Best Restaurants & Places to Eat in Birmingham 2024 – UniAcco

As a student, you will have to survive on a budget for the next few years. These budget will not you enough to splurge out on things you previously could. Making the decision to miss out on a quality meal to save money for the month will never feel right. When we think of restaurants in Birmingham, we think of the bill we will rack up. But, numerous affordable restaurants in Birmingham tick the boxes for being delicious and budget-friendly. Treat yourself to the burger you’ve been thinking about. 

There is an array of restaurants in Birmingham, ranging from splurging budget to affordable. Here’s a list of some of the quality yet affordable restaurants in Birmingham. 

1. Pint Shop Birmingham

Pint Shop is responsible for bringing craft beer and seasonal British food to Birmingham. After being successful in Cambridge, the brand has come to Brum, boasting separate dining area and a pub area for light snacks and beers. It is situated in a listed building from the 1860s. Expect to find a tasty British menu, with dishes like Coal-baked Flatbread Kebabs, Overnight Pork Belly & the Pint Shop Dirty Burger. There are also small plates like Pint Shop Fried Chicken and their famous hot Scotch Eggs with a runny yolk. There’s a series of cocktails, gins, whiskies and wines. This is one of the best affordable restaurants in Birmingham.

A word from the chef: “Classic British food, all cooked over coals with a hearty twist, including some pub grub classics Pint Shop Dirty Burger & Chips, and the famous Pint Shop Scotch Egg.”

• Address: Pint Shop Birmingham, 38 Bennetts Hill, B2 5SN
• Cuisines: This venue serves British, Pub Food and Roast food.
• Hours:
  • Mon to Thurs: 12:00 to 23:00
  • Fri: 12:00 to 0:00
  • Sat: 11:00 to 0:00
  • Sun: 11:00 to 23:00
• Budget: Happily Affordable
• Type of Venue: Pub, Restaurant, Restaurant Bar
• Type of Night: After work drinks, Chatting and Drinking, Chilling with mates

2. The Birmingham Stable

The Stable is a simple plot in the heart of John Bright Street for hearty ciders and pizza meandering alike. From raw brickwork and ale pledged pumps, the interiors at The Stable are as authentic as the sourdough that they make fresh on site. Sourcing from local suppliers, the fare at here is fresh and wholesome. From hand-made pizzas which make up a majority of the menu to pies and ale, The Stable keeps bellies hearty, having made everything from scratch. Discover new music as Birmingham’s local talent play live; check for upcoming events on social media.

• Address: The Birmingham Stable, John Bright Street, B1 1BE
• Cuisines: This venue serves Vegan Friendly and Vegetarian-Friendly food.
• Hours:
  • Mon to Fri: 12:00 to 23:00
  • Sat: 11:30 to 23:30
  • Sun: 11:30 to 22:00
• Budget: Happily Affordable
• Type of Venue: Restaurant Bar, Lounge Bar
• Type of Night: Chilling with mates, Eating and Drinking, Date night

3. The Button Factory

The Button Factory has extended and restored one of the quarter’s traditional buildings. Commiserate to the original design, The Button Factory’s welcoming environment provides the ideal sanctuary, from a coffee in the morning to brunch on the weekend to late-night dinner and cocktails. In the warmer months watch the world go by on their expansive roof garden.

A word from the chef: “The Button Factory serves up a roster of great food and drinks that ranges from a bottomless brunch to goodies served from a Robata grill.”

• Address: The Button Factory, 25, Frederick Street, B1 3HH
• Cuisines: This venue serves Grill, British, Brunch, Burgers, Roast and Vegetarian Friendly food.
• Hours:
  • Mon to Wed: 7:00 to 23:00
  • Thurs: 7:00 to 0:00
  • Fri & Sat: 7:00 to 1:00
  • Sun: 7:00 to 22:00
• Budget: Happily Affordable
• Type of Venue: Restaurant Bar, Cocktail Bar
• Type of Night: After work drinks, Chatting and Drinking, Eating and Drinking

4. Buffalo & Rye

Buffalo & Rye comes to satisfy hungry hankerings in Birmingham from the infamous Bitters n’ Twisted team at that. It is rustic with an American Diner twist. It feels like a blend between bourbon and the Rockies, meeting somewhere in between for a dining adventure. From raw woodwork and low hanging fixtures to diner-esque fittings, this restaurant is set to be filled with a roster of burgers, gourmet hot dogs, pitt meats and more. For those who like to gander over gluttony will enjoy what Buffalo & Rye has to offer.

A word from the chef: “Nosh on dirty burgers, gourmet dogs and pit-smoked meats to the chomp of their Pimp Doggy (£8.00), or their Beef Dandy Ribs (£17).”

• Address: Buffalo & Rye, 11 Bennetts Hill, B2 5RS
• Cuisines: This venue serves American and Burgers food.
• Hours:
  • Mon to Thurs: 12:00 to 23:00
  • Fri & Sat: 12:00 to 0:00
  • Sun: 12:00 to 22:00
• Budget: Happily Affordable
• Type of Venue: Cocktail Bar, Restaurant Bar, Restaurant
• Type of Night: Chatting and Drinking, After work drinks, Eating and Drinking

5. Comptoir Libanais Birmingham

The 1st Midlands restaurant from Lebanese chain Comptoir Libanais, this charming restaurant in Birmingham’s Grand Central is all about the mosaic and the mezze aesthetic. It brings together Middle Eastern sharing dishes and colour-pop interiors. This welcoming and warm spot in the Brum shopping centre is a must-visit for fruity cocktails and for their unique spin of the classic vodka lemonade. It is open from breakfast through to dinner, they’ve become the ideal brunching spot, offering a delicious selection of classic fry-ups, authentic shakshuka and traditional flatbreads. At lunch and dinner, you can get stuck into all manner of plates, from cold and hot mezze to warm wraps, tasty tagines and big grills. From open kitchens to counters laden with sweet treats, the interiors are colourful and bright. They pay homage to Lebanon and the Middle East with vintage movie posters of the Arabic actor Sirine Jamal al-Dine and souk-inspired furnishings. This is one of the more affordable authentic Lebanese restaurants in Birmingham.

A word from the chef: “Comptoir Libanais serves street-style Lebanese dishes such hot and cold mezze, falafel wraps and tagines.”

• Address: Comptoir Libanais Birmingham, Grand Central, Stephenson Place, B2 4BF
• Cuisines: This venue serves Middle Eastern and International food.
• Hours:
  • Mon to Wed: 8:00 to 21:30
  • Thurs to Sat: 8:00 to 22:00
  • Sun: 10:00 to 21:00
• Budget: Happily Affordable
• Type of Venue: Restaurant Bar
• Type of Night: Eating and Drinking, Chatting and Drinking, Chilling with mates

6. The Distillery

The Distillery is home to Birmingham’s newest gin distillery, it is a stone’s throw away from Brindley Place and The Arena, ideally located on the canal. It is split over 2 floors. The Distillery can entertain day and night with a gin bar and private event space on the 1st floor or with the pub and open kitchen dining area on the lower deck. The large terrace is the perfect space for warm summer days. The menu is inspired by quality ingredients in their purest form. From their rotisserie and robata grill to their wood-fired pizza, each dish has been carefully chosen to provide an array of delicious recipes for all occasions.

• Address: The Distillery, 4, Sheepcote Street, B16 8AE
• Cuisines: This venue serves Gastro, Pub Food, Brunch, Burgers and Vegetarian-Friendly food.
• Hours:
  • Mon to Sun: 12:00 to 22:00
• Budget: Happily Affordable
• Type of Venue: Pub, Lounge Bar, Restaurant Bar
• Kind of Night: After work drinks, Chatting and Drinking, Chilling with mates

7. The Rose Villa Tavern

The Rose Villa Tavern in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is both a charming and decorative pub. This public house is a haven of stunning antler chandeliers, luxurious leather chairs and charismatic tilework from floor to ceiling. A vintage Victorian mecca, The RVT’s Grade II listed building, welcomes everyone from the young and trendy, to the relaxed and sophisticated. The Rose Villa Tavern is a refreshing and warming venue to visit. They have an exciting take on quiz nights in Birmingham – take part in the quiz, and you can tuck into a kilo of chicken wings. Just after a decent cocktail? No-fuss necessary folks, a selection of cocktails are 2 for £9 from 4-7 pm every day, all evening from 4 pm on Friday and All Day Sat & Sun – Wowza! This is a great vintage restaurant in Birmingham.

A word from the chef: “Ever had USA diner-style food in a Grand Old English pub? Well, now you can! Homemade burgers are our calling card (using Aubrey Allen meat & Peel & Stone buns) plus our wok-fried chicken wings are getting pretty popular! We have a fair amount of veggie & vegan dishes, plus weekly specials and take away options!”

• Address: The Rose Villa Tavern, 172, Warstone Lane, B18 6JW
• Cuisines: This venue serves American, South American, Pub Food, Burgers and Vegetarian-Friendly food.
• Hours:
  • Mon to Sun: 12:00 to 22:00
• Budget: Happily Affordable
• Type of Venue: Pub, Cocktail Bar, Party Bar
• Kind of Night: Chatting and Drinking, Chilling with mates, Something a little different

8. Indico Mailbox

Less a traditional restaurant and more “the bustling streets of North India”, Indico pays tribute to India’s local street food vendors, the vibrant Punjabi culture, and to the glitz and glamour of Indian Cinema for sure. The multi-award-winning boutique restaurant mirrors the street food way. It is an ode to centuries of rich Punjabi culture and cuisine. Get ready for an authentic experience. Discover the North-Indian (Punjabi) delicacies such as chaats (savoury Indian snacks), creamy curries, and tandoor classics. Every dish is presented in a “traditional”, vibrant, and creative culinary way. Complemented by an extensive beer, wine, and unique cocktail menu – something for every palate, as they say! One of the more quirky and authentic restaurants in Birmingham.

A word from the chef: “We do hearty Punjabi food. That’s us. We love North Indian flavours: lots of chaats (savoury Indian snacks), creamy curries, and tandoor classics. Bring your appetites and your culinary imaginations!”

• Address: Indico Mailbox, Mailbox, 113-115 Wharfside Street, B1 1RF
• Cuisines: This venue serves Indian food.
• Hours:
  • Mon to Sun: 12:00 to 22:30
• Budget: Happily Affordable
• Type of Venue: Restaurant Bar, Restaurant
• Type of Night: Eating and Drinking, Chatting and Drinking, Private party

9. Tapas Revolution Birmingham

Their food philosophy comes straight from their Spanish heart. The dynamic and vibrant street culture of cities like Madrid has inspired this chain to spread those regional flavours all over the world. With a Spaniard such as Omar Allibhoy behind the menu, you can expect a traditional spread of Picoteo, Carne, Pescado, Charcuterie and vegetables to create a delectable array of tapas dishes. Dessert is in the form of Spain’s famous Churros, made with traditional techniques and a heavenly dose of sugar, sweet cinnamon and chocolate dipping sauce. Enjoy some post-siesta drinks with the chef’s personal blend of Sangria, try one of their unique cocktails or survey their specialist Gins. One of the best Spanish cuisine restaurants in Birmingham.

A word from the chef: “Capturing the tastes of Madrid’s vibrant tapas cuisine, you’ll find a menu of nibbles, meat, fish and veg to tuck into.”

• Address: Tapas Revolution Birmingham, Unit MK8 and RSMK8 Grand Central Station, New Street, B2 4XJ
• Cuisines: This venue serves Tapas and European food.
• Hours:
  • Mon to Fri: 11:00 to 21:00
  • Sat: 11:00 to 22:00
  • Sun: 11:00 to 20:00
• Budget: Happily Affordable
• Type of Venue: Restaurant Bar
• Type of Night: Eating and Drinking, Chatting and Drinking, Chilling with mates

10. Zindiya

Situated in a former bakery on Woodbridge Road, Zindiya is a modern and quirky Indian restaurant that serves small plates and afternoon tea that they call high chai. The restaurant focuses on sharing dishes such as bhel puri, a tangy snack from Mumbai. The restaurant includes space for 90 people, while also having a semi-open kitchen, cellar and bar. The restaurant’s name comes from the word ‘zinda’ meaning ‘life’ and the owner’s daughter ‘Diya’.

• Address: Tapas Revolution Birmingham, Unit MK8 and RSMK8 Grand Central Station, New Street, B2 4XJ
• Cuisines: This venue serves Tapas and European food.
• Hours:
  • Mon: 17:00 to 22:00
  • Tue, Wed & Sun: 12:00 to 22:00
  • Thurs to Sat: 12:00 to 23:00
• Budget: Happily Affordable
• Type of Venue: Restaurant Bar
• Type of Night: Eating and Drinking, Chatting and Drinking, Chilling with mates

FAQs

Q1. What is Birmingham famous for?

Ans: Birmingham is renowned for its historical significance in the industrial revolution, vibrant cultural scene, and architectural landmarks like the Bullring Shopping Centre.

Q2. What type of food is Birmingham known for?

Ans: Birmingham is celebrated for its diverse culinary scene, offering a wide range of cuisines including traditional British fare, Indian cuisine, Balti dishes, and international flavours.

Q3. How many restaurants are there in Birmingham UK?

Ans: As of 2023, Birmingham boasts over 2,000 restaurants, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.

Q4. What are some must-try restaurants in Birmingham?

Ans: Birmingham offers an array of dining options, including renowned establishments like Adam’s, The Wilderness, and Lasan, known for their exceptional culinary experiences.

Q5. Is Birmingham known for any unique local dishes?

Ans: Yes, Birmingham is famous for its Balti cuisine, a flavorful style of Pakistani-inspired curry dishes cooked in a flat-bottomed wok-like pan, referred to as “balti.”