Beloved Alabama Restaurant Named James Beard Award Finalist

Bottega in Birmingham is a nominee for Outstanding Hospitality at the prestigious culinary awards.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic restaurant item such as a plate, wine glass, or utensil repeated in a tight grid pattern, utilizing flat, vibrant, and unnatural neon color palettes overlapping with heavy black photographic outlines to turn an everyday restaurant object into modern pop art.Bottega's nomination for the prestigious James Beard Award highlights the restaurant's commitment to exceptional hospitality and culinary excellence.Today in Birmingham

Bottega, a beloved Alabama restaurant that has been open for over 30 years, has been named a finalist for the 2026 James Beard Awards in the category of Outstanding Hospitality. The restaurant, known for its Southern-Italian fare by four-time James Beard Award nominee Chef Frank Stitt, also received a Michelin Outstanding Service Award this year.

Why it matters

The James Beard Awards are considered one of the food and beverage industry's most prestigious honors, recognizing exceptional talent and a demonstrated commitment to equity, sustainability, and creating a positive culture. Bottega's nomination highlights the high-quality dining experience and hospitality the restaurant provides to its community.

The details

Bottega opened in 1988 in Birmingham, Alabama and offers Southern-Italian cuisine by acclaimed Chef Frank Stitt, a four-time James Beard Award nominee. In addition to the 2026 James Beard Award nomination, the restaurant also received a Michelin Outstanding Service Award this year and was named one of the '20 Friendliest Places In The South' by Southern Living.

  • Bottega opened in 1988.
  • Bottega received a Michelin Outstanding Service Award in 2026.
  • Bottega was named a 2026 James Beard Award finalist in March 2026.
  • The 2026 James Beard Awards Ceremonies will be held in Chicago from June 13-15, 2026.

The players

Bottega

A beloved Alabama restaurant that has been open for over 30 years, known for its Southern-Italian fare and high-quality hospitality.

Chef Frank Stitt

The chef at Bottega restaurant, who is a four-time James Beard Award nominee.

The James Beard Foundation

The organization that presents the prestigious James Beard Awards, recognizing exceptional talent and commitment to equity, sustainability, and positive culture in the food and beverage industry.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The 2026 James Beard Awards Ceremonies will be held in Chicago from June 13-15, 2026, where the winner of the Outstanding Hospitality category will be announced.

The takeaway

Bottega's James Beard Award nomination highlights the exceptional dining experience and hospitality the restaurant provides, as well as the high-caliber talent and community-focused values represented in the prestigious culinary awards.