The Friendliest Places in the South 2025

From restaurants to neighborhood shops, these 20 spots are known across the region for their outstanding hospitality

- LISA CERICOLA,SYMIAH DORSEY,TARA MASSOULEH MCCAY

Warm Welcome At Birmingham's Bottega restaurant, co-owner Pardis Stitt (center) and her frontof-house team make guests feel at ease.

IN THE SOUTH, friendliness is not a passing state but a way of life. Warm greetings are practically expected wherever you go. Casual interactions at the post office or a coffee shop easily turn into conversations. And if you ask a stranger for directions or a restaurant recommendation, you’ll usually get an eager response. But then there are the people who go above and beyond when it comes to creating a sense of welcome. Nominated by readers and Southern Living editors, these places take pride in helping others, building connections, and making everyone feel at home.

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

BOTTEGA

Fine dining that feels like a hug