Best restaurants in Birmingham

Popular Cielo benefits from a prime location on Oozells Square (a few moments from buzzing Broad Street), and serves a menu of classic Italian dishes in sleek surrounds. Tuck into the likes of stuffed Portobello mushrooms or crab linguine, before finishing up with tiramisu. Cielo’s street side terrace with cosy both seating is also a great spot for al fresco dining, complete with weather-proof awning and heaters. It’s a favourite with the city’s footballers too.   

There may have been a few eye rolls when Caprice Holdings announced they were turning Covent Garden’s The Ivy into a national chain, but more than 30 sites later, the tactic appears to have worked. At the Birmingham outpost, you can expect the usual mix of jewel box interiors and a menu of internationally-inspired crowd pleasers. Head here to try the likes of asparagus with truffle hollandaise or lobster linguine, while sipping on fun cocktails.

Home to one of the prettiest dining rooms in the city, Tattu is a modern Chinese that oozes sex appeal. Perfect for date night, the menu here is a roll call of everyone’s favourite Chinese fare; start with crispy duck rolls and beef gyoza, before moving on to Wagyu ribeye and black cod coated in miso. Like the interiors, cocktails are built for Instagram – witness the Skull Candy, which is served in a smoking skull.

Just round the corner from his Michelin-starred flagship, this bistro is chef Glyn Purnell’s more casual and accessible restaurant offering, and also features a glam 1920s themed cocktail bar called Ginger’s. Tempting dishes from the mostly British-leaning à la carte include classic beer battered fish & chips with mushy peas, and a ‘posh Scotch egg’. There are also hearty roasts every Sunday, which can be rounded off with indulgent desserts such as warm chocolate fondant.   

One of Birmingham’s original foodie stars, acclaimed chef Glyn Purnell’s flagship restaurant is still going strong after 12 years in the game. The secret to his success is undoubtedly the restaurant’s intriguing, yet effective menu. Dishes with names like ‘textures of beetroot’ and ‘burnt English egg surprise’ hint at Purnell’s sense of playfulness, but this is serious cooking – as seen in dishes such as Brixham cod masala brimming with Indian red lentils, coconut and coriander.

A modern bar and brasserie with grand interiors, Bank is a vibrant space which blends traditional British dishes with those that take their inspiration from around the globe. If you want to show some patriotism, stick to the likes of stacked burgers made with Aberdeen Angus beef, while those looking for international flavour can instead opt for a Malaysian red curry or a crispy duck salad. Finish up with a cherry Bakewell with clotted cream.

Sparklingly fresh ingredients are the key to the success of the menu at Carters. The restaurant’s commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients is seen in dishes such as Orkney scallop salad with Exmoor caviar and barbecued Tamworth neck with cabbage and shisito peppers. A vegetarian menu is available upon request, while the food is supported by a truly stellar selection of international wines and beers – given the setting, prices aren’t too outrageous either.  

All mirrored surfaces, plush booth seating and glittering light fixtures, the Birmingham outpost of Argentinian steakhouse Gaucho is pure glamour. Set lunch menus offer good value, while the free-range Black Angus steaks are the obvious choice from the à la carte. Otherwise, fill up on starters such as seared scallops or yellowtail tiradito with truffle mayonnaise. The drinks list also impresses, covering a wide range of Argentine (and otherwise) wines by the glass and bottle.  

Legendary Bollywood star Asha Bole lends her name to this contemporary Indian joint, which is decked out with warm tones and cosy seating. The menu ranges from street food style snacks to classic curries and biryanis, via signature dishes such as Dakshin seabass tikka and Kerala chilli garlic prawns. Asha’s, which also has locations in Dubai and Kuwait, is also loved by famous faces, having played host to celebs like Amir Khan and Priyanka Chopra.

The sleepy village of Hampton-in-Arden is the setting for this Michelin-awarded gaff, which is well worth the short trip from Birmingham (there are bedrooms should you be coming from further afield). The kitchen team turn out regularly changing set menus – choose between four or seven courses – that might feature dishes such as mussels in a Champagne and parsley sauce, or caramelised chicken topped with truffle sauce. Don’t miss afternoon tea during the week either.

Although this seafood restaurant is positioned as a relaxed version of chef Adam Stokes’ fine-dining joint, it’s still a pretty chic affair. Take a seat at the oyster bar to enjoy rocks from Jersey and Cornwall, or settle into the royal blue booths and feast on a Wagyu burger with chips. There’s caviar too should you feel the urge to splurge, while the thoughtfully chosen wine list is also worth parting with your pennies for.

Serving up affordable two- and three-course menus, Opus is a much-loved fixture of Birmingham’s financial district, drawing in business people and locals. Its website states ‘nothing but sustainable and ethical will do’, and this is obvious via dishes such as free-range ham hock terrine and Brixham scallops smeared with pineapple and chilli marmalade. There are luxes touches too, including lobster and black truffle, while much of the keenly-priced wine list is available by the glass.

Occupying a stunning Georgian townhouse and boasting a Michelin star, Simpsons is an attractive spot for special occasion dining, and that’s before you know about the restaurant’s boutique bedrooms and on-site cookery school. The kitchen is overseen by chef director Luke Tipping, who turns out dishes with real flair: witness Barbary duck with apricot, burnt onion, pak choi and pickled mustard seeds, or a hybrid dessert of lemon meringue pie soufflé served with hazelnut ice-cream.

Birmingham may already be known for its Indian cuisine, but Lasan takes things to the next level with its sleek interiors and compelling menu of innovative dishes which are inspired by India. To see what we mean, order the likes of a guinea fowl korma or the seafood biryani. The puddings list is full of smash hits too, featuring sweet treats such as a sticky date pudding, and Bombay Mess, a twist on the English classic.

Michelin-starred chef Adam Stokes is the man behind this sophisticated joint, which has been kitted out with faux marble, mirrors, and a cathedral-like trompe l’oeil centrepiece. The vibe here is contemporary British fine dining, and that’s evidenced by the choice of menus too, which comprises a tasting menu and three-course set. Tuck into the hi-spec likes of Atlantic cod with mussel, caviar and kohlrabi, or perhaps confit leg of Goosnargh duck with a plum sauce.