A Montgomery restaurant has earned a spot on The New York Times’ annual list of 50 favorite restaurants across the country.
Perennial, located at 1914 Mulberry St. in Montgomery’s Cloverdale neighborhood, was named to The New York Times Restaurant List 2026, an unranked collection of restaurants selected from across the United States.
Perennial is one of only two Alabama restaurants to make the list. Little Bird in Fairhope was also selected. The Coastal Southern restaurant, led by executive chef Bill Briand, opened in June 2025 and features Gulf Coast flavors with dishes including dark-roux South Louisiana gumbo and boudin-stuffed quail.
According to Experience Montgomery, a 16-person scouting team traveled across the country in search of memorable dining experiences for this year’s list.
Perennial’s menu is built around locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, with the restaurant working with farmers and producers across Alabama, including Montgomery and the River Region. What is fresh and in season helps shape what appears on the menu.
The Times also took notice of Perennial’s vegetable-forward menu and its efforts to reduce food waste. Writer Ryan Sutton pointed to some creative examples, including chimichurri made from repurposed carrot tops and served with pan-seared Gulf shrimp, plums from Clanton used in fruit ravioli and a whiskey selection that comes entirely from Alabama.
“This is an incredible recognition for Perennial and a proud moment for Montgomery,” said Ron Simmons, chief destination officer for Experience Montgomery. “Our culinary community is an important part of the experience we offer visitors, and Perennial represents so much of what makes Montgomery special — creativity, hospitality, and a strong connection to our local community. To see that recognized on a national stage is exciting not only for Perennial, but for our entire destination.”
The restaurant is housed in a century-old home, and its efforts to reduce waste extend beyond the menu. During renovations, materials were upcycled when possible, with repurposed items incorporated throughout the restaurant. Vintage tableware is also part of the dining room.
Perennial restaurateur and occasional chef Deanne Allegro is also a nutrition professor at Auburn University at Montgomery. According to The Times, she operates the restaurant with a staff of fewer than 10.
Perennial sums up its philosophy in three words — “Food. People. Planet.” The restaurant says locally sourced food is a key part of that philosophy, along with working with small-scale and local farmers and producers.
The Perennial team said the recognition came as a surprise.
“We are beyond shocked and honored to have made the NYT’s Restaurant List for 2026. If you haven’t been yet, here’s your hint to come try us!” the restaurant said in announcing the news.
Experience Montgomery said the recognition also brings national attention to the city’s growing food scene.
“Visitors increasingly want to experience a destination through its food, and Montgomery has a culinary story worth traveling for,” Simmons said. “National recognition like this introduces new audiences to what is happening here and gives travelers another reason to put Montgomery on their list.”
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
