Alabama is filled with such a variety of places to eat. From rustic steakhouses and seafood restaurants, to Italian cafes and BBQ joints, the options are endless. There are many eating places in Alabama you'll never forgive yourself for not trying, including the 10 restaurants listed below.

1. Highlands Bar & Grill - Birmingham

Editor's note: This Alabama restaurant is temporarily closed. Visit the Highlands Bar and Grill website for additional information.

Highlands Bar & Grill specializes in French-inspired, Southern cuisine in an elegant setting. Recently, this popular restaurant was awarded the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for "Outstanding Restaurant" and its pastry chef, Dolester Miles, received the "Outstanding Pastry Chef" award.

You can visit Highlands Bar & Grill at 2011 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205.

2. Big Mike's Steakhouse - Thomasville

Big Mike's Steakhouse is one of Alabama's top steakhouses. This casual restaurant is the perfect place for a special dinner or a night out with family and/or friends. All steaks are cooked to perfection.

You can visit Big Mike's Steakhouse at three locations: 33215 US-43, Thomasville, AL 36784; 102 Coffee St., Andalusia, AL 36420; 25638 Canal Rd., Orange Beach, AL 36561.

3. Fisher's Upstairs at Orange Beach Marina - Orange Beach

Fisher's Upstairs is an upscale and beautiful restaurant that offers seasonally-inspired dishes made from local ingredients. It's one of Alabama's best seafood restaurants and a definite must-visit for anyone who visits the Gulf Coast.

You can visit Fisher's Upstairs at 27075 Marina Rd., Orange Beach, AL 36561.

4. Gaines Ridge Dinner Club - Camden

Since 1985, Gaines Ridge Dinner Club has been serving delicious food in a warm and inviting atmosphere. A few of its dishes include fried catfish, steaks, and salads. This charming restaurant is located inside of an 1820s antebellum home, and it's believed to be haunted.

You can visit Gaines Ridge Dinner Club at 933 AL-10, Camden, AL 36726.

5. Ofelia's Italian Restaurant - Andalusia

Ofelia's Italian Restaurant offers a full bar and all of your Italian food favorites, including ravioli, fettuccine alfredo, lasagna, etc. This small-town restaurant is family-friendly and has been named the best restaurant in Covington County.

You can visit Ofelia's Italian Restaurant at 401 River Falls St., Andalusia, AL 36420.

6. The Landing at Parker Creek - Equality

The Landing at Parker Creek is a newer restaurant that's located on Lake Martin. It offers a variety of casual dishes, including burgers, salads, and kids meals. One of the most unique things about this restaurant is that the kitchen and bar are made from shipping containers.

You can visit The Landing at Parker Creek at 8300 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026.

7. Tally-Ho Restaurant - Selma

Tally-Ho Restaurant, which has been in business for more than 60 years, is cabin-like restaurant that's popular among locals and visitors alike. At this charming restaurant, international and European-style foods come together for a unique dining experience. You can visit Tally-Ho Restaurant at 509 Mangum Ave., Selma, AL 36701.

8. Wildflower Cafe - Mentone

Wildflower Cafe is a charming restaurant that's located atop Lookout Mountain in the tiny town of Mentone. Best known for its creative dishes, this mountaintop restaurant offers something for everyone, including sandwiches, salads, pastas, pizzas, and more.

You can visit Wildflower Cafe at 6007 AL-117, Mentone, AL 35984.

9. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q - Decatur

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q was founded in 1925, which makes it one of the world's oldest barbecue restaurants. Having won several awards, it's also one of the world's best barbecue restaurants. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q offers a variety of menu items, but it's their famous "Bar-B-Q Chicken with Original White Sauce" that customers can't get enough of.

You can visit Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q at two locations: 1715 6th Ave. SE, Decatur, AL 35601; 2520 Danville Rd. SW,

Decatur, AL 35603.

10. Niki's West Steak & Seafood Restaurant - Birmingham

Niki's West Steak & Seafood Restaurant is a cafeteria-style, family-owned restaurant that's been in business since 1957. It specializes in old fashioned Southern cuisine that's so good it'll remind you of Grandma's cooking. This iconic restaurant also offers delicious steaks, seafood, and a variety of breakfast favorites such as omelets, hot cakes, biscuits, and more. You can visit Niki's West Steak & Seafood Restaurant at 233 Finley Ave. W, Birmingham, AL 35204.

If you've eaten at any of these restaurants, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments.

For a list of 13 Alabama restaurants you must try before you die, click here.