes LeGrand's impact on Mobile's resurgence as a food destination, especially post-pandemic, where it has become a hub for locals and tourists alike. Events like wine tastings and chef collaborations have turned it into a community staple, fostering a sense of belonging in a city known for its Mardi Gras festivities and port-town grit. Patrons rave about the intimate seating—only 50 spots—which encourages lingering conversations over dessert, such as the beignet soufflé dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with local honey.
Rounding out Alabama's representation is Supernova in Huntsville, a forward-thinking eatery that's as much about innovation as it is about flavor. Situated in the Rocket City's burgeoning tech district, Supernova is the brainchild of chef Mia Chen, a Huntsville native with a background in molecular gastronomy from stints in Chicago and San Francisco. Opened amid the city's boom in aerospace and tech industries, the restaurant embodies Huntsville's spirit of exploration, with a menu that experiments with textures, temperatures, and unexpected pairings—all while grounding itself in Southern staples.
Garden & Gun lauds Supernova for its "cosmic" approach to dining, where dishes like the deconstructed shrimp and grits feature grits transformed into airy foams and shrimp poached in a citrus-infused broth, served with microgreens from local hydroponic farms. The smoked brisket tacos, using beef from Alabama ranches, incorporate Korean gochujang for a spicy kick, reflecting Chen's multicultural influences. Vegan and gluten-free options abound, such as the jackfruit "pulled pork" sliders that mimic the tenderness of traditional barbecue without sacrificing taste. The beverage program, including craft beers from Huntsville's burgeoning brewery scene and zero-proof mocktails, caters to the city's diverse crowd of engineers, families, and foodies.
What makes Supernova truly special, per the magazine, is its commitment to sustainability and education. Chen hosts monthly workshops on foraging and farm-to-table practices, partnering with local schools to inspire the next generation. "Huntsville is launching rockets to space; why not launch bold ideas in the kitchen?" Chen quips. The restaurant's modern, minimalist design—with starry LED lights and interactive art installations—creates an immersive experience that feels futuristic yet approachable.
These three Alabama eateries—Automatic Seafood and Oysters, LeGrand Kitchen, and Supernova—represent more than just culinary excellence; they're emblematic of the state's dynamic food evolution. Garden & Gun's recognition underscores how Alabama is blending its storied traditions with contemporary innovation, attracting visitors from across the South and beyond. Whether you're craving the briny freshness of Gulf oysters, the elegant fusion of French-Southern fare, or the experimental edge of tech-inspired cuisine, these spots offer something for every palate. As Alabama's dining scene continues to heat up, it's clear that the Yellowhammer State is not just participating in the Southern food renaissance—it's leading it. If you're planning a road trip or simply looking to explore local flavors, these hot new restaurants are must-visits, promising memorable meals that capture the essence of Alabama's hospitality and ingenuity. With such accolades, it's only a matter of time before more national spotlights turn toward these rising stars, further cementing Alabama's place on the culinary map.
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