There’s something about springtime that stirs my ever-present desire to travel—but you don’t have to go far to get a taste of Paris. In fact, you don’t even have to leave Birmingham! La Fête (translated “a party!) is a delightful French bistro and bar nestled on Morris Avenue, a quaint cobblestone street in downtown Birmingham. As someone who has visited Paris, I can attest: It’s the real deal. I recently visited to see what it was like, and as I strolled arm-in-arm up the cobblestone street, I felt as if I was being transported to the City of Love itself. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s one of my favorite restaurants in Birmingham. Here’s what I found:
Service That Feels Like Home
Once the warmer weather hits, the charming outdoor patio will be a dreamy spot to sit and savor the French-inspired cuisine, with string lights, hanging flowers, and black-and-white rattan chairs. The inside is cozy and intimate: Dark floral wallpaper covers the walls, glowing golden globe lamps hang down, casting a warm glow on the room, and forest-green built-ins filled with wine bottles create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The bar is lined with high-rise bar chairs and displays their wide selection. Even the plates are darling, many boasting little floral patterns.
Chef and owner Kristen Hall describes her vision of La Fête as a “neighborhood French bistro” filled with frequent regulars. The ambience didn’t happen by happenstance: Hall designed the space from scratch when it opened in 2022, purposely cultivating a warm, inviting environment.
There’s a reason this French bistro was nominated Michelin’s Bib Gourmand in 2025 and is a semi-finalist for the James Beard award—and it’s not just the food, though Hall was nominated for Best Chef in the South this year. It’s the whole experience. While acknowledging the awards, Hall shares with me that her goal is to offer her patrons the “feeling of Paris in Birmingham.” The servers are intentional, knowledgeable, and kind—the perfect blend of high-quality service without the typical “hovering” pressure of refilling your water every time you sip. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday for dinner, as well as brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
A Love Letter to French Cuisine
As one of the servers, Jack, likes to say, “The menu is your playground.” It can take you wherever you want to go, and trust me—it’ll be a fun ride. Start off with one of their many fabulous appetizers. They’re well-known for their Potato Pave, hypercompressed potatoes put through a mandoline, sliced a couple of millimeters thick, laminated with cream and butter between each layer, stacked in a hotel pan, and layered into thick, crunchy squares. Dip them in the tangy sauce they come with or pull them apart to taste each layer. Of course, as a carboholic, their Brioche bread service was an unquestionable choice—however, I was stunned by the sweet, creamy Normandy butter, the folded-in honey enhancing the flavor. If you’re wanting that “fancy French” experience, they also serve steak tartare and escargot, alongside a plethora of other French items.
If you’re looking to drink, their menu boasts of classic reds, whites, and sparkling wines, as well as house cocktails like Espresso Martinis, their signature La Fête (think “limoncello”), Kissing on the Cobblestone (think “raspberry cordial”), and more. They also offer a premium sommelier selection as well.
Elevated Classics with a Modern Twist
As for entrées, La Féte has a wide variety of French cuisine, from seafood to roasted chicken to steak. “I designed the menu to use interesting ingredients, but the goal is to make you feel comfortable, but [still make it] French inspired,” Hall explains. She strives to “take something classic and present it in a way you’ve never had before.” The dishes are designed to take you back to core, nostalgic memories, while simultaneously bringing a new, unique twist to the dish that’ll have you coming back for more.
Personally, I think the Steak Frites are stellar: The steak is a Filet Mignon, with a crisp outside and tender, juicy inside. Skinny frites come on the side, alongside a simple, refreshing lemon vinaigrette salad. As for seafood, their Crab Cake possesses a unique combination of sweet and savory. It’s chunked large, making the cake meaty, but it’s balanced by the breaded outside and a heightened sense of umami inside that adds sweetness. The crab cake is bedded on green beans, giving it a good crunch, which works well with the herb salad garnish on top to contrast the tenderness of the cake.
Dessert Worth Dreaming About
Now for the best part: dessert! The Chocolate Custard is a decadent, rich mousse—everything you could want and more. It’s silky smooth, with strong dark chocolate notes and topped with a light, airy chantilly cream on top that offers a nice relief. The mousse is deep and dreamy, and had me dreaming of Paris as I gazed out the window onto the cobblestone street. If you’re looking for a more vibrant flavor, the Lemon Meringue Tart is just the thing: It’s sweet, potent, and tangy. When you take a bite, the initial burst of lemon refines itself into a buttery, tangy mess of meringue and tart shell, and it’s delectable. Not to mention the gold flecks scattered atop.
Why You’ll Be Back
Needless to say, you walk out of La Fête with both stomach and heart full. Yes, the food is amazing, but even more so, you walk away feeling cared for by the staff. They make an effort to welcome you, and it shows. Moreover, the entire cozy ambience opens the door for meaningful conversation. So whether you’re looking for a date night, an elevated family outing, or a girls’ night out, La Fête is the perfect piece of Paris brought practically to your doorstep.
The seating is limited, so be sure to book your reservation in advance. To peruse the menu or find more information about La Fête, visit their website lafetebham.com. You can also call (205) 703-3012 or swing by 2018 Morris Avenue to check it out for yourself.
