"A daily-changing bistro in an 1870s storefront, where seasonal Southern produce meets New Orleans technique on 20th Street North."
About Café Dupont
Café Dupont began in Springville, Alabama, in 1994 and moved to downtown Birmingham's historic North End in 2003, taking over a storefront that dates to the 1870s. Exposed brick, original floors and high ceilings give it the feel of a proper bistro rather than a hotel dining room.
Founding chef Chris Dupont — who trained under Emeril Lagasse at Commander's Palace and Susan Spicer in New Orleans — departed in 2022. The restaurant continues under long-time sous chef and now chef-owner Chris Evans, who has kept the daily-changing, produce-led approach intact.
The Kitchen
The dinner menu is rewritten daily around what is in season, so the carte shifts week to week. Signature plates that recur include Fried Oysters & Okra with cayenne butter sauce (around $14) and seared sea scallops with a goat-cheese soufflé, with the New Orleans roots of the kitchen showing in the sauces and the beignets that close the meal.
Starters run roughly $14–$18 and entrées typically $30–$45 — bistro pricing for cooking with real technique behind it.
The Room
The dining room is intimate and unfussy: brick walls, warm light and tables close enough to feel busy on a Friday. It reads as a neighbourhood restaurant that happens to cook seriously, which is much of its appeal.
Valet parking on 20th Street takes the friction out of a downtown dinner.
Best for a relaxed dinner out
Café Dupont suits an unhurried dinner with people you actually want to talk to — a date, a small celebration, or out-of-town guests who want to taste Birmingham's downtown dining without a tasting-menu commitment. For a more formal Frank Stitt room nearby, compare Bottega; for fine seafood, see Hot and Hot Fish Club.
Not for
Not for a quick weeknight bite or large rowdy groups — the room is small, the menu changes daily, and it closes Sunday and Monday.
Frequently Asked
Is Café Dupont still open?
Yes. Café Dupont is open at 113 20th Street North in downtown Birmingham, Tuesday to Saturday from 5–9pm, closed Sunday and Monday.
Who is the chef at Café Dupont now?
Founding chef Chris Dupont left in 2022 to open in New Orleans. The restaurant is now run by chef-owner Chris Evans, his long-time sous chef.
What is Café Dupont known for?
Seasonal, daily-changing cooking with New Orleans roots. Recurring favourites include Fried Oysters & Okra with cayenne butter sauce and seared scallops with a goat-cheese soufflé.
How much does dinner cost at Café Dupont?
Starters run roughly $14–18 and entrées about $30–45, with the menu rewritten daily around seasonal produce.
Does Café Dupont take reservations?
Yes, reservations are recommended and can be made through Resy or by phone; valet parking is available on 20th Street.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Café Dupont
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 5–9pm; closed Sunday and Monday. Reservations via Resy or by phone.
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
Address113 20th Street N, Birmingham, AL 35203
NeighbourhoodDowntown / North End
CuisineNew American / Creole
PriceStarters ~$14–18; entrées ~$30–45
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingDining room; valet parking
ReservationRecommended (Tue–Sat dinner)
