Palm by H2O

Palm by H2O pitches itself squarely at the special-occasion crowd: gold-leaf accents, neon lighting, banquette seating, and mood lighting that reviewers consistently describe as giving the room a Dubai lounge feel. The space has an upstairs and downstairs, each with a distinct dining or shisha area, making it workable for everything from a birthday group to a date night.

The menu leans into desi-influenced sharing plates to start, malai boti, seekh kebab, dynamite shrimp in their signature sauce, and samosa chaat, before moving into more substantial mains built around steaks, mixed grills, and burgers. The chapli kebab and fillet parmo have both drawn recent praise online, and the mixed grill platter is a solid group order. Sides of palm chips and garlic bread round things out without overcomplicating the spread.

Desserts are a genuine draw: the Dubai kanafa and cookie dough with ice cream are the ones that keep appearing in reviews. The drinks list is alcohol-free throughout, with mocktails and fresh juices carrying the load, the peach berry mulan mojito gets mentioned repeatedly. Shisha is available and a big part of the evening experience here.

Bank Restaurant Bar & Grill

Bank is a chic and sophisticated restaurant overlooking Birmingham’s 19th-century canals at Brindleyplace. The expansive dining room features an open kitchen with views of the chefs at work, elegant wine racks and a striking bar serving cocktails. Two all-weather terrace areas offer calm, alfresco dining with canal views, perfect for summer meals or cooling drinks. The menu showcases signature steaks, fresh seafood including king prawns and sea bass, and seasonally inspired British dishes. Sunday roasts are particularly popular. The continental brasserie atmosphere balances relaxed informality with upscale dining, making it ideal for business lunches, date nights and celebrations.

Ladana Cafe

Ladana is a high-energy destination blending Arabic breakfast culture with modern brunch vibes. The all-day menu pivots between breakfast (Arabic falafel plates, full English, loaded omelets, stacked pancakes with maple syrup) and dinner (pasta, sandwiches, grilled plates). The space strikes a balance between Instagram-ready elegance and relaxed atmosphere, with courtyard seating and a dedicated shisha section. Known for attentive staff, generous portions, and house specials like the Ladana French Toast and Arabic Breakfast featuring fresh falafel, halloumi, and housemade elements. Busy weekends; arrive early or book ahead.

24 Stories

Perched on the 24th floor of 103 Colmore Row, 24 Stories (formerly Orelle) is Birmingham’s most spectacular restaurant, offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views across the city.

The venue comprises a fine dining restaurant and iconic rooftop cocktail bar, with an all-day café on the ground floor. The modern British seasonal menu showcases coastal seafood, sustainable steaks and locally sourced produce, featuring signature dishes like Beef Croquette with hot sauce (inspired by The Bullring and HP Sauce factory), Day Boat Cod, and Saddleback Pork Cutlet with bacon cake and black pudding.

The intimate, marble-floored dining space blends contemporary elegance with vibrant atmosphere, drawing inspiration from Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter heritage and the building’s banking history. Cocktails are expertly crafted by award-winning mixologists, and the wine list is curated globally.

Paparazzi Restaurant

Paparazzi is an upscale fine dining venue housed within Tamworth’s beautifully restored Carnegie Library, originally built in 1905. The restaurant blends Modern Mediterranean and Pan-Asian cuisine, featuring premium ingredients including corn-fed chicken, milk-fed lamb, sustainably sourced British seafood, and premium Wagyu beef. The dining space features distinctive blossom-themed ceilings, dimly lit floral decor, colour-changing marble tables, and soaring heritage arches that create an intimate, elegant atmosphere. All meats served are halal, with no pork or alcohol used in food preparation. The restaurant emphasises sophisticated plating and handcrafted cocktails. Signature dishes include Wagyu steak, dynamite prawns, and lamb cutlets, with menus featuring seasonal creations and an exclusive Only At collection.

Baloci

Baloci is a Michelin Guide-listed fine dining restaurant housed in a stunning Georgian building that has been transformed into an opulent space with rich red and gold interiors, crystal chandeliers and plush velvet seating. The restaurant celebrates Silk Road cuisine, blending refined Italian craftsmanship with bold aromatic flavours of Persia and South Asia, drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of Turkey, Iran, Balochistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Diners can choose from tasting menus (6 or 8-course options) or à la carte selections featuring standout dishes like Sultani lamb chops. The experience extends to six uniquely themed boutique hotel rooms (Marco Polo, Babylon, Persia, Alexander the Great, Rumi, Taj Mahal) and sophisticated cocktail lounges including the subterranean Zoroaster Bar. Service is attentive and the wine list is carefully curated to pair with dishes.

The Ivy Temple Row

Located in the heart of Birmingham’s bustling city centre, The Ivy Temple Row offers sophisticated dining overlooking St. Philip’s Cathedral. Open seven days a week, from dawn until dusk, the restaurant serves an extensive all-day menu of breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails, weekend brunch and dinner. Catch some of the freshest dishes in town, from seared Atlantic scallops to lobster linguine and plate-filling steaks. Inside, the signature green colour palette is contrasted with striking burnt orange banquettes and polished marble floors.

Regina’s Bar & Restaurant

Regina’s is a stylish Mediterranean dining destination on Newhall Street, moments from Colmore Row. The elegant interior features marble finishes, ambient lighting, and a striking red rose sculpture symbolising the restaurant’s culinary ethos. The menu showcases Mediterranean influences from Italy, Spain, France and Greece, with house-made pastas, fresh seafood, premium cuts, and sharing plates. Highlights include pan-fried seabass, creamy risotto, and tapas like mushroom truffle arancini. The bar serves an expansive cocktail list, curated wines, craft beers and prosecco. Weekend evenings transform into a lively social venue with resident DJs and live musicians bringing soul and energy to the room.

The Bracebridge

The Bracebridge is chef Andrew Sheridan’s showcase restaurant set on the banks of Bracebridge Pool in the heart of Sutton Park. The elegant dining room accommodates 50 covers and offers a seasonal menu of elevated British classics, from braised meats to refined seafood platters (crab, lobster, langoustine, oysters), alongside Sunday roasts featuring meat, fish or vegetarian options served family-style with Yorkshire pudding and cauliflower cheese. The covered and heated terrace seating 150 provides casual al fresco dining with self-service street food from partners including Sip & Slice (Mediterranean), Chuck & Cluck (chicken), and Cofton Pizza, alongside a coffee kiosk. Afternoon tea is served Wednesday to Saturday, whilst weekend brunch (Saturday-Sunday 9am-12pm) includes full breakfast and pastries. The refined setting with water views makes it equally suited to romantic dates, celebrations and gatherings.

F1 Arcade Birmingham

F1 Arcade Birmingham is the world’s first official Formula 1 simulator racing experience designed to put socialising at its core. Located in Paradise in the city centre, opposite the Town Hall, the venue features 53 full-motion racing simulators with cutting-edge motion and audio-visual effects. Race in head-to-head mode for 2-3 people or team mode for larger groups, with five difficulty levels from Rookie to Elite. Try the Wagyu beef burgers, Spanish seabass ceviche or wild miso mushroom tacos, paired with a crafted cocktail menu featuring champagne, craft beers and non-alcoholic options. The Octane Bar anchors the space, a 35-foot feature bar where you can watch Grand Prix races live on massive screens or enjoy weekend DJs. Semi-private and fully private event spaces accommodate from 20 to 530 guests.