££Modern British
Adding to the growing food scene in the Birmingham suburb of Harborne is this Kickstarter-funded spot from a local chef. The space is small and stylish, with the feel of a contemporary bistro, while the contented diners and lively soundtrack combine to bring a pleasant buzz to the atmosphere. The menu is proudly British and fiercely seasonal, coming across in well-crafted dishes like a wonderful frozen rhubarb dessert with peanut brittle and vanilla ice cream. The cooking is all the better for its absence of unnecessary frippery.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.9/5 · 80 reviews
Cuubo, a Modern British restaurant in Smethwick, holds a 4.9/5 rating from 80 TripAdvisor reviews. Guests consistently praise the high food quality, attentive service, and calm atmosphere. The menu features creative dishes blending British and Italian influences, with fresh ingredients and precise cooking. Service is described as friendly and unobtrusive. While a minority of reviews mentioned pacing or value concerns, the overwhelming consensus highlights exceptional dining experiences, with many visitors expressing intent to return.
Ideal for diners seeking high-quality creative British cuisine in a comfortable setting.
££Asian and Western
An elegant Georgian townhouse has been given a bold and blingy makeover for this opulent restaurant, where the décor blends rich, plush furnishings with flashes of shiny gilt. The cooking is self-described as ‘Indo-Persian’ and indeed the menu is an enticing melting pot of influences, including those from Afghanistan, Turkey and Balochistan. The tasting menu will allow you to try a broader range of cuisines, but if you’re going à la carte then keep an eye out for the Sultani lamb chops, which melt in the mouth and are enhanced by their subtle spicing.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 66 reviews
BALOCI in Birmingham offers Asian-Western fusion dining and accommodation, holding a 4.3/5 rating. Guests frequently praise the elegant, luxurious atmosphere and generally attentive service, though isolated incidents of poor staff attitude were noted. Food quality receives mixed feedback: many appreciate the Italian-inspired à la carte options and the variety of the 7-course taster menu, while others reported cold dishes, bland flavors, or small portions. Some reviewers questioned the connection to Indian cuisine. Value perceptions vary significantly based on menu choices. While the setting and hospitality are often highlighted as strengths, consistency in food temperature and portion size remains a point of contention for some visitors.
Suitable for travelers seeking an elegant ambiance and diverse tasting menus for special occasions, who can tolerate minor service inconsistencies.
£££Modern British
Situated in the city's Jewellery Quarter, this smart restaurant is decked out in minimalist-chic style, with neutral tones and pot plants adding a soothing touch. It's run largely by a two-person team: Ben is in the kitchen and the warm, genial Lucy is out front. The cooking, like the interior design, is modern in its approach and allows Ben’s personality to shine through in the flavours and presentation. His short and long tasting menus change with the seasons and the lunchtime option offers value for money.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews
Folium, a Modern British restaurant in Birmingham, holds an impressive 4.8/5 average rating across 80 reviews. Guests frequently praise the exceptional food quality, creative tasting menus, and impeccable, unobtrusive service within a calming atmosphere. However, some negative feedback highlights issues with meal pacing and portion sizes. Several reviewers noted that dishes, particularly in the tasting menu, were excessively small, leading to dissatisfaction regarding value for money. While the culinary execution and hospitality are widely regarded as top-tier, the limited quantity of food and high price point remain significant concerns for some diners.
Ideal for diners seeking refined culinary artistry and attentive service, though those sensitive to portion sizes or value may want to manage expectations.
££££Seafood
It is key, when structuring your restaurant around a kitchen counter, that you provide an engaging, relaxing experience for your guests. This is something that is perfectly understood by the team at this eye-catchingly named restaurant, inspired by the albatross in Coleridge's 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'. Everyone, from the chefs to the sommelier, is full of enthusiasm and confidently chats away with diners throughout the experience. The food itself carries a heavy Japanese influence, with the tasting menu consisting almost entirely of pared-back preparations spotlighting top-notch seafo
TripAdvisor review sample · 5.0/5 · 80 reviews
Located on the edge of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, Albatross Death Cult is a seafood restaurant with an average TripAdvisor rating of 5.0/5 from 80 reviews. Guests consistently praise the food quality, service, and atmosphere. The chef prepares dishes at a stainless steel bar for up to 14 guests, explaining each course, while a sommelier handles wine pairings, including sake flights. The venue features a minimalist interior with bare brick walls. While a few reviews noted issues with meal pacing or value, the overwhelming consensus highlights the expertise and passion behind the experimental menus, making it a highly rated destination for seafood enthusiasts.
Suitable for diners who prioritize fresh ingredients, enjoy interactive dining experiences, and accept intimate seating arrangements.
£££indian
Renowned Indian singer, actress and gourmet Asha Bhosle is the eponymous driving force behind a string of international restaurants, including this stylish, passionately run and deservedly packed spot in the heart of Birmingham. The extensive menus cover most parts of the Indian Subcontinent, with tandoori kebabs a speciality and no shortage of vegetarian options. Each dish is cooked with skill and provides serious flavour – such as the superior Muscat gosht, which is a recipe from Asha herself.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Asha's in Birmingham City Centre receives high ratings, praised for its flavorful and high-quality food, particularly dishes like Masala Scallops. Service is generally attentive, with staff such as Apoorva and Anushka noted for their warmth and ability to guide diners through new experiences. The atmosphere is described as relaxed and suitable for celebrations, though some find the decor dated. However, mixed feedback exists regarding value and consistency; some guests found portions small or flavors underwhelming compared to the price, and occasional service lapses were reported. While many enjoyed a memorable dining experience, others felt the cost did not match the quality, resulting in a polarized view on overall value.
Ideal for families or special occasions seeking high-quality Indian cuisine and attentive service, though diners sensitive to value for money should manage expectations regarding portion sizes and pricing.
£££Modern Cuisine
Chef Glynn Purnell brings all of his experience to bear on this restaurant in a newer part of the city surrounded by gleaming skyscrapers. The fluid menu is overflowing with appealing snacks, small plates and sharing platters, starting with the signature Trillium milk loaf with malt vinegar and chicken fat, followed by the likes of juicy Tamworth pork chop with a light salsa verde and full-toned manchego. The well-versed team are happy to make recommendations, while the impressive wine list offers variety and depth of quality.
£££Vegetarian, Asian Influences
The Great Western Arcade in the heart of the city is home to this intimate restaurant, where the chefs harness the power of plants for their creative vegetarian dishes. There's an original streak running through the seasonally evolving set menu – which is largely vegan – alongside a scattering of pan-Asian influences ranging from carrot char sui to sake lees, all executed with care and skill by the chefs. Wine flights are available to enhance the experience and the friendly service team will see to your every need.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Land, a vegetarian restaurant in Birmingham with Asian influences, holds strong reviews. Food quality is a standout feature, described as creative, beautifully presented, and inspiring, with a frequently changing menu. Service is generally praised for being attentive and professional. The atmosphere is mostly viewed as relaxing and unique, though some guests noted issues with meal pacing, cold temperatures, or noise from the bar. Value perceptions vary; while many find the experience worthwhile, others question portion sizes relative to cost. Overall, it offers a distinct dining experience focused on high-quality plant-based cuisine, suitable for those seeking innovative vegetarian options.
Suitable for diners seeking high-quality creative vegetarian experiences and flexible menus.