Forks up! Feast at the top 10 fine dining restaurants in Birmingham
Alright, guys, who would’ve thought that ordering food at a fine dining restaurant in Birmingham could feel like a pop quiz you didn’t study for?
You sit down, see a menu packed with fancy words, and suddenly you’re questioning every choice. Something like, is this even food? Yeah, funny! But, for real? There’s the pressure of trying to impress without looking clueless. And, we’ve all been there.
That’s why we’ve found fine dining restaurants in Birmingham where the food’s amazing and the vibe’s relaxed, so you can ditch the stress and actually enjoy your night.
1. The Wilderness
Media credit: thewildernessrestaurant
Website: https://www.wearethewilderness.co.uk/
Address: 27 Warstone Lane, B18 6JQ
Contact: +44 121 233 9425
Hours:
- Wednesday-Friday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday-Tuesday: Closed
Pricing: £££
The Wilderness is not your typical fine dining restaurant. It’s quite known for its unique rock and roll atmosphere. The music’s a mix of rock and heavy metal, while the all-black decor and moody lighting create a bold, edgy vibe unlike any typical restaurant.
What makes them stand out is how Chef Alex Claridge leads the kitchen with creative, ever-changing tasting menus. He’s best known for his playful, avant-garde dishes that reimagine British ingredients, such as pork belly paired with smoky-sweet flavours.
Also, with only 22 available seats, this spot offers a close-up view of the open kitchen. Additionally, the restaurant has won several awards, including recognition from the Michelin Guide and 3 AA Rosettes. Plus, it’s also listed among the top restaurants in the UK for 2024.
Pro Tip:
Booking early is crucial at The Wilderness due to its small size and high popularity. Therefore, securing your spot well in advance guarantees you won’t miss out on this unique dining experience.
2. Simpsons Restaurant
Media credit: simpsons_restaurant
Website: https://www.simpsonsrestaurant.co.uk/
Address: 20 Highfield Rd, B15 3DU
Contact: +44 121 454 3434
Hours:
- Wednesday-Friday: 12:00 NN – 1:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 NN – 1:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday-Tuesday: Closed
Pricing: £££
Proudly holding a Michelin star since 1999, Simpsons Restaurant is one of the top fine dining restaurants in the area. It’s renowned for its modern British cuisine, crafted with the finest, seasonal ingredients.
We appreciate how the kitchen prioritises sourcing high-quality produce from trusted suppliers. Additionally, their signature Prestige Tasting Menu features multiple courses that showcase the chefs’ creativity and skills—so, expect an exciting culinary journey during your visit.
Beyond dining, Simpsons also offers the Eureka Kitchen Cookery School. It’s where you can learn cooking techniques from professionals. For which, in my opinion, is a unique experience that adds to the restaurant’s appeal.
Pro Tip:
Members of Independent Birmingham enjoy a 20% discount on the Prestige Tasting Menu. Booking through this membership is a great way to experience Michelin-starred dining at a more affordable price.
3. Adam’s Restaurant
Media credit: restaurantadams
Website: https://www.adamsrestaurant.co.uk/
Address: New Oxford House, 16 Waterloo Street, B2 5UG
Contact: +44 121 643 3745
Hours:
- Tuesday-Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Lunch), 6:30 PM – 12:00 AM (Dinner)
Pricing: ££
Adam’s Restaurant is a standout fine dining establishment in the city, earning a Michelin star just six months after its 2013 opening. We love how it is located in a beautiful Grade II listed building, infusing historic charm and elegance in an Art Deco style.
What makes it stand out is how Chef Adam Stokes creates inventive dishes that highlight natural flavours using seasonal produce. Plus, the restaurant boasts an extensive wine list, like fine Bordeaux, crisp Chablis, and rare Champagne vintages.
Another highlight is the intimate setting, with only 36 covers in the main dining room and a private chef’s table for eight.
Pro Tip:
Adam’s Restaurant offers gift vouchers starting at £50, making it an excellent option for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply treating someone to a Michelin-starred experience at their convenience.
4. Gaucho
Media credit: gauchogroup
Website: https://gauchorestaurants.com/restaurants/birmingham/
Address: 55 Colmore Row, B3 2AA
Contact: +44 121 439 9236
Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 12:00 NN – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 NN – 11:30 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 12:00 NN – 11:00 PM
Pricing: £££
When premium Argentine beef is mentioned, only Gaucho comes to mind. Their menu features high-quality cuts, including sirloin and fillet.
Yet beyond steaks, they also offer a diverse menu with seafood, vegetarian dishes, and classic Argentine sides. We appreciate how reassuring this is that no matter what your taste or dietary needs are, there’s something offered here for you.
Additionally, they host special events. For instance, they hosted the three-course menu during the Birmingham Restaurant Festival. Plus, they even offer private dining spaces perfect for celebrations or business gatherings.
Pro Tip:
Take advantage of their Bring-Your-Own-Bottle Mondays to enhance your wine-tasting experience without paying extra fees.
5. Restaurant Folium
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Website: https://www.restaurantfolium.com/home/
Address: 8 Caroline Street, West Midlands, B3 1TW
Contact: +44 121 638 0100
Hours:
- Wednesday-Saturday: Dinner, 5:30 PM – 12:00 MN
- Friday-Saturday: Lunch, 12:00 NN – 4:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Created by Chef Ben Tesh, with his co-owner Lucy Hanlon, Restaurant Folium is known for its seasonal, ingredient-led tasting menus. We appreciate how the dishes here showcase the best of British produce with a creative twist, such as Cornish turbot and A5 wagyu beef.
The venue accommodates only 22 guests, making it a more intimate setting. The small space allows for attentive, personalised service and a closer connection between the culinary team and you.
The team’s sole focus is on sustainability. They source ingredients from small-scale and ethical suppliers across the UK.
Additionally, they practice whole-animal butchery to minimise waste and honour the ingredient, while utilising traditional preservation techniques such as fermenting and pickling to enhance flavours and add unique twists to their dishes.
Pro Tip:
Be aware that adjustments or cancellations within 72 hours of your reservation may incur the full menu price per person.
6. Orelle Restaurant
Media credit: orellerestaurant
Website: https://orelle.co.uk/
Address: 103 Colmore Row, B3 3AG
Contact: +44 121 716 8186
Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 12:00 NN – 11:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 12:00 NN – 12:30 AM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Orelle Restaurant features modern French cuisine with a British twist. Their bestseller is the Chef’s Tasting Menu. Priced at only £75 per person, you can enjoy dishes like Orkney scallop ceviche and roast Peking duck.
My personal favourites? The pan-seared salmon or the saddleback pork cutlet. The salmon is perfectly crisp on the outside and has tender, delicate flavours.
In addition to their exquisite menus, they also offer a vibrant cocktail bar featuring signature drinks and an all-day cafe for casual dining.
Plus, they are uniquely located on the 24th floor of 103 Colmore Row. This means you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city while savouring your meals.
Pro Tip:
Join Orelle’s exclusive Evolv Rewards program to earn points with every booking. Members can even redeem these points for discounts and unlock VIP benefits, enhancing their dining experience.
7. Harborne Kitchen
Media credit: harbornekitchen
Website: https://www.harbornekitchen.com/
Address: 175-177 High St, Harborne, B17 9QE
Contact: +44 121 439 9150
Hours:
- Wednesday-Thursday: 6:00 PM – 10:45 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 12:00 NN – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:45 PM
- Sunday-Tuesday: Closed
Pricing: ££
Another Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant is Harborne Kitchen. We love their open kitchen design, which lets you watch the chefs in action.
Many guests even rave about their popular dishes, including corn-fed chicken with smoked mash and Angus sirloin with black garlic butter. And for dessert, dark chocolate with candied hazelnuts is a firm favourite!
You can also choose from innovative tasting menus, including six- and eight-course options. For an even more complete experience, consider trying their 11-course meal, which offers an extensive culinary journey.
Pro Tip:
Members of Independent Birmingham get 10% off the tasting menu during lunch. It’s a great way to enjoy Harborne Kitchen’s exceptional food at a better price.
8. The Ivy Temple Row
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Website: https://ivycollection.com/
Address: 67-71 Temple Row, B2 5LS
Contact: +44 203 301 0300
Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 8:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Pricing: £££
One distinct feature that sets The Ivy Temple Row apart is its combination of modern brasserie classics and Asian-inspired dishes. Alongside, they also provide excellent vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for every diner.
The kitchen’s strength lies in taking familiar ingredients and reworking them with global flavours. A good example is their signature miso-glazed aubergine—an Asian-inspired dish that transforms a humble vegetable into one rich in umami and subtle sweetness.
Above all, their standout experience with afternoon tea is served on a three-tiered stand, featuring fruit scones and their sweet treats.
Pro Tip:
From Monday to Thursday, enjoy The Ivy Temple Row’s two-course Heritage Menu for £20.95 only.
9. Varanasi Restaurants
Media credit: varanasi.restaurants
Website: https://varanasi.uk/
Address: 184 Broad St, B15 1DA
Contact: +44 121 633 3700
Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Friday-Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Pricing: £££
Varanasi is the city’s largest fine Indian dining restaurant. It spans three floors and covers 20,000 square feet. We appreciate the interior’s grand atrium and stunning waterfall features. It’s like being greeted by a dramatic, temple-inspired entrance.
The menu was curated by none other than Michelin-starred Chef Alfred Prasad, who added a modern twist on traditional Indian flavours.
Among their signature dishes, the Tandoori Tiger Prawns are a crowd favourite. These prawns are marinated in a mixture of spices and cooked to perfection in a traditional oven. We love its smoky, charred flavour with a juicy, tender interior.
Furthermore, they also offer six private dining rooms, including their renowned Maharaja Booth. It’s ideal for intimate gatherings or business events.
Pro Tip:
Ask the restaurant’s wine expert, known as a sommelier, to recommend wines that perfectly match your meal. Their guidance can elevate your dining experience by pairing flavours that enhance both the food and the drink.
10. The Mayan
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Website: https://themayan.co.uk/
Address: 170 Wharfside Street, The Mailbox, B1 1RL
Contact: +44 121 269 6952
Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 12:00 NN – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 NN – 11:00 PM
Pricing: ££
The Mayan is the city’s first-ever fine-dining Mexican restaurant. It boasts a canalside location that adds to its vibrant atmosphere.
Their menu features a range of dishes, including sizzling fajitas, tacos, and premium steaks. All are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
We even tried their signature pulled chicken empanada and barbacoa de buey once. The empanada was packed with tender, flavourful chicken in a crisp, flaky crust. While the barbacoa de buey was slow-cooked, it had a nice balance of savoury spices.
The Mayan also works closely with a local company called Spirits of Anarchy, known for crafting high-quality mezcal and tequila. This means that their cocktails are made with locally produced spirits, providing an authentic taste.
Pro Tip:
Join the Opal Loyalty Club to enjoy exclusive offers and discounts at The Mayan and other Opal Group restaurants. It’s the perfect way to unlock great deals and explore more of Birmingham’s vibrant food scene.