A beloved Alabama restaurant that has been open for more than 30 years has been named a finalist for the 2026 James Beard Awards.
Bottega in Birmingham is a nominee in the category of Outstanding Hospitality for the 2026 James Beard Awards, The James Beard Foundation announced today. Nominees in this category “fosters a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff that serves as a beacon for the community and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations,” according to a press release.
Bottega opened in 1988 and offers Southern-Italian fare by four-time James Beard Award nominee Chef Frank Stitt. It received a Michelin Outstanding Service Award, one of four special awards bestowed by Michelin, this year in addition to being named of the “20 Friendliest Places In The South” by Southern Living.
The restaurant was announced as a semifinalist for the awards, which are one of the food and beverage world’s most prestigious honors, in January. Six Alabama chefs were also named semi-finalists in several additional categories for the 2026 awards, but did not move on to be finalists. The chefs were:
- Rob McDaniel of Bayonet in Birmingham for Outstanding Chef
- Kristen Hall of La Fête in Birmingham for Best Chef (South)
- Geri-Martha O’Hara and Ryan O’Hara of Pizza Grace in Birmingham for Best Chef (South)
- Jim Smith of The Hummingbird Way in Mobile for Best Chef (South)
- Eric Bennett of Continental Drift in Birmingham for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
The James Beard Awards recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, sustainability, and creating a culture where all can thrive, according to the James Beard Foundation’s website. The Restaurant and Chef Awards, established in 1990, celebrate excellence across all types of dining experiences, from fine dining to casual establishments, and are one of several recognition programs of the Awards…