Southwood Kitchen
Restaurant seen on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives

About
SOUTHWOOOD KITCHEN

Southwood Kitchen: Where Comfort Food Meets Fine Dining in Daphne, Alabama

If you're road-tripping down to Daphne, Alabama, or lucky enough to call this Gulf Coast gem home, Southwood Kitchen is one of those spots that will make you remember why you fell in love with food in the first place. This isn't just another local seafood joint — it's a refined yet relaxed dining destination that has truly put Daphne on the culinary map. And if you're anything like us, you'll be planning your return visit before dessert even hits the table.

Opened in 2017, Southwood Kitchen has been turning heads and filling plates with elevated Southern comfort food ever since. It’s a restaurant where fresh Gulf seafood meets high-end cuts of meat, all wrapped up in a welcoming space that feels like home — just with better wine and someone else doing the cooking. From the moment you walk in, the vibe is warm, the staff is attentive, and the aroma floating from the kitchen lets you know you’re in for something special.

A Chef-Driven Culinary Experience

At the helm of Southwood Kitchen is Chef Jeremiah Matthews, and folks, this guy knows his way around a kitchen. With a deep respect for local ingredients and a serious love for bold, balanced flavors, he’s crafted a menu that is both creative and comforting. Whether you’re in the mood for a rich bowl of soup, a seafood dish that tastes like it just came off the boat, or a perfectly seared piece of pork, there’s something here that will stick with you long after the last bite.

Chef Matthews sources as locally as possible, pulling in seafood from the Gulf, meats that are top-tier, and seasonal produce that keeps the menu fresh and exciting. It's the kind of place that makes you want to try everything on the menu — and we wouldn’t blame you if you did.

The Menu: Coastal, Classic & Crowd-Pleasing

One of the best parts about Southwood Kitchen is the way it blends fine dining execution with down-home soul. The dishes are familiar, but each one comes with a twist — a little chef’s magic that makes it stand out.

Here are just a few of the standout favorites we keep going back for:

Chile Rellenos Stuffed with Crab – A rich, spicy, coastal-meets-Mexico flavor bomb that brings together the sweet tenderness of crab with the smoky warmth of roasted chiles. Absolutely killer.

Pork Shank – Fall-off-the-bone tender, this dish is the definition of comfort food on a plate. Deeply flavorful and perfectly cooked.

Diver Scallops – Seared to perfection with that golden crust and buttery center, these are top-shelf scallops that let the ingredient shine.

French Onion Soup – Classic, rich, cheesy, and soul-warming. An ideal starter, especially on a cool Alabama evening.

Caprese Salad – Fresh, bright, and a perfect showcase of seasonal ingredients. It’s simple, and that’s what makes it perfect.

Risotto – Creamy, luscious, and prepared with a rotating cast of seasonal stars. Always a favorite on the specials board.

Blueberry Crumble – Sweet, tart, and buttery with just the right amount of crunch. Don’t skip dessert, folks.

Elk Soup – Something a little different, and a total win. Rich, earthy, and a unique offering you won’t find just anywhere.

The menu changes often enough to keep things exciting, but these staples — along with a host of creative daily specials — are what keep regulars coming back again and again.

A Wine Collection Worth Toasting To

Now let’s talk about the wine — because Southwood Kitchen takes pairing seriously. Their extensive collection is carefully curated to complement the menu, whether you’re sipping a crisp white alongside your seafood or a bold red with that hearty pork shank. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to recommend a bottle or glass to match your meal, and it elevates the whole experience to another level.

A Space That Feels Like Home (But Better)

Even though the food is elevated, the atmosphere is casual and inviting. It’s the kind of place you can visit for a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or just a spontaneous night out when you’re craving something special. The balance between quality and comfort is spot on — and that’s not easy to do.

Visit Southwood Kitchen in Daphne

Whether you're a local looking for a go-to favorite or just passing through on your Southern food road trip, Southwood Kitchen is one of those must-visit spots. It captures everything we love about American seafood dining — warm hospitality, thoughtful cooking, and dishes that hit every note of savory, sweet, and satisfying.

So next time you’re in Daphne, take our advice: swing into Southwood Kitchen, order the Chile Rellenos, grab a glass of wine, and thank us later.
Aired on October 27, 2023
Updated June 5, 2025

Address / Location

1203 US-98 E suite 3-d
Daphne, AL 36526

251-626-6676 website