"Frank Stitt's bistro turns a chuck patty and a bowl of bouillabaisse into the most quietly perfect meal in Birmingham."
About Chez Fonfon
Opened in 2000 by chef Frank Stitt and his wife Pardis, Chez Fonfon is the casual French sibling to his celebrated Bottega and James Beard–winning Highlands Bar & Grill. It anchors a corner of Birmingham's Five Points South with the bustle of a true neighborhood bistro.
Stitt trained in California and France before bringing bistro cooking home to Alabama, and Fonfon is where that pedigree meets an unpretentious bar, a pétanque court out back and a burger people drive across the state for.
The Kitchen
The kitchen's signature is the Hamburger Fonfon: an eight-ounce chuck patty, salt and pepper only, topped with Comté cheese, flame-cooked red onion, lettuce, tomato and pickle, served with crisp frites. The Daily Meal named it the best burger in Alabama. Beyond it, the bouillabaisse, steak frites and a daily roster of French bistro classics show the same precision that earned Stitt national recognition.
The Room
The room is warm and loud in the best bistro way — zinc-toned bar, close tables, chalkboard specials. It fills fast at lunch and on weekend nights; the back patio and pétanque court add a courtyard calm when the weather cooperates.
Best for a first date or easy celebration
Fonfon's bustle and bar make it a forgiving, characterful first date or low-key anniversary. The burger-and-frites lunch is also a reliable business lunch in Five Points.
Not for
Not for a hushed, white-tablecloth proposal or anyone who needs a quiet room — Fonfon is a busy, convivial bistro and proud of it.
Frequently Asked
Who owns Chez Fonfon?
Chef Frank Stitt and his wife Pardis have owned Chez Fonfon since 2000. It is the casual French bistro in his Birmingham group alongside Highlands Bar & Grill and Bottega.
What is the Hamburger Fonfon?
An eight-ounce chuck patty seasoned simply with salt and pepper, topped with Comté cheese, flame-cooked red onion, lettuce, tomato and pickle, served with frites. The Daily Meal named it the best burger in Alabama.
How much does it cost?
The Hamburger Fonfon is around $17; dinner mains such as bouillabaisse and steak frites run roughly $24–42.
Where is Chez Fonfon?
At 2007 11th Avenue South, on a corner of the Five Points South neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, but the bar and back patio also seat walk-ins.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Chez Fonfon
Reservations available; the bar and patio also take walk-ins.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address2007 11th Ave S, Birmingham
NeighbourhoodFive Points South
CuisineFrench Bistro
PriceHamburger Fonfon $17; mains $24–42
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingDining room, bar & patio
ReservationRecommended
