It is described as ‘the most trusted restaurant guide in the UK’ - and it’s the longest established.
That’s because the opinions expressed by Harden’s Guides are based on what is now the largest annual survey of restaurant-goers in the UK.
And this year the guide is particularly impressed with the kitchen talent in Birmingham - especially championing the city’s chefs for their boldness in trying new things.
Peter Harden, Harden’s co-founder, said:"Birmingham is host to some top players when it comes to kitchen talent.
“Chefs here aren’t afraid of trying something different, providing diners with refreshing originality whilst retaining high levels of quality in both food and service.
"It’s a city with an exciting and vibrant dining scene that has been quick to get back on its feet post-Covid, reflecting Brummies’ love for eating out and passionate support of local businesses. Each year we’re excited to see what the city’s restaurants are bringing to the table."
Here are the top 16 restaurants rated by Harden’s for their food - with a rating of five signalling excellence, four is very good, three good:
1. Upstairs by Tom Shepherd in Lichfield - food rating 5
Established chef Tom Shepherd hit the ground running with a host of rave reviews when he first opened this restaurant above his father’s jewellery shop. These days his 28-cover restaurant is continuing to impress. It retained its Michelin Star and its chef’s table and roof terrace often get it a special mention.
2. The Wilderness in the Jewellery Quarter - food rating 5
Alex Claridge is in a key position to champion Birmingham’s dining scene in his new position as Night Time Economy Advisor. Harden’s praises his distinctive formula of edgy cuisine and environment - backed by friendly service and a rock ‘n’ roll playlist. It’s definitely worth a visit if you haven’t been already - a quality night out all the way. A typical dish includes – ‘Childhood Reflections in the Shape of a Banana’.
3. Opheem on Summer Row - food rating 5
Aktar Islam’s dining room is praised by Harden’s for going from strength to strength. It’s one of the top-10 most mentioned outside London in the guide’s poll - and has been described as “the best Indian restaurant outside London”. We’re not sure why Indian restaurants would be better inside London? But it’s great to see this stunningly beautiful dining spot win a host of high accolades. Opheem also has a Michelin star.
4. Bilash in Wolverhampton - food rating 4
Not in Brum, but listed under the city listings. Harden’s says this restaurant is often hailed as the “best curry house in Wolves”, with Sitab Khan’s “special treat” destination “taking curries to the next level” for 41 years. Like many restaurants in the list - it’s not cheap.