Places to Eat in Birmingham

Best Burger - Original Patty Men, 9 Shaw’s Passage, B3 5JG

If it’s good enough Drake and his entourage, it’s good enough for us. Since winning the burger category of the British Street Food Awards some years back, the trajectory of OPM has been sky high. Based in Digbeth and hugely popular, we’d suggest going early to avoid the queues at this no reservation restaurant.

Best Steak – Pulperia, 3 Brindley Place,  B1 2JB

A short walk to the picturesque Brindley Place will find you in a restaurant that has tongues wagging nationwide, despite only being open a matter of months. Based on the asados of Argentina, Pulperia is chef Aktar Islam’s tribute to beef. Only the finest is served here, sourced from the best farms across the world and cooked over flames. The Sunday lunch is a pretty much perfect rendition.

Best Pint of Beer – Purecraft Bar & Kitchen, 30 Waterloo Street, B2 5TJ

Our neighbour does beer as well as anyone. An ever-changing board of high quality awaits you, with staff happy to talk you through the range and dish out samples where required. If we were dishing out the best scotch egg award, they’d win that as well, but then that’s expected when the food is headed-up by Andreas Antona of Michelin starred Simpson’s restaurant.

Best Mixed Grill - Hen and Chickens, 27 Constitution Hill, Birmingham B19 3LE

If a big platter of Indian spiced meat, a cold pint of lager, and the football is your thing, then here is your nirvana. If you don’t care about the lager or the football we’d still suggest you give it a go. Hen and Chickens is beloved across the city for being a desi-style pub where under £20 will get you enough meat to feed your table and a doggy bag to take home. Asking us to choose between the red and green chicken tikka is like asking us to pick a favourite child. Yes, we do have one. No, we’re not saying which.

Asking us to choose between the red and green chicken tikka is like asking us to pick a favourite child. Yes, we do have one. No, we’re not saying which.

Best Martini - 40 St Paul’s, 40 Cox Street, B3 1RD

Voted best gin bar in the world for the simple reason that it is the best gin bar in the world. Grab a seat in this bijou Jewellery Quarter bar and prepare to be treated to some of the nicest drinks you’ll ever try. On Sundays they have been known to bring out Cards Against Humanity on request, if you’re feeling particularly naughty.

Best Cup of Coffee – Faculty, 14 Piccadilly Arcade, B2 4HD

It’s not hard to get a good cup of Joe in Birmingham, but if you’re looking for the pinnacle we’d suggest heading to Faculty, a stone’s throw away from New Street Station. The drawings on the wall show this is a place which takes its craft very seriously; the best in organic coffee, each with detailed flavour notes. Great line of cakes, too.

Best Pizza – Otto, 14 Caroline Street, B3 1TR

Otto understand the principles of great pizza: a blistered crust, slightly tangy sourdough base, and the best quality toppings. They do all of this, with the added bonus of great wine and charming service. It’s always busy for a reason. Otto is well worth the quick stroll to pretty St Paul’s Square.

Best Fish and Chips - Oyster Club, 43 Temple Street, B2 5DP

The nearest coastline might be two hours away, but that hasn’t stopped Adam Stokes from opening up a fish restaurant as good as anywhere in the country. Using the same produce as his Michelin starred restaurant, no trip to Oyster Club is complete without his fish and chips. Think halibut steamed from within an aerated batter that cracks when approached, and twelve of the most perfect rectangular chips, stacked up like Jenga pieces.

Best Glass of Wine - Arch 13, 220 Livery Street, B3 1EU

Birmingham is blessed with many bars which take wine seriously but our fave is Arch 13, found – you guessed it – underneath the arches by Snow Hill station. The Connolly family have been Birmingham wine traders for the generations and this love for crushed grapes shows throughout. Plenty of choice for every budget, here is a great place for a relaxed evening.