Lé Fresca

2218 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
+1 205-593-4241
$$$ Italian restaurant
(471 Reviews)

Lé Fresca brings a fresh take on Italian dining to Birmingham’s Avondale neighborhood, blending traditional flavors with a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both relaxed and thoughtfully curated. Located on 2nd Avenue North, this spot is more than just a pizza place — it offers a full-service dining experience where attention to ingredient quality and seasonality is front and center.

The menu features highlights that reflect a respect for Italian culinary foundations but also showcase some inventive touches: the Tiramisu finishes the meal on a classic note, while dishes like Beef Carpaccio and Sweet Potato Ravioli bring a modern flair. Pizzas here are made with imported Italian flour and tomatoes, which locals appreciate not just for authenticity but for how easily they sit with the stomach, setting it apart from your usual pie joint. Options like the Margherita and the Porky Bacon, Sausage, Salami pizza emphasize fresh ingredients paired with bold yet balanced toppings.

Visitors often find themselves drawn to the bar, especially on busier weekend evenings when walk-ins may not get seated in the main dining room. Bar seating offers a more casual vantage point to enjoy the kitchen’s offerings along with well-crafted cocktails. The staff, including bartenders like Matthew, are consistently noted for helpful recommendations and a personable approach that makes you feel taken care of without any pretense.

The ambiance strikes a nice balance between refined and unhurried — white tablecloths aren’t part of the picture, but neither is anything rushed. It’s a spot that suits small gatherings, date nights, or even larger groups, as demonstrated by office parties comfortably fitting in with prior reservations. The friendly service complements the food’s freshness, with an emphasis on dishes that feel made with intention, like their Burrata peaches paired with heirloom tomatoes or the rich Hanger Steak perfectly cooked to medium.

For locals, Lé Fresca works well as a destination for those evenings when you want to enjoy quality Italian fare without the expectations pressure of formal fine dining. The weekend evenings around 8pm often see a lively bar crowd and smooth pacing, while weekday meals can lean toward a quieter, more intimate feeling. It’s a place to linger over courses, savor the well-curated wine list, and finish with desserts like the delicate Olive Oil Cake or refreshing Mango Sorbet.

In short, Lé Fresca fits neatly into Birmingham’s culinary scene as a spot for Italian food lovers who appreciate authenticity delivered with a friendly, polished touch. Whether you’re there for the pizza that doesn’t upset your stomach, the handcrafted pastas, or just a well-mixed cocktail with solid company, expect an experience that feels both genuine and thoughtfully executed.

Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

471 Reviews
Leigh-Ann

20 Dec 2025

Very fine dining, with excellent service and even better food. This place was highly recommended because as my friend said, this is the only pizza that does not give him indegestion because they use flour and tomatoes straight from Italy. With that recommendation,I thought it would be more of a pizza joint, but was pleasantly surprised at the ambiance and quality of service. I did not have reservations, so I ate at the bar, and it was very nice. The wine list is extensive, and the pizza was unexpectedly delicious. I only wish I had room for desert, but I did not. I'm sure it would have been amazing. Well worth the several trips around the block to find parking (I'm from out of town).

M. H. S.

25 Nov 2025

Burrata- peaches were not super sweet! Worked well- yum Mushroom pasta- 10/10 Steak- medium 10/10 Margarita pizza- 1000/10 Tiramasu- 10/10 This place is delicious! They take reservations but may be out day of on the weekend- plenty of bar seating! We came in around 8 and didn't have to wait for the bar! Hope to be back soon!

Elle

15 Nov 2025

The food at Le Fresca was absolutely incredible. The prosciutto stole the show for me: salty, delicate, and melt-in-your-mouth perfection. You could tell everything on the plate was made with intention and very fresh ingredients. What impressed me just as much as the food was the team. From the moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted by a gracious host, and the kindness didn’t stop there. The entire staff was not only welcoming but very knowledgeable about the menu and the wine list. Even though it was a busy night, the space never felt stuffy or rushed. Just vibrant and full of good energy! One of the highlights was seeing a bottle of wine my friend had discovered on her trip to Italy. That kind of detail speaks volumes. Between the atmosphere, the quality of the dishes, and the attentive staff, Le Fresca delivers a dining experience I’ll absolutely be returning for. Five stars across the board!!

Kristen H

11 Nov 2025

It was honestly the most happy accident that we found ourselves at Lé Fresca. The host was able to help us get a seat at the bar on a busy night. We ordered the pork and Gorgonzola pizza and the short rib ravioli special. Both were amazing, especially paired with the Pinot Nero. We finished our evening with a delicious tiramisu! Our bartender who waited on us, Matthew, gave us great recommendations relating to the menu, wine pairings and provided great company and service. As an out of town visitor, I have already added this restaurant to a reason to return to Birmingham again soon!

Rebecca Treat

08 Oct 2025

Office holiday party group of 12, table was ready upon arrival with reservation. Staff was professional with great recommendations; the food was outstanding, you can certainly tell the chef takes pride in his work

Cheryl Chapman

07 Oct 2025

Always perfection. The food is always delicious, beautifully prepared from fresh seasonal ingredients and artistically plated. Excellent wine choices and service that is exactly what it should be, efficient, knowledgeable, and helpful without ever feeling intrusive. Cozy interior and even excellent curb service.

George Hazley

02 Oct 2025

Coming off of 3 weeks in Northern Italy, I wanted a meal that I believed would be comparable in terms of taste and quality. What I received could easily contend for top honors. The Winter Cabbage salad was like no other. The Butternut Squash Ravioli was full of complex flavors. Being advised to add the toasted bread to capture the remainig sauce just nailed it. While the meal was fabulous, the star was my server/bartender, Daily (spelling may not be accurate). She made my visit memorable and one that I will cherish. Her hospitality and attention to delivering an elevated dining experience was unique and beyond impressive. Marco - if you are listening...this is your star!

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