When it comes to the best restaurants in Birmingham, there are plenty to choose from. Birmingham has four Michelin-starred restaurants (and five if you include Solihull), while there are plenty of cheap eats too. But if you’re after something in between, where are those that offer a bit of luxury that doesn’t break the bank? Well, these Michelin Guide-approved restaurants are described as ‘a moderate spend’, many of which have a Bib Gourmand distinction for their great value cooking, and are the cheapest, high-end eateries in Birmingham.
BALOCI
You won’t find anything like BALOCI anywhere else in Birmingham, let alone the UK. Named after the nomadic Baloch people of West Asia, the Indo-Persian hotel, fine dining restaurant and cocktail lounge offers a tasting menu that embarks on the culinary highways of the Silk Road.
Michelin Guide says: “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.”
Cuubo
What started life as a fine-dining takeout is now a Jay Rayner favourite. The Kickstarter-funded Cuubo describes itself as “Modern British with an Italian accent” – with everything from tomato risotto to sea breams and braised beef. It’s a simple and seasonal menu, yet full of bold European cooking from owner/chef Dan Sweet.
Michelin Guide says: “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.”
Chakana
Birmingham’s first Peruvian restaurant, Chakana, provides dishes designed for sharing in a relaxed environment. So it’s not only one of the cheapest Michelin Guide restaurants in Birmingham, but it’s also a one-of-a-kind experience. Chakana is also home to one of the largest ranges of pisco (a Peruvian spirit) in the country. So expect a meal that packs a punch with plenty of flavour and colour.
Michelin Guide says: “This former bank has all the ingredients for a fun night out with friends: a lively laid-back vibe, great modern Peruvian food and one of the largest ranges of pisco in the UK. Cooking is punchy, vibrant and colourful, and dishes such as ceviches, tiraditos and causas are perfect for sharing.”
Tropea
Heavily influenced by Italian street food, Tropea uses only the finest, seasonal ingredients, either from Milanese markets or local suppliers. While each plate is designed around a star ingredient, be it braised octopus or aubergine parmigiana. Expect plenty of fresh pasta, seafood and regional specialities, from fresh day-boat fish to venison. As of 2025, it now holds a Bib Gourmand distinction too.
Michelin Guide says: “A bright, modern neighbourhood restaurant serving flavourful, fuss-free Italian sharing plates. Let the staff guide you when it comes to ordering – but make sure to include some of the homemade pasta, which is a highlight. There’s a concise list of well-priced Italian wines to accompany your meal, and the buzzing atmosphere and friendly service add to the appeal.”
Riverine Rabbit
Riverine Rabbit’s Ash Valenzuela-Heeger has previously won the Michelin Guide’s ‘Young Chef Award’ for her “vibrant cooking”. After several exciting pop-up kitchens around Birmingham, the South African chef opened her first restaurant in Stirchley, with a focus on wild game, seafood, and sustainability-sourced ingredients. Riverine Rabbit also holds a Bib Gourmand distinction.
Michelin Guide says: “After generating a fair amount of buzz with their pop-ups, warm and welcoming couple Ash and Erin have found a permanent home in this Birmingham suburb. Erin leads the friendly service, while Ash proudly delivers her dishes from behind a kitchen counter; if you get the chance, order the honey-cured beef, which epitomises the flavour-packed cooking. Influences from Ash’s native South Africa occasionally make an appearance, as do those from Asia, ranging from tom yum to furikake. That this all comes at wallet-friendly prices is a welcome bonus.”
