There’s no doubt Birmingham’s restaurant scene has undergone a remarkable evolution, as it has welcomed an influx of innovative chefs and vibrant culinary experiences. Here, we’ve rounded up our choices of the best restaurants in Birmingham.

One of the most significant indicators of this renaissance is the Michelin Guide, which has honoured the city with an increasing number of accolades; testament to the quality and diversity of a rich food scene. At Style, we’re beaming with pride that Birmingham can now lay claim to five world-class restaurants that have each been awarded the sought-after Star. These sit alongside numerous venues that have received a mention in the guide and others that are more than worthy of our praise. Here’s our list of the best of the best.

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THE MICHELIN FAVOURITES

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OPHEEM

This Michelin-Star restaurant has Saturday Kitchen regular Aktar Islam at the helm. There’s five- and ten course taster feasts and an a la carte menu that includes the ever-popular Kekda Kerala (soft shell crab and caraway seed tempura) which was the winning course on Great British Menu. Described by the Michelin Guide as “a modern Indian restaurant that makes a statement – and not just in its bold decorative style. Aston-born chef-owner Aktar Islam has created something quite unique, and his pride in having his name above the door is palpable.”

Opheem, 48-65 Summer Row, Birmingham | 0121 201 3377 | reservations@opheem.com

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SIMPSONS

Holding on to its Michelin star for just shy of 20 years, Edgbaston’s Simpsons was founded by Chef Owner Andreas Antona and Chef Director Luke Tipping. The tasting menus – which also offer a fabulous vegan alternative – are filled to the brim specially selected seasonal ingredients. “Dishes are balanced and pure, with subtle modern touches and a pleasing clarity of flavour. Service is enthusiastic and brims with personality,” says the Michelin Guide and who are we to argue!

Simpsons, 20 Highfield Rd, Birmingham | 0121 454 3434 | info@simpsonsrestaurant.co.uk

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PURNELL’S

Birmingham-born Glyn Purnell is renowned for his bold and creative approach to food and his eponymous restaurant has held its Michelin star since 2009. He’s better known as the “Yummy Brummie” who started cooking professionally at just 14. Now a regular on Saturday Kitchen and The Great British Menu, expect flashes of brilliance and sophistication.

Purnell’s Restaurant, 55 Cornwall Street, Birmingham | 0121 212 9799 | info@purnellsrestaurant.com

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ADAM’S

Husband and wife team Adam and Natasha Stokes gained their Michelin star just six months after opening their doors ten years. With an Art Deco-inspired interior, plush dining room and horseshoe chef’s table the focus is on seasonal fresh produce reflected by it ever-changing menus. Luxury ingredients, classic cooking and simplicity, all with a very modern touch.

Adam’s, 16 Waterloo Street, Birmingham | 0121 643 3745 | info@adamsrestaurant.co.uk

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CARTERS OF MOSELEY

‘Simple. Affordable. Fun’ is Brad Carter’s motto, and it’s certainly working for him after gaining his Michelin Star in 2015. He’s a such a fan of local produce that many of the herbs and vegetables used in his cooking come from his own allotment. A chic eaterie for sure; from the spot-lit black ash tables to the wall-to-wall glass-fronted wine cabinet the menu evolves to reflect the natural rhythms of the season.

Carters of Moseley, 2c Wake Green Road, Moseley | 0121 449 8885 | enquiries@cartersofmoseley.co.uk

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THE WILDERNESS

Rock and roll fine dining in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, Alex Claridge serves up the kind of playful tasting menus that have seen him mentioned in the Michelin Guide, Good Food Guide 20 Most Exciting Restaurants, SquareMeal Top 100 Restaurants and Harden’s Guide Top 100 Restaurants as well as gain three AA Rosettes. Currently serving up Nostalgia Inc, it offers a playful take on childhood favourites, The Wilderness signatures and cult classics promising “a memorable reimagining of familiar flavours.”

The Wilderness, 27 Warstone Lane, Jewellery Quarter | 0121 233 9425 reservations@wearethewilderness.co.uk

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TROPEA

Affectionately known as Birmingham’s local “Italian neighbourhood restaurant”, this Harborne eaterie has featured in both the Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide. Inspired by a picturesque town on the Calabrian coast, the menu takes its inspiration from Italian street food. There’s an array of small plates of fresh pastas, seafood and regional specialities designed to share with each one presented in a contemporary way.

Tropea, 27 Lordswood Road B17 9RP | 0121 427 9777 | enquiries@tropea.uk

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670 GRAMS

Chef Kray Treadwell is recognised as a former winner of the prestigious Michelin Young Chef of The Year. No surprise then that his Digbeth venue has proved such a hit. For those not aware, Kray came to prominence in the 2019 series of Great British Menu with a Sunday roast inspired by rock legend Ozzy Osbourne that saw him reach the final. He has since become one of the leading lights of the city’s dining scene with innovative and imaginative cooking that showcase a clever blend of European Asian influences. You can read more in our interview here: Worth The Weight – Style Birmingham (stylebham.com)

670 Grams, The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham | reservations@670grams.com

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STYLE FAVOURITES

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THE IVY

With a stylish interior that’s totally on point, The Ivy brings renowned dishes and inimitable service to Birmingham’s Temple Row. The relaxed all-day dining boasts modern brasserie classics and Asian-inspired cuisine, with a separate vegan and vegetarian menu. From its polished marble floors to striking burnt orange banquettes, the Art-Deco detailing ensures a glamorous backdrop, and there’s private dining too.

The Ivy Temple Row, 67-71 Temple Row, Birmingham | 0121 725 2110

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FUMO

This stylish, contemporary Italian restaurant, cocktail bar and late lounge has been a mainstay of the city’s eating out scene since launching a decade ago as part of the award-winning San Carlo. It’s gained a reputation for its cicchetti style Italian dishes – smaller than a main but bigger than a starter – that are typically served in Venice. Plates include Truffle and Pecorino Ravioli, Tagliolini all’Aragosta, Fillet Of Beef Tartufo and Gamberoni Piccanti so order a few and share between friends.

Fumo, 1 Waterloo Street, Birmingham | 0121 643 8979 | bookings@fumobirmingham.co.uk

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QAVALI

Taking its inspiration from Turkey and Iran, India and Pakistan via Afghanistan, Qavali offers a menu bursting with Indo-Persian delicacies. The name comes Sufi devotional music “Qawwali”, with roots date back to 8th century Persia. The décor is dark and dramatic, the dishes are delicious and the service is impeccable. Start your dining experience with Hummus Kavurma Chicken or Samsun Pide Paneer before moving on to Hyderabadi Biyani Chicken, Lahori Lamb Chops or the Grand Platter; while desserts include Faloodeh, artisan ice creams and Baklava.

Qavali, 9 Brindley Place, Broad Street, Birmingham | 0121 616 1786 | enquiries@qavali.com

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TATTU

The super-chic Chinese restaurant offering show-stopping food in an equally show-stopping setting. Situated in what was once the basement of the Grand Hotel, you’ll find expertly crafted menus that take you on a culinary journey from East to West. Choose from a mouth-watering selection of mains or opt for sharing plates – known as Waves. The décor explores the ancient philosophy of Yin Yang, the main restaurant represents the Yin while the ground floor represents the Yang.

Tattu, 18 Barwick Street, Birmingham | 0121 236 5556 | birmingham@tattu.co.uk