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 the flavours of Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan. The industrial-chic room, with a lively bar, plenty of seating downstairs and up and an outdoor wooden patio, sits right by New Street Station — handy for a meal before or after a day in the city.

What to order

Expect rich curries, smoky stir-fries, zingy noodle bowls and crispy gyoza. Signature dishes include the famous Pad Thai — wok-fried flat rice noodles in tamarind and palm sugar with egg, beansprouts, peanuts, crispy shallots and prawn crackers — alongside Katsu curries and the fragrant Singapore Laksa. Don’t miss the sticky Korean BBQ wings and soft steamed chicken dumplings, and keep an eye out for the all-day 2-for-1 cocktails and mocktails.

Who it’s for

A great choice for a casual lunch, a relaxed dinner with friends or a group get-together, with a varied menu that suits sharing and an easygoing, lively atmosphere. The central location makes it ideal for shoppers and visitors.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Banana Tree serve? Southeast Asian street food from Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan.

What should I order? The signature Pad Thai, a Katsu curry or the Singapore Laksa, plus Korean BBQ wings.

What about drinks? There are all-day 2-for-1 cocktails and mocktails.

What’s the atmosphere like? Industrial-chic and lively, with a bar and an outdoor patio.

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

Opening hours

Modern Italian at The Grand Hotel

Gusto Italian occupies a prominent spot at The Grand Hotel on Colmore Row, in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre. The visually 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 evident from the moment you walk in.

What to order

The menu showcases Italian cooking with a contemporary touch. Signature dishes include the pan-seared scallops and a much-praised cauliflower steak, alongside standout plates like fresh, generous lasagna, sea bass and a rich prawn and saffron risotto. Pair it with a signature cocktail — the limoncello spritz is a favourite — and look out for the seasonal menus and bottomless brunch.

Who it’s for

This is a good choice for brunch, a relaxed dinner or a special occasion in a smart, central setting. Attentive, knowledgeable staff and a stylish room make it well suited to both couples and groups.

Questions and answers

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

What should I order? The pan-seared scallops, cauliflower steak, lasagna or prawn and saffron risotto.

What makes the interior special? Modern decor with intimate lighting, bare-brick walls and olive-tree styling.

Is there a brunch? Yes — Gusto offers brunch, including a bottomless option, plus seasonal menus.

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

Opening hours

An elegant all-day brasserie on Temple Row

The Ivy Temple Row brings The Ivy Collection’s signature glamour to Birmingham, an elegant yet relaxed brasserie at 67-71 Temple Row serving everything from breakfast and brunch to afternoon tea, dinner and cocktails. The grand, art deco-inspired interior is a highlight in itself: soaring ceilings, vast windows that flood the room with light, and a striking palette of gold, orange and green, with the Collection’s signature green contrasted by burnt-orange banquettes and polished marble floors.

What to order

The all-day menu mixes British classics with crowd-pleasing favourites. Signature dishes include the famous shepherd’s pie, traditional fish and chips with mushy peas and crab linguine, alongside fresh plates from seared Atlantic scallops to lobster linguine and plate-filling steaks. Save room for dessert — the sticky toffee pudding and crème brûlée are particular favourites — and don’t overlook the bar, known for its expertly crafted cocktails.

Who it’s for

This is a popular choice for special occasions, celebrations and stylish meals in a central location, equally suited to a leisurely brunch, an afternoon tea or a smart dinner. Its elegant setting and attentive service make it a reliable all-rounder.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does The Ivy Temple Row serve? All-day British brasserie classics — shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, seafood and steaks.

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

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

Is it good for a special occasion? Yes — its elegant setting suits celebrations, from brunch to dinner.

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

Opening hours

Modern Chinese with cherry blossom glamour

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

What to order

The menu reinvents Chinese classics with flair, spanning small plates, dim sum, meat, seafood, rice and noodles. Signature dishes include the sweet miso Chilean sea bass, caramel soy beef fillet and saffron black cod, alongside Peking duck with pancakes and black pepper beef. Pair it all with one of Tattu’s theatrical signature cocktails.

Who it’s for

This is a place for date nights, celebrations and stylish dinners where the setting is part of the occasion. Diners consistently praise the service, attention to detail and vibrant atmosphere.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Tattu serve? Modern, contemporary Chinese — dim sum, Peking duck, sea bass and beef.

What should I order? The sweet miso Chilean sea bass, caramel soy beef fillet and Peking duck.

What makes the interior special? Its signature cherry blossom chandelier and trees, and a glamorous, atmospheric setting.

Is it good for a special occasion? Yes — its glamour and service make it a favourite for celebrations and date nights.

What about drinks? Tattu is known for its theatrical signature cocktails.

Opening hours

Dirty burgers done right on Bennetts Hill

Fat Hippo Birmingham, on Bennetts Hill in the heart of the city centre, is a burger specialist with a cult following — a short walk from New Street Station and the Bullring. The focus is simple: properly indulgent, well-built burgers in a relaxed, friendly setting, with a menu that also looks after vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diners and a great-value kids’ option.

What to order

The signature beef burgers and boneless buttermilk chicken patties are the stars. Try the Higson — beef, Swiss cheese, mushrooms, Cajun onion strings and truffle mayo, with a free side — or the Poppa, with American cheese, chorizo, an onion ring and Fat Hippo sauce. The Little Caesar swaps in buttermilk chicken tenders with creamy Caesar, bacon and Parmesan, while the Born Slippy piles a double patty with braised pork rib meat, jalapeños and hot honey for the seriously hungry.

Who it’s for

This is a go-to for a casual lunch, a relaxed dinner with friends or a family meal — generous portions, fair prices and a friendly welcome make it easy. With vegan and gluten-free choices, there’s something for most diets.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Fat Hippo serve? Indulgent beef and buttermilk chicken burgers, with vegan and gluten-free options.

What should I order? The Higson with truffle mayo, the Poppa with chorizo, or the loaded Born Slippy.

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

What’s the atmosphere like? Relaxed and friendly, with a focus on quality burgers and generous portions.

Where is it located? On Bennetts Hill, in the heart of Birmingham city centre.

Opening hours

Classic Italian on Oozells Square

Piccolino has been a fixture of Birmingham’s dining scene for around 25 years, set among the mix of old and new architecture on trendy Oozells Square at Brindleyplace. A recent £900,000 refurbishment gave it a sophisticated, modern edge: sleek Milanese-inspired interiors, a standout central cocktail bar, an open kitchen and a Tuscan-style year-round terrace with a fully retractable roof. Dimmed lights and candlelit tables make for a warm, romantic atmosphere.

What to order

The menu is classic Italian built on fresh, seasonal produce, Italian cheeses, meat and seafood. The signature spaghetti carbonara is made with rich free-range egg, crispy guanciale and a generous shaving of Pecorino Romano, while golden arancini are filled with truffle and mushroom risotto and a melting mozzarella centre. Other favourites include the pollo al tartufo (chicken with truffle), gnocchi and lasagna, with desserts like the Budino di Panettone to finish.

Who it’s for

This is a dependable choice for a special occasion, a date or a relaxed dinner in a beautifully decorated setting. With its central terrace and romantic atmosphere, it suits couples and groups alike — booking ahead is wise, as it can get busy.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Piccolino serve? Classic Italian — pasta, risotto, meat and seafood from fresh seasonal produce.

What should I order? The signature spaghetti carbonara, truffle-and-mushroom arancini and pollo al tartufo.

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

Is it good for a special occasion? Yes — its romantic, candlelit setting is popular for celebrations and dates.

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

Opening hours

Big Mamma’s theatrical Italian on Chamberlain Square

La Bellezza, from the cult Big Mamma group, is one of Birmingham’s most spectacular restaurants — a whimsical, theatrical trattoria nestled in grand Chamberlain Square. The 150-cover room is pure drama: tumbling ivy hanging from the ceiling, handmade Murano glass chandeliers and seven-metre woven curtains, with a charming 25-cover terrace overlooking the square. Every dish is made with ingredients sourced directly from trusted suppliers across Italy.

What to order

The showstoppers arrive with flair. The homemade mafaldine comes in a rich Italian truffle and mascarpone sauce, finished with Parmigiano DOP and served from a 5kg giant pecorino wheel, while La Gran Carbonara — spaghetti alla chitarra with crispy guanciale, egg yolk and pepper — is mixed in a pecorino DOP wheel too. Don’t miss the homemade tagliarini with fresh crab in lemon-thyme butter and langoustine bisque, or the indulgent 250g Puglian burrata with crispy Sardinian carasau bread and fresh basil pesto. Crispy Neapolitan pizzas round things out.

Who it’s for

This is a place for a fun, memorable night out with friends, a celebration or a date where the room is part of the show. With generous, flavour-forward trattoria food and one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the city, it’s made for occasions. Booking ahead is recommended.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does La Bellezza serve? Italian — homemade pasta, Neapolitan pizzas and indulgent sharing dishes from the Big Mamma group.

What should I order? The mafaldine from a 5kg pecorino wheel, La Gran Carbonara and the Puglian burrata.

What makes the interior special? Tumbling ivy, Murano glass chandeliers and seven-metre curtains in a theatrical Chamberlain Square setting.

Is it part of Big Mamma? Yes — it’s the group’s spectacular Birmingham trattoria.

Where is it located? In Chamberlain Square, central Birmingham.

Opening hours

Caribbean sunshine at Brindleyplace

Turtle Bay Brindleyplace is the canalside sibling of Birmingham’s much-loved Caribbean restaurant and bar, bringing the same island sunshine to one of the city’s liveliest waterside spots. The beach-inspired room, Caribbean rhythms and central rum bar make it a feel-good destination for relaxed days and lively nights alike.

What to order

As across the brand, the star is the jerk pit: ingredients marinated for 24 hours in a signature rub and flame-grilled until smoky. Order the Jerk Chicken or Curry Goat with rice and peas, or the Brown Stew Fish, finished with a rich jerk gravy of thyme, allspice and scotch bonnet. Pair it with a handcrafted rum cocktail or a Red Stripe.

Who it’s for

A good choice for a lively night out with friends, a celebration or a relaxed waterside lunch — especially with the all-day cocktail deals and party atmosphere.

Questions and answers

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

What should I order? Jerk Chicken or Curry Goat from the jerk pit, with a rum cocktail.

What’s the atmosphere like? Lively and beach-inspired, with Caribbean music and a rum bar.

Where is it located? At Brindleyplace, by Birmingham’s canalside.

Opening hours

Bombay-style Indian in the heart of Birmingham

Dishoom Birmingham brings the much-loved restaurant’s tribute to old Bombay and its Irani cafés to the city centre. Like its London siblings, it recreates the atmosphere of a bygone Bombay café — artfully distressed interiors, vintage details and warm lighting — for a setting that feels lively yet intimate, equally good from an early breakfast to a late-night feast.

What to order

The most famous dish is the Bacon Naan Roll, a breakfast favourite wrapping crispy bacon, zesty chilli-tomato jam and cream cheese in a soft naan. Just as iconic is the House Black Daal, slow-cooked over 24 hours until deeply creamy. Round things out with Chicken Ruby curry, spicy lamb chops, lamb samosas and fried okra, all washed down with the signature House Chai.

Who it’s for

Dishoom suits almost any occasion — breakfast with friends, a relaxed dinner or a group meal to share. Be prepared to wait at peak times, as the popular branches often have queues.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Dishoom serve? Bombay-style Indian food inspired by the city’s old Irani cafés.

What should I order? The Bacon Naan Roll, the 24-hour House Black Daal and Chicken Ruby, with House Chai.

Is there usually a wait? Yes — at busy times there can be queues.

What makes the interior special? It recreates an old Bombay Irani café, with distressed details and warm lighting.

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

Opening hours