These days, putting together a restaurant is so much more than just a good menu, because social media is a business's greatest marketing tool - and it’s all about the visuals. Instagram friendly restaurants in Birmingham have been popping up thick and fast in recent years, with aesthetically pleasing dining rooms becoming a key factor in many new openings. Whether it’s cheeky neon signs plastered on every surface, or sparkling feature walls that shimmer in the disco lights, these are restaurants where there is ample opportunity for a photoshoot before you’ve even made it to the table.
Of course, going beyond just the decor, it’s equally important for the food to be presented in a way that's photo ready. Whether it be an immaculately finished French pastry, or a filthy burger where the cheese overflows down the side of the patty, the aim of the game is to get followers envious with a single snap. As time goes by, props are becoming more daring, and restaurants are spending huge sums of money on making sure they give you an experience to remember. Whilst this often results in all style and little substance, a few restaurants manage to walk the fine line between stand-out food and enchanting interiors.
So whether you’re the friend who loves to pose for the camera, or the one who prefers to stay on the other side of the screen, we’ve narrowed down the best restaurants in Birmingham to include on your instagram feed. They’re bold, they’re colourful, and there’s an awful lot of pink - but most importantly the food remains a top priority.
Tattu
What: There’s a good chance you’ve already seen Tattu on your instagram feed, and if not, we think it’s time to assess who you're following on social media. This is a restaurant that ticks all of the social media friendly boxes - boasting fairy lights, animated walls and pinky purple hues. Its most striking feature is the infamous cherry blossom that covers the ceiling throughout. But she’s more than just a pretty face, because the food here is equally impressive. Think Chinese sharing plates like chicken truffle shumai and shiitake bao.
Where: 18 Barwick Street, B3 2NT
Book now: Tattu
Orelle
What: Sat on the 24th floor of Birmingham’s tallest building, Orelle is known for being picture perfect for its panoramic views, as much as its striking interiors. An impressive sight throughout the day becomes even better by night as the skyline comes to life with the city lights. The menu is French and full of classics like beef tartare and chicken ballotine, plus sharing options like a 50 day aged Cóte de Boeuf.
Where: 103 Colmore Row, B3 3AG
Book now: Orelle
The Ivy Temple Row
What: The Ivy Temple Row is vibrant, classy, and bursting with things that make this one of Birmingham’s most instagram-worthy restaurants. With its art deco interior touches and detailed artwork, the dining room makes a perfect backdrop for a mid-meal photoshoot. The menu is largely similar to other Ivy sites across the country, with favourites like duck liver parfait with toasted brioche, and lobster linguine, as well as desserts such as creme brulee and profiteroles.
Where: 67-71 Temple Row, B2 5LS
Book now: The Ivy Temple Row
202 Kitchen
What: Get ready to think pink because 202 Kitchen is a one-colour-wonder, with varying shades of neon, hot and pastel pink across the restaurant. So much more than just brightly painted walls though, you can also find phone booths, a motorcycle, and swing seats within the colour theme. In between taking snaps for the gram, take some time to explore the menu with dishes like lobster tail and ribs with waffles - and don’t forget the infamous 202 cocktails.
Where: Pitsford Street, B18 6LJ
Book now: 202 Kitchen
Tonight Jospehine
What: They say that well behaved women don’t make history, and they probably don’t go to Tonight Josephine either. Known for its provocative neon signs and infamously pink decor, this is a restaurant that was made for the 'gram. You’re spoiled for choice with tinsel feature walls, colourful lighting, and bathroom doors covered in iconic mugshots (Lindsay Lohan, we see you). Then to eat, you’re limited to a brunch menu with the likes of pulled pork burgers, crispy prawns and a grilled halloumi burger. If Tonight Josephine hasn’t featured on your Instagram feed yet, it’s time to make that change.
Where: 12 Burlington Arcade, B2 4BL
Book now: Tonight Josephine
Siamais
What: With its name taken from the term ‘Siamese twins’, this restaurant draws on the concept of ‘two’, with two nights out under one roof. A separate bar and restaurant make up Siamais, offering an opportunity to enjoy two different nights out under one roof. So whether it’s a sit down meal you’re after, or an evening of delicious cocktails, this is your one stop shop to a fun night out with the gang. Although if you don’t get a pic for the 'gram, did it even happen? So take a seat on the flower swing and get snap happy in this Thai spot.
Where: 7 Oozells Street, B1 2HS
Book now: Siamais
Marco Pierre White
What: Marco Pierre White doesn’t seem like an obvious choice for a list of most instagrammable restaurants, as it’s known first and foremost for its quality menu. However, set on the 25th floor of The Cube, this is a restaurant that offers unbeatable views of the city that has graced many Instagram stories. Pop by for afternoon tea or enjoy a bottle of fizz as you watch the sun set over the city.
Where: The Cube, B1 1PR
Book now: Marco Pierre White
Opheem
What: Opheem knows a thing or two about how to make a good curry, and the Michelin star just cements this popular opinion. But this Indian restaurant also catches the eye of customers for its suave interiors, and impressive light feature, that make it a magical place to spend the evening. But its most Instagram worthy feature is the cherry blossom tree that takes pride of place in the centre of the dining room.
Where: 48 Summer Row, B3 1JJ
Book now: Opheem
Manahatta
What: Any restaurant that comes with an entire portfolio of neon signs is always welcome on our list of most instagrammable places to eat. Not forgetting the plush velvet seating and exposed brick walls, this makes for a very snap happy place to spend your evening. Whilst Manahatta’s interior brings a slice of New York to Birmingham, the food menu offers something from a little further afield. Expect everything from spicy beef nachos to karaage chicken ramen, as well as a brunch menu that’s served until 4pm (fried chicken and bacon pancakes? Yes please).
Where: 10 Temple Street, B2 5BN
Book now: Manahatta
Archie’s
What: It’s difficult to miss Archie’s as you pass it, due to the striking pink hue that’s featured throughout the restaurant. From hot pink chairs to neon signs, as well as light features that look like clouds above an ‘it was all a dream feature’, this burger joint is jam packed with instagrammable moments. It just so happens the burgers are pretty good too, so don’t miss out on the Superstar with two smashed patties, cheese and Archie’s star sauce in a sesame brioche bun.
Where: 8-9 Lower Temple Street, B2 4JD
Book now: Archie's
Comptoir Libanais
What: Comptoir Libanais is a restaurant that gives off good energy with its colourful decor, flowers, and its unique feeling as if you’re sitting inside a family home. Whether it’s the vibrant booth with oranges hanging from the ceiling, or the coral pink wall adorned with a mismatch of plates, trays and mirrors, there are endless opportunities to get a pic for Instagram that will brighten up your feed. The name means Lebanese counter, so you can expect plenty of authentic dishes like chicken tagine with couscous, and falafel and fattoush salad with a pomegranate molasses dressing.
Where: Stephenson Place, B2 4BF
Book now: Comptoir Libanais
Looking for something a little more low key? Check out our list of the best cheap eats in Birmingham.