Last Updated on February 25, 2024 by Emily Johnson
Mobile, Alabama is home to a vibrant and diverse food scene featuring some of the best restaurants in the South. From historic fine-dining establishments to hip farm-to-table eateries, there is something to satisfy every palate.
| No. | Restaurant Name | Overview | Signature Dishes | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NoJa | Fine dining with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. Executive Chef: Chakli Diggs. | Duck wings, hummus trio, pan-roasted Gulf snapper, rack of lamb, ginger pear cobbler. | Brick walls, marble tabletops, ambient lighting, mural of Mobile’s historic landmarks. |
| 2 | The Noble South | Farm-to-table with ingredients from local farmers. Seasonal menus with Southern cuisine. | Alabama redfish, Noble South cheeseburger, seasonal vegetable plate, skillet cornbread. | Exposed brick, wood beams, Edison bulbs, outdoor courtyard. |
| 3 | Ed’s Seafood Shed | Casual seafood with views of Mobile Bay. | Garlic crab claws, shrimp po’boy, oyster salad. | Mismatched tables and chairs, windows with water views. |
| 4 | Dumbwaiter Restaurant | Contemporary meals with Southern flavors. | Family-style Sunday Supper, flatbread, seared Gulf tuna, lobster tail, strawberry shortcake. | Exposed brick walls, wine glass chandeliers, chalkboard menus. |
| 5 | Mama’s On Dauphin | Lowcountry cuisine in a historic building. | Charbroiled oysters, fried green tomatoes, sea scallops risotto, bread pudding. | Original brick, fireplaces, dark wood, porch with rocking chairs. |
| 6 | Felix’s Fish Camp | Coastal cuisine in a historic cottage. | Coconut fried shrimp, seafood gumbo, shrimp and grits, chocolate bread pudding. | Weathered wood floors, nautical accents, outdoor dining patio. |
| 7 | Dauphin’s Restaurant | French Creole cuisine with Gulf Coast ingredients. | Amuse bouche, seared scallops, quail and crawfish, duck a l’orange, crème brulee bread pudding. | Circular driveway, original artworks, stained glass panels, chandeliers. |
| 8 | Wintzell’s Oyster House | Oldest oyster bar in Alabama with regional seafood. | Raw, steamed and baked oysters, pimento cheese fritters, shrimp po boys. | Nostalgic charm, oyster-themed decor, L-shaped bar. |
| 9 | The Jazz Kitchen | Coffeehouse, bakery, and eatery with a New Orleans twist. | Fried dill pickles, blue crab cakes, shrimp étouffée, Muff-A-Lotta sandwich. | Rich purples and greens, exposed brick walls, live music. |
| 10 | Iron Hand Brewing Company | Brewpub in a former iron foundry with over 20 craft brews. | Pimento cheese pretzels, chicken biscuit sliders, fried green tomato BLT, Iron Hand burger. | Community tables, salvaged wood panels, Airstream trailer booths. |
| 11 | Callaghan’s Irish Social Club | Irish pub with award-winning burgers. | Famous burgers, spicy cheese fries, fried pickles, seafood gumbo. | Green and white awnings, Irish memorabilia, dark wood-paneled walls. |
| 12 | Dumbwaiter Restaurant | Fresh, seasonal, and local fare in the historic district. | Seared duck, pork tenderloin, lemon chicken, chocolate bread pudding. | Urban loft style brickwork, white tablecloths, open kitchen. |
The Gulf Coast city boasts cuisines ranging from fresh seafood to classic Southern dishes to international flavours. Its location on the Gulf of Mexico ensures the availability of shrimp, oysters, crab and fish that find their way onto many menus across the city.
Mobile’s food and drink culture incorporates influences from Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and more, all helping to create a uniquely delicious dining experience. The city has been recognized nationally for its food, earning a place on Southern Living’s South’s Best Food Towns list. Keep reading to discover the absolute best restaurants that Mobile has to offer.
1. NoJa
Name and Location: NoJa sits in downtown Mobile at 6 N Jackson Street occupying a historic warehouse building.
History and Significance: Opened in 2016 by chef and owner Chakli Diggs, NoJa brings a modern fine dining experience to Mobile showcasing New Orleans and Asian inspired plates in a chic industrial atmosphere.
What to Expect: Menus change seasonally featuring dishes like duck gumbo or Korean fried broccoli alongside craft cocktails. The rustic-chic setting offers exposed beams, chandeliers and an oyster bar spread across multiple contemporary rooms.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner plus Sunday brunch. Reservations recommended. Entrees range $16-36. Full bar available.
Overview
NoJa in downtown Mobile has earned rave reviews for its ambitious menu and craft cocktail program since opening in 2018. The intimate restaurant offers a fine dining experience in an unpretentious atmosphere. The menu focuses on locally-sourced ingredients prepared in creative ways under the direction of celebrated Executive Chef Chakli Diggs. Diggs has won the Great American Seafood Cookoff three times, so expect perfection. Don’t miss the Brussels sprouts!
Signature Dishes
Standout starters include duck wings with Alabama white sauce and the hummus trio featuring three varieties of seasonal hummus. For mains, guests rave about dishes like the pan-roasted Gulf snapper and the rack of lamb with parsnip puree. vegetarians will delight over the hearts of palm cake with beet ravioli. Don’t skip dessert – the ginger pear cobbler served warm is a standout.
Atmosphere
The dining room at NoJa has brick walls, marble tabletops and ambient lighting that gives a relaxed vibe. A mural depicting Mobile’s historic landmarks provides a focal point. There’s also a private dining room for special events. The bar serves hand-crafted cocktails that perfectly complement the menu.
2. The Noble South
Name and Location: The Noble South occupies a historic downtown building at 668 Dauphin Street in Mobile, Alabama.
History and Significance: Opened in 2018 under chef proprietors Jim Smith and Nick Seymour, this restaurant celebrates southern traditions with seasonal updated takes on regional cuisine paired with an extensive bourbon list.
What to Expect: Dishes reimagine classics like catfish, shrimp & grits, or buttermilk pie using fresh local ingredients. The rustic atmosphere features exposed brick and beams, dark wood and amber lighting across a few intimate dining rooms.
Visitor Information: Serving weeknight dinner plus weekend brunches. Closed Mondays. Reservations recommended. Small plates and entrees range $9-30.
Overview
This farm-to-table restaurant located downtown uses ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen. The Noble South’s rotating seasonal menus reflect Southern cuisine influenced by global flavors. Chef Chris Rainosek’s dishes pack big, vibrant flavors whether its seafood, steak or vegetables on the plate. There’s also an extensive craft cocktail list and wine offerings curated by an advanced sommelier.
Signature Dishes
Menu standouts guests enthusiastically recommend include Alabama redfish on the half shell, the Noble South cheeseburger with housemade pickles and hand-cut fries, the seasonal vegetable plate and cast iron skillet cornbread. Don’t leave without trying the rotating dessert offerings like lemon chess pie or a slice of Bittersweet Walnut torte.
Atmosphere
Exposed brick, wood beams and arched doorways give The Noble South warmth and character. Strands of Edison bulbs add a romantic glow in the evenings. Weather permitting, dine al fresco in the tree-shaded courtyard filled with tables, twinkling lights and a soothing water fountain as ambient background noise.
3. Ed’s Seafood Shed
Name and Location: Ed’s Seafood Shed sits along Fish River Bridge at 3825 Fish River Road in south Mobile County near Spanish Fort.
History and Significance: Opened by Ed and Connie Sherling in 1980, this rustic spot overlooking water and docks has served ultra fresh seasonal local catches simply fried, broiled or steamed for over 40 years.
What to Expect: Place your order at the counter to be served hot, crisp and mild or spicy with classic sides in a casual communal picnic table setting, often with live music. Try baskets or po’ boys along with boiled shrimp, crab and raw or char-grilled oysters.
Visitor Information: Open daily 11am-9pm with limited winter hours. Cash only. Entrees range from $10-25 per pound. Beer available. Can get crowded at peak times.
Overview
Locals and visitors alike flock to Ed’s Seafood Shed, located just minutes from downtown Mobile on the causeway near the Mobile Bay. Its laidback, casual atmosphere makes it the perfect place to feast on mouthwatering seafood dishes made from the freshest Gulf catch. Order at the counter, grab a drink from the bar and enjoy sea views through the windows that surround the cozy dining room.
Signature Dishes
Ed’s famous garlic crab claws are a must-try appetizer bursting with buttery garlicky flavor. Other favorites include peel-and-eat shrimp by the pound, Ed’s golden fried shrimp po’boy dressed with lettuce, tomato and remoulade sauce, and Uncle Ed’s oyster salad featuring juicy freshly shucked oysters in zesty marinade.
Atmosphere
Mismatched tables and chairs give Ed’s a funky, homegrown feeling. It tends to get loud when packed with hungry guests, but the ambiance matches the casual Gulf Coast vibe. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning water views overlooking the Mobile Bay bridge whether you dine inside or out on the deck.
4. Dumbwaiter Restaurant
Name and Location: The Dumbwaiter Restaurant occupies a 1900s-era building at 358 George Street a few blocks north of downtown Mobile.
History and Significance: Serving elevated southern cuisine since 2007, this cozy fine dining spot takes patrons on a culinary journey through comfort dishes reimagined with global influences using seasonal fare in an historical setting.
What to Expect: Chalkboard menus tempt with the likes of pecan crusted fish, grits & grillades, bouillabaisse or duck fat fries paired with unique wines and ornate craft cocktails in multiple small dimly lit rooms.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday through Saturday evenings for dinner by reservation-only. Plates range $14-34. Jacket preferred but not required. Full bar.
Overview
This trendy contemporary restaurant located downtown specializes in exquisitely prepared meals highlighting prime cuts of meat, fresh seafood and seasonal produce sourced locally whenever possible. Under the direction of proprietors Jeremy and Sandy Lewis, the menu reflects modern Southern flavors presented artfully in an upscale yet comfortable environment. The award-winning wine list features over 300 hand-selected wines.
Signature Dishes
Stop in for Sunday Supper, a family-style meal echoing old traditions where guests can sample a little of everything. Other guest favorites include the neighbors and friends flatbread piled with basil pesto, prosciutto, figs and arugula, seared Gulf tuna Nicoise salad and pan roasted cold water lobster tail in a lemon beurre blanc sauce. For dessert, try the deconstructed strawberry shortcake.
Atmosphere
Exposed brick walls, chandeliers fashioned from wine glasses and chalkboard menus listing day’s specials make for an artsy chic ambiance. An open kitchen gives diners a glimpse behind the scenes. Weather permitting dine al fresco surrounded by flowers and trees in the open-air courtyard. Reservations recommended.
5. Mama’s On Dauphin
Name and Location: Mama’s On Dauphin occupies a tiny Creole cottage downtown at 217 Dauphin Street in Mobile, Alabama.
History and Significance: This hole-in-the-wall gem dishes out hearty southern comfort plates on red-checkered tablecloths just like mama used to make since 1983 under owners the Pierce family. Expect to wait in line.
What to Expect: Sink you teeth into juicy burgers, stuffed baked potatoes, mac and cheese, plate lunches, red beans and rice, fried seafood po’boys smothered in gratins and gravies. Save room for 5 layer caramel cake. BYOB.
Visitor Information: Tiny space is open 11am-3pm Monday through Friday for lunch. Meals cost around $12 with cash only payments. Expect a wait during peak rush times with limited seating.
Overview
Since opening in 2007, Mama’s On Dauphin has maintained a stellar reputation for serving top notch Lowcountry cuisine and an impressive selection of spirits. Located in Mobile’s historic district in a building that dates back to 1852, the restaurant encapsulates antique Southern charm. The from-scratch Creole menu bursts with enticing aromas and flavors meant for lingering over.
Signature Dishes
Mama’s signature charbroiled oysters are a longtime local favorite – Gulf oysters roasted in their shells bubbling with herbed garlic butter are mandatory for first timers. Other top menu picks include fried green tomatoes topped with lump blue crab meat, jumbo sea scallops over creamy shrimp and crab risotto and Mama’s famous bread pudding made with challah bread, cinnamon and whiskey sauce.
Atmosphere
With its exposed original brick, fireplaces, dark wood and wraparound porch dotted with rocking chairs, Mama’s oozes Southern hospitality. An ornate mahogany bar serves handcrafted cocktails including several mint julep riffs. Live music on the weekends and special tasting events make Mama’s a don’t miss dinner destination.
6. Felix’s Fish Camp
Name and Location: Felix’s Fish Camp sits overlooking scenic Fowl River at 1530 Battleship Pkwy in Spanish Fort, 10 miles from downtown Mobile.
History and Significance: Family owned since 2001, this laid-back spot plates up the freshest regional seafood by the pound or on po’boys with views of the waterway from their outdoor deck dotted with rocking chairs.
What to Expect: Feast on Southern fried or grilled catches like shrimp, catfish, crab claws, oysters and gator tail served in picnic style baskets or sandwiches with classic fixings in a casual coastal setting.
Visitor Information: Open daily 11am-9pm. Entrees $10-30. Cash or cards accepted. Arrive early on weekends to avoid long waits. Outdoor seating available. Full bar on site.
Overview
Housed in a historic 19th century cottage overlooking Mobile Bay, Felix’s Fish Camp has been an anchor of Mobile’s restaurant scene for over 50 years. Today chef Ian Phillips continues serving quintessential coastal cuisine showcasing the flavors of the Gulf using recipes perfected by the restaurant’s original proprietor Felix Flott along with fresh interpretations.
Signature Dishes
Felix’s Fish Camp does seafood right – fried, broiled, baked or steamed – it’s all good but most folks rave about the coconut fried shrimp. Other specialties include seafood gumbo, creamy crab bisque and shrimp and grits made with tasso gravy, Andouille sausage and green onions. Don’t leave without trying the velvety chocolate bread pudding.
Atmosphere
With weathered wood floors, exposed beams and nautical accents, the laidback Fish Camp offers plenty of rustic charm. Sip a cocktail at the bustling bar lined with toy fishing nets and oars or enjoy al fresco harbor views from the outdoor dining patio. You’re pretty much guaranteed a wait during peak times but rest assured – it’s worth it.
7. Dauphin’s Restaurant
Name and Location: Dauphin’s Restaurant is perched on the 34th floor of the Trustmark Building at 107 St Francis Street in downtown Mobile.
History and Significance: Mobile’s only revolving rooftop restaurant has circled high above downtown offering panoramic vista views and upscale dining since 1976. Jackets are no longer required but it still retains an elegant atmosphere.
What to Expect: The contemporary continental menu features a variety of creative seafood, poultry, steak and vegetarian entrees alongside an award-winning wine list as the city slowly spins around you. Live piano sets the mood.
Visitor Information: Elevator up requires reservations. Open daily 5:30–9pm. Entrees $18-45. Valet parking available. Business casual dress.
Overview
This upscale French Creole restaurant pioneered fine dining in downtown Mobile starting way back in 1948. Under the guidance of Chef Drew Bell who honed his skills in New Orleans, Dauphin’s has maintained its reputation for preparing French-inspired Southern cuisine utilizing Gulf Coast ingredients to perfection in an elegant setting.
Signature Dishes
Dauphin’s signature amuse bouche featuring pepper jelly on a jalapeño corn muffin whets the appetite for the multicourse meal ahead. Guest favorites include seared sea scallops atop parmesan risotto, grilled quail and crawfish over cheese grits and Dauphin’s famous duck a l’orange. Save room for the crème brulee bread pudding.
Atmosphere
From the circular driveway entry to original artworks blanketing the walls to statues of cherubs nestled in greenery, Dauphin’s oozes stately old world grandeur. Banquettes sectioned off by stained glass panels and dramatic chandeliers add even more sophisticated flair. With white tablecloths and tuxedoed waitstaff, the vibe is special occasion elegance.
8. Wintzells Oyster House
Name and Location: Wintzell’s Oyster House sits at 605 Dauphin Street in downtown Mobile, Alabama.
History and Significance: Operating since 1938, the restaurant claims fame as the “home of the roasted oyster” plating up the coastal delicacies charbroiled or steamed alongside other Gulf seafood specialties in a warm, casual environment.
What to Expect: Slurp down briny raw, steamed, or sizzling char-grilled oysters fresh from local waters, joined by po’boys, gumbo, shrimp, crawfish, catfish and grits bowls washed down with Alabama craft beers in a laid-back setting.
Visitor Information: Open daily 11am-10pm for lunch and dinner. Entrees $10-25. Reservations only for 6+ parties. Full bar available. Cash or credit cards accepted.
Overview
Since 1938 locals and visitors seeking the freshest raw oysters and regional seafood have flocked to Wintzell’s Oyster House located near downtown Mobile’s popular Dauphin Street. The menu at Alabama’s oldest oyster bar highlights sustainably sourced Gulf specialties from oysters harvested just miles away to royal red shrimp and jumbo lump crab cakes all cooked to perfection.
Signature Dishes
Wintzell’s serves multiple varieties of raw, steamed and baked oysters from the region and delicious shareable plates like pimento cheese fritters with Bama white sauce and flash fried crab claws served sizzling with drawn butter for dipping. Heartier entrees include shrimp and grits, seafood gumbo and shrimp po boys dressed with remoulade or Alabama white BBQ sauce.
Atmosphere
Wintzell’s oozes nostalgic charm with warm wood paneling, black and white checkerboard floors and tin ceilings plus walls crammed with oyster-themed decor. Seating includes an L-shaped bar that stays packed, booths and tables plus a casual back room addition. Live music and drink specials fuel a lively ambiance, especially during happy hour.
9. The Jazz Kitchen
Name and Location: The Jazz Kitchen sits inside the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel at 64 South Water Street overlooking the Mobile River downtown.
History and Significance: Known as a hidden gem for jazz music, the lounge opened in 1997 and continues a long legacy of supporting local performers playing New Orleans-style tunes nightly against an elegant vintage backdrop.
What to Expect: Sip cocktails while enjoying ever-changing lineups of professional jazz musicians and singers ranging from swing to soul to blues filling the intimate brick-walled, candle-lit venue with crooning sounds as patrons relax at small tables and the carved wood bar.
Visitor Information: Free live music plays nightly 6:30pm-9:30pm. The full service lounge serves small plate menus until 11pm. No cover charge but drink minimums apply after 7pm. Valet parking available.
Overview
Part coffeehouse, bakery and comfort food eatery with a distinctly New Orleans twist, the Jazz Kitchen has earned devoted regulars since opening in downtown Mobile’s historic warehouse district back in 1994. In addition to serving Southern-inspired specialties on the homey lunch and dinner menu, the Jazz Kitchen hosts live music performances and events.
Signature Dishes
Start with fried dill pickles or smoky eggplant fritters then continue feasting on blue crab cakes with spicy remoulade sauce, shrimp étouffée ladled over a bed of creamy grits or the crowd pleasing Muff-A-Lotta sandwich with turkey, ham, bacon, cheese and veggies toasted on flaky croissants. Save room for homemade triple berry cobbler and Bananas Foster bread pudding.
Atmosphere
With a color palette of rich purples, vibrant greens and warm gold tones plus vintage lighting fixtures, exposed brick walls scattered with funky art prints and fresh flowers gracing the tables, the Jazz Kitchen feels simultaneously upscale and laidback. Nightly live music ranges from blues to jazz to acoustic, encouraging patrons to linger over after dinner coffees, cocktails or wine.
10. Iron Hand Brewing Company
Name and Location: Iron Hand Brewing Company spans a renovated 120-year old building at 206 State Street a few blocks from downtown Mobile.
History and Significance: Founded by local owners in 2015 in a former ironworks factory, Iron Hand’s mission focuses on perfecting craft beer recipes using quality ingredients while providing a welcoming space that connects community.
What to Expect: Belly up to the 40-foot granite bar or make friends at group tables to sample small batch brews like Worker’s Comp saison or Battle Axe IPA. Regular events include game nights, trivia and food trucks.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday for drinks, tours and fills with varying hours. Family and pet-friendly. No food yet but allows outside eats. Merchandise for sale.
Overview
This casual brewpub located downtown on bustling Dauphin Street across from Bienville Square park took over a former iron foundry building dating back to 1860s and left much of the historical architectural details like exposed brick walls and support beams intact. Today over 20 Iron Hand craft brews flow from the taps to fill logo emblazoned pint glasses for enjoying with hearty Southern fare.
Signature Dishes
While the in-house brewed beers take top billing, Iron Hand’s scratch-made Southern snacks and entrees hold their own like pimento cheese pretzels, chicken biscuit sliders with spiced honey drizzle and fried green tomato BLT on Texas toast. Other favorites include the Iron Hand burger stacked with bacon, pimento cheese, fried onions and maple bourbon ketchup with duck fat fries.
Atmosphere
With long community tables, walls fitted with salvaged wood panels and repurposed Airstream trailer seating booths plus strings of vintage bulb lighting overhead, Iron Hand expertly pairs industrial modern decor with a neighborhood pub vibe for enjoying craft brews. They host live music performances and food/beer pairing events too.
11. Callaghan’s Irish Social Club
Name and Location: Callaghan’s Irish Social Club sits at 916 Charleston Street in the Oakleigh Garden Historic District of downtown Mobile.
History and Significance: Open continuously since 1947, this no-frills neighborhood pub has served as a casual community staple through the years for cold brews and burger fare, also supporting the local Celtic music scene weekly.
What to Expect: Bellied up to worn wooden bar under year-round festive holiday decor, patrons toast over beer or whiskey while listening to live Irish folk musicians jamming in the cozy one-room space.
Visitor Information: Open Monday-Saturday 11am until 2am for lunch, dinner and late night eats and drinks. All ages attend shows. Kitchen closes 10 pm. Cash only.
Overview
Since 1946 Callaghan’s has been serving cold brews and filling pub grub in a legendary Irish pub located on a nondescript side street near downtown Mobile. Today visitors flock for burgers named the state’s best by Southern Living magazine and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere welcoming everyone from hippies to suits and old-timers to college kids.
Signature Dishes
Everyone comes for Callaghan’s famous burgers hand pressed daily and cooked medium by request only so they stay ridiculously juicy and flavorful. Build your own or choose a prefab option but don’t skip the spicy cheese fries on the side. Other menu faves include fried pickles, seafood gumbo and chicken salad made with dried cranberries and sugared almonds.
Atmosphere
From the green and white striped awnings out front to the Irish flags, pennants and memorabilia lining the dark wood-paneled walls, Callaghan’s remains stubbornly old school with zero pretense. Long banquettes, tables and a lively bar skirted in metal stools accommodate a crowd that spills onto the sidewalk patio when the weather is nice. Expect a wait even on weeknights.
12. Dumbwaiter Restaurant
Overview
This contemporary Southern bistro located in downtown Mobile’s Lower Dauphin Historic District emphasizes fresh, seasonal and local fare on daily blackboard specials and regularly rotating menus. The dining room’s exposed urban loft style brickwork provide contrast to pristine white tablecloths where diners linger over handcrafted cocktails and exquisitely plated meals.
Signature Dishes
Seared duck over sweet potato hash with fig chutney showcases Dumbwaiter’s creative take on regional cuisine while entrees like herb marinated pork tenderloin and divine lemon chicken allow quality ingredients to shine. For dessert, the warm chocolate bread pudding made with whiskey caramel sauce makes a deliciously rich finale.
Atmosphere
From the herb garden that supplies the kitchen with fresh seasonings to a wraparound porch perfect for unwinding, Dumbwaiter’s welcoming environment invites relaxation. The open kitchen, reclaimed wood accents and soft lighting keep things feeling stylish rather than stuffy. Attentive staff happy to guide diners through the menu’s Southern culinary influences enhance the dining experience.
Conclusion
From humble seafood shacks to James Beard-recognized establishments, Mobile offers an array of dining options spanning different cuisines, settings and price points. Seafood reigns supreme thanks to the city’s coastal location and talented chefs transform seasonal Southern ingredients into magic.
Foodies find plenty to love in this port city seasoned with a dash of French, Caribbean and other global flavors reflecting its history as a port city. Don’t wait – book your table now at one of Mobile’s mouthwatering restaurants today!
