QUICK SUMMARY
Two Birmingham-area restaurants just earned one of the top honors in North American dining. Little Betty Steak Bar in Mountain Brook Village and Cafe Dupont in downtown Birmingham received the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA) Award of Excellence for 2026. Only about 500 restaurants across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean hold the award, and just a handful are in Alabama. It is one more sign that the Mountain Brook and Birmingham dining scene is earning national attention, which adds to the appeal of living here.
When people ask us why they should consider a move to the Birmingham suburbs, we usually start with schools, parks, and neighborhoods. But food is climbing that list fast. This week brought proof: two local restaurants joined one of the most exclusive dining lists in North America, as reported by Bham Now.
What is the DiRoNA Award of Excellence?
The Distinguished Restaurants of North America award has been around since 1990. It recognizes restaurants across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean that deliver the highest level of cuisine, beverages, service, and ambiance. Every winner goes through a tough evaluation process, and only about 500 restaurants hold the honor today.
Before this year, only four Alabama restaurants had ever made the list: Ocean in Birmingham, Dumbwaiter in Mobile, Voyagers in Orange Beach, and The Depot in Auburn. The class of 2026 adds three more Alabama names, and two of them are right here in the Birmingham metro.
Who are the two Birmingham-area winners?
1. Little Betty Steak Bar, Mountain Brook. Opened in January 2024 in the Lane Parke development in Mountain Brook Village, Little Betty became a fine dining favorite almost overnight. It has already expanded by opening Sea Bar right next door.
2. Cafe Dupont, downtown Birmingham. Led by Chef Chris Evans, Cafe Dupont has been a downtown mainstay since 2004 and is a champion of cooking local, traditional, and sustainable.
For Mountain Brook, the award is a milestone. A restaurant that is barely two years old earning a national honor says a lot about the village-style districts that make the city special.
Curious what it is like to live near Mountain Brook Village? Explore our Mountain Brook community guide or call or text 205-292-7142.
Why does a dining award matter for Birmingham home buyers?
Walkable dining is one of the most requested features we hear from buyers moving to the Birmingham suburbs. Neighborhoods near Mountain Brook Village, English Village, and Crestline Village stay in demand partly because residents can walk or make a short drive to restaurants like Little Betty.
National recognition also builds the whole region. Awards like this bring food travelers, support local jobs, and add to the story relocating families hear about Birmingham. The metro dining scene has been collecting James Beard nominations and national press for years, and honors like DiRoNA keep that momentum going.
If you are weighing a move to the area, our relocating to Alabama guide covers neighborhoods, commutes, and costs across the metro.
Frequently asked questions
Which Birmingham restaurants won the DiRoNA Award of Excellence in 2026?
Little Betty Steak Bar in Mountain Brook Village and Cafe Dupont in downtown Birmingham earned the DiRoNA Award of Excellence in the class of 2026, along with The Depot in Auburn.
Where is Little Betty Steak Bar located?
Little Betty Steak Bar is in the Lane Parke development in Mountain Brook Village, just minutes from downtown Birmingham. Its sister restaurant, Sea Bar, opened next door.
Is Mountain Brook a good place to live for foodies?
Yes. Mountain Brook is built around three walkable village districts filled with restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques, and it sits minutes from the award-winning dining scenes in Homewood and downtown Birmingham.
How many restaurants hold the DiRoNA Award of Excellence?
About 500 restaurants across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean currently hold the award, which has recognized top fine dining establishments since 1990.
Want to live near Birmingham's best tables?
From Mountain Brook to Homewood, Vestavia Hills to Trussville, we know the neighborhoods behind the restaurants. Let us help you find the right fit.
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