Rêve is French for “dream”— but also it stands for a gastronomic Birmingham restaurant journey led by owner and Executive Chef Jacob M. Stull. The idea began in April 2024 as a roaming weekly fine dining pop-up with the goal of bringing a high-end, but not pretentious, dining experience to Birmingham’s vibrant culinary scene.
A Maryland native, Chef Stull roots trace back to the countryside of Western Maryland, in the small town of Frederick. Growing up surrounded by his New England heritage, particularly Maine’s rugged culinary culture, and a descendant of French immigrants, his passion for cooking was shaped early by family, tradition, and the land. After sharpening his skills in the DC-Metro area and acclaimed Southern food cities like Charleston and New Orleans, Stull rose through the ranks at prestigious, James Beard– nominated restaurants such as Brennan’s and Doris Metropolitan, where he served as a pastry chef. When the opportunity came to move to Alabama, he was approached by the Atlanta based James Beard Award-recognized group, Concentrics Restaurants, to open a French brasserie and rooftop bar, Forté, at the celebrated Alamite Hotel in Tuscaloosa. In April 2024, he made his first splash in The Magic City launching Rêve.
The thought-provoking menu is a modern interpretation of classic French fare influenced by Southern culture and ingredients and includes six- and ten-course tasting menus as well as an à la carte menu. With the goal of adding to the culinary offerings in Birmingham, Rêve uses familiar and approachable ingredients in imaginative ways that reflect Chef Stull’s culinary philosophy and creativity. Equally innovative, the beverage program features a boutique vineyard-focused wine list and cocktails that complement the ever-evolving menu.
Caitlyn Cole helms the notable pastry program, giving guests the opportunity to end their meal on a sweet note with desserts like Soufflé au Chocolat and Pain Perdu. Inside, the 3,000 square-foot dining room is drenched in moody blue and black hues and the walls are adorned with original art and Tonester paint that creates a velvet-like texture in the nighttime light. The kitchen accommodates dietary needs and restrictions to ensure every guest has a safe and enjoyable experience.
