There’s a reason that Birmingham is considered a top destination in the UK for foodies. It is the birthplace of the Balti curry, home to many Michelin-starred restaurants, and carries a fantastic street food scene too. So we’re not surprised to see so many Birmingham restaurants on SquareMeal’s UK Top 100 for 2024.
SqaureMeal’s UK Top 100 Restaurants is unique in that it excludes London restaurants from its list. Shining its light on the rest of the UK’s exciting dining scene and giving places like Bristol plenty of room to shine – with four Birmingham restaurants featuring among an impressive cohort.
Which Birmingham restaurants made SquareMeal’s UK Top 100?
Opheem (16)
SquareMeal says: “Aktar Islam puts his signature stamp on Indian fine dining at this Michelin-starred restaurant in Birmingham. His masterful dishes utilise ancient and modern techniques from all over the globe, and the result is not to be missed.”
48 Summer Row, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 1JJ
Harborne Kitchen (37)
SquareMeal says: “Making your presence known in a city as densely populated with incredible restaurants as Birmingham is quite some feat – but Harborne Kitchen has made a name for itself through its creative plates that continue to taste as good as they look.”
175-179 High Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B17 9QE
Tropea (73)
SquareMeal says “Tropea delivers antipasti, fresh pasta, and regional specialities ideal for sharing. Inspired by the Calabrian coast, it’s a buzzy no-frills modern Italian reflecting the talent of the locally trained chefs Ben Robinson Young and Kasia Piatkowska.”
27 Lordswood Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B17 9RP
The Wilderness (77)
SquareMeal says: “Anything but ordinary, the Wilderness’ quirks are found in every twist and turn of the eccentric menu that isn’t afraid to make unusual pairings in pursuit of a menu you’ll remember long after your last bite.”
27 Warstone Lane, Birmingham, West Midlands, B18 6JQ
What other local restaurants made SquareMeal’s UK Top 100?
Last year’s winner, Grace & Savour in Solihull, was not so fortunate this year but still came a highly respectable fourth. Based in Hampton Manor, the idyllic countryside retreat offers a fifteen-course tasting menu, all served from an open kitchen, with a commitment to locally-grown, ethical and bio-diverse ingredients. “Grace & Savour is a gleaming jewel with a very bright future,” said SquareMeal.
Pine in Northumberland topped SquareMeal’s UK Top 100 of 2024. “This windswept old cattle barn has been transformed by Cal and Sian Byerley into a truly transcendent destination restaurant. Even the smallest details are executed with watchmaker’s precision, but Pine still manages to be effortlessly charming and relaxed. An incredible achievement.” Sounds incredible, but four hours from Birmingham, we won’t be visiting anytime soon.
The only other restaurant from the West Midlands region to feature was Lunar (58) in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Sitting so central in the UK, however, we’re sure many of these are visitable from Birmingham. To see the full list head here.