I’ve got a shortlist of restaurants I want to eat at in Birmingham—a mix of high-end, award-winning, up-and-coming and established Michelin-starred eateries. These are not the places I eat day in, day out. The most popular restaurants in Birmingham are the ones we can rely on regularly, often balancing quality and cost (but not always). And, according to OpenTable, these are the most booked restaurants in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
1. The Ivy Temple Row
From brunch to dinner, fit for every occasion, The Ivy on Temple Row is renowned for its all-day dining of British classics. Grab a hearty breakfast, refined afternoon tea, or even just a cocktail or two. The Ivy has everything you need. Combined with its Art Deco-inspired decor and views of the stunning St. Philip’s Cathedral, no wonder it’s so popular!
The Ivy, 67-71 Temple Row, Birmingham B2 5LS
2. Soho Tavern Mere Green
Best described as an ‘Indian gastropub’, Soho Tavern is basically Birmingham in a blender. With locations all over the West Midlands, enjoy its iconic mixed grills and delicious curries, as its popularity grows and grows.
Soho Tavern, 12 Mere Green Rd, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield B75 5BL
3. Piccolino
Stunning architecture, beautiful waterways, history and culture, am I in Italy? No, it’s just Oozells Square in Birmingham, home to one of the Second City’s best Italian restaurants, Piccolino. And, for al fresco dining, with its year-round outside terrace with a fully retractable roof, nothing beats it. Tuck into Italy’s diverse cuisine—pasta, pizza, calamari, risotto, etc.
Piccolino, 9 Brindley Pl, Birmingham B1 2HS
4. Soho Tavern Hampton
If you need more convincing of Soho Tavern, its Hampton in Arden location proves almost equally popular in Birmingham.
Soho Tavern, Marsh Lane, Hampton in Arden, Solihull B92 0AH
5. Gaucho Birmingham
Looking for Birmingham’s most popular steakhouse? Gaucho boasts bold Latin American flavours, alongside stylish interiors inspired by Argentina’s forests. It’s particularly popular for its set lunch menu: You can get three courses for just £19.95.
Gaucho, Lower Ground Retail, 55 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2AA
6. Bill’s
In one of Birmingham’s busiest locations, serving comfort food with a twist, and open all day long, it’s surprising that Bill’s at Bullring isn’t more popular. From 8am to 9pm, tuck into everything from brunch classics to late-night cocktails, and plenty of enticing mains, like truffle chicken, spicy duck curry, famous stacked burgers and more, all with gluten-free and veggie options. But the people love it most for its bottomless pancakes!
Bill’s, Bullring Shopping Centre, Bullring, Middle Hall East, Birmingham B5 4BU
7. Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar
Can’t afford the Amalfi Coast? Riva Blu has the next best thing. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, Riva Blu brings nautical vibes aplenty to Temple Row, alongside a huge menu of over 60 classic dishes, boasting seafood, pizzas, and more. Italian favourites such as Bellinis, Aperol Spritz, Proseccos, Italian wines and Amari (a classic Italian digestif) also dominate the drinks offering.
Riva Blu, 61-63 Temple Row, Birmingham B2 5LS
8. Bank Birmingham
For grill classics or the freshest seafood, stop by Bank RBG for a little sleek and chic luxury with canalside views. The upscale brasserie has a lively atmosphere, sophisticated setting, and a flavour-packed, seasonal menu, located in the bustling surroundings of Brindleyplace. Top tip: order the chateaubriand.
Bank Restaurant Bar & Grill, 4 Brindley Pl, Birmingham B1 2JB
9. 24 Stories
Located on the 24th floor of 103 Colmore Row, the highest restaurant in the Midlands, 24 Stories, offers unrivalled, panoramic views of the city and beyond. Add in a curated seasonal menu and an elevated cocktail list, and you’ve got three incredible reasons as to why it was crowned the ‘Best Restaurant in Birmingham’ last year.
24 Stories, 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 3AG
10. Asha’s
It’s not just popular with celebrities, it seems, but normal Brummies too. Asha’s tantalising tandoori kebabs are unmissable, while Tom Cruise ordered two of the tikkas on his visit. Asha’s is also the only restaurant here that’s in the Michelin Guide, if you need any further convincing.
To learn more about the most booked restaurants in Birmingham, head here.