Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Giuseppe's Cafe

    4.5 (361 reviews)
    ModeratePizza, Italian, Salad
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:30 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Giuseppe's Cafe Photos

    GIUSEPPE'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Giuseppe's Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Lasagna
    Timothy B.

    Where else to take the in-laws when in town? Giuseppe's has been my go to for nearly twenty years. As a single college guy and into my twenties and now nearing my fortieth birthday it is still a great family owned Italian joint, a lot of character, and incredible staff - many of whom I have known this whole time! Thank you Giuseppe's! Try my usual : the Lasagna but start with a Caesar salad with extra cheese

    Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta
    Peyton L.

    This little Italian pizza spot is an absolute gem. It's tiny and we did have to wait a while, but it was so worth it!!! I ordered the Alfredo and it was honestly the best I've ever had in my life--rich, creamy, and full of flavor. We also got the cheesy bread as an appetizer and it was phenomenal. I would recommend this place to anyone in Birmingham. Totally worth the wait, and i'm still craving that Alfredo everyday.

    My friend, Larry enjoying the pizza we ate at Giuseppe's.
    Karen R H.

    This was my first visit to Giuseppe's Cafe. I was totally impressed. We had the large all meat pizza. I could tell the gravy (sauce) was homemade. I do a fair amount of Italian cooking myself, and can tell the difference between homemade gravy/sauce, and that fro a can or jar. I will be going back soon. The service was fantastic! The ambience reminds me of my favorite Italian restaurant in NYC.

    Maja R.

    Best chicken Alfredo I have ever had. Highly recommend this place. The place is small inside so it's definitely a cute little vulnerable vibe.

    Baked Ziti Pasta

    The baked feta was amazing! We also tried the house salad, the baked ziti, and lasagna. All was great with excellent service! Would recommend a reservation.

    Meatball sandwich
    Tyler T.

    This place is a staple of the Glen Iris neighborhood! It is a small space, so make sure you get there early on busy nights (Friday and Saturday). The service was great and the food came quickly. We both really enjoyed our meals and will definitely be back!

    Chicken Marsala Pasta
    Soumya K.

    unassuming little italian cafe that is so impressively good! came for a birthday dinner on a monday night and it was packed which is such a good sign. the food was delicious, i got the chicken marsala which was creamy and indulgent! the breaksticks as the appetizer were the only downfall of the meal but everyone else's food was also incredible! also, hands down some of the best service in birmingham! our waitress was so kind and gave our birthday girl dessert and made her feel so special:) highly recommend

    Cheesecake
    Madison E.

    It's been around since 2002 so they must be doing something right! Giuseppe's is the Italian name for Joseph and their website says the owners name is Joe, so I can only assume that's where the name came from. We loved dining here. When you're looking for "a place where the locals go," this would definitely fit the bill. The inside is small and cozy, which leads me to suggesting getting a reservation. We went on a Wednesday night at 5pm and it was packed. I didn't think we'd need a reservation but I'm glad I called earlier in the day and got one. Parking was not ideal but not horrendous. It's somewhat of a triangle shaped building and there's parking on the perimeter of it (notice in video) and some spots across the street. A smaller car would have no problem but we were in my husband's (obnoxiously large) truck. We started with a sauv blanc and a miller lite. ($10 & $4) I am a processo/brut girlie through and through but that wasn't on the menu. I got sauv blanc bc that's what Tswift drinks so what could go wrong. I had ONE glass and I had cotton mouth and a touch of a headache the next morning. But it was delicious. I digress... We got baked feta as an app and loved it. Perfectly creamy but tangy. The crostinis were crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside. (9) David got chicken florentine and loved. Chicken spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes in the homemade Alfredo over fettuccine. This was very creamy and tasted homemade. (17) I got the special of mahi mahi over pasta. So good and light. Mine was much more lemon-y than David's. The capers really set it over the top. I will say the fish was a tad fishy. But nothing unbearable. (Unsure of price - but I'd assume under 20) We don't opt for dessert much but at Italian places it's almost mandatory. The cheesecake had a creamy vanilla layer on top. It was perfectly fluffy and would definitely recommend. Giuseppe's, we will be back!

    Sophia R.

    This was the best choice EVER!!! I ordered a chicken pesto pizza with artichoke and green olives but accidentally got the pasta instead. They comped me the pasta and STILL made me the Pizza. THAT WAS THE BEST PESTO CHICKEN PASTA I HAVE EVER TASTED IN MY LIFE! And I'm from California, we have good pasta. The ambience was so chill and felt like I was sitting in Nona's kitchen. The staff were the sweetest and the food came out quick too! If I'm ever back in Alabama, def coming here again!

    Italian Stallion

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 hours ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    25 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 days ago

    Simply delicious food experience if you're able to park. Seems everyone in our dinner party enjoyed the food experience!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 days ago

    Food and service were excellent! The spaghetti and garlic bread were fresh and delish!! Can't wait to go back!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of N K.
    0
    2
    0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bob M.
    560
    26
    11

    5 months ago

    Great place, good food and good service. Highly reccomend for anyone looking for a quick bite to eat.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of April B.
    6
    131
    152

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    This restaurant has authentic Italian food. We love eating in this local noon chain restaurant.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Great food and service. Lovely small cafe! We went with a group and it wasn't a problem we all sat together and had our phone quickly!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    It's been a long time since we've had it so I hope it's as good as I remember. Because it was pretty darn good. Pasta +++

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Food was amazing! Found this place near a work meeting and will be back. Cozy atmosphere and food was authentic.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    The pasta is the BEST anywhere around!!! The Mahi Pasta in particular. The portions are generous. The service is specialized!!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of W H.
    1
    35
    0

    6 months ago

    This great place is our go to when we come to Birmingham to see doctors. The food, service and staff are always superb.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 2
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim B.
    0
    13
    0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Gwenn A.
    8
    156
    20

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 10

    Ask the Community - Giuseppe's Cafe

    Is wine available here?

    Yes. Really good selection.

    Do we need a reservation?

    No, but it is a small venue and during peak hours you may have to wait. But, well worth the wait!!!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Trattoria Zaza

    Trattoria Zaza

    4.5
    (500 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    I stopped by Trattoria ZaZa for brunch on Sunday after church, and overall, I had a really…read moreenjoyable experience. There was a bit of a wait before my order was taken, but honestly, it worked out in my favor because it gave me plenty of time to look over the menu. There were so many tempting options that it was honestly hard to decide! I ultimately chose three items and enjoyed a few bites of each. Ham & Fontina Scone: This was my first time trying a scone, and I was pleasantly surprised. The texture reminded me of a dry biscuit, but the ham added a delicious savory flavor that I really enjoyed. Frittata Plate: The frittata was SO good! It wasn't too dry, and all of the flavors worked really well together. It was served with polenta, which reminded me of really fine grits, along with fruit. After trying it, I realized that one entrée would definitely be enough for me to enjoy on its own. Breakfast 'ZA: This was essentially a breakfast pizza topped with a fried egg, and the egg was such a nice touch. The 'ZA itself was really good, although I think adding something similar to a gravy or sauce would make it a little less dry. Even without it, though, the fried egg really took it to another level. Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso: I decided to try the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, which was the barista's pick. This was my first time having a shaken espresso, and I'm so glad I gave it a try! It was refreshing and perfect for a hot day. The inside of Trattoria ZaZa is nice, although it is somewhat small, so I opted to sit outside. It was a very warm day, but the awning provided plenty of shade and made the outdoor seating comfortable. I also appreciated that, even though the restaurant doesn't have traditional table service, someone periodically checked on me to make sure I didn't need anything else. Overall, I had a great brunch experience at Trattoria ZaZa. There were plenty of menu options, the food was flavorful, and I really enjoyed trying a few things that were new to me. I'd definitely be open to coming back and trying more of the menu!

    We came for dinner before a show down the street at the Lyric. First time here. She had the baked…read moremacaroni and cheese with vegetables added and absolutely loved it. I had the daily special, which was a broken lasagna. Also very, very good. Mixed greens on the side rounded out our table. The pizza looked very good and reminded us of pizza in a shop we love in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. It's walk up service, no ordering from your table, which was fine. The menu has a nice variety. The store is a downtown casual vibe. We probably should've opted for outdoor seating, because the evening was so nice.

    Photos
    Inside wait in line to order then pick your own seat inside or out
    Inside wait in line to order then pick your own seat inside or out
    Baked Feta
    Baked Feta
    Inside wait in line to order then pick your own seat

    See all

    Inside wait in line to order then pick your own seat
    Tasty Town

    Tasty Town

    4.5
    (366 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    This review is specifically for the catered/box lunches we recently enjoyed from Tasty Town…read more Each lunch was boxed separately and included the silverware packet. That's a huge plus; the number of times I've seen referees having to pass on the side because they didn't have utensils! The entree was a chicken pita. It did have a few fresh onions, but I enjoyed them since I didn't have to be the one dragon breathing around the field all day. We did have a choice of roasted potatoes or basmati rice. The potatoes went much quicker than the rice; I had the potatoes and they were fantastic. There was also a tray of chocolate chip cookies provided. I don't think they were frash made; they looked similar to other restaurants generic chocolate chip cookies. They were a nice addition to the lunch, though. They also provided sweet and unsweet tea in gallon jugs.

    Recently had Tasty Town as a catered lunch for a sporting event…read more Our lunch was a chicken pita (wrapped like taco of sorts) and I got roasted potatoes as my side. They also brought a large side box of chocolate chip cookies that were individually wrapped. Everyone loved the wraps, though the fresh onions were a little rough on some of us. Others took heed and removed a couple so their afternoon running up and down the field wasn't filled with regret. The potatoes were a hit; wish I could get them again.

    Photos
    House-made, fire-baked pita
    House-made, fire-baked pita
    Tasty Town Martini
    Tasty Town Martini
    Drink Menu

    See all

    Drink Menu
    The Essential

    The Essential

    4.4
    (512 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    The Essential was such an unexpected find during our trip through Alabama. We weren't expecting to…read morestumble across such an elegant restaurant serving truly elevated food, but it ended up being one of our favorite meals. I ordered the seafood pasta, and you could immediately tell the pasta was homemade. It was fresh, perfectly cooked, and the seafood was beautifully prepared. My daughter had the spaghetti, and my husband ordered the Waldorf salad, which was just as thoughtfully put together. Our waitress also recommended the hummus and house pickles, and I'm so glad we listened. Both were fresh, unique, and the perfect way to start the meal. From the food to the service, everything felt polished without being pretentious. It was one of those meals where every dish was executed with care and attention to detail. Overall, The Essential was such a pleasant surprise and proof that you can find five star dining experiences in the most unexpected places. If you're anywhere near Birmingham, this place is absolutely worth the stop.

    Really cool place with a quaint atmosphere and great service. My wife and I split the chicken…read moresandwich, grits and a hash brown. All were really good. We got the sauce on the side for the sandwich just in case, but it was really good. Definitely a place I want to revisit. Saw the smash looking burger and pancakes at tables and they both looked amazing!!

    Photos
    The Essential
    Pavlova
    Pavlova
    Sourdough bread with French butter.

    See all

    Sourdough bread with French butter.
    Paramount - Downtown Birmingham

    Paramount - Downtown Birmingham

    4.3
    (478 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    I'm back three years later to tell y'all ain't nothing changed! The service is still great! The…read moredrinks are always made with a smile. My new go to order is the honey chipotle, wings all flats! The fries are still great they haven't changed them.. love that! The did a refresh on the games in the back lobe that!

    I wanted to love this place SO BAD!! There's an attached arcade!!…read moreAnd the staff was SO NICE and friendly and helpful and I loved the industrial, creative decor. But we'd spent the day at McWane Center and we were starving so we were there to EAT! The food looked gorgeous but it tasted very meh. The onion rings had too much breading on them, which I didn't think was possible, but here we are. The part of the breading next to the onion was mushy so that threw off the texture of the whole thing too. The burger was very much like a Whataburger. Even the lettuce smelled the same. I got The Standard and the bun of the burger was a little mushy (similar to Whataburger) and there was not much meat. For an $11 burger, I'm expecting more than a Whataburger. My middle kid likes everything on her burger and isn't picky at all and the loaded kid burger looked impressive but it was about the same as mine. Not awful, but not very good either. Very close to the same amount of meat. She's the queen of the Clean Plate Club and she only ate half. The fries were good but a somewhat too salty, the dip that came with the onion rings was excellent and we ended up using it for the fries. We had 2 adults and 3 kids and our meal was $63 before tip for 5 waters, 2 adult burgers, 2 kid burgers, a kid grilled cheese, and a basket of fries and onion rings (I thought I was ordering a "side" of fries, not realizing I actually ordered a basket and it was a lot of fries and onion rings). We don't mind spending money on good food, but the prices here don't align with what you get. No one was more disappointed than me, I've been wanting to eat here for FOREVER!!!

    Photos
    Beer is pictured
    Beer is pictured
    I rarely eat the impossible burger but it was so darn good!
    I rarely eat the impossible burger but it was so darn good!
    Paramount - Downtown Birmingham

    See all

    Giuseppe's Cafe - pizza - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...