It depends on what you are looking for...
If your looking for local businesses there is
Dale's Southern Grill about 1/2 mile south of the Riverchase Galleria on Hwy 31.
Something a little exotic... there is the
Silver Coin Indian Grill on Lorna Rd in Hoover. There is also a
Thai restaurant in the same strip mall.
There's a small little place that has breakfast and lunch called
Bernetti's Diner. The owner's name is George, he's a New York transplant and a good guy.
If you like down home country cooking there's
Frankie's Market Cafe in Helena. It's probably about 8 to 10 miles from the Riverchase Galleria and you will need a GPS to find it, but the food is fantastic.
For German food there's
Klingler's European Bakery & Cafe in Vestavia. It has been a long time since I've been there but they had some great sausage plates and they also have a great bakery section if your sweet tooth is acting up.
If you want something in the snooty realm there's always
Highland's Bar and Grill in the Southside area. There is also another Frank Stitt place called
Chez Fonfon. There is also
Bottega. You will probably want someone else (with deep pockets) to pick up the tab in those places.
Of course there's always all the usual suspects in the way of chain restaurants. One chain that might be worth going to would be J. Alexanders. People rave about it but I've always thought it was overrated.
Enjoy your trip to B'ham. Don't forget to go by and look at Vulcan's butt. Probably the only place you can see a full moon 24x7.
Other B'hamians can probably suggest places along Hwy 280. The Hwy 31 area through Vestavia, Hoover, and Pelham is my home area.