Not content with being the first and only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant outside of London, Opheem has become the first-ever Two Star Indian restaurant in the UK. The 2024 MICHELIN Guide Ceremony took place in Manchester at The Midland Hotel on February 5, where it also became Birmingham’s first restaurant to be awarded two Michelin Stars!
Carters‘ escapades in a greenhouse and private members club has seen the second city lose a star, however, in 2024. But with a new permanent restaurant returning in the summer, we’re sure Brad Carter will be back among the elite soon.
1. Opheem
Opheem was the first Michelin-starred Indian restaurant outside of London. It’s also Birmingham’s first restaurant to be awarded two Michelin Stars! It is owned by chef Aktar Islam who is an Aston native. The restaurant uses exciting methods to create its dishes, grinding down fresh spices and some of the recipes are modelled on the chef’s mother’s recipes. If you’re a Great British Menu fan, you may recognise the ‘Kekda Kerala’ dish as the 2011 (series six) fish course winner — and if you’ve ever eaten at Pulperia in Birmingham, you may even be familiar with Aktar Islam’s cooking.
Michelin Guide says: “Locally born and bred chef-owner Aktar Islam has fashioned a wonderful dining experience at this ever-developing restaurant. A spacious bar and sitting room are cleverly used as a space in which to enjoy snacks and a drink before heading to the dining room and its open kitchen. The series of flavoursome, excellently spiced and carefully balanced dishes are creative, modern takes on Indian recipes. Well-chosen wines from the excellent sommelier are on hand to accompany.”
Opheem, 48-65 Summer Row, B3 1JJ
2. Simpsons
In the leafy suburbs of Edgbaston sits a Georgian mansion that houses Simpsons restaurant. We’ve all seen plenty of exposed brick walls in restaurants this past decade, but this exposed brick wall is made from stones that are synonymous with the countryside. Huge glass windows line the walls so that you can enjoy your meal looking out into the beautiful garden. There are a total of six menus available at Simpsons, one of which is a children’s menu, so plenty to choose from, and this year they’ve retained their Michelin star.
Michelin Guide says: “Housed in a suburban Georgian mansion, Simpsons is a long-standing jewel of the local culinary scene. The knowledge and experience of Head Chef Luke Tipping shows through in the assured, confident nature of the cooking – and he has the skill to know when to hold back. Dishes are balanced and pure, with subtle modern touches and a pleasing clarity of flavour; be sure to try the signature tapenade bread rolls and delicious soufflés. Service is enthusiastic and brims with personality. The building also houses three stylish bedrooms and a cookery school.”
Simpsons, 20 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, B15 3DU
3. Adam’s
The restaurant is sleek, sophisticated and comfortable and has this year retained its Michelin star. It’s named after the chef, Adam Stokes, who runs the restaurant with his wife, Natasha. They clearly have some skill with seafood as The Oyster Club in Birmingham is another of their endeavours. The Oyster Club, although so far lacking a Michelin star, is another amazing restaurant worth trying — it has already won itself a spot on the Michelin restaurant guide.
Michelin Guide says: “Adam Stokes’ elegant restaurant feels like it’s been part of the Birmingham dining scene forever. It’s a luxurious place with an art-deco-cum-retro style that includes a smart cocktail bar and a plush dining room. The cooking seamlessly mixes tradition and modernity, offering tried-and-tested combinations in dishes you will recognise in name, but served in ways you’ve probably never encountered. That being said, the primary flavours are left uncrowded, with nothing extraneous on the plate. An impressive wine selection adds to the appeal.”
Adam’s, New Oxford House, 16 Waterloo Street, B2 5UG
4. Purnells
Chef Glynn Purnell is famous amongst foodies for having won the Great British Menu twice and also for having mentored in the show. Anybody who watches Saturday Kitchen will recognise him instantly as the Brummie with the beard who cooks some delicious-looking food. Although there are other influences on his cooking, the restaurant focuses mostly on British fare.
Michelin Guide says: “Glynn Purnell is a leading light in Birmingham’s dining scene, constantly evolving and pushing both his cooking and his businesses. This, his flagship restaurant, remains the home of his finest cooking, with a seasonally influenced tasting menu the best showcase of the kitchen’s talents. Dishes have a welcome lightness and influences are drawn from all over the world, as with the addition of poppadom, raita and a mild cumin oil to glistening day boat cod. Like the food, the décor is bright and modern, with some funky-coloured banquettes catching the eye.”
55 Cornwall Street, Birmingham, B3 2DH
5. Grace & Savour
The newest addition to the Michelin Guide. Based in Solihull, the idyllic countryside retreat Grace & Savour offers a fifteen-course tasting menu ─ all served from an open kitchen, with a commitment to locally-grown, ethical and bio-diverse ingredients. What sets it apart from other restaurants, however, is that before you’ve even begun to try its tasting menu, you’ll be free to tour the garden where everything is grown for this immersive dining experience. Plus, you can also experience the restaurant’s cookery school while you’re there.
Michelin Guide says: “The restaurant and gardens of Hampton Manor were brought together by this new building overlooking their restored Victorian kitchen garden. A multi-course menu begins with some fine snacks before leading on to seasonal dishes that use top-quality ingredients sourced from across the UK, and are accompanied by low-intervention wines. The kitchen blends classical and modern Nordic cooking techniques, so some of the dishes are eye-catching and elaborate in their make-up, while others more defined by their simplicity. Make it an occasion by booking a bedroom.”
Hampton Manor, Shadowbrook Ln, Hampton in Arden, Solihull B92 0EN