The 12 most popular food spots in Birmingham

Birmingham's food scene has changed beyond recognition in the last 20 years. The city that gave the world the balti now has Michelin-starred restaurants, a thriving street food scene and independent bakeries that draw queues every weekend. Here are twelve of the most popular places to eat in Birmingham, from fine dining to a quick bite.

1. Opheem, Summer Row

Aktar Islam's Indian restaurant made history as the first restaurant in Birmingham to hold two Michelin stars. The tasting menus take the flavours of the subcontinent in thrilling new directions, and a meal here is a special occasion.

2. Adam's, Waterloo Street

Adam and Natasha Stokes opened Adam's in 2013, and it has become one of the city's best loved fine dining restaurants, with a Michelin star, precise modern British cooking and an outstanding wine list.

3. The Wilderness, Jewellery Quarter

Alex Claridge's restaurant is known for bold, playful cooking and a soundtrack of rock music. It is one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants and one of its most distinctive.

4. Simpsons, Edgbaston

Set in a Georgian villa in leafy Edgbaston, Simpsons has been one of Birmingham's leading restaurants for more than two decades, and was among the first in the city to be recognised by the Michelin Guide.

5. Carters of Moseley

Brad Carter's restaurant in Moseley celebrates British produce, with menus built around what is in season. It has earned a national reputation and is a favourite for special meals south of the city centre.

6. Lasan, Jewellery Quarter

Since opening in 2002, Lasan has been one of the best known Indian restaurants in the country, combining regional Indian cooking with a stylish setting in the Jewellery Quarter.

7. Shababs, Ladypool Road

For the real taste of Birmingham, head to the Balti Triangle. Shababs, founded in 1987, is one of its best known balti houses, where curries are cooked fast over a high flame and served sizzling in the same thin steel bowl.

8. Original Patty Men, Digbeth

Tucked under the railway arches in Digbeth, Original Patty Men began as a street food trader and grew into one of the city's favourite burger joints. Expect big flavours, craft beer and a lively crowd.

9. Medicine Bakery, New Street

Medicine is an artisan bakery, kitchen and gallery on New Street, famous for its pastries, generous brunches and beautiful interior. Arrive early at weekends.

10. Chakana, Moseley

Chakana brings the bright flavours of Peru to Moseley, with ceviches, grilled dishes and one of the largest collections of pisco in the country. Its lively, relaxed atmosphere makes it a neighbourhood favourite.

11. Hockley Social Club, Jewellery Quarter

A former printing works turned street food hall, Hockley Social Club brings together a rotating line-up of traders under one roof, with music and events through the week. It is ideal for groups who cannot agree on what to eat.

12. The Bull Ring Markets

Birmingham has traded in the Bull Ring for more than 800 years, and the markets beside the Bullring shopping centre are still the place to buy fresh fish, fruit, vegetables and spices, and to grab a snack on the go. It is where many Brummies do their weekly shop.

Before you go

The fine dining restaurants on this list are small and popular, so booking ahead is essential, often weeks in advance. Street food venues and bakeries are more relaxed, but opening days vary, so check before you travel. Menus and opening times change, so it is always worth looking at each venue's own website first.