Two Birmingham-area restaurants have earned a prestigious international honor for excellence in food, service, drinks, and atmosphere.
Café Dupont and Little Betty Receive DiRōNA Honors
Café Dupont in downtown Birmingham and Little Betty Steak Bar in Mountain Brook were named recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA) Award of Excellence.
The organization announced the honors in July 2026. The award recognizes restaurants across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
DiRōNA evaluates restaurants based on several parts of the dining experience. These include cuisine, beverages, hospitality, service, and ambiance.
The organization was established in 1990. Around 500 restaurants have earned the Award of Excellence since then.
Café Dupont Brings a Local Focus to Fine Dining
Café Dupont has served downtown Birmingham since 2004. Chef Chris Evans leads the restaurant, which emphasizes local ingredients, traditional cooking, and sustainable practices.
The restaurant has become a longtime destination for Birmingham diners. Its approach also reflects the principles of the slow food movement.
Evans said the team focuses on creating a memorable experience from the start of the meal through the final service.
The 2026 recognition adds Café Dupont to a select group of Alabama restaurants that have received the DiRōNA award.
Little Betty Adds to Birmingham’s Award-Winning Dining Scene
Little Betty Steak Bar is a newer addition to Birmingham’s fine dining scene. The Mountain Brook restaurant opened in January 2024 in the Lane Parke development.
Despite its relatively short history, Little Betty has continued to expand its presence. The restaurant recently added Sea Bar next door, giving diners another seafood-focused option.
The 2026 DiRōNA class also includes The Depot in Auburn. Three other Alabama restaurants have previously received the honor: Ocean Restaurant in Birmingham, Dumbwaiter Restaurant in Mobile, and Voyagers in Orange Beach.
For Birmingham diners, the recognition highlights the city’s growing reputation for destination-worthy restaurants. It also puts both Café Dupont and Little Betty among a select group of restaurants recognized for an exceptional overall dining experience.
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