There’s always something to look forward to in the Birmingham dining scene. For those taking notes, an exciting wave of new cocktail bars from industry veterans ushered in the last few months of 2023. In January, we compiled a list of ten new and upcoming restaurants for diners to put on their radar. Now that spring has arrived, we’re on the lookout for new bars, restaurants, and food trucks coming to Birmingham and the metropolitan area.

Here are five new restaurants to add to your list.

BIRMINGHAM

SMOKE Bistro

Chef Raquel Ervin will soon open Smoke Bistro, a stall at the Piztiz Food Hall in downtown Birmingham. Soul food is Ervin’s specialty and a highlight of her brand, Panoptic Catering. Her restaurant, Eat at Panoptic, focused on sliders. Smoke Bistro will offer a fusion of the concepts. So far, the menu sports a selection of barbecue plates with a choice of meats (ribs, turkey, brisket, chicken, and pork) with a choice of sides, including potato salad, cabbage, and corn bites. Also on the rundown: Sandwiches with a choice of meats and feasts that serve three to four people.

According to the Birmingham Business Journal, Ervin plans to have two-full time employees for the food stall, as well as part-time positions.

Previous tenants of the food stall include Eli’s Jerusalem Grill and Edolyn’s Pies.

Emmy Squared Pizza

A location of Emmy Squared Pizza is coming to Birmingham. The fusion of New York-style grandma pie and Detroit-style pizza is headed to The Summit. The Emmy Squared Pizza menu sports selections of salads in addition to its popular pizzas and award-winning burgers. The location in Birmingham will offer options for dine-in, pickup, and delivery as well as a full catering menu.

HOMEWOOD

Neighbors Ice Cream

A favorite of West Homewood recently celebrated a grand reopening. Neighbors Ice Cream is once again welcoming patrons after being shuttered for more than a year. In 2020, 17 families partnered to open the ice cream parlor as a community venture, but the shop closed after a year and a half.

Earlier this month, Anne and David Walker reopened Neighbors Ice Cream at the former Magic City Sweet Ice at 715 Oak Grove Road in Homewood. The new location sports “self-serve candy wall,” as well as, milkshakes, floats, and ice cream by the pint, reports the Birmingham Business Journal.

VESTAVIA HILLS

The Standard

Six years after opening its first location in the Pizitz Food Hall in downtown Birmingham, hot dog and hamburger joint The Standard has a second location in Vestavia City Center. The Standard in Vestavia City Center is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

PELHAM

Little Tomato

Italian restaurant Little Tomato recently opened its doors in Pelham at 2581 Pelham Pkwy. The restaurant boasts a menu of pizza, calzones, and wings. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., according to the Shelby County Reporter.