News Summary
Birmingham, get ready for a culinary treat as Chef Jacob M. Stull opens Rêve, the city’s first tasting-menu restaurant. Located in the Pizitz Food Hall, Rêve offers an exquisite six-course tasting experience featuring French classics. The restaurant opens on March 8, 2024, and boasts a cozy ambiance with a blend of industrial design. With a talented culinary team and a focus on handmade art, Rêve promises to be a unique dining destination for locals and visitors alike.
Birmingham Welcomes Rêve: A Dreamy Dining Destination!
Hey there, food lovers of Birmingham! Get ready to mark your calendars because the exciting culinary scene in our city is about to get a whole lot tastier. Chef Jacob M. Stull is all set to open Rêve, Birmingham’s very first tasting-menu restaurant, and the grand opening is on March 8, 2024, at the iconic Pizitz Food Hall. This place promises to turn your dinner into a delightful journey you won’t forget anytime soon!
What’s in a Name?
So, what does Rêve mean? In French, it translates to “dream,” and that’s exactly what Chef Stull envisions for his restaurant. After conducting a series of pop-up dinners last year to test out his tasting-menu concept, it’s clear that Stull has been dreaming big, and it’s finally coming to fruition. Rêve aims to be a permanent spot where locals can indulge in exquisite meals featuring French classics. Get ready to dig into delights like steak au poivre and coq au vin!
A Taste of Experience
Chef Stull isn’t new to the culinary world. A Maryland native, he’s honed his skills on the East Coast and even in the vibrant city of New Orleans, where he worked at places like Brennan’s in the French Quarter. Since moving to Birmingham in 2018, he’s made waves in local kitchens, including Whistling Table, Forté, and even the rooftop bar Roll Call at the Alamite Hotel. This new venture at Rêve is his most ambitious yet!
What to Expect
Rêve’s permanent location inside the Pizitz Food Hall is cozy and inviting, featuring the former space of SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar. With seating for 78 guests, the restaurant boasts main dining tables and booths, a chef’s bar, and even a private dining room that has a lovely view of Second Avenue North. And for those pleasant weather days, you can enjoy outdoor seating on the patio!
Design with a Twist
Step inside Rêve and be captivated by the stunning design that reflects Birmingham’s industrial roots. The interior retains preserved tile floors and gorgeous century-old heart pine, along with cold-rolled steel countertops to give it that edgy Brooklyn vibe. Chef Stull believes that dining should be approachable and fun, so don’t expect any stuffiness here!
An Artistic Touch
Adding to the charm, local artist Mandy Maples has been commissioned to create two exclusive paintings titled “Joie de vivre”. These works will narrate the story of Rêve and incorporate aspects of Stull’s culinary journey. It’s just one more way this restaurant is committed to being a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
A Menu to Dream About
If you’re wondering what culinary magic awaits you at Rêve, the initial menu will feature a six-course tasting experience for just $150 per person. Reservations are necessary 24 hours in advance, so make sure to plan accordingly! Starting March 14, diners can also enjoy a 10-course tasting menu, along with plans for a brasserie-style à la carte menu to be unveiled later in the month.
Chef Stull has put together a fantastic team, including sous chef John Smith, pastry chef Caitlyn “Cate” Cole, dining room manager Blake Boyd, and beverage director Chelsea Cheyenne. Together, they aim to create a memorable dining experience, with a blend of Parisian charm and contemporary flair.
Don’t Miss Out!
Rêve will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 1821 Second Ave. North in Birmingham, Alabama. This is definitely a spot you’ll want to check out, whether you’re a foodie or just looking to enjoy a special night out. So don’t wait—get ready to treat yourself to the dream dining experience that is Rêve!
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham Chef Opening City’s First Tasting Menu Restaurant
- Wikipedia: French Cuisine
- Bham Now: New Fine Dining Pop-Up Coming to the Pizitz Food Hall
- Google Search: Pop-up Restaurants
- StyleBlueprint: New Restaurants in Birmingham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fine Dining
- Bham Now: 10 New Birmingham Restaurants We Can’t Wait to Try in 2025
- Google News: Birmingham Restaurants
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.
