Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
Montgomery’s Perennial makes The New York Times’ 2026 Best Restaurants list
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Perennial, a sustainable neighborhood restaurant in Montgomery’s historic Old Cloverdale area, was officially named to The New York Times’ 2026 Best Restaurants list! Montgomery has plenty of incredible dining options, but this local favorite just earned a massive national spotlight.
The news came as a thrilling surprise to the team behind the restaurant, who shared their gratitude on social media:
“We are beyond shocked and honored to have made the NYT’s Restaurant List for 2026.”
Perennial earns national recognition
So, what made the national publication fall in love with Montgomery’s newest culinary star? The New York Times highlighted Perennial for its hyper-local approach to seasonal cooking, conscious eco-friendly operations, and warm community atmosphere.
As The Bama Buzz covered when the restaurant opened in 2024, owner Deanne Allegro—a Registered Dietitian with degrees in food science and human nutrition—created Perennial with a clear mission: let local ingredients lead the menu.
Working hand-in-hand with Alabama farmers and producers, Allegro and her team craft a weekly rotating menu tailored to whatever is fresh and in-season. Beyond what’s on the plate, Perennial practices zero-waste kitchen techniques and features repurposed furniture, vintage tableware, and secondhand decor.
Alabama’s culinary scene shines on the national stage
Perennial isn’t the only local spot bringing pride to the Yellowhammer State. Alabama’s food scene continues to earn national acclaim, including down on the Gulf Coast, where Fairhope’s Little Bird also made The New York Times’ 2026 list.
Want to try it out for yourself? Visit Perennial at 1914 Mulberry St. in Montgomery, open Wednesday-Thursday from 4-9PM and Friday-Saturday from 4-9:30PM.
Have you dined at Perennial yet and what seasonal dish is your absolute favorite? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook.
