13 Birmingham restaurants & neighbourhood gems locals love, according to OpenTable
Joe Forte
·4-min read
Noel’s occupies a prime canalside spot and is a go-to for fresh Mediterranean-style cooking. Locals regularly gather over charcoal-grilled meat platters and fresh housemade pasta. Alongside a stellar steak selection, highlights include lamb rump and pork cutlet served with a red wine jus and potatoes. (Photo: Craig Holmes/Images of Birmingham)
Birmingham is well known for its brilliant range of varied restaurants inspired by many cultures.
England’s heartland metropolis is rich with restaurants that reflect its kaleidoscopic soul.
Whether you want pub food or fine dining - there are many amazing restaurants in and around the city that are ready to meet your desires.
This quirky bakery is the brainchild of husband and wife team, Simon and Francesca Jones (the duo behind some of Birmingham’s most innovative club nights in the 1990s). When the two veered into bakery territory, their initial venture proved so popular that it spurred additional three branches in the Midlands. Residents flock to the Mailbox location for its relaxed vibes and bread- and pastry-heavy brunch menu
And, locals aren’t the only ones who want to try out the dining scene. Some of these restaurants, pubs, and cafes have been applauded by famous food critics from across the country. But with so many options, it’s not always easy where to choose to eat.
OpenTable have selected 13 of Birmingham’s best restaurants that locals love in their new Restaurant Impact Report. The study heaps high praise on our city’s dining scene saying: “Birmingham’s super diverse composition means a buzzing dining scene that bursts with world-class spots. To wit, England’s second-largest city was singled out as Britain’s “most exciting food destination” in the Good Food Guide 2022, and Brummies take great pride in their cosmopolitan neighbourhood faithfuls.
“A trendy tapas joint in Digbeth draws locals for its paprika-dusted margaritas and al fresco backdrop. A bougainvillaea-clad taverna on the Southside shuttles area residents to Greece. Peruvian flavours shine bright at a lively bank-turned-restaurant in Moseley.
“England’s heartland metropolis is rich with restaurants that reflect its kaleidoscopic soul. Read on for 13 neighbourhood gems in Birmingham to book now.”
Gaijin Sushi scored local favourite status soon after opening in 2018 for its sumptuous sushi and interactive but intimate dining experience. The restaurant’s sushi chefs are known to banter with diners, and patiently field questions about ingredients and preparation techniques.
OpenTable writer Shekha Vyas has listed 13 of Birmingham’s best restaurants.
Read on for 13 neighbourhood gems in Birmingham to book now.
For Birmingham locals who can’t get to the Greek isles, Mythos is the next best thing. Though it’s set in the Arcadian, one of the city’s popular retail and dining venues, the taverna channels an idyllic escape. Its interiors feature yellow stone and cascading bougainvillaea vines plus a heated terrace and live entertainment
This crowd-pleasing Valencian tapas spot caters to diners of all kinds—vegetarians are spoilt for choice with patatas bravas, fried aubergines, and linguine with sweet and sour vegetables. For the omnivores, there are garlicky prawns, fragrant meatballs, and a hearty leg of lamb stew, slow-cooked with fresh vegetables
Vintage Bollywood posters and colourful murals bring Mumbai-inspired swagger to this industrial-chic space. Diners regularly share crowded tables with newcomers, fuelling a friendly and energetic vibe.
Come for one of the city’s best happy hours but stay for the killer round-the-clock menu. This spacious pub is a neighbourhood star thanks to £4 craft pints and bottomless cocktails from 5 pm to 8 pm on Thursday to Sunday.
Itihaas is an award-winning Colmore institution that has earned honours (including nods from the Cobra Good Curry Awards and The British Curry Awards) for its impeccable Indian fusion lineup.
This award-winning pub and coffee house hybrid has a local fan following for its silky flat whites, stone-baked pizzas (two for one on Mondays), legendary Sunday quiz nights, and more
This Italian Jewellery Quarter stalwart is home to many Birmingham favourites. The lamb cutlets with rosemary, garlic, and Barolo is one of its greatest hits, as are pastas such as the restaurant’s decadent riff on carbonara, topped with pancetta and bacon.
This sprawling spot was a rolling steel factory until brothers Sunny and Sonu Rull (the duo behind popular Indian pub Hen & Chickens on Constitution Hill) gave it a second life in 2021. The result is a 1920s-inspired addition to Jewellery Quarter, decked with wood-panelled skylights, exposed brick, intimate alcoves, and two bars.
Peruvian flavours shine bright at this former bank, which is now a stylish restaurant from acclaimed chef Robert Ortiz. Ortiz’s London spot, Lima landed a MICHELIN star in 2013, and he brings that expertise to Moseley, wowing residents with fresh ceviches, spicy tiraditos, and colourful causas.
Brummies love the homemade tacos at this Jewellery Quarter locale. Originally based in Frederick Street, before closing down earlier this year, the restaurant is back by popular demand for a three-month rooftop residency at The Church, in Great Hampton Street.
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