Birmingham, the vibrant heart of the West Midlands, has grown into a major food destination in the UK. Known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse communities, the city now boasts an impressive collection of award-winning restaurants, ranging from modern Indian cuisine to plant-based fine dining. If you’re a local foodie or a visitor exploring the culinary scene, discovering the best restaurants in Birmingham is a rewarding journey.
In recent years, Birmingham has received growing attention from critics, Michelin inspectors, and gourmet travellers alike. With several Michelin-starred establishments, innovative chefs, and a commitment to sustainability and seasonal produce, the city is redefining the way people view food in the Midlands.
This guide offers an in-depth look at the best restaurants in Birmingham, focusing on quality, experience, creativity, and the story behind each place. Whether you’re seeking modern British tasting menus, contemporary Indian creations, or sustainable farm-to-table dishes, you’ll find something exceptional here.
1. Opheem
Opheem is not just one of the best restaurants in Birmingham, it’s a milestone for Indian cuisine in the UK. Located at 65 Summer Row, Opheem became the first Indian restaurant in the country to receive two Michelin Stars in 2024. Behind this extraordinary achievement is Chef Aktar Islam, whose approach blends traditional Indian roots with influences from Persia and Arabia.
Opheem is bold, innovative, and luxurious. Each dish feels like a narrative—crafted with deep care, using global techniques and premium ingredients. Unlike traditional Indian restaurants, Opheem presents its cuisine with an avant-garde style, serving unique, beautifully plated tasting menus in a sleek, modern setting.
This restaurant is ideal for those looking for a creative Indian dining experience that celebrates heritage but steps far beyond the expected. It perfectly represents the semantic evolution of modern Indian food, making it a cornerstone of Birmingham’s culinary map.
2. Simpsons
Simpsons is housed in a lovely Georgian mansion in Edgbaston, an area known for its quiet charm and leafy surroundings. The setting is peaceful, with garden views and a relaxed fine-dining atmosphere. This one Michelin Star restaurant is a pioneer of modern British cuisine and has been a staple in Birmingham’s food scene for over two decades.
Chef Luke Tipping focuses on local and seasonal ingredients, transforming them into dishes that are both refined and comforting. Simpsons combines traditional British culinary techniques with contemporary touches, offering a truly elegant experience.
It stands out among the best restaurants in Birmingham for its consistency, ambiance, and thoughtful presentation. Visitors can enjoy both à la carte and tasting menus, each filled with creative expression and seasonal identity.
3. Adam’s
Located on Waterloo Street in Birmingham’s business district, Adam’s is a sleek and sophisticated one Michelin Star restaurant that continues to rank among the UK’s top fine dining destinations. Chef Adam Stokes leads the kitchen with a modern approach to British food, offering multi-course tasting menus that are both intricate and flavorful.
What makes Adam’s truly shine is its attention to detail—from the precise execution of dishes to the warm and professional service. The interior is clean, contemporary, and inviting, reflecting the high standards of the kitchen.
Adam’s combines luxury and approachability, making it a must-visit for anyone serious about gastronomy. Among the best restaurants in Birmingham, this is where quality and consistency meet every time.
4. The Wilderness
In the heart of the Jewellery Quarter sits The Wilderness—a small, edgy restaurant that defies expectations. Chef Alex Claridge brings a punk-rock energy to experimental British cooking, making The Wilderness one of the most talked-about spots in the city.
With tasting menus that push boundaries, the restaurant offers bold, sensory dining experiences. You’ll find unusual flavour combinations, striking presentations, and an immersive atmosphere lit with moody tones and music.
The Wilderness isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s for food lovers who want to step into a world of surprise and artistry. This restaurant demonstrates how Birmingham is reshaping the narrative of British cuisine and creative expression.
5. Grace & Savour
Just outside Birmingham, in Solihull, Grace & Savour is located inside the beautiful Hampton Manor estate. This one Michelin Star restaurant focuses on sustainability, local produce, and immersive dining. The 15-course tasting menu is built around garden-grown ingredients, harvested from the on-site walled garden.
Grace & Savour isn’t just a meal—it’s a journey. Guests are invited to explore where their food comes from, making the experience both educational and deeply satisfying. The blend of rustic countryside and high-end cooking sets it apart from any other dining experience nearby.
This spot is ideal for those who want to connect with nature while enjoying fine dining at its best.
6. Tropea
Tropea is a bright and airy restaurant located in Harborne, inspired by the sun-soaked regions of southern Italy. Known for its small plates, handmade pasta, and fresh ingredients, Tropea brings a Mediterranean warmth to Birmingham’s restaurant scene.
What makes it stand out among the best restaurants in Birmingham is its casual, welcoming vibe paired with seriously good food. Aubergine parmigiana, burrata, seafood dishes—every item on the menu feels fresh, simple, and full of flavour.
Tropea is proof that you don’t need white tablecloths to enjoy outstanding food. It’s approachable, delicious, and perfect for a relaxed evening with friends or family.
7. Riverine Rabbit
At Riverine Rabbit on Pershore Road in Stirchley, sustainability takes centre stage. Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger, winner of the Michelin Young Chef Award in 2025, crafts a seasonal menu that prioritises ethical sourcing and bold flavours.
The menu changes frequently to reflect local produce availability, and every dish is a celebration of simplicity and intention. Riverine Rabbit caters to conscious diners who want their food choices to align with environmental values.
Its inclusion among the best restaurants in Birmingham speaks volumes about the city’s progressive food culture. This is the place where modern British cuisine meets mindful eating.
8. Cuubo
Cuubo began as a simple takeaway and quickly transformed into a standout British-Italian fusion restaurant. Located in Harborne, it’s now an award-winning spot that showcases the power of seasonal cooking and minimal ingredients.
Expect fresh pastas, hearty mains, and simple desserts—all served in a relaxed yet stylish setting. Cuubo merges comfort with quality, making it perfect for casual fine dining without the formal fuss.
Its evolution is a great example of how Birmingham’s food scene nurtures innovation and supports local talent. Cuubo remains a favourite for those seeking authenticity with a twist.
9. Land
In the Great Western Arcade, Land offers fully vegetarian fine dining that’s both artistic and satisfying. It’s one of the few plant-based restaurants that focus entirely on gourmet tasting menus, and the result is extraordinary.
Land is small, modern, and peaceful. The dishes are beautifully plated, rich in flavour, and globally inspired. For vegetarians and vegans seeking a high-end experience, Land stands out as one of the best restaurants in Birmingham.
With growing interest in health, wellness, and plant-based diets, Land meets both culinary and lifestyle needs. It exemplifies how Birmingham is responding to wider shifts in eating habits.
10. Lasan
Lasan is a cornerstone of Birmingham’s modern Indian food movement. Located in the Jewellery Quarter, it helped launch the career of Chef Aktar Islam and remains a celebrated name in the city’s restaurant scene.
Lasan offers contemporary Indian dishes in a stylish, relaxed atmosphere. The menu balances bold spices with elegant presentation, catering to both traditional and adventurous palates.
This restaurant helped shape the food identity of Birmingham and still delivers quality, flavour, and service. It remains a strong contender among the best restaurants in Birmingham for anyone seeking memorable Indian cuisine.
Summary
Birmingham is home to a rich variety of restaurants that reflect both tradition and innovation. From the Michelin-starred creativity of Opheem and Adam’s to the experimental spirit of The Wilderness, the city proves that world-class food doesn’t belong only to London.
Each restaurant featured in this guide contributes something unique—whether it’s sustainability, heritage, vegetarian excellence, or bold new ideas. Together, they form a vibrant ecosystem that supports culinary growth and excellence.
If you’re planning your next meal out or designing a food itinerary for a visit, these are the best restaurants in Birmingham to consider. The city’s dining scene is not just alive—it’s thriving. And with chefs constantly pushing the boundaries, Birmingham continues to rise as one of the UK’s top food capitals.