Birmingham is a foodies paradise - it has so much good quality and variety to offer. Whether you want pub food or fine dining - there are many amazing restaurants in and around Birmingham that are ready to meet your desires.
And, locals aren’t the only ones who want to try out the dining scene. Some of these restaurants, pubs, and cafes have been applauded by food critics from some of teh countries most renowned London based food critics.
The Observer food critic Jay Rayner, cookbook author and Royal stepson Tom Parker Bowles, the Guardian food writer Marina O’Loughlin and Grace Dent, The Times food critic Giles Coren and food critic and former host of the BBC’s The Late Show Tracey McLeod have visited Birmingham with varying regularity to taste the amazing food that we have to offer.
Not all of their visits are to Michelin-starred restaurants either. The eateries they have reviewed and visited will fit a range of budgets and moods.
So, here are the 13 restaurants in and around Birmingham recommended by London food critics:
5. Cuubo, Harborne - Jay Rayner
Weeks after opening in February 2024, Cuubo, at 47 Harborne High Street, was visited by Jay Rayner. The modern British restaurant with Italian influences is run by chef Dan Sweet, who previously worked at Michelin starred simpsons in nearby Edgbaston. Ryaner haled the venue saying: “Dinner here was an introduction to a storming talent announcing itself to the world, one clever, delicious, well-priced dish at a time.” | BirminghamWorld

6. Oyster Club, city centre - Grace Dent
It's run by estemed Birmingham Michelin starred chef Adam Stokes, but the Oyster Club on Temple Street, food critic and former I'm A Celeb star, Grace Dent, less than impressed when she visited in 2023. She raised concerns that her fritto misto wasn't as lusciously layered with fresh fish as she would have liked, saying: "The largest thing on the plate was the chunk of lemon.” The bijou venue has attracted rave reviews else where and is featured in the Michelin Guide which recommends The Oyster Club for offering “a good variety of top quality fish and shellfish” along with praising: “The room is bright and elegant, with marble-topped tables, counter seating and a plush feel.” | BirminghamWorld

7. Gaijin Sushi, Gay Village - Jay Rayner
Located in the Gay Village, Gaijin Sushi was called an “utter delight” by Rayner in 2018. He wrote: “At Gaijin you can feed yourself properly for £30 a head. One thing to be aware of: they don’t open for lunch until 2pm, which may be a way of controlling trade in such a small space or may just be because it’s their place and they can run it how the hell they like. I’d like to think it’s the latter.” And, chef Michal Kubiak runs it well. The small eatery has lasted through the pandemic and come out intact on the other side of it unlike many eateries that had to shut their doors. (Photo - Unsplash) | unsplash

8. Folium, Jewellery Quarter - Marina O’Loughlin
The Guardian food writer Marina O’Loughlin wrote about Folium - which offers elevated British cuisine in multi-course meals with wine pairings - in 2018. She described the place as “Scandi meets Brum in a rich mix of exquisite and austere”. She added: This restaurant “doesn’t deserve anything but joy and celebration and accolades.” (Photo - Google Maps) | google maps