Best restaurants in Birmingham right now
Right, let's talk about food. Because Birmingham - our Birmingham - is absolutely smashing it on the restaurant front right now. I've been eating my way around this city for years, and honestly, I've never been more excited about what's happening in our kitchens. From world-class fine dining that's putting us on the global map to brilliant little neighbourhood spots that'll become your new obsession, we've got the lot.
The Heavy Hitters
Let's start with the big guns, shall we? Adam's on Bennett's Hill continues to be our Michelin-starred jewel, and Adam Stokes is doing things with British ingredients that'll make your head spin. It's not cheap - you're looking at around £95 for the tasting menu - but it's an experience that reminds you why Birmingham is being talked about in the same breath as London and Manchester. Book well ahead, dress smartly, and prepare to be blown away.
Just around the corner in the Jewellery Quarter, Purnell's remains a absolute stunner. Glynn Purnell's playful approach to fine dining feels uniquely Brummie - sophisticated but never stuffy. The seven-course tasting menu (£85) is theatre as much as it is dinner, and the location on Cornwall Street makes it perfect for a proper night out in the Quarter.
For something a bit more relaxed but equally impressive, Opheem in Summer Row is doing incredible things with Indian cuisine. Aktar Islam's modern take on subcontinental flavours earned them a Michelin star, and deservedly so. It's pricey but not astronomical, and the flavours will stay with you for weeks.
The Neighbourhood Heroes
Now, here's where Birmingham really shines - our incredible neighbourhood restaurants that make living in this city such a joy. In Moseley, Saint Kitchen on Alcester Road is an absolute gem. Their seasonal British menu changes regularly, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and you can actually get a table without booking three months ahead. Perfect for a Saturday night when you want something special but not formal.
Over in Harborne, The Plough has transformed from a decent boozer into one of the best gastropubs in the city. Their Sunday roasts are legendary - get there early or book ahead because half of south Birmingham has the same idea. The High Street location makes it perfect for a lazy afternoon that might stretch into evening.
Stirchley continues to punch above its weight food-wise. Kanto on Pershore Road is doing Filipino street food that's authentic, affordable, and absolutely delicious. It's tiny, it's often busy, but it's the kind of place that makes you proud to live in Birmingham. Plus, you can pop next door to Stirchley Wines afterwards for a proper local evening.
City Centre Gems
The city centre restaurant scene has come on leaps and bounds. Tattu in The Mailbox brings Instagram-worthy Chinese fine dining to Birmingham, and while it's not cheap, the theatrical presentation and genuinely excellent food make it worth the splurge. Book for dinner and make an evening of it - the Mailbox is perfect for a pre or post-dinner wander by the canal.
For something more casual but equally satisfying, Damascena in the Jewellery Quarter does Middle Eastern food that's fresh, flavourful, and reasonably priced. The mezze platters are perfect for sharing, and St Paul's Square is lovely for a pre-dinner drink if the weather's decent.
Don't sleep on Lasan either. This Jewellery Quarter stalwart has been flying the flag for modern Indian cuisine in Birmingham for years, and they're still absolutely nailing it. The location on James Street is convenient, the food is consistently excellent, and the prices won't leave you eating beans for the rest of the month.
The Pizza Revolution
Can we talk about pizza for a minute? Because Birmingham has quietly become brilliant at pizza. Baked in Brick has locations in Kings Heath and the city centre, and their sourdough bases are proper good. The Kings Heath spot on York Road has a lovely neighbourhood feel - perfect for a casual Friday night.
In Digbeth, Zindiya is doing Indian-spiced pizzas that sound mad but taste incredible. It's the kind of fusion that could go horribly wrong but absolutely doesn't. The location puts you right in the heart of Birmingham's creative quarter - ideal for combining with a gig or exhibition.
Practical Bits
Right, some practical advice from someone who's made all the booking mistakes so you don't have to. The Michelin-starred spots need booking weeks, sometimes months ahead. Weekend tables at the popular neighbourhood places like Saint Kitchen and The Plough go fast, so book early in the week for weekend dining.
For getting about, most of these city centre and Jewellery Quarter spots are walkable from New Street Station. For the neighbourhood places, they're all on decent bus routes, and many have parking if you're driving. Moseley and Kings Heath are particularly well connected by bus from the city centre.
Price-wise, you're looking at £15-25 per head for the casual spots, £30-50 for mid-range places, and £70-100+ for the proper fine dining experiences. Most places are pretty good about dietary requirements these days, but always mention it when booking.
The best bit about Birmingham's restaurant scene right now is the sheer variety. We've got world-class fine dining sitting alongside brilliant curry houses, innovative street food, and proper old-school boozers doing incredible food. It's a city that takes its food seriously but never takes itself too seriously. And that, if you ask me, is exactly how it should be.
