Taste Around the World, Montgomery Edition

Montgomery is more than Southern charm and barbecue (though we love both). Here, a single city block can carry you from the spice bazaars of India to the sizzling grills of Korea, from Venezuelan comfort to the heart of Southern barbecue. You might find yourself chasing the rich spices and curries one day, and the smoky scent of Southern barbecue the next, or soaking in the buzz of a rooftop eatery before settling down into a cozy brunch nook.

Montgomery has a hugely diverse culinary scene, and our goal is to help you broaden your palate. This blog is your ticket to tasting it all; treat each section as a new stamp in your foodie passport (no TSA lines or boarding passes needed). 

Discover Montgomery’s unique food scene using our tips on what to order and when to visit to plan your culinary adventure. Start tasting your way through Montgomery today. Your next delicious discovery is waiting!

French | Creole Flavors

Wishbone Café (7028 Atlanta Hwy) - A casual neighborhood favorite that serves Creole-inspired Southern staples with a twist. The menu features dishes like cajun truffles, which are stuffed mushrooms with crabmeat dressing in a gravy, and Nita Moore’s Salmon Croquette Sandwich.

Frenchie’s (22 Dexter Ave) - This French bistro teleports you to France the moment you step into the dimly lit dining room, which is both cozy and relaxed yet sophisticated. The menu features French classics, such as Coq Au Vin, and the wine selection ranges from sparkling to red pairing perfectly with any dinner selection.

Mexican / Tex-Mex Flavors

Little Donkey (378 N. Perry St | 7720 Eastchase Pkwy) - A modern take on Mexican cuisine by blending it with Southern flavors. Menu highlights include hand-pressed tortillas paired with fried chicken, reflecting both Mexican heritage and local hospitality.

El Rey Burrito Lounge (1031 E. Fairview Ave) - El Rey Burrito Lounge is a Montgomery go-to for a relaxed evening out on a leafy, tucked-away street in Old Cloverdale. The funky, eclectic décor and patio strung with lights set the tone for casual, memorable meals.

What to Try:

• House-Made Salsas – Ranges from sweet to spicy, perfect for sampling with chips.

Insider Tip:
El Rey’s patio fills up fast in the evenings, especially on weekends. Arrive a bit early to snag a good table, and don’t miss pairing your meal with one of their signature margaritas or seasonal cocktails.

El Rey Burrito Lounge

Asian Flavors

Lek’s Railroad Thai (300 Water St inside Union Station downtown) - A long-standing local favorite for authentic Pad Thai, curries, and stir-fried dishes, located off the Riverfront in the historic Trainshed.

Kalim Korean BBQ (2065 Eastern Blvd) - Kalim Korean BBQ delivers a dining experience that’s as interactive as it is delicious. At the heart of the meal is a grill set in the center of your table, where you can cook marinated meats to your liking and enjoy them with a variety of traditional side dishes known as banchan.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Beef Bulgogi: thinly sliced steak marinated in a mix of spices that give it a savory and sweet taste.  

Insider Tip:

If you have a large party, call ahead to ensure they can accommodate your group.

Southern Comfort

Martha’s Place Buffet (7780 Atlanta Hwy) - A cafeteria-style Southern buffet offering homestyle cooking. The buffet includes classic meats, such as fried chicken and fried fish, as well as sides like rice and gravy, collard greens, and cornbread, all served with plenty of hospitality.

Central (129 Coosa St) - Located in a historic downtown warehouse, Central is a locally owned modern dining establishment. The ingredients are sourced regionally, and the menu combines seasonal ingredients with Southern roots and global techniques.

Central

Caribbean & Latin Flavors

Island Delight (910 Ann St) - A casual dine-in Caribbean restaurant that offers comfort classics like jerk chicken, plantains, and curry dishes. Island Delight adds a burst of tropical flavor to Montgomery’s dining scene, making it a unique stop.

D’Road Café (121 Montgomery St.) – This welcoming downtown spot serves authentic Venezuelan-Latin comfort food that highlights seasonal ingredients and homestyle recipes. Closed on Sunday, Saturdays break away from the weekday hotbar and offer health Saturday specials, Latin pastries, and café con leche.

Western Asian Flavors

Saffron Indian Kitchen (1111 East Blvd) - The curries and spices make Saffron a favorite for authentic North Indian cuisine. From butter chicken to saag paneer, you’ll find classics that balance heat and flavor, served with fresh naan.

India Palace (2801 Vaughn Plaza Rd) - India Palace is another long-time favorite among locals and visitors, offering an authentic Indian dining experience. Known for its hospitality and North Indian menu selection, this restaurant offers a range of dishes, from mild, creamy curries to fiery, spice-packed favorites.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Samosa – Order the sampler to try the different flavors, available in both meat and vegetarian styles.

Insider Tip:
Spice levels can be customized, so don’t be shy about asking the kitchen to adjust the heat to suit your taste.

India Palace

BBQ Flavors

Brenda’s Bar-B-Q Pit (1457 Mobile Rd) - One of the oldest names in Montgomery BBQ. Famous for pork sandwiches with a vinegar-based sauce, Brenda’s has kept it simple and flavorful for decades. An iconic, Southern, no-frills experience, even down to the pig ears and hospitality.

Dreamland BBQ (12 W Jefferson St | 7900 Vaughn Rd) - No visit to Montgomery’s BBQ scene is complete without a stop at Dreamland BBQ , a legendary Alabama brand famous for its hickory-smoked ribs. 

What to Try:

• Ribs – Smoky, tender, and served with their tangy house sauce.

Insider Tip:
Go early if you’re visiting at peak mealtimes; the ribs and banana pudding are local favorites, and the line can get long. If you’re in a hurry, call ahead for pickup and don’t skip the warm bread served with their tangy BBQ sauce.

Italian Flavors

La Trattoria (325 Cloverdale Rd) - A new neighborhood gem serving traditional Italian comfort food and New York-style pizzas. The pastas are handmade, the meat dishes are hearty, and the sauces are classic. La Trattoria is perfect for an authentic Italian dining experience in historic Old Cloverdale.

Ravello Ristorante (36 Commerce St) - Bold flavors and fresh ingredients line the menu of this fine dining Italian restaurant. Expect artisanal-made pastas, fresh seafood, and a modern twist to classic coastal Italian recipes. Pair a plate of handcrafted pasta with a glass of Italian wine from the extensive and thoughtful wine offerings.

What to Try:

• Red Snapper – seared snapper served with a Verde sauce on a bed of greens and topped with capers.

Insider Tip:
Before dinner, start your evening at Bar Attico, which is the rooftop bar, or stop upstairs after your meal for a nightcap.

Ravello Ristorante Montgomery

Create Your Own Taste of Montgomery

Montgomery’s dining scene is a true taste of the world in the heart of the South. From smoky Southern barbecue to bold international flavors, every restaurant tells part of the city’s story, one filled with culture, creativity, and connection.

Now it’s your turn to explore. Visit our Restaurants page to browse Montgomery’s diverse dining options. With categories that make it easy to find your favorite cuisines, you can mix, match, and map out your own Taste of Montgomery Food Tour and discover how our city brings the world to your table.