Brimming with culture, canals and international cuisine, Birmingham is widely accepted as the birthplace of a favourite Indian dish – the balti. But today the foodie haven offers so much more. Home to some of the best restaurants in the UK, the city has leapt into the running as one of the most Michelin-starred cities in the UK, with an impressive six stars in its constellation.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect date spot or a delectable night on the town, there’s something for everyone. Here’s our round-up of the top ten restaurants in Birmingham, from Michelin-starred delights to the famous Balti Triangle.
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Purnell’s Restaurant
Created in 2007 by highly acclaimed chef Glynn Purnell, Purnell’s was the first restaurant in Birmingham to receive a Michelin Star. Known for its seamless tapas menu, the restaurant offers delightfully chic and contemporary dining set in the beauty of a Victorian redbrick building. Glynn’s bold and innovative cooking makes the experience a gastronomic adventure – every dish the picture of culinary precision.
Favourite Dish: Carpaccio of Herefordshire Beef with red wine braised octopus, bresaola and onions
Price Range: High End
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Peel’s Restaurant at Hampton Manor
Inspired by the Manor’s Victorian walled garden, Peel’s prides itself in top-quality, local produce from the island’s farms and shores. Boasting a cellar of handcrafted organic wine, the restaurant champions emerging British winemakers too. Peel’s commitment to real, honest food is evident in every mouthful making it worthy of its Michelin Star. Delight in the elegance of this 19th century Manor, it’s sure to be an experience nothing short of magic.
Favourite Dish: Turbot with lentils, onion and coriander
Price Range: Treat Yourself
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Adam’s
What began as a humble sandwich shop in Birmingham has now flourished into a Michelin Starred fine-dining restaurant. Serving modern, contemporary dishes created to the highest professional standard, Adam’s aims to excite and enthuse guests. If you’re feeling particularly hungry we strongly recommend the tasting menu. Treat yourself to eight delightful courses, each served with speciality wine.
Favourite Dish: The eight-course tasting menu featuring mouthwatering dishes like crab cashew satay
Price Range: An Occasion
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Opheem
Striving to push the boundaries with Indian flavours, Opheem boasts cooking techniques from all over the world from traditional to modern. With a desire to continually evolve and adapt, chef Aktar Islam is more than deserving of his many accolades, including a Michelin Star. From the bustling kitchen to the cherry blossom bar, Opheem continues to reinvent the traditional and is sure to be a journey for your tastebuds.
Favourite Dish: Salt aged beef rib, Tokyo turnip, fermented garlic, smoked bone marrow and black cardamom sauce
Price Range: High End
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Zindiya Streatery & Bar
Known for its authenticity, Zindiya transports you straight to the busy markets of Delhi and Mumbai. Husband and wife team Ajay and Shivani Kenth have created an immersive experience of India. From rickshaw booths to exotic wallpaper and signs, Zindiya delivers in spades. The delightful tapas-style menu allows you to try a number of dishes all brought to your table as soon as they’re ready. Well priced and genuine, the dishes are packed with flavour and spice blends passed down for generations.
Favourite Dish: The Kati Roll – Indian flatbread with onions, green chutney and skewered meat or paneer.
Price Range: Budget
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Bodega Cantina
Looking for quality Latin American street food? Bodega is sure to tick all the boxes! Known as one of the most hard-to-book restaurants in Birmingham, Bodega offers the perfect combination of delectable food, buzzing atmosphere and incredible cocktails. The moreish menu keeps guests coming back with its authentic recipes and top quality ingredients.
Favourite Dish: Baja fish tacos with blue corn tortillas, battered Mahi Mahi, jalapeno mayo and a bed of coleslaw
Price Range: Budget
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San Carlo
The award-winning San Carlo offers a modern approach to authentic Italian style cuisine. Boasting only the freshest produce imported directly from Italy, San Carlo’s extensive menu is an explosion of culinary brilliance. Enjoy the luxurious surroundings and electric atmosphere as you indulge in Birmingham’s best Italian cuisine.
Favourite Dish: Pizza San Carlo with tomato, buffalo mozzarella, parma ham, rocket and parmesan shavings
Price Range: Mid-Range
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Lucky Duck
Located in the historic Jewellery Quarter, Lucky Duck is Birmingham’s first bao bar. Serving a mouthwatering range of Asian-style broths and bao buns, Lucky Duck is the ideal spot for a low key first date. Sample the innovative bao fillings from beef brisket and sour mustard leaf to aubergine and peanut chilli, their bold flavour combinations will keep you coming back for more.
Favourite Dish: Pork cheek katsu and sriracha mayo bao bun
Price Range: Budget
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Tattu
Offering a contemporary Chinese menu, Tattu delivers the ultimate fusion between traditional flavours and modern cooking methods. The delicate presentation elevates the experience, enticing you with every mouthful. Enjoy a sensory journey from East to West as you make your way through this award-winning interior design. It’s the perfect spot to treat yourself in Birmingham, delivering a dining experience you’ll never forget.
Favourite Dish: Sweet and sour Iberico with pineapple, banana shallots and dragon fruit
Price Range: High End
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Lasan
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What would a list of the top ten restaurants in Birmingham be without another Indian delight to top it off? Whether it’s the perfect samosa and cold beer or the contagious happiness of the owners you’re after, Lasan delivers authenticity to a tee. Featured in Gordan Ramsay’s ‘The F Word’ in 2010, Lasan continues to surprise and delight its patrons. Indulge in carefully curated dishes that will leave your belly full and your heart happy.
Favourite Dish: Seafood Biryani with succulent prawns, mussels, white fish, squid, tempura oyster and aromatic basmati rice topped with tempered lentils, mustard seeds, curry leaves a tamarind
Price Range: Mid-Range
Whether you’re looking for a cheap night out or the ultimate celebration our list of the best restaurants in Birmingham has it all. If you’re new to the area or fancy expanding your horizons – or your taste buds – working your way through these beauties is a guaranteed success.