Birmingham Restaurant Guide

“If it was in France it would have its second star already!” – Adam & Natasha Stokes’s “smart, elegant and well-spaced” venture in the city centre delivers an “outstanding” all-round experience, and is now firmly established not only as Brum’s best, but also as one of the UK’s top dining destinations. “Sensational and eclectic” dishes (from a 3-course or more extensive 8-course taster menu) “never fail to wow even for the most jaded palates” and service is “immaculate”. For “the pinnacle of fine dining” fans recommend the 10-seater Chef’s Table, “which sits in full view of the vast kitchen where Adam and his young team prepare their tiny creations with military precision”. When it comes to the wine: “Trust in Lionel! (the sommelier) whose knowledge but also personality will enhance your visit, with recommendations delivered with insight, warmth and humour!”

“Stunning flavours, contrasting combinations and presentation… by the time you reach the dry ice, dried mint leaves and theatre of the final course, you’re a convert!” – TV-chef Glynn Purnell creates an experience that’s “special but not stuffy” at his “understatedly luxurious” (and “romantic”) city-centre HQ, providing “great menu options that deliver on their promise and friendly but unobtrusive staff” who show “attention to detail at its best”. The competition in this “much under-rated culinary city” is fierce nowadays, but for its fan club it’s “the top choice in town”.

A “new fine dining experience in Harborne, near Michelin-starred Turners” – and also surprisingly situated amid charity shops in a residential part of town. As befits the ambition of chef/patron Jamie Desogus, dinner options include three courses à la carte or “delicious” six- or eight-course tasting menus, with “amazing flavour combinations at reasonable prices for the level of cooking”.

“A distinct cut above the normal Brummie Indian” – Jabbar Khan’s “upmarket” Jewellery Quarter destination is the survey’s most-commented-on curry house in town, delivering “a twist on the usual fare” with “challenging” and “really different” flavours. Just before we went to press in autumn 2017 there was big upheaval here: first the restaurant closed for a major overhaul and nothing short of a ‘rebirth’ was promised with a new interior and menu to match; then it was announced that the business’s ‘front man’ Aktar Islam was to leave.

“Where others have moved downmarket Carters continues to soar”, and while some regulars feel that “if they would just move back to having an à la carte menu it would be perfect” its dedication to a tasting formula generally pays off, with an “ever-changing” array of dishes that are “tasty and interesting and – while not particularly complex – work well”.