Contemporary Chinese, glamorous and atmospheric

Tattu Birmingham brings the contemporary Chinese restaurant’s signature glamour to the city — as famous for its looks as its food. The interior is a masterpiece of modern elegance, known for its statement cherry blossom chandelier and trees, with a moody, atmospheric setting made for special occasions.

What to order

The menu reinvents Chinese classics — small plates, dim sum, meat, seafood, rice and noodles. Signatures include sweet miso Chilean sea bass, caramel soy beef fillet and saffron black cod, plus Peking duck. Pair with one of Tattu’s theatrical signature cocktails.

Who it’s for

For date nights, celebrations and stylish dinners where the setting is part of the occasion. Diners praise the service and vibrant atmosphere.

Questions and answers

What food does it serve? Modern Chinese — dim sum, Peking duck, sea bass and beef.

What to order? Sweet miso Chilean sea bass, caramel soy beef and Peking duck.

What makes the interior special? Its cherry blossom chandelier and glamorous setting.

Good for a special occasion? Yes — glamour and service.

Opening hours

Contemporary Italian on Colmore Row

Gusto Italian sits at The Grand Hotel on Colmore Row, in the heart of Birmingham. The striking interior blends modern decor with intimate lighting, bare-brick walls and elegant olive-tree styling for a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with a clear emphasis on quality.

What to order

The menu is Italian with a contemporary touch. Signatures include pan-seared scallops and a praised cauliflower steak, plus fresh lasagna, sea bass and a rich prawn and saffron risotto. Try a limoncello spritz, and look out for seasonal menus and bottomless brunch.

Who it’s for

Good for brunch, a relaxed dinner or a special occasion in a smart, central setting — couples and groups alike, with attentive staff.

Questions and answers

What food does it serve? Modern Italian — pasta, risotto, seafood and seasonal dishes.

What to order? Pan-seared scallops, cauliflower steak or prawn and saffron risotto.

Is there a brunch? Yes — including a bottomless option.

Where is it? At The Grand Hotel on Colmore Row, central Birmingham.

Opening hours

Indulgent burgers on Bennetts Hill

Fat Hippo Birmingham, on Bennetts Hill in the city centre, is a burger specialist with a cult following, a short walk from New Street Station and the Bullring. The focus is properly indulgent, well-built burgers in a relaxed setting, with vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options and a great-value kids’ menu.

What to order

The signature beef and buttermilk chicken burgers are the stars: the Higson (beef, Swiss, mushrooms, Cajun onion strings, truffle mayo), the Poppa (American cheese, chorizo, onion ring, Fat Hippo sauce) or the loaded Born Slippy (double patty, braised pork rib, jalapeños, hot honey).

Who it’s for

A go-to for a casual lunch, a relaxed dinner with friends or a family meal — generous, fair-priced and friendly, with options for most diets.

Questions and answers

What food does it serve? Indulgent beef and buttermilk chicken burgers.

What to order? The Higson, the Poppa or the loaded Born Slippy.

Options for special diets? Yes — vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free, plus a kids’ menu.

Where is it? On Bennetts Hill, in Birmingham city centre.

Opening hours

The Ivy’s elegant all-day brasserie in Birmingham

The Ivy Temple Row brings The Ivy Collection’s glamour to Birmingham — an elegant yet relaxed brasserie at 67-71 Temple Row, serving breakfast through dinner, plus afternoon tea and cocktails. The grand, art deco-inspired interior features soaring ceilings, vast windows and a striking palette of gold, orange and green, with signature green offset by burnt-orange banquettes and marble floors.

What to order

The all-day menu mixes British classics with favourites: the famous shepherd’s pie, fish and chips with mushy peas, crab linguine, seared scallops, lobster linguine and steaks. Save room for sticky toffee pudding or crème brûlée, and try the expertly made cocktails.

Who it’s for

A popular choice for special occasions and stylish meals in a central location — from a leisurely brunch to a smart dinner.

Questions and answers

What food does it serve? All-day British brasserie classics — shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, seafood and steaks.

What to order? The shepherd’s pie, crab or lobster linguine, and sticky toffee pudding.

What makes the interior special? A grand art deco room with gold-and-green tones and marble floors.

Where is it? At 67-71 Temple Row, central Birmingham.

Opening hours

Classic Italian dining at Brindleyplace

Piccolino has been a Birmingham favourite for around 25 years, set on Oozells Square at Brindleyplace. A recent £900,000 refurbishment brought sleek Milanese-inspired interiors, a central cocktail bar, an open kitchen and a year-round terrace with a retractable roof. Dimmed lights and candlelit tables make for a warm, romantic atmosphere.

What to order

Classic Italian on fresh, seasonal produce. The signature spaghetti carbonara uses free-range egg, crispy guanciale and Pecorino Romano, while the arancini are filled with truffle and mushroom risotto. Try also the pollo al tartufo, gnocchi and lasagna, with Budino di Panettone for dessert.

Who it’s for

A dependable choice for a special occasion, a date or a relaxed dinner in a beautifully decorated setting — couples and groups alike. Booking ahead is wise.

Questions and answers

What food does it serve? Classic Italian — pasta, risotto, meat and seafood.

What to order? Spaghetti carbonara, truffle arancini and pollo al tartufo.

What makes the interior special? Milanese-inspired design with a cocktail bar and retractable-roof terrace.

Where is it? On Oozells Square at Brindleyplace, central Birmingham.

Opening hours

Caribbean food and rum in central Birmingham

Turtle Bay Birmingham, on John Bright Street near New Street Station and the Bullring, brings the Caribbean to the city centre — a lively, beach-inspired room with Caribbean rhythms and a central rum bar. It’s as much about the vibe and cocktails as the food.

What to order

The heart of the menu is the jerk pit: ingredients marinated 24 hours in a signature rub and flame-grilled. Order Jerk Chicken or Curry Goat with rice and peas, or Brown Stew Fish, with a rich gravy of thyme, allspice and scotch bonnet. Add a handcrafted rum cocktail or a Red Stripe.

Who it’s for

A lively night out with friends, a birthday or a celebration with cocktails and music — central, with all-day cocktail deals.

Questions and answers

What food does it serve? Caribbean — jerk chicken, curry goat, brown stew fish.

What to order? Jerk Chicken or Curry Goat with a rum cocktail.

What makes the jerk special? 24-hour marinade and flame-grilling for a smoky finish.

Where is it? On John Bright Street, near New Street Station and the Bullring.

Opening hours

A tribute to old Bombay in Birmingham

Dishoom Birmingham brings the much-loved restaurant’s tribute to old Bombay and its Irani cafés to the city centre, with the same distressed-café charm, vintage details and warm lighting. The atmosphere is lively yet intimate, from breakfast to late-night dinner.

What to order

The famous dishes are the Bacon Naan Roll (crispy bacon, chilli-tomato jam, cream cheese in soft naan) and the 24-hour House Black Daal. Try also Chicken Ruby, spicy lamb chops and lamb samosas, with House Chai to finish.

Who it’s for

Good for breakfast with friends, a relaxed dinner or a group meal to share — be prepared for queues at busy times.

Questions and answers

What food does it serve? Bombay-style Indian, inspired by old Irani cafés.

What to order? The Bacon Naan Roll, 24-hour Black Daal and Chicken Ruby.

Is there a wait? Often yes, at busy times.

Where is it? In the heart of Birmingham city centre.

Opening hours

A spectacular Big Mamma trattoria in Chamberlain Square

La Bellezza, from the cult Big Mamma group, is one of Birmingham’s most spectacular restaurants — a whimsical, theatrical trattoria in grand Chamberlain Square. The 150-cover room features tumbling ivy, handmade Murano glass chandeliers and seven-metre curtains, with a terrace overlooking the square. Ingredients are sourced directly from trusted Italian suppliers.

What to order

The showstoppers include homemade mafaldine in truffle and mascarpone, served from a 5kg pecorino wheel, and La Gran Carbonara (spaghetti alla chitarra, guanciale, egg yolk). Try also the tagliarini with crab in lemon-thyme butter and the 250g Puglian burrata with basil pesto. Neapolitan pizzas round it out.

Who it’s for

A fun, memorable night out, a celebration or a date where the room is part of the show — generous, flavour-forward food in a beautiful setting. Booking ahead is recommended.

Questions and answers

What food does it serve? Italian — homemade pasta, Neapolitan pizzas and sharing dishes.

What to order? Mafaldine from a 5kg pecorino wheel, La Gran Carbonara and Puglian burrata.

What makes the interior special? Tumbling ivy, Murano chandeliers and seven-metre curtains.

Where is it? In Chamberlain Square, central Birmingham.

Opening hours

Southeast Asian street food at the Bullring

Banana Tree at Birmingham’s Bullring & Grand Central is a buzzy celebration of Southeast Asian street food, drawing on Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan. The industrial-chic room with a lively bar, seating over two floors and an outdoor patio sits right by New Street Station.

What to order

Expect rich curries, smoky stir-fries and noodle bowls. Signatures include the famous Pad Thai (tamarind and palm sugar, egg, beansprouts, peanuts, crispy shallots), Katsu curries and the fragrant Singapore Laksa, plus sticky Korean BBQ wings and chicken dumplings. There are all-day 2-for-1 cocktails.

Who it’s for

A casual lunch, a relaxed dinner with friends or a group get-together — varied, good for sharing and lively. Central for shoppers and visitors.

Questions and answers

What food does it serve? Southeast Asian street food from across the region.

What to order? The signature Pad Thai, a Katsu curry or Singapore Laksa.

What about drinks? All-day 2-for-1 cocktails and mocktails.

Where is it? At the Bullring & Grand Central, by New Street Station.

Opening hours