Sol Y Luna, Birmingham

Sol Y Luna’s recipes stem from the Castro family’s roots in Guadalajara, Mexico, but the presentation represents a commitment to more than just tradition. Meals emerge from the kitchen tapas style, with small plates that feature authentic mexican flavors tinged with a contemporary twist. Chipotle-rubbed pork-tenderloin medallions arrive with chihuahua cheese grits, and garlic mashed sweet potatoes accompany the spicy shrimp diabla, exemplifying this interplay between modern and time-honored visions of Mexico’s cuisine. A robust tequila list complements the menu with spirits aged anywhere from two months to four years.

In contrast to the inventive dishes that top its tables, the restaurant’s decor aims for a simpler, cozier ambiance. The textured walls mimic the look of sunbaked adobe, complementing the homey charm of the dining room’s shelves, which feature handcrafted wood sculptures, family photographs, and bronzed report cards.