The Wilderness
“Edgy cuisine and environment, backed by friendly service and a rock ’n’ roll playlist” (played loud!) is the distinctive formula of Alex Claridge’s ‘full-on’ Jewellery Quarter venture, with black walls and black-leather furniture, and an open kitchen on display. As with some previous years, it doesn’t generate a huge volume of feedback in our annual diners’ poll, but fans say it’s “outstanding”. There are two tasting menus offered, a £70 version and more extensive and longer £130 option. Typical dish? – ‘Childhood Reflections in the Shape of a Banana’
Tamu Café
Located on Bearwood Road, TAMU is the independent coffee shop all about great coffee, great food, and great vibes.
There’s nothing we love more than grabbing a delicious brunch from a great local coffee shop. Brunch comes in all shapes and sizes, and we love them all. But when it comes to brunch, there’s one place that really needs to be on your radar, and that’s TAMU.
This neighbourhood coffee shop is a brunch-lover’s paradise. They’ve been delighting locals with their incredible brunch dishes for a while and have been drawing in customers from further afield thanks to their ridiculously tasty wares. Their food menu is inspired by healthy food, but don’t let that fool you. The dishes on their menu are packed full of flavour and are so delicious, you’d never know they were so good for you.
Brightsmith on the Water
Brightsmith on the Water is Birmingham’s best-kept secret; a stylish waterfront restaurant that will transport you back to the city’s golden era of jewellery craft. Situated within Hilton Birmingham Metropole, this destination bar offers theatrical cocktails, mouthwatering cuisine and Vegas views from its outdoor lakeside terrace.
Inspired by the artisans of Birmingham’s world-renown Jewellery Quarter, Brightsmith’s aim is to draw attention to the best this region has to offer by creating a menu of unique, beautiful and delectable dishes. Try the scallop and crab starter before sharing a premium aged tomahawk steak.
If fire-starting cocktails are your thing, Brightsmith on the Water has these in abundance.
Purnell’s
must be among its most famous. Its owner and chef, Glynn Purnell, is famous for having won the Great British Menu twice, as well as regular appearances on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen where he is better known as the Yummy Brummie. But none of this makes Purnell’s among the best restaurants in Birmingham, what does is the food.
Purnell’s, the fine-dining restaurant in Birmingham City Centre, focuses mostly on innovative British fare but also takes influences from France and the Far East. Contemporary and chic, the dining room is vibrant and spacious, while Glynn likes the presentation of the food to be equally flamboyant. A 10-course tasting menu costs £125 per person, extra for wine pairings.
Shababs
If you’re in search of a delicious and authentic Indian meal, look no further than Shababs. Occupying a prime spot on Birmingham’s famous Balti Triangle this restaurant has a well-earned reputation for offering a first-class dining experience.
The interior is decorated in shades of purple and gold, and is both spacious and cosy, while showcasing all of the charm of Indian culture. The restaurant is suited to host large parties as well as those in the market for an intimate meal.
Diners are spoilt for choice with the menu, though friendly owner Zaf is only too happy to recommend exciting flavour combinations to suit your taste and appetite. Perhaps begin with the house mixed grill, which can be adapted to suit a large group or an individual. For the main course, Shababs offers intriguing versions of popular classics, like the balti chicken tikka masala keema jalfrezi, and the lamb tikka masala bhuna. Seafood-fans delight in the likes of the balti king prawn and mushroom dish, while vegetarians are catered for with a vast range of options including aloo and pea paneer, balti egg and spinach, the vegetable jalfrazi and the veg-filled dopiaza. Traditional accompaniments like sundries and rice are freshly made on-site and provide the perfect side dish. Finish your meal in style with a chocolate torte or strawberry cheesecake, or with an authentic Indian dessert like sticky gulab jaman or pistachio barfi . The restaurant is not licensed to serve alcohol, but diners are more than welcome to bring a tipple with them.
Land
Vegetarians and vegans are better represented on the food scene than ever these days in Birmingham. Those on a meat-free diet should look no further than Land. The fine dining restaurant focuses on seasonal vegetables to create colourful plates where the vegetables shine, proving meat doesn’t have to be the star of the meal. Whether you eat meat or not, this is easily one of the best restaurants in Birmingham. It’s reasonably priced for fine dining too, with five courses for £38 and eight from £45. The menu regularly changes, but expect seasonal plant-focused dishes inspired by flavours from around the world.
Tiger Bites Pig
Filling a hole in your life that you weren’t even aware of until, suddenly, this new place makes you feel alive once again. This is how we feel about one of Birmingham’s smallest restaurants. A tiny restaurant doing big, big things, and occupying an even bigger place in our hearts. Let us tell you more…
Introducing Tiger Bites Pig.
Located on Stephenson Street, Tiger Bites Pig is the bao bar we all need in our lives.
It’s undeniable. Bao is taking the foodie scene by storm and, just like everyone else, we can’t get enough! If you’ve still not tried bao, you are seriously missing out. Those buns are like little culinary clouds – fluffy, yet sticky, and so, so moreish. Combine them with the most sumptuous flavours, perfectly cooked meats, flavourful veggies, and sauces and toppings packed with taste, and you have one of the most delicious dishes around.
Poli
Let’s be honest. Sometimes no matter how nice the restaurant is, or how delicious the food is, nothing can beat a simple pizza. It hits the spot like nothing else can. If you are on the lookout for the best pizza restaurant in Birmingham, you have a few choices but our pick is POLI in Kings Heath. Serving Neapolitan pizza and small plates, this intimate pizzeria has some mighty fine pies. From puttanesca to ‘nduja and garlic-fermented honey, these woodfired sourdough pizzas have some gorgeously puffed-up crusts.
Cucina Rustica
Fine Italian food in the very centre of Birmingham is Cucina Rustica’s trademark, a comfortable, atmospheric Italian restaurant popular with both locals and tourists visiting this vibrant city. Although modern and slick in its execution, the choice of deep earthy colours and moody lighting, tactile materials such as wood and stone and the addition of characterful contemporary art and healthy, verdant plants give Cucina Rustica that slight traditional feel suggested by its name and a certain cosiness that gives it a home from home feel. Attention to detail is in every little touch here at Cucina Rustica, from the single rose placed on each table to the complementary olives produced on every guest’s arrival. Equally, food is produced with great care, dishes traditionally Italian but done with flair and a certain amount of style, some unusual choices offered alongside classic favourites, all from the classic Italian cookbook and accompanied by a wide array of drinks
Indico Mailbox
Less a conventional restaurant and more “the bustling streets of North India”, Indico pays tribute to India’s local street food vendors, the vibrant Punjabi culture, and of course, the glitz and glamour of Indian Cinema. The multi-award-winning boutique restaurant mirrors the street food way and is an ode to centuries of rich Punjabi culture and cuisine.
Get ready for an all-round authentic experience. Discover the North-Indian (Punjabi) delicacies such as chaats (savoury Indian snacks), rich curries, and tandoor classics. Each dish is presented in a “traditional”, vibrant, and culinary creative way. Complemented by a large beer, wine, and unique gin selection and cocktail menu – something for every palate, as they say!
