The group behind Gloria Trattoria and Circolo Popolare are spreading their extravagant interiors and delicious Italian food beyond the capital with their 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. Despite these huge expansions, all their restaurants have managed to retain the same high-quality cooking that they had initially set out to deliver. All the ingredients used in their restaurants have been sourced from Italy, from the flour they use in their pasta to the liquor in their cocktails.
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. And, if their previous locations are anything to go off, the interiors will be a far cry from the quaint minimalism of the typical trattoria. Big Mamma are known for their opulent, gaudy and playful interiors, and this space will be no different.
The menu is a celebration of the produce they have shipped over biweekly from Italy, served up in modern takes of classic dishes. Their Big Mamma carpaccio is not to be missed, with paper thin slices of succulent beef topped with rocket, balsamic and parmesan. Follow up with one of their expertly made Neapolitan-style pizzas, but make sure to save room for dessert. You will not want to leave without trying their epic, six-inch-high lemon pie.