3 Best French Restaurants in Birmingham, AL

Looking for a lunch spot on the way to the airport and I am so happy to have rounded out my AL trip with this amazing meal! I love trying everything that looks good, so you can imagine how big I feel when I leave…I had to make wise decisions…it was only lunch by the way! I went with Nathan’s recommendations (he was fantastic, by the way). Small plates steak tartare, soupe du jour (chanterelle cream), and the fish paillard with persimmon, pickled peppers and cilantro. The fish paillard was my favorite! I was afraid it would be spicy with the way he described it (and he assured me it wouldn’t be), but it was prefect! I also ordered the trout (from NC) amandine with haricots verts and brown butter. I absolutely LOVED taking a bite of the fish, perfectly crisped skin and all, and tasting the sweet buttery flavor. Yum! I ordered off menu for dessert and went with their winter citrus sorbet with shortbread cookie. Key note: ask for an extra shortbread cookie - I could live off these! Will be back.

Immediately upon entering you feel the ‘neighborhood’ ambiance but one notices the world class service, food, pastries, desserts, apps. A spectacular place for our early Valentine’s dinner and it didn’t disappoint—the Wednesday special (Pork schnitzel) was unbelievably tasty; the award winning hamburger with compte and mustard sauce was cooked to perfection, the pommes frites were crispy and the perfect complement to one of the juiciest, flavorful burgers I’ve ever had. The goat cheese appetizer was a great opening act and we closed the experience with the James Beard award winning coconut pecan cake and the chocolate caramel tart—PERFECT.

Stopped in for a late lunch to celebrate a recent business meeting. The bar was open for immediate seating and the bartender was fully versed on the menu and legacy of the family resto. Extremely high quality.

I hosted a large party at Chez Lulu and they did an amazing job. The roasted red pepper dip, pizza, and kale salad were huge hits. The dessert assortment was incredible and that Pot de Creme is hands down the best I have ever had anywhere including Paris! The service Tristan, Michelle, and Rebecca served all 14 of us was impeccable. They remembered what each of us was drinking and which table our vegans sat at. Phyllis and Andrew at the bar served us cocktails as we waited for the whole party to arrive. The ambiance is so cute and perfect for a December get together. I’ll be back.

This is my partners favorite restaurant, it is absolutely delicious and there are few better places to eat in Birmingham. The biggest drawback of this place is the food is so good, that it is incredibly popular.

So so so good!! The food was delicious, fresh and high quality. The atmosphere was so cozy and comforting. I was impressed with the quality of the affogato. Highly highly recommend.