25 best restaurants in Birmingham as Good Food Guide names city ‘most exciting food destination’

With the Good Food Guide 2022 naming Birmingham has the ‘most exciting food destination’ here’s a look at some of the city’s creative and innovative dining spots. Whether you fancy a luxurious meal or something on-the-go, there are so many quality places to visit.

It’s fantastic that the talented chefs and the venues they work in are getting the recognition they deserve. And with Birmingham getting two restaurants in the top 20 - and one in the top 10 - and a Solihull restaurant also making this year’s Good Food listing there’s lots to celebrate.

Here are some of the best options ranging from fine-dining to budget eateries for you to try - all based in Birmingham city centre and beyond:

Fine dining

Adam’s, Waterloo Street

This offers a contemporary British fine dining experience and serves modern dishes with a world-class wine list. Midlands-born James Goodyear heads up the award-winning kitchen.

For more information: Adam’s

The Wilderness, Jewellery Quarter (no 10 on the Good Food Guide 2022)

This restaurant defines itself as Rock and Roll fine dining. Chef Alex Claridge has two interesting set menus with dishes made with the freshest ingredients and influenced by the world.

For more information: The Wilderness

Opheem, Summer Row

This is a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant by Chef Aktar Islam. He’s played with the Indian flavours to push its boundaries and used a variety of techniques, traditional and modern, in his menu.

For more information: Opheem

Qavali, Brindleyplace

The eatery’s name is the same as the music genre Qawalli, which has traveled from Turkey and Iran to the plains of Afghanistan and further south to India and Pakistan, and the food reflects that journey.

For more information: Qavali

Carters of Moseley (no 18 in the Good Food Guide 2022)

This Michelin-starred venue is operated by Chef Bard Carter and his partner Holly Jackson. It opened in 2010 and provides a unique modern twist on British food. You will find it in the leavy suburb of Moseley Village - just 10 or 15 minutes in a cab from Birmingham city centre. The Good Food listing is the latest in a long line of accolades for this venue.

For more information: Carters of Moseley

Purnell’s, Cornwall Street

This Michelin Star restaurant in Birmingham from celebrity chef Glynn Purnell will serve up a chic and contemporary dining experience. His cooking style is British with a hint of French and Far East.

For more information: Purnell’s

Tattu, Business District

This contemporary Chinese restaurant is a feast for the eyes as much for the palate. They are inspired by the Chinese philosophy of Yin Yang - two opposing forces creating harmony when together.

For more information: Tattu

Varanasi, Broad Street

This Indian restaurant recently attained fame after Johnny Depp dined here raking up a 50k bill. If you want to find out if their rich Indian tastes and textures are worth the hype, give it a go.

For more information: Varanasi

Grace & Savour, Hampton Manor, Hampton-in-Arden Solihull

An immersive dinig experience builtinto the walls of Hampton Manor’s walled Garden. The venue prides itself on being a new kind of luxury that embraces a vision for sustainability. As well as dining at the restaurant, you can also stay at the Manor.

For more information: Grace & Savour

Orelle, 103 Colmore Row

The superstylish sky bar and restaurant is situated on the 24th floor of one of Birmingham’s tallest skyscrapers and leads the way with its modern French cuisine, created with traditional, local British produce. On the ground floor you will find a delightful cocktail bar with classic and innovative drinks.

For more information: Orelle

Albert’s Schloss, Paradise

This Bavarian style restaurant and bar offers roaring fires and the finest biers. If you want a taste of food that reminds you of Alpine Europe and the rustic flavours, pick this eatery.

For more information go to: Albert Schloss, Paradise

Delicous bites from expert teams

Land, Great Western Arcade

This intimate restaurant has plant-focused menus. Their four and six-course tasting menus created by Head Chefs Adrian and Tony can change from day-to-day based on the freshest available ingredients.

For more information: Land

Perios, Brindleyplace

For those who like Tex-Mex Perios’ colourful ambiance goes well with the spicy food and fresh cocktails. They have multiple offers like 2-4-1 cocktails and bottomless brunch available.

For more information: Perios

Dhishoom, Paradise

Inspired by Mumbai’s Irani cafes, this restaurant brings a touch of the city’s street food onto your plate. Their cocktails are not to be missed either. And neither, their bottomless chai.

For more information: Dhishoom

Gusto Italian, Grand Hotel, Colmore Row

Located in The Grand Hotel, this Italian restaurant offers a wide variety of eating options. Whether you prefer the set menus or go a la carte, the cocktails and dessert are must-haves.

For more information: Gusto Italian

Comptoir Libanais, Grand Central

Feast on the summer specials like Harissa Spiced Chicken Hommos with tahina & lemon juice, and a delicious Roasted Sea Bass with slow-cooked fennel, and more at this Lebanese restaurant this season.

For more information: Comptoir Libanais

The Canal House bar and restaurant

Located on the canal-side, this country-style tavern offers elevated British fare, creative cocktails, live music and great views. At their brunch, you can opt in for bottomless drinks.

For more information: The Canal House bar and restaurant

Fumo, Waterloo Street

This restaurant offers contemporary Italian cuisine, a cocktail bar as well as a late lounge. Their food is perfect for sharing since they serve cicchetti style dishes – smaller than a main but bigger than a starter.

For more information: Fumo

Street food and more from around the world

Seoul Kitchen, Suffolk Street, Queensway

This is a fast casual Korean restaurant offering an authenitic Korean bbq experience. Pair your proteins with rice, salad and a bottle or two of Soju. They also have varities of teas.

For more information: Seoul Kitchen

Del villagio, Broad Street

This family-run business offers hand crafted pizzas cooked in a stone bake oven and hearty pasta dishes. They also have live music on July 22 and 29th, if you want to be seranaded while you dine.

For more information: Del villagio

The Coconut Tree, Gas Street

This intimate restaurant brings the spices and flavours of Sri Lanka to Birmingham. Their Sri Lankan street style food and interiors as well as great “cocotails” will warm your heart.

For more information: The Coconut tree

Tiger Bites Pig, Stephenson Street

This quirky-named restaurant serves street food from Eastern Asia. It’s an intimate space and allows you to watch as the food is prepared. The baos are made every morning and they even deliver bao kits.

For more information: Tiger bites pig

Grand Central Kitchen

This is an independent family-run restaurant and is popular for its classic “Full English Breakfast” but if you want a meal on the go there are paninis and ciabattas as well.

For more information go to: Grand central kitchen

Chaophraya Thai Restaurant, Saint Martin’s Square

Located opposite St Martins Church, this eatery brings together classic Thai and distinct signature dishes, including vegan and gluten free options. They also have a great of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

For more information: Chaophraya Thai restaurant

The Indian Streatery, Bennetts Hill

As the name suggests, this eatery gives you a taste of Indian street food including chaats and North Indian curries. Their starters are big enough to be sharing platters.

For more information: The Indian Streatery

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