Birmingham, Alabama, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Bayonet, a new seafood restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama, has been featured in The New York Times’ list of the 50 Best Restaurants in America for 2025. Founded by chef Rob McDaniel, Bayonet offers a seasonal menu of local seafood, including Alabama oysters and innovative dishes. This recognition enhances Birmingham’s reputation as a culinary destination, showcasing the city’s evolving food scene focused on sustainability and quality.
Birmingham, Alabama has achieved recognition in the culinary world as Bayonet, a new seafood-focused restaurant, has been named one of the 50 Best Restaurants in America for 2025 by The New York Times. The esteemed list showcases restaurants throughout the nation that excel in food quality and experience, enhancing Birmingham’s growing reputation for culinary excellence.
Bayonet, opened by chef Rob McDaniel in March 2025, serves as a raw bar and specializes in fresh seafood. The restaurant’s menu changes seasonally, featuring local specialties such as Alabama oysters from Dauphin Island, along with a variety of fish like swordfish and tuna steak. Chef McDaniel has creatively designed dishes that include egg salad sandwiches topped with caviar, banh mi made with Gulf shrimp, and schnitzel sourced from cobia. The dining experience is complemented by a selection of seasonal sides including lady peas, sweet Marconi peppers, and hand-cut fries served with lemon aioli.
The New York Times took great care in compiling their annual list, with reporters and editors traveling across the country to discover distinctive culinary gems. The selection process ensures that reviewers experience meals like typical customers, as they do not accept freebies or discounts. Bayonet not only stands out for its innovative menu but also for its vibrant and airy atmosphere, where guests are encouraged to enjoy the dining experience fully.
Candace Foster, the dessert chef at Bayonet, has also played a key role in enhancing the restaurant’s appeal through her delightful creations, such as glazed peach hand pies and watermelon semifreddo. The overall dining experience at Bayonet promotes sustainability, emphasizing the use of environmentally-friendly seafood sourcing while providing a fun and lively environment for patrons.
Before establishing Bayonet, Rob McDaniel and his wife, Emily, opened a meat-centric restaurant called Helen next door during the pandemic. The success of Bayonet has not only attracted local diners but also brought attention to Birmingham’s dynamic culinary scene. This coastal-inspired restaurant adds to a city already recognized for its wide array of award-winning dining establishments.
Bayonet has not gone unnoticed prior to this recognition, having previously been named one of Southern Living’s best new restaurants in the South and featured in Garden & Gun’s “Hot List.” The atmosphere at Bayonet reflects a dedication to crafting delicious meals and fostering a spirit of generosity, values that The New York Times noted in their criteria for selecting the top restaurants.
Birmingham has become a culinary destination, and Bayonet’s recent accolades further affirm the city’s position within the national food landscape. The growing appreciation for innovative and often locally inspired dishes is indicative of the city’s broader culinary evolution, attracting both residents and tourists alike.
FAQ
What is Bayonet?
Bayonet is a raw bar and seafood-focused restaurant located in Birmingham, Alabama, opened by chef Rob McDaniel in March 2025.
What type of cuisine does Bayonet serve?
Bayonet serves a seasonal menu featuring fresh seafood, including Alabama oysters, swordfish, tuna steak, and creative dishes like egg salad sandwiches with caviar.
Who is the chef at Bayonet?
The chef at Bayonet is Rob McDaniel, who is also known for his previous restaurant, Helen, which focuses on meat-centric Southern cuisine.
Has Bayonet received any accolades?
Yes, Bayonet has been recognized as one of the 50 Best Restaurants in America for 2025 by The New York Times and named one of Southern Living’s best new restaurants in the South.
What is the atmosphere like at Bayonet?
The atmosphere at Bayonet is described as airy and fun, designed to encourage a lively dining experience, and emphasizes sustainability in its seafood offerings.
Key Features of Bayonet
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Birmingham, Alabama |
| Opening Date | March 2025 |
| Cuisine | Seafood-focused with a seasonal menu |
| Chef | Rob McDaniel |
| Recognition | Named one of the 50 Best Restaurants in America for 2025 |
| Notable Dishes | Alabama oysters, swordfish, banh mi with Gulf shrimp |
| Desserts | Glazed peach hand pies, watermelon semifreddo |
| Sustainability | Focus on environmentally-friendly seafood sourcing |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: New York Times Says Alabama Restaurant Is Among the 50 Best in America
- Wikipedia: Cuisine of Alabama
- Bham Now: Local Seafood Restaurant Named Among 50 Best in America
- Google Search: Bayonet Restaurant Birmingham
- Southern Living: 30 Best Restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurants in Birmingham
- Montgomery Advertiser: Best Places to Eat in Birmingham
- Google News: Birmingham Alabama Bayonet Restaurant
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
