Having only recently gone on holiday to Italy (it was lovely, thanks for asking), I ate a lot of pizza in lo Stivale. But there’s a reason Italian food is called the mother cuisine – as I tucked into an endless supply of pasta, risotto, cured meats, smoked cheeses, so much tiramisu and, of course, wine. There is so much to try, and we could eat at Italian restaurants in Birmingham every night of the week and never get bored.
1. Buonissimo
Buonissimo is considered to be one of the best restaurants in the Birmingham area, least alone Italian. Based in Harborne, it provides fresh, modern Italian food with a menu that changes every six months to stay seasonal. The award-winning Italian restaurant was one of the Top 50 restaurants in the UK for service in the 2018 Top Table Diners’ Choice Awards.
Its signature dish has to be the crispy pork belly served with a red wine sauce, rustic potato croquette and carrots. But from seafood linguine to cuttlefish ink risotto, nduja bruschetta and prosciutto-wrapped scamorza, Buonissimo keeps Italian cuisine feeling fresh and up-to-date. No pizza though.
Buonissimo, 1 Albany Road, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9JX
2. Tropea
Tropea is somewhere special among Italian restaurants in Birmingham. This intimate spot, in Harborne again, specialises in dishes to be shared. And, be it the braised octopus or the aubergine parmigiana, the dishes have been designed to put the focus on a star ingredient. Tropea uses only the finest, seasonal ingredients, which all either come from Milanese markets or local suppliers.
The award-winning, Michelin Guide-approved eatery has recently expanded into next door.That’s added 25 covers, allowing for walk-ins, and a new bar where guests can enjoy a pre-dinner drink. The extension has also doubled the kitchen space allowing for an enhanced menu – which now includes Beef carpaccio, Sicilian Arancino, Sardines ‘in soar’ on crostini and Sardinian fregola pasta.
Tropea, 27 Lordswood Rd, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9RP
3. La Galleria
A perfect summer spot thanks to its Italian-style alfresco dining. Of course, Birmingham’s weather is a bit more temperamental than say Bari’s. But when has a bit of rain stopped us Brummies? La Galleria offers a varied selection of Italian meals made with only the finest ingredients.
All pasta is hand-made on-site, while the pizzas are created before your very eyes at the open pizza bar. On top of this, you can sample a range of traditional Italian classics such as veal, risotto and pollo. So whether you’re after a light lunch in the sunshine or a hearty meal before a night out in Birmingham’s city centre, any day of the week, La Galleria is the place to be.
La Galleria, 5A Ethel St, Birmingham B2 4BG
4. CUUBO
So maybe we’re cheating just a little with CUUBO, which describes itself as “Modern British with an Italian accent”, but it’s too good to be ignored. This tiny Birmingham spot started life as a sort of fine-dining takeout, but – thanks to a £40,000 fundraiser – has become one of Jay Rayner’s favourite new restaurants. Just some recent dishes include tomato risotto, grilled courgettes, parsley, and sweet and sour tomatoes; and sea bream, borlotti beans, confit lemon sauce, heritage tomato, and black olives.
CUUBO, 49 High St, Birmingham B17 9NT
5. Gustami
One of your favourite restaurants in Birmingham, Gustami is the spot for authentic Italian cooking in Birmingham. “A hidden gem, well worth checking out for real homecooked Italian food,” says Joe Frankham. There’s an old-school feel to the place, while the food itself is just like Nonna used to cook, and courses are served in traditional Italian style. You can taste that these recipes have been passed down through the generations!
Gustami, 4 King Edwards Rd, Birmingham B1 2PZ
6. Piccolino
If you’re after somewhere that brings together Italy’s diverse cuisine under one roof in Birmingham, this Brindleyplace spot is where you’ll want to try first. Piccolino serves everything you could possibly imagine – arancini, bruschetta, calamari, bolognese, lasagna, ravioli, risotto, Margherita pizza. The odds are that if you can imagine it, Piccolino has it on its passionately prepared menu.
Piccolino, 9 Brindley Pl, Birmingham B1 2HS
7. Pasta di Piazza
Located in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, Pasta di Piazza is a locals’ favourite. The stripped-back, red-brick building, with flower baskets hanging outside, has all the rustic qualities we associate with traditional Italian food, like a proper Roma café. Making it easily one of our favourite Italian restaurants in Birmingham.
There are daily specials, using all fresh and locally sourced ingredients, as well as a considered range of Italian classics. Be it Fiorentina pizza or penne arrabbiata, all our comfort food favourites are available. But it is Pasta di Piazza’s friendly and community spirit that has earned it such a beloved following in one of Birmingham’s most thriving districts. Now that’s the real taste of Italy.
Pasta di Piazza, 11 Brook St, Birmingham B3 1S
8. Cucina Rustica
In the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, you’ll find Cucina Rustica. Specialising in bold yet simple dishes, which take influence everywhere from the very north of Italy down to the south, it uses only traditional techniques to make its meals.
Wild boar-filled fagottini, or gnocchi with walnuts and gorgonzola, demonstrate perfectly how they allow key, top-quality ingredients to shine on the plate without much fuss. This is real, authentic Italian showcasing the depth and quality of food abound throughout the country.
Cucina Rustica, 24 Ludgate Hill, Birmingham B3 1DX
9. Alicia’s Micro Bakehouse
Yes, this is a pizzeria. But pizza is Italian too. What makes Alicia’s Micro Bakehouse so special, however, is their dedication to utilising their wood-fired pizza ovens across the menu. Offering a true taste of homemade Italian cooking, just like nonna used to make. Their terracotta bakes, such as Alicia’s take on the classic aubergine parmigiana, offer a hearty alternative to the world’s favourite food.
While, off of the sweet menu, you can order a Nutellina, which comprises Nutella and mascarpone on a sourdough base. There’s also a lemon curd version! Alicia’s Micro Bakehouse also hosts a bottomless prosecco brunch every Saturday, which for £30 also includes a main and a choice between a starter or dessert.
Alicia’s Micro Bakehouse, 1377 Pershore Rd, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2JR
10. Caffé Di Milano
Far from the rustic quality often associated with Italian cuisine, Caffé Di Milano exudes luxury dining. This doesn’t stop it from being one of the best Italian restaurants in Birmingham, however. Quite the opposite. Its gold and cream interior lets you know the vibe instantly, as does a quick glance at the menu that serves whole lobster, fresh pasta, and a large selection of dolci and patisseries.
The sharing platter of mini handmade Italian pastries and cannolis, filled with ricotta, fruits, chocolate and cream feels designed for date night. Perfect for those looking to add a little luxury to their dining experience. On the weekends, Caffe Di Milano transforms into a party with DJs and exclusive lounge experiences too.
Caffe Di Milano, The Arcadian, 70 Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4TD
11. San Carlo
San Carlo has become an iconic dining spot among Birmingham’s Italian restaurants and has numerous awards under its belt. Its first location opened 25 years ago, but the San Carlo Group now has Italian restaurants in London, Manchester, Liverpool and more. They even have restaurants in Saudi Arabia and Qatar as well. The original is still the best of its Italian restaurants in our eyes, however.
Using only quality ingredients bought from the markets in Milan each week, all dishes are focused on a sense of heritage, quality and consistency. All bases of Italian cuisine are covered, from meat and fish dishes to pizza and pasta. To eat like an authentic Italian though, you must be willing to share. So indulge in the gran pasta, which involves sharing bowls of spaghetti frutti di mare or penne romanoff that are charged per person.
San Carlo, 4 Temple St, Birmingham B2 5BN
12. Fumo
From the team behind San Carlo comes not one, but two sleek, stylish, contemporary Italian restaurants in Birmingham, Fumo. The first you will find near Birmingham Cathedral on Waterloo Street, which alongside its cicchetti-style Italian dishes is also known for its inventive cocktails and weekend DJs in the evening. You’ll find the other, equally stylish, if a little more laidback, Fumo on level 4 of Selfridges with an open balcony and a grand champagne bar.
Fumo, 1 Waterloo St, Birmingham B2 5PG
4, Selfridges, Upper Mall East, Birmingham, B5 4B
If your stomach isn’t rumbling after that rundown of the most incredible Italian restaurants in Birmingham, then you might not deserve such food fit for the Roman gods. So whether you’re after fine dining or a quick rustic lunch, there’s no excuse to order a pizza from your local kebab ever again. Bellissima!