This Downtown Birmingham Bistro Nails the Art of French Brunch
Morris Avenue in downtown Birmingham, with its historic brick buildings and cobblestones, feels tailor-made for a French bistro. At La Fête, chef and owner Kristen Hall leans into that setting, serving laminated croissants and classic French dishes with subtle Southern touches.
What to order
- Get the croissant croque forestier ($18), with crispy, butter-filled layers, oozing with roasted mushrooms, Gruyere, and bechamel sauce, and topped with a sunny-side-up egg. The filling is umami-rich, and a bright side salad keeps the richness in check.
- The potato pavé ($12) has precise golden layers that are crisp on the outside, soft within, and served with whipped ranch for spreading. The caviar add-on is worth the additional $12. A glass of cremant de Savoie sparkling wine makes a natural pairing.
- The Kissing on the Cobblestone cocktail ($14) is refreshing and complex in its simplicity, with a homemade raspberry cordial and Normandie pear cider. The blood orange paloma ($14) is another balanced brunch option.
The vibe
Blue-and-white Parisian bistro chairs line the patio, while a black-and-white tiled floor leads into a dining room wrapped in pink floral wallpaper and maps of French cities hung like jewelry. People of all ages put on their Sunday best: flowy dresses, chic sweaters, and one sporting a vintage walking cane with a golden eagle head. You can see chef Hall from the open kitchen window, laser-focused at the pass, looking up only to smile and wave at regulars.
Insider tip
Bring a date here for dinner and order the fish en papillote. To get extra cozy, sit at the bar by the window.
