Birmingham, MI boasts an impressive culinary scene, but truly exceptional dining experiences can be surprisingly elusive. We’ve scoured the town to rank these gems—from cozy bistros to elegant fine dining. Before we dive in, our criteria: only establishments offering full dinner service and consistent excellence throughout 2025 made the cut. Casual cafes and pop-ups, while delightful, aren’t included here. Happy exploring.
Kabob Grill (Inside Papa Joes)
$ | (347) 666-6920 | WEBSITE
For Mediterranean-inspired gyros packed with fresh things like crisp veggies and tender meat, check out Kabob Grill, a kebab operation located inside Papa Joes. It’s impossible to go wrong with the classic gyro platter. The portions are generously sized, but the entire meal is satisfying enough to become a nice dinner without requiring you to save room for dessert. And to get into that authentic spirit, tack on a side of warm pita bread.
Townhouse
$$$ | (248) 792-5241 | WEBSITE
Sometimes it’s tough to visit this Birmingham gem and skip the Sammy egg sandwich, but given the Buffalo cauliflower is on the menu, we’ll make an exception. This standout is a warm, buttery roll holding a perfectly fried egg, crisp bacon, melted cheddar, and a tangy aioli—almost like a breakfast classic that took a masterclass in balance. It’s ideal if you’re craving something familiar with just enough flair to enjoy at the cozy bar, or to savor while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Phoenicia Restaurant
$$ | (248) 644-3122 | WEBSITE
If a generous portion of authentic Middle Eastern flavors is what you’re after, prioritize Phoenicia Restaurant’s lamb chops. The tender meat is served rather generously, and with a side of rice and lamb, it’s a substantial plate meant for sharing among friends. It’s accompanied by the usual suspects—fresh pita bread here, mixed olives there—and the balance of each component is all calibrated for satisfaction.
Bistro Joe’s
$$ | (248) 594-0984 | WEBSITE
At Bistro Joe’s, the Blondie Brownie for dessert sounds straightforward enough. But then they serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures that melts together beautifully. All the elements of the dish come together seamlessly, and saving room for this treat means ending your meal on a high note, which we strongly suggest. Enjoy it on the patio, enjoy it at the bar, enjoy it anywhere—this is your go-to sweet finish.
Churchills Bistro Cigar Bar
$$ | (248) 647-4555 | WEBSITE
Cigars and bourbon go together like leather and mahogany. And Churchills Bistro Cigar Bar satisfies any upscale-cigar-lounge urge. This Birmingham destination uses premium Dominican cigars, which are smooth but robust, so they stand up to the varied drink selection. The pairing of grilled shrimp and dirty martinis is inspired, and we love that they feature lamb chops instead of steak—which has truly had enough attention already.
Toast
$$ | (248) 258-6278 | WEBSITE
We love a breakfast-forward spot—the standout from this Birmingham restaurant takes advantage of both sweet and savory courtesy of their morning classics. The Cherry French Toast Special and a light splash of maple syrup imparts just enough sweetness to offset the creamy parmesan grits alongside the chicken, cheddar, & apple omelette. And the intimate booths are a worthy setting for it all.
Hunter House Hamburgers
$ | (248) 646-7121 | WEBSITE
The burgers at Hunter House are built with soft buns toasted on the griddle and topped with things like melted American cheese, caramelized onions, and a special sauce whose tangy notes weave together with pickle relish. The toasted bread soaks up the burger juices while still maintaining structural integrity, and the middle bites get more exciting with an optional side of onion rings—a crispy, golden-brown stack praised on their own.
Yeah, some onion strands will probably slide out, but that’s a small price to pay for such a nostalgic masterclass.
Commonwealth Cafe
$$ | (248) 792-9766 | WEBSITE
There’s really not much seating here, which sounds alarming at first. To add to the blasphemy, this is a popular Birmingham spot along with just a gentle film of cinnamon banana matcha latte. But the balance between subtle sweetness, a barrier of goat cheese quiche, fresh breakfast foods, and a shake of maple latte just works. Order a side of carrot cake for dipping and it’s the kind of meal that may convince you to avoid brushing your teeth to keep the taste in longer.
The omelette is an equally excellent choice, loaded with avocado and Commonwealth’s transcendent baked goods.
California Roll Sushi & Hibachi Takeaway
$ | (248) 566-3118 | WEBSITE
This family-owned takeaway’s standout comes in the form of sushi’s two favorite fillings: spicy California roll and fresh avocado roll. The classics shine through with high-quality rice, creamy avocado, and that house-made soy sauce that’s less salty with a unique depth. Fuchsia-stained spicy mayo drizzles over the California roll, and note that you get an additional sauce to choose from. Only, it’s not really a choice—go with their signature soy or bust.
Svenska Cafe
$ | (248) 480-0653 | WEBSITE
We’d trust Svenska Cafe to brew a perfect morning latte, as they’ve got some of the best rich and smooth coffee around. Thus, we also trust them with a breakfast sandwich. The turkey panini makes a regular appearance here, and we like how the savory turkey gets along well with melted cheese and fresh vegetables. It’s all sealed up on a toasted ciabatta moistened by garlic aioli. When in downtown Birmingham, skip the chain coffee shops and grab this instead.
Great Harvest Bread Co.
$$ | (248) 594-0505 | WEBSITE
In the morning, Great Harvest Bread Co. is a bread haven, but throughout the day, you can snag a bakery-exclusive cinnamon roll—and these pastries are just as good as the artisanal loaves. Rolls are soft with a sweet tenderness throughout the interior, topped with a modest dusting of cinnamon and sugar glaze. Grab one for the counter and tear it apart for a pre-scone treat.
Primo’s Pizza
$$ | (248) 642-1400 | WEBSITE
Much like takeout containers and late-night cravings, this kind of pizza thrives on convenience—but Primo’s Pizza makes a dine-in-worthy one. It’s generous, cooked to order, and provides cheesy comfort. We’d be happy munching on their crispy, sturdy crust topped with bacon, mushroom, and green pepper. But their XL pizza in particular is the best pie here, amped up by that well-done crust and those generous toppings.
The staff remains accommodating and friendly, and the bourbon collection adds an extra layer of satisfaction to the experience.