Best restaurants in Birmingham

Al fresco dining and a traditional Italian menu keeps La Galleria at the top of many 'best in Birmingham' lists. Charming service, an extensive wine list and a buzzy atmosphere add to the homely allure.

Situated on the 24th floor of Birmingham’s tallest office building, Orelle offers panoramic views across the city whilst you dine. Expect some of the best French cuisine in the area, including classic dishes like beef tartare with confit egg yolk, mushroom ketchup and chestnut mushroom.

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 a three-course set. 

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.

The Rolling Mill really does have it all, offering not just breakfast, lunch and dinner, but also Sunday roasts, cocktails and more. Head down for hotdog Mondays or roasty Tuesdays, otherwise drop in for crowd-pleasers like burgers, fish and chips, pizza.

Great, sharing-style Indian food and a good choice of beers ensure this spot is packed all week. The convivial atmosphere and fun staff keep the party going long into the night for the perfect weekend spot.

Airs and graces are shunned here in favour of fried chicken and freshly poured craft beers. A great place to bring a group of mates, Bonehead also does a solid line in loaded tater tots.

Having won Michelin Young Chef of the Year in 2021, Kray Treadwell’s food is boldly confident. His style – he says – is modern abstract fine dining. Expect beautifully presented, ingredient-led tasting menus with optional drinks pairings.

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 like Barbary duck with apricot, burnt onion, pak choi and pickled mustard seeds.

While Medicine Bakery isn’t somewhere for a languid dinner, it makes a great spot for lunch. Its credentials as one of the city’s only artisanal bakeries mean cracking sandwiches as well as a counter full of pastries.

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.

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. 

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. 

Michelin-starred Opheem is headed up by Birmingham-born chef Aktar Islam whose creative Indian cookery has been much lauded. Islam even grinds his own spices, resulting in dishes like tandoori trout with mooli and mint.

A modern bar and brasserie with grand interiors, Bank is a vibrant space that blends traditional British dishes with others 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.

We love the lo-fi aesthetic of this foliage-laden Hong Kong cafe in King's Heath, but even more than that, we love the outstanding (and reasonably-priced) homemade dumplings, Shanghainese sticky rice cakes, congee and spring onion pancakes. A beautiful place to watch the world go by, with great merch too.

Mirroring the charm of the idyllic Italian coast, this ever changing menu at Tropea boasts the freshest selection of antipasti, pastas and shellfish. Soft lighting and a relaxed environment gives the feel of a classic neighbourhood eatery. 

The SOI team were pop-up legends in Birmingham for years before finally landing in their own bricks-and-mortar site in Stirchley. Stirchley itself is home to some cracking up and coming restaurants and SOI is right there with the best, serving full throttle Thai street food that doesn't hold back on flavour. 

A distinctly New York Vibe gives Isaac’s its charm, with subway tiled walls and green banquette seating. A buzzy atmosphere and a modern menu make this the perfect place to gather with friends or family.

Playful, contemporary cuisine is chef Jamie Desogus’s calling card at Harborne Kitchen. A chef’s counter and private dining room provide celebration spaces, while the tasting menu meanders through fish, vegetarian, and meat courses.  

Transporting you to a Greek island via Birmingham, Mythos Taverna deals in bold, fresh flavours. Plates of calamari, charcoal cooked chicken souvlaki and sticky baklavas ensure everyone gets what they came for – classic Mediterranean cooking.

Experimental cocktails and a colourful menu of Thai dishes make Siamais a popular spot for those looking for late-night dining in Birmingham. With a separate bar and restaurant areas, Siamais opens until 1am at weekends.  

Led by Michelin chef Robert Ortiz, Chakana is one of Birmingham’s top spots. Modern Peruvian food is served via tasting menus and an a la carte, in the relaxed setting of a converted bank.

Irresistibly Instagrammable interiors are a major focus at Noel’s, but the menu is no less good looking. Pretty plates of Italian plates are the order of the day – from antipasto platters through to rich risottos.

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 Keralan chilli garlic prawns. 

It’s not often you come across a plant-based fine-diner. Land does vegan food with class, offering tasting menus at a reasonable price point. Expect plates of seasonal produce more than the sum of their parts.

Award-winning street food and wood fired pizzas make this a great place to gather with pals or take the whole family to for a low-key meal. Toppings are carefully sourced for first rate Italian flavours.

Beautiful Grace & Savour is just a short train ride from Birmingham New Street but you wouldn't know it from the verdant rural vibes of this countryside bolthole. David Taylor oversees a quite brilliant operation here that lifts up organic growers in the local area, delivering hyper-seasonal multi-course tasting menus in a gorgeous setting.

Small but perfectly formed, Tiger Bites Pig serves street food in casual surrounds. Fresh, flavourful plates include a selection of bao and rice bowls. Popular toppings include braised pork belly and salt and pepper tofu.

Edgbaston Village is home to this pioneering neighbourhood spot that puts sustainable practices and British produce at the forefront of its nature-led menu. It even grows seasonal veg and herbs in its very own allotment!

Irresistibly loaded patties alongside dirty fries make this spot one of Birmingham’s most popular restaurants, because who doesn’t love a burger? Casual surrounds, food served on trays and great beer all add to the ambience.

The Meat Shack started life as a street food burger stand and is now a restaurant proper. The loaded fries are a must order, topped with things like hoisin sauce, coriander, chilli and sesame seeds.

Those looking for their sushi fix in Birmingham need look no further, Gaijin prides itself on the freshest rolls in the city and has found critical acclaim since opening in 2018. Set menus offer great value.

Carefully balanced flavour profiles result in moreish plates of traditional Thai food here. Colourful, fragrant dishes on the far-reaching menu range from all the classics through to more unusual serves like garlic fried chicken livers.

If you’re looking to impress someone special, Folium is just the spot. Beautifully presented, dainty portions of modern seasonal British food translate into mains like turbot cooked in beef fat with Arbroath Smokies.

Alex Claridge’s food is distinctly different to the average fine diner; expect playful plates. The seven-course menu will leave you none the wiser about what you’re getting, with dish names like ‘Hot Lips’.