We all have those tried and tested restaurants, cafes and bars we love to revisit time and time again, but sometimes it’s nice to break the norm and seek out something a little bit different.
Birmingham has a thriving food and drink scene but some of the best finds are actually the hidden gems often over-looked or unheard of by the majority. We’re probably all guilty of gatekeeping a few secrets spots!
Finding a hidden gem when it comes to food and drink is a delight. Often they’re squirrelled away down a side street or only known to a select few. In most cases they’re simply stumbled upon by chance, but either way there’s lots of joy to be found when you look a little outside of your comfort zone.
We asked local food and drink blogger Bite Your Brum to uncover some of the best spots across the city for those looking a food and drink experience with that little extra something to mix things up.
1. Reservoir Café, Edgbaston
If you’re a fan of a traditional fry up and a no frills greasy spoon this tiny café is the one. It’s nestled just outside of the main entrance to Edgbaston reservoir and is perfect for a pre or post walk meal. Expect huge fried breakfasts, loaded jacket spuds, bacon sarnies and chips with everything. You’ll struggle to spend a tenner and it’s everything you could want from a neighbourhood café. You can eat in or takeout, making it helpful if you’re visiting the reservoir. There’s very little info online but you can follow the Instagram for (minimal) updates. | Laura McEwan
2. Dezhou Braised Chicken, China Town
For those that love their noodles and broth, this China Town staple is either your go to for freshly pulled noodles or you’ll never have heard of it. It’s a small, independently run café specialising in handmade noodle dishes and Chinese specialities. The cute twist is you can watch the chefs making the noodles in front of you through a glass panel looking into the kitchen. This place is cash only and gets very busy at lunchtimes. You can find more information on the Facebook page. | Google Maps
3. A La Mexicana, Bearwood
Again, this one all comes down to whether you know about it or not, but A La Mexicana should be your go-to restaurant for all things Mexican in Brum. Unremarkable from the outside on a busy main road, once inside you’ll find a colourful relaxed dining space and some of the kindest, most friendly service in the city. Generous portions and hospitality – well worth leaving the city centre for. Take a look at their Instagram page to keep up with the traders available each week. | Laura McEwan
4. Pause, King’s Heath
Blink and you’ll miss the entrance to King’s Court off the high street but it’s worth seeking out the alleyway just to find teeny tiny café Pause – one of my favourite coffee shops. Expect some of the best coffee in the city, amazing homemade bakes (the cinnabuffins are incredibly) and a relaxed space to just take 5 minutes. You’ll find the French bakery Levain and Cherry in the same arcade which is well worth a visit too. Check out the Instagram page for more information. | Laura McEwan