When guests come to visit in Birmingham, you absolutely must take them out to dinner. This might sound like a basic courtesy — hey, everyone’s gotta eat — but the city has an abundance of restaurants that will tantalize tastebuds, impress out-of-towners and make locals swell with pride.

Need proof? Consider the responses to a question AL.com recently asked on its Facebook page: Where do you take guests visiting Alabama? In Birmingham, restaurants ruled supreme among the comments, with most pointing to upscale eateries downtown.

Here are five terrific spots that are sure to please discriminating foodies and adventurous palates, suggested by Magic City folks in the know.