Homewood's Top 10 Local Restaurants, Great Alabama Eats

With the noble motto ‘Buy Local, Eat Urban’, Urban Cookhouse is unique in its genre. The menu is very eclectic, the food always tasty and fresh, and the atmosphere warm, inviting and family friendly. Aiming to support local farmers, at the Urban Cookhouse, they only use the freshest ingredients that are available on the market. As it would be a crime to go there and not have some orange rolls, ordering a basket of these succulent rolls comes in highly recommended. Veggie quesadillas are a must try too. What is also unique about this place is that most of the meat is cooked on kamado-style cookers, meaning that the meat is full of flavour but without the added fat.

Owned and operated by the brothers Giani and Marco Respinto, Gianmarco’s Restaurant offers a vivid example of Southern hospitality and Italian charm. Candle-lit tables, a beautiful wine bar, and Italian aromas await guests ready to enjoy a romantic dinner, or a nice meal with friends. The restaurant’s menu includes authentic traditional Italian food from the North of Italy, which means a lot of pasta, fish and also veal. The mains comprise 16 options, and there are always mouth-watering daily specials and an extensive seasonal menu. The wine selection is one of the best, including wines from both Italy and the United States of America.

Salem’s Diner is the opposite of classic American chain restaurants. It is a unique restaurant where guests can enjoy a truly local experience and hearty food. Portions are big and filling, and the menu includes a variety of burgers and sandwiches, and of course the world famous Philly Cheese Steak. They also have a good breakfast menu, including the delicious Philly omelette, and desserts such as the lemon ice box pie and succulent brownies. Guests are usually greeted by the owner and a bunch of locals who are regulars at Salem’s Diner. They immediately make everyone feel at ease, and even at home!

At Dave’s Pizza, like the name would suggest, pizzas taste great, and beer too. But Dave’s Pizza is not only about food, it is about creating a fun space for families and friends to have a good time. The restaurant has indeed a ‘homey’ vibe, and everyone seems to know each other. The restaurant itself is a family run business by a family passionate about good pizza, beer and music, but also about their local community. Wings there are a must try as well as their signature pizzas, including the ‘hot chick’ pizza. The selection of draft beers is excellent too.

Little Donkey is the ‘Hecho en Homewood’, namely Made in Homewood, home to Mexican food and spirits with a Southern touch. To make it tastier, everything is truly made from scratch! Fresh pressed tortillas, and slow smoked meats are specialties of the house. Chicken quesadillas, and beef brisket tacos are certainly to die for, and cocktails such as margaritas and mojitos will leave everyone satisfied. The design of the restaurant’s space itself is quite interesting and unusual as it consists of one large open space, including the kitchen. There is also outdoor seating for sunny days and cool evenings.

Located in front of the City Hall Plaza at the popular SoHo Square, Jackson’s Bar and Bistro is a great place for Sunday brunch, and evening dinner or drinks in downtown Homewood. The place is usually quite busy and loud, but for those who do not mind that, the restaurant offers great service and American and European comfort food. There is also a big open indoor and outdoor dining area. The bar is quite remarkable as they have a wide selection of beers and wines, including 30 different types of the former and 20 of the latter, and a variety of cocktails. Must tries include their pizzas baked on a stone oven, and a favourite local dessert; the cookie dough egg rolls.

Both Chef and owner of Johnny’s Restaurant in Homewood, Timothy has a special philosophy; food should not only be prepared to feed the body, but also to feed the soul. Since August 2012, Johnny’s restaurant has been serving the classic ‘Meat and Three’ dishes, which allows guests the option of choosing of one meat, and three side dishes. But it has also been serving Greek cuisine, including the very tasty spanakopita, baklava and pastitsio. The catfish and the chicken pot pie are also immensely popular. Johnny’s Restaurant is a great place to eat in Homewood, serving the best of southern home cooked meals with an additional Greek touch.

Located inside the best Asian grocery store in Homewood, the Red Pearl Restaurant is by far the best Chinese restaurant in the area, serving authentic food only. After undergoing renovations, the restaurant was transformed from a hole in the whole institution, to a fancy and clean fine-dining Chinese restaurant. The menu offers a variety of mouth-watering authentic Chinese dishes such as the absolutely delicious chicken cashews, soup dumplings, sesame chicken, and fried rice at very reasonable prices. The food is always fresh and homemade, and the staff always friendly and attentive. For an ultimate Chinese cuisine dining experience, the Red Pearl Restaurant guarantees tasty food.

O’Carr’s Delicatessen is a deli like no other. Their chicken salad & fruit is the most popular option, pairing with a variety of fruits including watermelon, orange, blackberry, mango, blueberry, banana and many more. The salad really lives up to its reputation, exploring fusion food. Milkshakes are also very tasty, and marry well with the salads. O’Carr’s Delicatessen also has impeccable service, with very attentive staff. It is worth noting that this venue is only open for breakfast, lunch, and early afternoon snacks.