2 Best Restaurants in Huntsville, Alabama

Chef James Boyce started his career at New York's famed Le Cirque, where he worked under Daniel Boulud, one of the world's best-known chefs. Boyce has been featured on the Today show and other national programs. Upscale comfort food describes the menu—catfish arrives grilled rather than the usual fried and the buttermilk-fried chicken comes with Dijon-seasoned collards. Southern Street Tacos feature fried okra, green tomato chimichurri, and pickled jalapenos. Sunny windows brighten the minimalist but cozy setting.

A taste of the islands in landlocked Huntsville is served in this café where the food is as colorful as the sunny decor. Bright-orange mangoes liven up chicken, and star in salads. Braised oxtail is akin to homey beef stew. Meatless "meatloaf" and curry "chicken" are among many vegetarian options. Lighter selections include the seafood served escovitch style (marinated in a pickling sauce and then fried).