Little Bird — Restaurant in Fairhope

Little Bird exceeded every expectation, an absolute curated, immersive experience that thoughtfully honors the rich culinary traditions of the Gulf Coast. Every room in the space has been designed with purpose, each offering its own unique vibe from warmly intimate, to airy and social. Creating a dining atmosphere that feels as intentional as the menu itself.

The food reflects serious culinary discipline. Every dish is rooted in solid technique, balanced with creativity, and presented with precision.

The pork belly was rendered flawlessly, crispy on the outside, meltingly tender on the inside. Paired with a vibrant salsa roja, creamy smashed avocado, and sweet roasted potato. The components were cohesive and complementary, with no single element overpowering the other.

The poke tacos were an undeniable highlight. Fresh yellowfin tuna in a crisp wonton shell, topped with whipped wasabi and furikake, struck a perfect balance between texture, acidity, and umami. Clean, focused, and absolutely addictive. I could’ve easily had ten!

The filet was executed with precision… tender, evenly cooked, and enriched by a deep, glossy red wine demi-glace. It was plated alongside a buttery, crisp potato pavé, a rich mushroom duxelles, and asparagus cooked to just the right bite. A beautiful harmony of flavor and technique.

Desserts continued the high standard. The strawberry shortcake, made with sour cream pound cake and topped with mascarpone and a tangy strawberry-balsamic gel, was delicate, balanced, and modern without losing its Southern soul. The Black Forest entremet, layered with almond, dark chocolate, and cherry, was not only a standout in flavor and texture, but also beautifully plated, showcasing true pastry skill.

Equally impressive was the service. Kudos to Jason for his impeccable attention to detail and gracious hospitality, and to Will for a generous and insightful tour of the property. The support staff was equally outstanding warm, welcoming, and clearly proud of the experience they help deliver.

I look forward to...

“In the heart of downtown Fairhope, little bird blends modern charm with the warmth of Southern hospitality. With fresh Gulf flavors, a vibrant atmosphere, and spaces designed for connection, every visit is an invitation to slow down, savor, and stay awhile —it’s a tribute to the power of place, memory, and shared meals. Every detail, from the design of the dining room to the stories behind the menu, is rooted in the life and spirit of Virginia Eileen Briand.

Known for her warmth, elegance, and strength, Virginia was a woman whose presence lingered long after the moment passed. She was quick-witted, deeply generous, and someone who understood the sacredness of a well-cooked meal and a beautifully set table. She carried with her a love for hosting, for nurturing others, and for celebrating the small joys of daily life.

To those who knew her, she was “Ginny.” A devoted mother. A proud Naval nurse. A passionate home cook. And the quiet heartbeat of her family.

Her middle name, Eileen, shares its roots with the Gaelic word for “little bird”—a symbol that reflects both grace and resilience. It is this spirit that inspired the creation of little bird: a place where food becomes memory, where guests are treated like family, and where Southern hospitality meets...

My husband and I love living the foodie life here on the Eastern Shore where fresh seafood and ingredients are in abundance for the culinary culture. Little Bird's meal value comes from honoring local tradition to source ingredients close at hand, and when needed, opt for quality substitutes. We thoroughly enjoyed our appetizer of octopus and sausage crepenette, swordfish steaks, and the black forest entremet. However, the star of the night were the Poké Tacos. From the freshness of the tuna to the whipped homemade wasabi, it was the boldest bite of the evening. To top it all off, the espresso martini was incredible and nowhere else locally can boast such a balanced and delicious sip. Negative takeways: as a cornbread junkie, I was really looking forward to the shareable cornbread and butter spread. The butter; delicious! The cornbread; too dry and lacking flavor of anykind, even corn. The sauce served with the octopus and sausage, while delicious, was served in overwhelming abundance and left us swimming in tomatoes chasing the smoky flavor of the octopus and savoriness of the sausage.

We spent 3 enjoyable hours here and our server, Hannah, was very knowledgeable. Looking forward to coming back soon for another espresso martini and trying something new...