In the ever-changing landscape of Birmingham, one thing that has changed for the better over the years is Birmingham’s food scene. Since I first visited the city as a lad in the 1990s, Birmingham has had quite the culinary revolution.
With so many restaurants available now and so many options to tantalise our taste buds, it’s becoming harder to narrow down where the ultimate spots are to grab a bite (Not a bad problem to have). So we have done some digging (eating), and We Love Brum has selected some places we think are must-visits for people living or visiting Birmingham.
We have gone for a wide range of options. We will be covering fine dining, banging burger bars, and a few greasy spoons. We are hoping to provide a little bit of something for everyone.
Opheem – 48 Summer Row, Birmingham, B3 1JJ, United Kingdom
Indian food is synonymous with British culture and, of course, Brummy culture. As you are probably well aware, the British balti was invented in Birmingham. Opheem has taken Indian food to a completely different level. It currently stands as Birmingham’s only restaurant with Michelin stars, a massive badge of honour for any chef and a true sign of this establishment’s quality and consistency when it comes to the food they are serving up.
Aktar Islam, the brains behind this operation, is a chef-owner born and bred in Birmingham. What this ingenious chef has curated is an exceptional dining venture at this continually evolving restaurant. Guests can indulge in pre-dinner snacks and drinks in the spacious bar and sitting area. This slick design choice is used intentionally as a precursor to the dining room and its open kitchen.
The menu features a succession of flavorful, impeccably spiced, and meticulously crafted dishes, offering inventive, contemporary interpretations of Indian cuisine. Complementing the culinary experience are expertly selected wines curated by the talented sommelier.
The Oyster Club by Adam Stokes – 43 Temple Street, Birmingham, B2 5DP, United Kingdom
Seafood is a top-tier cuisine when done correctly. Oysters, especially, are a delicacy that I absolutely adore. Of course, the key to success when serving up amazing seafood is freshness. This is the key difference maker that will make a good seafood spot stand out from all the rest.
Luckily for us, The Oyster Club By Adam Stokes doesn’t just deliver when it comes to freshness. It goes above, and beyond expectations in regard to the quality of food this place produces.
Unsurprisingly, this establishment holds a deep-seated passion for oysters, sourcing them from various locations to deliver fresh flavours that are available either in their natural state or complemented with dressings. Additionally, an array of premium seafood options are available.
Elegant, classically inspired dishes such as Dover sole accompanied by capers and brown butter. Complementing these culinary delights are choices of caviar and an exquisite array of champagnes, adding to the fine dining experience. The plush dining room, characterised by marble-topped tables and counter seating, further enhances the ambience, which really gives this place a luxurious feel and makes you feel like you’re eating somewhere special.
Original Patty Men – 9 Shaws Passage, Digbeth, B5 5JG, United Kingdom
Original Patty Men started life as a pop-up store, first slinging their extraordinary burgers at the now famous Digbeth Dining Club. They now have two locations in Birmingham. One is Digbeth, and the other location is at the British Oak on Pershore Road.
I have been a fan of Original Patty Men for years now; I even remember when they first moved to their first brick-and-mortar location in Digbeth. Whenever I had a meeting in Birmingham City Centre, I always made sure I gave OPM a visit.
The menu here is full of all the tasty treats you would expect from any burger joint with a good reputation. Loaded fries, chicken wings (they even do Wing Wednesdays night), and, of course, a selection of mouth-watering burgers. If I had to pick my all-time favourite patty from this place, It would be the Pineapple Express. The pineapple hot sauce on this burger is what makes it special, and it perfectly complements the bacon, cheese, and jalapenos.
The decor is simple but inviting; they can seat up to 6 people and don’t make reservations. The special board is well worth checking out, and they also have an outside seating area for the summer and overflow. At number 5, Shaws Passage (four doors down from this location), they also have a microbrew pub called Kilder, so after your burger, you can always pop in there for a beer. As a side note, Kilder also makes one of Birmingham’s best deep-pan pizzas, but this is only available on Wednesday and Saturday nights.
Ristorante Caffe’ Gustami – 4 King Edwards Road, Birmingham, B1 2PZ, United Kingdom
This niche little Italian spot close to the Jewellery Quarter is an incredible addition to Birmingham’s food scene. Their culinary journey draws directly from their Italian roots. Simple dishes with ingredients of the highest quality, fresh to order.
Many of the delectable dishes gracing their menu evoke cherished memories of homemade meals lovingly prepared by their mothers and grandmothers during their formative years ( I am Italian on my father’s side, so It is lovely to be transported back in time by the dishes this restaurant serves.
In Italy, the age-old tradition of passing down family recipes is how everyone learns to cook. It is how I learned myself., and they pay homage to this heritage by infusing their cooking with the same warmth and affection.
Their expansive menu boasts a diverse array of traditional Italian fare, ensuring there’s something to delight every palate. With each dish meticulously crafted with passion and authenticity, they take pride in offering patrons a genuine taste of Italy straight from the heart. They also have a well-curated wine menu to complement the dishes.
Stepping inside their restaurant, you’ll be embraced by an ambience that radiates warmth and hospitality, reflecting their desire to create a welcoming dining experience for their guests. The wooden decor fits the place perfectly, as does the addition of wine and oil bottles on display around the restaurant. All of these tropes make this place a top spot for fine Italian food.
German Doner Kebab – 84 Bull St, Birmingham B4 6AB, United Kingdom
German Donner Kebab has various locations across the city. There are so many wonderful options when it comes to Kebabs in Birmingham, especially with all the family-run kebab shops and wonderful little takeaways that operate in the second city. Doner Kebab has gained a reputation for being one of the best, and this is with good reason.
They are a global icon when it comes to eating delicious meat wrapped in pitta, with Kebab shops located all over the world. Now, I am aware some people have certain feelings about chain restaurants, but I implore you to leave those prejudices at this kebab shop’s door because this kebab experience is unlike any other. Each kebab is freshly made to order, featuring high-quality lean meats, homemade waffle bread, locally sourced veggies, and our special sauces.
German Donner’s original kebab is the go-to choice here. Aptly named the O.G. Kebab, it has all the hallmarks of what makes this dish such a delight. Take your pick of succulent doner meat paired with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, onion, and red cabbage. All nestled in our handcrafted toasted sesame waffle bread and topped with our three signature sauces. You can’t go wrong with this delicious combination.
They have some unique sides on offer, too, such as a donner spring roll, and the flame fries are a great addition for spice enthusiasts. The meal deals are decent as well; they offer donner boxes with fries, a side, and a drink. It was around £15, and the portion size was large, so it was a good value for the money. They also have special offers, so keep an eye out for those.
Dads Lane Fish Bar and Restaurant – 1 Dad’s Ln, Birmingham B13 8PG, United Kingdom
Last but certainly not least is the humble chip shop. Dad’s Lane Fish Bar has become a bit of an institution. Most proper Brummies know this spot (there is an argument by some folk that it’s slightly overrated, but I disagree with this point of view).
They have a restraint at this chippy as well as a takeaway which is needed as people travel pretty far sometimes to eat here because of the spot’s repalso has table servicevice as well, so you can your set and let the wonderful staff handle your order. Dads also have a seating area upstairs where they allow you to bring your own alcohol. Of course, you can and should take food if that is your preference, but the service here is friendly and inviting, and they serve up some of the best fish and chips in the U.K., in my opinion, not just the midlands.
So that concludes a list of the best places to eat in Birmingham. Of course, there are many more, and we will most certainly talk about other wonderful eateries in the future, so if you think we have missed a spot that we MUST talk about, or you know a local legend in your area of the city please feel free to let us know.
