We’re incredibly honored to share that Little Bird has been named one of The New York Times’ 50 favorite restaurants in America for 2026. The annual Restaurant List brings together standout dining destinations from across the country, selected by a 16-person scouting team that travels extensively, visits restaurants anonymously, and pays for its own meals. The 2026 list is unranked, making each selection part of a national collection of restaurants The Times believes are especially worth experiencing right now.
Little Bird is one of just two Alabama restaurants included on this year’s list, alongside Perennial in Montgomery. The Times identifies Little Bird as a coastal Southern restaurant in Fairhope, opened in June 2025, and highlights Chef Bill Briand’s technique-driven approach to Gulf Coast and Southern cooking.
The feature singles out several dishes that capture Little Bird’s point of view, including the restaurant’s dark-roux gumbo, West Indies crab salad with preserved lemon, boudin-stuffed quail with candied jalapeños, and buttermilk pie. The Times also notes the restaurant’s light-filled setting and the lively atmosphere that has quickly made Little Bird a destination in Fairhope.
This recognition is an extraordinary milestone for a restaurant that opened just over a year ago and a meaningful celebration of Chef Bill, the Little Bird team, and the Gulf Coast ingredients and traditions that inspire the menu. We’re proud to see Fairhope represented on a national stage and grateful to everyone who has helped make Little Bird part of this community.
Full article here
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/dining/best-restaurants-america.html?unlocked_article_code=1.BVE.A5if.4TGGwkSAg0si&smid=url-share