2 Alabama restaurants make New York Times 50 Best of 2026 list

Two Alabama restaurants are among the 50 restaurants across the country that The New York Times says are worth seeking out this year.

Little Bird in Fairhope and Perennial in Montgomery made the publication’s 2026 list of favorite restaurants in the United States, earning national recognition for their distinct approaches to Southern cooking.

For both restaurants, the recognition comes relatively early. Little Bird opened in Fairhope in June 2025, while Perennial opened in August 2024.

The New York Times’ list isn’t ranked. Its 16-person scouting team traveled across the country looking for restaurants that stood out. The kind of places that make a meal memorable long after the plates are cleared.

Here’s why Little Bird and Perennial stood out.

Little Bird

Location: 404 Oak Ave, Fairhope

Located in Fairhope, Little Bird focuses on coastal Southern cuisine.

Chef Bill Briand leads the restaurant, drawing on Gulf Coast and Louisiana traditions. The New York Times singled out the restaurant’s gumbo, noting its deep flavor and rich shrimp stock.

The Times also highlighted several other dishes, including a West Indies-inspired crab salad, boudin-stuffed quail and buttermilk pie.

Perennial

Location: 1914 Mulberry St, Montgomery

Perennial, in Montgomery’s Cloverdale neighborhood, takes a plant-forward approach to Southern cooking, emphasizing local ingredients and reducing food waste.

That philosophy shows up throughout the menu. The restaurant uses vegetables in unexpected ways and incorporates ingredients that might otherwise be discarded.

Squash can replace steak, strawberry syrup becomes kefir soda and carrot tops turn into chimichurri rather than being discarded.

The New York Times highlighted chef and restaurateur Deanne Allegro’s unusual background. Allegro is also a local nutrition professor and runs the restaurant with a staff of fewer than 10 people.

Perennial’s commitment to Alabama also extends to its drinks. The Times noted that the restaurant’s whiskey selections are all from Alabama.

With both restaurants on the national radar, Alabama diners have another reason to make a reservation and experience Alabama’s growing food scene.

Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: 2 Alabama restaurants make New York Times 50 Best of 2026 list