Birmingham has a thriving restaurant scene that includes top-notch chefs, down-home cooks and everything in between. We have plenty of choices when dining out in the metro area, and AL.com has been pointing readers to some of the best food in the Magic City, along with our picks for Huntsville, Mobile and statewide.

Here are five delicious dishes you must try in Birmingham, all of which are guaranteed to hit the spot. Not hungry yet? Read on, and you will be soon.

HERO CHEESEBURGER

Where to find it: Hero Doughnuts & Buns, 3027 Central Ave., Homewood, 205-623-1017; 1701 First Ave. South, Suite 135, Birmingham, 205-558-8011; 314 Main St., Trussville, 205-825-8875; 1013 Marble Terrace, Hoover, 205-502-2807.

Why you should order it: “At Hero, they prepare the dough for the buns using the same two-day-process involved in making the doughnuts, and, as much as we ooh and aah over those elegant, glorious Hero doughnuts, the Hero Cheeseburger is a tasty work of art, too,” says Bob Carlton of AL.com. “Perched on a soft, golden Brioche bun that’s studded with sesame seeds, the all-beef burger is complemented with American cheese, pickles, onions, and Hero’s house-made Cracked Sauce. If you prefer, do as we do and order it ‘stacked’ with a second patty.”