Serving New Orleans-style fare, Veranda has a lovely old-style atmosphere and our visit showed a lot of potential, with some aspects faring better than others. Cucumber and watermelon salad? Good! Warm wine? Bad!

There's nothing else like it in Birmingham, with its authentic Neopolitan-style pizza.

This high-end restaurant in the Tutwiler hotel offers downtown sophistication, delicious food with Asian and Southern influences, and one of the best-thought-out wine lists in town.

If you're looking for an incredible epicurean adventure, you'll find it with Anthony Marini's Chef's Table.

Incredible decor, delicious Mexican food (including familiar Tex-Mex and more authentic specialties), some of the best tamales in town. (Review published January 2007)

Move over, Taj India, Silver Coin in Hoover offers the best Indian in town. (Review published December 2006)

Delicious, beautifully presented, creative, high-quality food, along with excellent service and an atmosphere worthy of the big city. (Review published October 2006)

This restaurant in the Vestavia City Center makes fine dining fun. Whether you're looking for a new twist on a dinner-and-a-movie date or a full fine dining experience, chef Anthony Marini brings new talent and innovative tastes to the Birmingham area. (Review published August 2006)

With its African-themed decor and art, this downtown coffee shop and cafe is a pleasant place to enjoy beverages, sandwiches and salads if you work or live downtown, but it's probably not worth a special trip from the 'burbs. (Review published July 2006)

It's been a long time since we've been to Bottega Cafe, and a recent visit left us wondering why. (Review published May 2006)

 A cozy atmosphere and focus on locally grown, quality ingredients make this Forest Park restaurant a winner.
(Review published April 2006)

Great Buffalo wings and a fantastic beer selection, plus appetizers, sandwiches, and more in a traditional sports-bar atmosphere. (Review published March 2006)

Quite simply, the best Italian food we've had in the Birmingham area. You'll need to make reservations, though; this is a popular place. (Review published December 2005; updated August 2007)

Gourmet sandwiches, salads, dinners to go and more at this Vestavia eatery. (Review published October 2005)

Take a step back in time and enjoy burgers, BLTs, malts and fresh-squeezed lemonade at the soda fountain. (Review published May 2005)

A casual pizza place (Eastwood location), published March 2005, updated August 2007.

This local chain offers something for nearly everyone, with a variety of types of barbecued meats plus salads, sandwiches, burgers and entrees. (Review published February 2005)

If you've outgrown the thrill of having a tepanyaki chef juggle your food in front of your eyes, this sophisticated yet relaxed Japanese restaurant will be a treat -- as long as you're prepared for a relaxed pace. (Review published August 2004)