The food is consistently superb here. Since I'm always a solo visitor , because I frequent the restaurant each month when I'm in town for business , I sit at the bar. The bartenders are very skilled and sociable. They attend to you perfectly without being overwhelming. The cocktails are also fantastic, my favorite the French blonde. The decor does make you feel like you are in a bistro in a quaint French village. read more

Excellence in all aspects. We really enjoyed our time there. They were able to get us a reservation last minute too so it was really nice.

One of the best restaurant I have been to. I would recommend this place for special nights or regular dinner. Service: The hosts were extremely nice and welcome. She would move the tables and chairs for you to sit. Our server was the BEST. When we ordered the chicken liver mousse and ran out of bread, he brought us more. He also took extensive time to explain the meals cuz none of us is very familiar with French food. He would explain how the food is cooked and what ingredients are inside. Food: we ordered the chicken liver mousse for appetizer which was superb. We also ordered hanger steak, braised pork shoulder, half chicken, snapper (forgot the name for this one). All of them are DELICIOUS. The couscous that came with the fish was amazing. The eggplant that came with half chicken was also good. Pork shoulder came with interesting sauce to complement with the pork should and with pear which is interesting and delicious. Overall, I felt that we could order anything and be satisfied. Other things to know: free valet parking, changing menus, book in advance for seats. I believe bar is open for walk ins. read more

Chez Fonfon - Half chicken - French Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

We are so lucky to have Frank in Birmingham - as Chez Fonfon always reminds me. Nothing arrives on your plate by accident - every element is part of a symphony orchestrated to elevate your experience and appreciation for simple foods prepared with honor. Eat slowly, close your eyes, yes! And by all means, have a slice of cake for dessert! Such a classic - great service - a little loud - but there for celebrating you! read more

Today was about my third time dining at Chez Fonfon. I've had nothing less than an excellent experience each time! Hard to get dinner reservations here, which is perfectly understandable. Not many places to dine that offer excellent quality, good food, great service, an on top ambiance and atmosphere consistently with each dining experience. Dined at lunch time today. Sat at the bar until my table reservation time. Sipped on very tasty cherry coke on the rocks (lol!), that was "the best I've ever had!" Ordered the lobster and shrimp BLT, of course everything I've ever eaten here has been superb tasting. Yet, as I stated to the waitress, I must admit "that BLT was also the best BLT I've ever had"! read more

See all

Try: Pork Schnitzel and Mussels. Why: The Pork Schnitzel (Tuesday special) had a delicious pommery mustard sauce on top with potatoes and arugula salad on the side. There were two large pieces of pork cooked in golden brown bread crumbs. The Mussels were wonderful and the petite size was actually large enough for an entree. The sauce was a mix of curry and white wine, which was fantastic. We ended up dipping our bread and fries in the sauce after finishing the mussels! Notes: We arrived at 11:15am on a Tuesday and were seated right away. By 11:45am the restaurant was packed and there was a wait! We sat at the front round table and it was a bit tight and on a slight slant. The basket of bread had two types of bread and they were really good with the butter. The service was top-notch. Lastly, I'm not a fan of escargot but my brother loved it and it's one of his favorite dishes here. read more

See all

Countless reviews will document the food. But the restaurant aims for quality and attention to detail in other ways! - hand dried cutlery (notice no water stains) - immaculate restrooms Respect for COVID among patrons. Glad we came! read more

Chez Fonfon - No water stains on cutlery! Attention to detail! - French Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

See all

The atmosphere and service were excellent. We had a lot of questions about the menu, and our server was very knowledgeable and patient. The special starter of the evening was one of my favorite dishes - I hope they add it to the menu (avocado and crab toast *chef's kiss*). The pork shoulder was incredibly tender and the flavor was perfect. The basque cake is as great as everyone says it is - not too sweet, and baked to perfection! Would highly recommend for a nice evening out, but make sure you make a reservation a few weeks ahead of time! Not a place you can just pop into. read more

See all

This is such a great spot! My fiancé and I came here for my birthday. We originally had a patio reservation, but since it was raining we couldn't sit out there! They quickly put together a table for us to get us seated. The service was incredible all night. I got a couple of French 75s (which I loved)! To start we got the bread, olives, and escargot. For dinner, my fiancé got the snapper and I got the mussels. On the side we had the fries, cucumber salad, and spinach. We also got a chocolate caramel nut tart to wrap up dinner! Everything we had was great- but I would say you HAVE to get the escargots and the mussels. Those dishes were next level! read more

See all

It's Tuesday afternoon December 2021. About 2pm We were feeling a little hungry Without a reservation we wondered in to Chez Fon Fon After waiting for 45 minutes we took a seat at the bar .. disappointed the bar staff not engaging with the clientele. So we asked to sit in the beautiful rear garden/patio. It's so relaxing and tranquil Lunch/dinner was good but really it's just California fresh. And $4 for a miniature baguette is just wrong. Lastly our server Vasma was excellent It's clear Birmingham definitely needs more options we spent $280 Overpriced and poor service !!! read more

Chez Fonfon - The rear patio/garden - French Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

[Out-of-towner Review] The most magical solo diner experience EVER! The FOOD is amazing and I'll get to it, but I want to address something that really made them stand out first -- service for ONE! Many people encourage me to sit at the bar or give me a small table if one is available. And I was lucky I showed up later in the evening to Chez Fonfon because they actually had a table for a walk-in. They never once looked at the bar to insinuate I sit there, they asked for a few minutes to set up a table, without hesitation. That means a lot to someone who dines solo, a lot. I can't tell you the feeling I had in my heart when I was walked to a table set for one, facing the open room with the tableware centered on one side of the table. Not awkwardly to one side of the four top, but centered and ready for me to enjoy my meal. Which is exactly how this story goes. If I happen to see Steak Frites on a menu, I'm getting it 99 out of 100 times. I don't even know what the 1 outlier menu item would be, but I'm sure there is that small of a chance ;) I ordered the Bee's Knees with Hendricks -- gin, lemon, and honey! It was delicious, light, and refreshing. I wanted to order an appetizer, but it was just me and I wasn't extremely hungry. So, although the chicken liver mousse was calling my name, it has to wait until my next visit. I then ordered the Steak Frites, but it has a much fancier and longer name on their menu. I've been embracing eating my steak medium, but it's still such a gamble. I find medium well usually comes too well, but on the off chance medium comes up to rare, I get skittish. I decided to dare it and ordered it medium! This plate was delicious and I wasn't even really hungry, but I ate it all! I was happy to see some salad on the plate too, which was a nice touch. Their fries are salty, small, and crunchy -- perfect if you ask me. I didn't even need to ask them to be well done, they came out exactly as I would have dreamed them. They even preemptively brought out aioli and ketchup, but they were good as is. The salad was simple, with greens and dressing. I enjoyed it through bites of steak and fries. The steak was delicious, but cooked medium rare in a couple pieces, but like I said I'm trying to acclimate. The pepper butter was a little strong, so I didn't use as much. I wish the steak was a little warmer when plated and not so rare, but I ate it up! I did mention the rareness to the hostess, not to complain, but to educate myself on how I should continue to order my steak. She is the one who said this was more medium rare than a medium order. No harm, no foul! Yelps first pic for this resturant is of cake, so I knew I had to try a dessert. Nothing sounded extraordinary, but I finally decided on the Basque Cake. And holy hell, am I glad I did. This thing is perfection. I don't think I've ever heard of a Basque Cake, but I'll be orering it from here on out. The crunchy exterior and warm, buttery inside of the cake was texture heaven. The light falvor of the earl grey tea ice cream was such a compliment, and the berry compote was a bonus. I abosltely loved this and ate it all up, again without being super hungry HAHA Overall, this was a great expereince I wasn't expecting. Yelp does not do Birmingham justice. I learned this on my most recent trip. So for now, I'll be using local suggestions instead of my usual Yelping antics. You never forget your first Basque Cake, EVER... read more

The food is great. The ambience is cool, upscale but laid back and the servers are attentive but not stuffy and do a great job. Our server today was Nathan. He did a great job. Trust me. Try Chez Fonfon. You can thank me later. read more

See all

This is my time here and it is Magnificent!!!!! Ask for Angel to serve you. They have the best red snapper dish. And the hamburger is second to none. If you are in the Birmingham area you must try this restaurant. It is nestled in the heart of 5 Points South. read more

See all

My absolute favorite spot in Birmingham! The Burger FonFon has a well-earned reputation as the best burger in Bama- you can't go wrong here. Also order the charcuterie board, the trout amandine, and NEVER leave without an Orange Thing and a slice of Dol's coconut cake! Absolute perfection in a gorgeous setting with a beautiful crowd of people. read more

Chez Fonfon - Burger FonFon and Trout Amandine! - French Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Order a gimlet, a burger and a slice of the coconut cake. Simplicity perfected, my friends. read more

Chez Fonfon - French Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

The mussels are amazing!!! I couldn't get enough of them! I do recommend getting them with a side of the bread instead of fries so you can soak up all the amazing broth! read more

The first time I dined at Chez Fonfon I did a mental double-take - was I in Birmingham, Alabama or had I somehow been magically transported to an exquisite cafe in Paris? It really is hard to tell ;-) Chez Fonfon is right next door to Highlands Bar and Grille, its legendary and amazing parent restaurant. While they serve the same excellent cuisine in both venues, the atmosphere and ambiance at Chez Fonfon is less formal and a lot more laid back. Tip: Over and above the incredible cuisine, the service here is second-to-none! Note: Thus far, I've found the burger they serve at Chez Fonfon to be the best in Birmingham :-) read more

See all

This is a go to lunch date spot. Service is always great, and they've had the same staff for a bit which feels like a good sign of management, they're knowledgeable and make excellent recommendations, and of course the food is always spectacular. Get there, boo! read more

Wonderful environment, excellent staff, prices are good and the food is excellent this eatery has a relaxed classy upscale air.

Absolutely lived up to it's reputation. Our group, respectively, had the trout with the almonds (and she has been talking about it being a top meal since), and two of us had the mussels in the light curry sauce (so buttery and mild and amazing. They come with perfectly seasoned frites that you can use to enjoy the extra sauce). The salmon appetizer was so simple and so satisfying. And we also had the chicken pate. Also rich and delicious. To top it off, our waiter was AMAZING. You know how you have those incredible meals that are made even more perfect because of the service. Well this was one! He also shared a pro tip if you're having trouble getting in. Their lunch and dinner menu are the same. And they don't close in between. So if you are dying to try it and go around 4:00 you can likely get a chance to experience it. I will absolutely be back! Thank you Chez Fonfon! read more

Chez Fonfon - Mussels - French Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

I mean...who offers such a delightful lunch???? Chez Fon does! Server Nathan was wonderful. Give him a bonus! Highly recommend The Blood Orange Marg! read more

Chez Fonfon - French Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

See all

Excellent food, service, and ambience. Very tasteful; very French. Not pet friendly, but for some that's a plus.

This is the best restaurant in Birmingham, hands down. Best burger I've ever had. Basque cake is incredible. Succulent flavors, atmosphere, and service. Prices are fair too. Have to go here. read more

Food and service were excellent. Almost everyone at our table had the Thursday crab cake special and thought it was wonderful.

Service is great. Food is great. The space is quaint and special. Always a great experience. Care team is ALWAYS very knowledgeable about dishes. read more

Chez Fonfon - Venison Dish - French Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

This was a job well done by the staff and Chef. The steak was cooked to perfection and the sides were very complimentary Hanger Steak Salad read more

Chez Fonfon - The steak was remarkable the balsamic salad was a great match with the chips - French Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Oh the food! I ordered black grouper that came with couscous and the waiter heard me say I avoid gluten so he had the kitchen replace the couscous with haricots verts (green beans) and roasted potatoes. So fantastic!! I didn't even realize couscous was a gluten product! But the best part of the meal was the taste! The topping on the fish was phenomenal! Yummm!! Great spot with valet parking! Thanks to Michael our server. Will be back!! read more

Great Food Great Service I recommend sitting at the bar for an enjoyable evening...table service is great as well...just more serious read more

Great service and great food. We did not have a reservation, but they were still able to get us in. It was a nice day date with my wife. read more

Chez Fonfon - Croque Madame - French Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

See all

The king salmon and poulet rouge dishes were incredible! Full of flavor! Small portions though. The "orange thing" drink was fresh and tasty. read more

It's Chez Fonfon. You already know the food, service, and ambiance are going to be top notch. What you might not know, however, is that Chris is THE best mixologist in Birmingham. I highly recommend asking him to mix any drink involving Frangelico and/or espresso. read more

I absolutely love this restaurant! My favorite guilty pleasure is to get a salad with French fries - the servers never look askance at me when I ask for it, and the food is always top notch. It's a little tight - definitely a bistro, so not meant for a long meal - but comfortable and has a very fun, cosmopolitan vibe. read more

Chez Fonfon as with all the Stitt Restaurants, always delivers in the best of culinary delights! Four of us gathered on this Special Occasion at Chez Fonfon for another Devine Experience. The Fresh Catch, Halibut was delightfully tender and delicious. We shared many appetizers, Starting off with the best Escargot I ever eaten. So Rich! The Beef Tar Tar and Country Pâté was spectacular again, as usual. We did try a,couple of new things; The Chicken Liver Moose Pâté as with all the other items paired with an exquisite bottle French Bordeaux was deliciously self indulgent. I give very few 5 stars mainly because of this dynasty of very these special restaurants. This is truly something everyone should do for a special occasion at some point in their life. I know that Highlands received the most outstanding restaurant in America in 2018 The James Beard Award (next door) but when when you see and speak with Frank Stitt waking between these restaurants you know your meal will be the best. We finished with Fresh Made Lemon Tart & Raspberry Trifle and Coffee. What a superb Evening. With all this best of everything this meal was also reasonable priced. Compared to so many restaurants that charge as much and more but it's understood in this small part of the world that the Stitt Dynasty Restaurant's is the Gold Standard that all others can only wish and hope to be. Frank and his wife Pardis are so personable, welcoming and very thankful for your business and treat you like family. This full 5-star Package It's why I've been eating at these locations now from some 25 years. And will continue! read more

Vey relaxing. The food was wonderful. Had the trout almandine. , burger And coconut cake for dessert. The staff was over the top with everything. We had great menu suggestions and cocktail were wonderful. read more

Chez Fonfon - The wonderful burger made in house.. - French Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

See all

Chez FonFon is a Frank Stith restaurant. What's not to like about a gourmet French restaurant with French decor, menu, and service. Even the building itself looks French. Everything is delicious with a European flair. Watch for the crab cake special. And the salade nicoise is perfection. They always have in house pastries, desserts, the most delicious butter in town, soups with stratospheric flavor, and condiments that top the dishes off with flavor bursts only Frank Stith could produce. Try Chez FonFon. It doesn't disappoint. read more

Best burger in Birmingham. Seriously. It's my favorite sad day meal. Because you can't be sad eating their burger. I don't like cheese on my burger. This burger with its cheese is PERFECT. read more

Chez Fonfon - Hamburger FonFon - French Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Loved dining here! The burger and the steak frites were so good. The coconut cake was not as good as I remember it (was a bit dry), but that could be because they are not making as many due to Covid. They have set up the back patio with heaters and it's a beautiful and ambient atmosphere. Overall we felt very safe and happy dining here. read more

See all

chez fonfon has got to be one of the most elegant restaurants in the Birmingham area where you get treated with knowledgeable staff. They have great service and food. It is an exceptional restaurant that has a menu that will blow your palette away. I highly recommend this restaurant! read more

This restaurant is amazing. The food and service were impeccable. Angel was a big help with the menu and wines :) I can't wait to go back. read more

Chez Fonfon - French Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

I came here with some friends to try the infamous burger. Normally, I don't pay too much attention to the atmosphere of a place, unless it is especially poor or exceptional, but I will mention we sat outside in the back of the restaurant, and it was a nice place. The burger was very good. Fresh ingredients, a solid and tasty patty, and a decent size. The best burger in Birmingham? I don't know about that, but it was still good for a restaurant with a fancy French name. I also tried the coconut pie. I'd definitely recommend getting this too. Light and fluffy texture with a rich, creamy sweetness. The combination of the burger and the pie made for a satisfied stomach. read more