Big Mamma - the group behind Gloria Trattoria, Circolo Popolare and more in London - has spread its extravagant interiors and delicious Italian food beyond the capital with a sixth UK venture, La Bellezza in Birmingham. Located in Chamberlain Square, part of Birmingham’s recently redeveloped Paradise Circus, the restaurant brings the warmth and hospitality of an Italian trattoria to the centre of Birmingham.
The Big Mamma group originated in Paris, led by Tigrane Seydoux and Victor Lugger. Inspired by their trips to Italy, and all the incredible produce they encountered during these trips, they established a group of chefs, and restauranteurs to help them build their culinary empire. Now, the group has over 25 venues across Europe and shows no signs of slowing down.
La Bellezza was designed with the charming trattorias found across Italy in mind, though with 150 indoor covers, the space will certainly be larger than what you may find down the back of a quaint Italian alley. Towering ceilings are home to magnificent orange Murano glass chandeliers, whilst providing ample room for renaissance-esque paintings, huge floral drapes and tumbling ivy. Different areas of the restaurant have very different vibes - around the corner you'll find a library corner, with velvet curtains, staunch wooden bookcases and chequerboard floor tiling reminiscent of grand Venetian palaces.
The menu is a celebration of produce, shipped biweekly from Italy for a long list of artisan producers. Expect lots of Bib Mammas biggest hits on the menu, including 'Le Gran Carbonara', served in an 8kg wheel of Parmesan and the 'Incomparable Lemon pie' with Instagrammable domed lemon meringue top. Elsewhere on the menu there are Napolitan style pizzas, meat and fish dishes cooked over open fire grill, and a huge cocktail menu and wine list to get stuck into.