BIRMINGHAM — High Dive HiFi Lounge in Lakeview has been named Alabama’s best new restaurant of 2026 by Tasting Table, the national food publication’s pick for the state in its “Every State’s Best New Restaurant of 2026” list.
The listening lounge at 524 32nd St. S. is modeled on Japanese kissa jazz listening rooms, with vintage turntables and guest DJs. Its menu was developed with input from James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock, with Southern ingredients and Japanese influence.
Tasting Table singled out the scotch deviled eggs, pork belly rice bowls and beef skewers. The menu also includes field pea hummus, popcorn chicken, a breakfast sandwich on Japanese milk bread, a pork katsu sandwich and the Soundcheck cocktail.
High Dive, part of the Lakeview Marina development, made its public debut on New Year’s Eve. The lounge seats 75, with a patio for 45 more, and the adjoining Lakeview Marina hosts game-day watch parties. It also serves brunches, coffee and pastries, business lunches and date nights.
High Dive is open Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to midnight. It is closed Monday and Tuesday and takes no reservations.