Adachi

Adachi does upscale Japanese in one of the prettiest rooms in downtown Birmingham — the restored Peabody Mansion, a grand Victorian that lends the whole place a sense of occasion before the food even arrives. Part of the Heirloom Hospitality group, it turns out hand-rolled sushi and modern Japanese plates alongside a serious drink program; regulars point to the lobster tacos, the toro, and the rock shrimp tempura, and the room stays buzzy and see-and-be-seen most nights.

It’s polished and priced to match, which suits both the mansion and the zip code. We have it on our list as a natural pick for a special-occasion dinner or a dressed-up date — the kind of place where the setting does as much work as the plates. Ask about a table upstairs for the full Victorian effect, and go hungry enough to order across the menu.