Galley & Garden
An elegant, historic home offering farm-to-table American fine dining with Southern and French influences, perfect for special occasions.
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Galley & Garden
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An elegant, historic home offering farm-to-table American fine dining with Southern and French influences, perfect for special occasions.
"A lovely quaint place with great food and fantastic ambience. The cellar is a must-visit!"
Reservations Recommended
Secure your table in advance, especially for special occasions or peak times, to ensure a seamless dining experience.
Ask for Bread
Complimentary bread is available, but you may need to request it from your server.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Modern American-French
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elegant Farm-to-Table Dining
Experience American-French cuisine with Southern influences in a beautifully restored historic home. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are a highlight.
Unique & Romantic Atmosphere
Dine in intimate rooms of a historic 1908 home, featuring a wine cellar and a charming patio perfect for special occasions.
Exceptional Brunch Experience
Enjoy creative brunch dishes like the Alabama Duroc Pork Scramble and Smoked Salmon Benedict, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
Secure your table in advance, especially for special occasions or peak times, to ensure a seamless dining experience.
Ask for Bread
Complimentary bread is available, but you may need to request it from your server.
Waiter Recommendations
Don't hesitate to ask your waiter for dish suggestions, such as the bone-in coq au vin or sweet potato soup.
Valet Parking
Complimentary valet parking is available and recommended due to limited on-site parking.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
Secure your table in advance, especially for special occasions or peak times, to ensure a seamless dining experience.
Ask for Bread
Complimentary bread is available, but you may need to request it from your server.
Waiter Recommendations
Don't hesitate to ask your waiter for dish suggestions, such as the bone-in coq au vin or sweet potato soup.
Valet Parking
Complimentary valet parking is available and recommended due to limited on-site parking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Galley & Garden is celebrated for its exquisite farm-to-table American-French cuisine with Southern influences, set in a charming, historic home. Diners rave about the delicious food, romantic ambiance, and attentive service, particularly for special occasions. However, some guests have noted issues with slow service and understaffing during peak times, impacting the overall experience.
"Birthday celebration!!! We did have reservations. Love that they have complimentary valet and he was very kind, so we made sure to tip. It's always good when you can get together to talk, laugh and enjoy great food/drinks. Even though the birthday girl wasn't feeling 100, we still had a great time. Waiter and other staff are very helpful and friendly. What I originally wanted was no longer on the menu, so I tried bone in coq au vin recommended by the waiter and turned out to be very delicious. I didn’t care too much for dip, but the chicken and mash were very, very delicious. The crimson sunset was also very good if you like fruity drinks. Everyone else enjoyed their selections, which I sampled, but really didn't like the ribs too much. The salmon was good so may try it next time. Fyi they do have complimentary bread, but you have to ask for it. The decor of the restaurant was very nice as well."
S Allen
"My husband and I went for our anniversary dinner. We did have reservations and was seated at a good table with a view of the kitchen. Megan was our amazing server. She recommended a vegetarian meal for us, so even though the restaurant isn't a vegetarian restaurant. I ordered the sweet potato soup that had a slightly spicy flavored, and a walnut and portabello mushroom pate. Then we both ordered the same entrée, which was the lentil loaf with a veggie rice pilaf, and sautéed carrots. It was all amazing. The desserts made the evening. The chef was gracious enough to come out for us to thank her for thinking about providing vegan and vegetarian dishes. We plan on coming back to Birmingham just to return to the Galley & Garden."
Donna Feeney
"10/10. This is one of my family’s favorites. We come here for every special occasion. It never disappoints. I only snagged photos of the desserts we ordered, the bread pudding is always my personal favorite. I get the shrimp and grits as my entree and it is the best in BHAM!"
MaryCase Tanner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance to secure a table, especially for special occasions or during busy periods.
The restaurant specializes in modern American-French cuisine with Southern influences, focusing on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.
Yes, the chef is known for providing excellent vegan and vegetarian dishes, ensuring options are available for various dietary needs.
Complimentary valet parking is provided, which is very helpful given the restaurant's location and potential for limited parking.
While they can accommodate large parties, reviews suggest that staffing levels might be a concern during very busy times.
The restaurant is set in an elegant, historic home with intimate rooms, offering a warm, inviting, and romantic ambiance.
While not explicitly stated, given the fine dining nature and elegant atmosphere, smart casual attire is generally recommended.
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Once the historic Merritt House, the restaurant is warm and inviting, like stepping into a friend’s home. The food is fresh and innovative, and the menu changes along with the seasons, which is perfect since they support local farmers and vendors. With a separate menu for each meal of the day, including bar snacks and desserts, dining here is like stepping into a modern French countryside.
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Chef James Boyce’s vision of American-French cuisine influenced by the South comes through loud and clear in his brunch menu. From the Alabama Duroc Pork Scramble, which brings together slow-cooked, pulled pork shoulder, pepper jack cheese, braised collards, and potato and sausage hash, to the smoked salmon Benedict, you’ll find everything at Galley and Garden designed to give your senses a Sunday morning wake-up. Pair your morning eats with a classic Sazerac, or with a That’s the Spirit, a distant cousin of the Negroni, made with gin,, St. Germain, Aperol, and citrus flavors.
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Voted the top up-and-coming food city in 2016 by Zagat's followers, Birmingham is about much more than barbecue and fried pies – those sinful crescents filled with fruit and pan-fried for a crispy crust – these days. Although you can still enjoy some down-home cooking, you'll want to check out some of the city's top restaurants, including those of James Beard Award-winning chefs, Frank Stitt and Chris Hastings.
Looking for Top-Tier Drinking & Dining? Try Birmingham, Alabama
Nearby Huntsville restaurateur James Boyce’s first Birmingham eatery, Galley and Garden, is in a restored home built in 1908. His New American cuisine belies both Southern and European influences. In that vein, the braised short rib has roasted Provençal tomato, portobello mushroom, arugula and stone-ground grits, while black grouper from the Gulf comes with herb gnocchi, puttanesca sauce and a crab salad.
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Chef James Boyce and wife and partner, Suzan, invite you to Galley & Garden, Birmingham’s newest destination for modern American-French inspired cuisine with southern influences. Located in what was once the historic Merritt House on Highland Avenue, the restaurant underwent renovations in the summer of 2014, enhancing the grandeur of the original home. Today, both the cuisine and the atmosphere
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From Chef James Boyce and his wife and partner, Suzan, Garden & Galley is one of the most romantic spots in Birmingham. Located in a historic home off Highland Avenue, the modern American-French inspired menu serves up delectable dishes with a touch of Southern flair. It changes often depending on what’s in season and what is able to be locally sourced.
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Galley and Garden is the place if you’re looking for an Easter brunch spot that wows with delicious dishes and stunning surroundings. Nestled on Highland Avenue in the historic Merritt House, this beautifully restored gem offers just as much charm in its architecture and interiors as on the brunch menu. Make your reservation here.
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Stan’s Garden greets dinner guests with a colorful and aromatic welcome to the porch and the patio at Galley and Garden. The porch is covered, and the patio is uncovered with a fireplace to chase away the evening chill. Above the porch is a large balcony that overlooks the patio and opens to the private party rooms.
Best gluten free restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama in 2025
Galley & Garden is a location in Birmingham, AL, which serves gluten free food, while also selling traditional food. Gluten free food is marked on the main menu of the restaurant, but you should still let the staff know about your dietary needs so that proper safety measures are taken in preparing your meal.
20 Best Restaurants in Birmingham, AL for 2025 (Top Eats!)
2220 Highland Ave SBirmingham, AL 35205(205) 939-5551 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Set in Merritt House, Galley and Garden carved its spot in the thriving culinary scene of the Highland Avenue Historic District. It’s a swanky restaurant highlighting American fare.
National foodie publication lists best places to eat in Alabama
Located on Highland Avenue, this French-American inspired restaurant made a strong impression on Delish. The writer says Galley & Garden is regarded as “Birmingham’s most romantic restaurant.”. Delish specifically mentioned the restaurant’s Duroc pork chops.
Highest-rated Brunch Restaurants in Birmingham, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (135 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Contemporary- Price: $$$$- Address: 2220 Highland Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35205- Read more on Tripadvisor
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2220 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205Phone: 205-939-5551 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Galley & Garden (@galleyandgarden)
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