The restaurant selections for the 2026 Michelin Guide American South have been revealed. Alabama has 18 restaurants that were honored this year, three of which are appearing for the first time.
In addition, Jared Patterson, of Little Betty Steak Bar in Mountain Brook, was presented the Michelin Outstanding Service Award, sponsored by Capital One.
“In its second year, the Michelin Guide American South continues to reveal the remarkable talent and diversity of the region’s culinary landscape,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide. “As our anonymous inspectors continued to explore the South, they found not only exciting momentum in established dining destinations, but also exceptional restaurants in smaller communities and unexpected corners of the region.”
The following Alabama restaurants were chosen in the Bib Gourmand category, recognizing eateries for great food at a great value: Bayonet, La Fête, OvenBird and Pizza Grace in Birmingham; and The Noble South in Mobile.
The American South’s 2026 Recommended restaurants were: 1856 – Culinary Residence in Auburn; Austin Whereabouts in Bessemer; Automatic Seafood and Oysters, Bottega, Chez Fonfon, Current Charcoal Grill, Helen, Hot and Hot Fish Club and Rêve in Birmingham; Little Betty Steak Bar and Locanda Brasato in Mountain Brook; and Purveyor and Salt Smokehouse in Huntsville.
The restaurants making these lists for the first time are Austin Whereabouts, Little Betty Steak Bar and Locanda Brasato.
Little Betty Steak Bar opened in late 2024 and is part of Revival Restaurant Group.
“To have Little Betty Steak Bar recognized by the Michelin Guide is an incredible honor and a testament to the passion, dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence our entire team brings to the restaurant every day,” said Kyle Biddy, culinary director of Revival Restaurant Group. “Seeing Jared Patterson recognized for his exceptional hospitality makes this moment even more meaningful, and I couldn’t be prouder of the people who have made Little Betty what it is today.”
