The 10 Best Restaurants in Montgomery, a City That Takes its Restaurants Seriously

By Kelly McMurtry

When it comes to dining in Montgomery—known affectionately as “The Gump” thanks to a ham-shaped slice of its geography—you quickly realize this is a city that takes its food seriously. From slow-smoked barbecue to meticulously plated fine dining, Montgomery’s culinary scene is as rich as its history. After all, any place nicknamed after food has its priorities in order, and trust me, The Gump doesn’t disappoint.

Vintage Year

Photo by Rachael Boutwell

1. Vintage Year

Cloverdale’s Vintage Year has been around long enough to feel like an old friend, but it constantly reinvents itself to stay relevant. Helmed by Chef Eric Rivera, a James Beard semifinalist, the restaurant serves refined Southern cuisine with unexpected twists. The bacon-wrapped quail stuffed with cornbread and smoked pecans is one of those dishes you’ll tell people about unprompted, and burger night a heck of a reason to come back. The elegant interior feels like a throwback to when dining was an event—but without the formality of needing a tie.

2. Central

Downtown Montgomery gets a dose of metropolitan cool at Central, housed in a historic building with exposed brick and soaring ceilings. Chef Jason McGarry’s menu blends Southern staples with global influences, but the fresh catch pictured here is a standout: blackened and served over clams, mussels, shrimp, potatoes, cipollini onions, and a broth of smoked tomato and fennel. The cocktails are just as serious as the food—ask for the bartender’s off-menu recommendations and thank me later.

3. Sa Za Serious Italian

In the Alley Entertainment District, Sa Za leans into bold flavors and unapologetic portions. Chef Joe DiMaggio Jr. (no, not that Joe DiMaggio) serves up inventive pizzas like the Godfather, loaded with four kinds of meat and a whisper of truffle oil. The pasta dishes are just as memorable—try the lobster ravioli in a vodka cream sauce. The vibe? Loud, lively, and unapologetically fun.

4. Dreamland BBQ

Montgomery’s outpost of this Tuscaloosa legend delivers ribs that are so tender they’re almost a spoon food. The Dreamland BBQ sauce is the star—spicy, tangy, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for more. While it’s not new, it’s hard to imagine a list like this without Dreamland’s smoky presence. The banana pudding also deserves a shoutout, if only to balance out the spice.

5. Vintage Café

The more casual sister to Vintage Year, this Cloverdale café is where you’ll find me on a lazy Saturday morning. The Vintage Café menu leans light and fresh—think avocado toast with locally sourced eggs—but the baked goods steal the show. The blueberry scone is practically perfect, and the espresso drinks could compete with any big-city coffeehouse.

6. Sol Restaurante Mexicano

A relative newcomer, Sol focuses on authentic Mexican flavors with a modern twist. The birria tacos are the main event here—perfectly crispy, cheesy, and dunked in a consommé that might make you emotional. The industrial-chic vibe feels fresh, and the staff makes you feel like a regular by your second visit.

7. La Jolla

This East Montgomery spot feels like an escape to the California coast, but the menu leans Southern with just the right amount of experimentation. Chef Arturo Ortega’s crispy duck breast with blueberry gastrique is a can’t-miss, and the burger pictured here, The Royale With Cheese, is a messy masterpiece. The minimalist interior and soft lighting make La Jolla feel like the kind of place you’d take someone you’re trying to impress—whether it’s a date or your boss.

8. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Tucked into EastChase, Firebirds brings a polished yet approachable vibe to Montgomery’s dining scene. While it’s part of a small regional chain, its wood-fired menu and focus on bold flavors make it a standout. The chile-rubbed Delmonico steak has a subtle smokiness that lingers just enough. The sleek, lodge-inspired interior, complete with an open kitchen and stacked stone fireplace, creates an atmosphere that feels upscale but never stuffy. Pro tip: Don’t skip the pineapple-infused Double Black Diamond martini—it’s a house favorite for a reason.

9. El Rey Burrito Lounge

On the surface, El Rey is a funky little spot in Cloverdale with a love for tacos and tequila, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find some of the most inventive Tex-Mex in the state. The duck taco with hoisin sauce and pickled onions is a flavor bomb. Bonus points for the killer margaritas and a patio that practically begs you to linger.

10. BB King’s Blues Club

Part restaurant, part live music venue, BB King’s Blues Club offers the kind of experience you can’t fake. The Southern-inspired menu includes fried green tomatoes that are practically an art form. Pair it with a classic cocktail and let the live band do the rest. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s absolutely worth it.