We all love pasta and pizza and here at We Love Brum Italian is definitely our favorite cuizine. There are so many Italian restaurants around Birmingham that it would be impossible to list them all, so instead, have a look at these hidden gems and let them bring some sunshine to your plate. Andiamo!
Trentina
Although common across Europe, small plate restaurants are still finding their footing in the UK. That being said, Trentina takes the concept and makes it into an Italian feast. Trentina has a small but perfectly crafted menu that is made up of a handful of traditional Italian foods made from mostly locally sourced ingredients.
The freshly made pasta is made from organic 00 flour sourced from the Cotswolds, the mozzarella and Stracciatella is all British dairy, and the meat comes from English farms that use traditional methods of rearing animals and butchery, and focus on low-wastage and humane practices. Many non-local ingredients come from Italy, adding to the authenticity of the dishes. They also offer gluten free and vegan options, so all dietary requirements can be catered for despite the limited menu. This is certainly a unique dining spot in the city and worth checking out if you consider yourself a gourmet.
Ristorante Caffe’ Gustami
Located just off the Ladywood Middleway, you would be forgiven for missing this seemingly unassuming restaurant, but instead of driving right on by, turn in on your way home from work and treat yourself to something delicious. Gustami are loved for their fresh dishes with a homemade taste, and the affordable prices and very friendly staff only add to that sense of home.
The bread and pizza is made from in-house, hand-stretched dough, and they have a wide range of authentic pasta and meat dishes as well. Every week there are new specials on the board, so you will never run out of things to try. The perfect way to round off your meal is with the delectable tiramisu – made in house, of course.
4 King Edwards Rd, Birmingham B1 2PZ
La Nonna
La Nonna is Italian fine dining done right. They incorporate many traditional Italian dishes, such as Bruschetta All’Pomodoro, Spaghetti Carbonara, and Penne Arrabiata, and turn them into beautiful feasts for the eyes as well as the stomach. This restaurant serves up good, hearty food that will actually fill you up when the night is over.
The drinks menu has a focus on Italian wines, as well as an impressive selection of spirits, so you can get the perfect pairing for your meal. This is a great place to take a partner or just to indulge and pretend you’re on a long holiday.
16 Arden Oak Rd, Sheldon, Birmingham B26 3LX
Verona Italian
Italian isn’t only for dinner; it should be enjoyed at all times of day no matter the occasion. So knowing that there is an Italian restaurant in Birmingham that serves lunch and dinner is sure to put some pep in your step. Some of their lunch dishes include Calamari Fritti, Insalata Caprese, and Zuppa Verdure.
The dinner menu has a range of typical dishes, and they follow the seasons, so dishes change often to make use of the highest quality ingredients. Some of the dinner dishes include Pizza Verona, Lasagne Alla Bolognese, and Risotto e Gamberi.
51 Boldmere Rd, Boldmere, Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield B73 5UY
Fogo Bar and Kitchen
Despite being positioned on the Hagley Road, one of the main roads into the city centre, Fogo Bar and Kitchen is criminally overlooked as an incredible place for a night of Italian dining. Before even tasting the food, it invites you in with its warm lighting and atmosphere. The smell of the fire from the wood oven, coupled with the evening-only opening times, makes this one of the cosiest spots on this list.
When it comes to ordering a meal, you can be sure that no matter what you pick, it will be delicious, as they use the world-travelled chefs use the freshest ingredients to make traditional Italian-inspired dishes. Their wood-fired pizza, pasta, and risotto share the menu with Fogo specialities, which are influenced from countries across Europe. The expertly crafted desserts include Chocolate Souffle and Tiramissu, and drinks range from classic cocktails to warming liqueur coffees. You may even get to hear some live acoustic music if you’re lucky. This really is the place to come for your next Italian meal out.
197A Hagley Rd, Birmingham B16 9RD
Cucina Rustica
Located in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter this little Italian serves up authentic dishes in a beautiful historic venue that will transport you out of the city. Their menu is inspired from places all over Italy and their recipes have been passed down from generations making them timeless and arguably some of the best. Some of the dishes served on the main menu include their Gnocchi, Risotto con funghi, and a range of Pizzas too. The restaurant is very accommodating to lots of dietary requirements and serve up vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options.
