Independent Birmingham restaurant named the best in central England set to expand in Harborne

One of Birmingham’s most popular independent restaurants has announced that it is set to expand its premises.

Tropea, the Good Food Guide’s Neighbourhood Restaurant of the Year in Harborne, is extending into the premises next door.

The extension will see the addition of a bar that will accommodate up to 4 covers for walk-ins and table top style dining, alongside a further 15 covers in the restaurant. The outdoor terrace will also offer 6 more covers.

The kitchen size will double enabling the team to offer lunch on Thursdays.

The extension will enable the Tropea team to reserve a number of sittings and walk-in tables for regulars and locals whilst maintaining the charm that the neighbourhood restaurant has become recognised for. 

The restaurant opened its doors on Lordswood Road in 2022 and has earned rave reviews since then, being the highest rated Italian restaurant in Birmingham on Google reviews.

Tropea’s listing in the Michelin Guide describes it as ‘a bright, modern neighbourhood restaurant serving flavourful, fuss-free Italian sharing plates’. Whilst the Good Food Guide describes Tropea as ‘a fantastic neighbourhood independent that is well worth seeking out’.

What have the owners said about the expansion?

Ben and Kasia, Owners of Tropea, said, “Tropea is a true neighbourhood restaurant, and we’re determined to never change that. The extension will feature a bar so we can offer our guests a casual glass of wine or cocktail alongside counter style dining.

“The increased covers in the restaurant will mean we can reserve daily tables for our regulars and offer walk-ins whilst maintaining that cosy, intimate feel that Tropea is synonymous with.”

What’s on the menu?

Tropea is the creation of Ben Robinson Young and Kasia Piatkowska, who met whilst studying Culinary Arts at the University College Birmingham in 2010. Inspired by a picturesque town on the Calabrian coast, Tropea’s (pronounced Tro-Pey-Ah) menu is heavily influenced by food sold on the streets of Italy, which much of the produce sourced from there.

Made up of small plates designed to share, the menu includes snacks, fresh pastas, seafood and regional specialities reflecting fresh produce, from day-boat fish to venison.