Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in Birmingham

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems in Birmingham? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Hen & Chickens

4.9

4.9 (26)

£25 and under

Indian

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Hen & Chickens in Birmingham’s Hockley is a cosy pub that will leave you with a full stomach and a smile on your face. This friendly bar and restaurant specialises in classic British ales served along traditional Indian curries, joining forces to offer a quality dining experience. Recently refurbished, this restaurant is back and better than ever. Relax with an ale at Hen & Chickens’ sophisticated bar, or sit at one of the booths and dive into a plate of cod fish curry while you watch the big game. This is one gastropub you have to try – book ahead if you want to ensure a table at this delightful Constitution Hill spot.

Top review

David

Dined on 17 Oct 2026

What a little gem of a curry house. It was recommended to us and we are so glad to have visited. The staff were so polite and helpful, the atmosphere and vibe was superb and the food was absolutely delicious. All set in an old pub. Absolutely brilliant and thoroughly recommended!

Sapore

4.9

4.9 (48)

£26 to £40

Italian

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Welcome to our independent Italian restaurant in the heart of the Midlands. We take pride in bringing the warmth and charm of Italy to your table, with a focus on creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere where every guest feels at home. Our menu is inspired by authentic Italian traditions, crafted with fresh ingredients and a passion for simple, delicious food. Whether you’re joining us for a relaxed meal with family, a special occasion, or just a taste of Italy, we’re here to make your experience memorable.

Top review

Mike

Dined on 14 Oct 2026

Excellent meal for table of 7. No complates al all,

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Cucina Rustica Birmingham

4.8

4.8 (1497)

£26 to £40

Italian

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Fine Italian food in the very centre of Birmingham is Cucina Rustica's trademark, a comfortable, atmospheric Italian restaurant popular with both locals and tourists visiting this vibrant city. Although modern and slick in its execution, the choice of deep earthy colours and moody lighting, tactile materials such as wood and stone and the addition of characterful contemporary art and healthy, verdant plants give Cucina Rustica that slight traditional feel suggested by its name and a certain cosiness that gives it a home from home feel. Attention to detail is in every little touch here at Cucina Rustica, from the single rose placed on each table to the complementary olives produced on every guest's arrival. Equally, food is produced with great care, dishes traditionally Italian but done with flair and a certain amount of style, some unusual choices offered alongside classic favourites, all from the classic Italian cookbook and accompanied by a wide array of drinks.

Top review

Carol

Dined 7 days ago

This restaurant never fails to deliver. The service is always impeccable - staff are friendly and responsive. Their menu is vast and food quality is excellent. We all had 3 courses, even though we were stuffed after the main course. We had an amazing evening.

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4.8

4.8 (1468)

£26 to £40

Peruvian

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Birmingham’s first Peruvian Restaurant and Bar located in Moseley. Headed by Michelin Starred Peruvian chef Robert Ortiz.
We are a casual fine dining establishment where you can expect bold, punchy cooking and a great range of drinks.
Featured in both the Michelin and Good Food Guides.
Wide range of vegetarian, vegan and Gluten free options.

Top review

Kishan

Dined 7 days ago

Fantastic dining experience! We had the vegetarian testing menu and it was incredible. Highly recommended giving this restaurant a visit.

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4.7

4.7 (103)

£26 to £40

Italian

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Ciaro Pasta and Wine Bar provides a refined Italian dining experience characterized by handmade pasta, seasonal dishes, and an extensive selection of Italian wines. This venue, located just steps from the deli, features a cozy and intimate ambiance that makes it ideal for a relaxed dinner or a special evening out. The carefully curated menu and inviting atmosphere are designed to let guests unwind and enjoy the essence of Italy’s culinary heritage.

Top review

Martha

Dined 3 days ago

Absolutely gorgeous food. The staff are lovely. Simple surroundings

The Plough Harborne

4.6

4.6 (3621)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Harborne

About the restaurant

The Plough is an independent neighbourhood pub on Harborne High Street in Birmingham, serving hand-stretched pizzas, homemade burgers, weekend brunch and Sunday roasts. Expect a lively but laid-back atmosphere, local beer, cocktails and natural wines, with a heated terrace and beer garden. A welcoming spot for everyday lunches, family meals, drinks and special occasions.

Top review

MICHAEL

Dined 5 days ago

The Plough is one of our regular haunts, and never fails to delight. We enjoy the food, especially since they introduced regular specials to the daily menu. The service is always friendly, attentive, and helpful. The vibe of The Plough is laid back, buzzy, and appeals to all age groups, (we are in our 70’s, and love it!), There are great daily 2 for 1 offers. We personally the Thursday 2 Pizza & a bottle of wine for £40.

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Popular dish

club sandwich

Popular dish

side of cauliflower cheese

Experience

Sunday Quiz

La Plancha

4.6

4.6 (121)

£26 to £40

Spanish

Moseley

About the restaurant

Welcome to our vibrant Tapas Restaurant and Cocktail Bar, nestled in the heart of Moseley for over 20 years. We have a wide range of freshly prepared Spanish and Mediterranean tapas dishes, generously proportioned and perfect to share. (Vegan and Gluten free menus available)

Choose from 60+ cocktails, all made using premium spirits and mixers. Why not try a Raspberry Gin Rickey, classic Marguerita or popular Porn Star Martini?

Take advantage of our cocktail happy hour, where all cocktails are £7 from 6pm till 7pm every day and all evening, from 5pm till close on Sundays.

We have a carefully curated wine selection. From crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc to luscious aromatic Chardonnay. Indulge in the velvety richness of our red wines from a smooth Merlot to a deep dark Malbec.

Transport yourself back to the relaxed atmosphere and delicious flavours of the Mediterranean for an evening at La Plancha.

Feliz Cena.

Top review

Wayne

Dined on 16 Oct 2026

Quality food as always. Great customer service as always!

The Nailers Arms

4.5

4.5 (2352)

£25 and under

British

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Every bit the welcoming country pub you may well be hoping to stumble upon around Bournheath, The Nailers Arms attracts a loyal clientele from Bromsgrove and beyond, drawn by the delicious food (available seven days a week) as well as a wide selection of quality beers, wines and spirits and that welcoming atmosphere only possible in a truly local institution. Phil and Shula Witherford are the passionate couple behind this popular bar and contemporary restaurant on Doctors Hill, a place which is hard to leave without a personal promise to the publican that you’ll be back to get your fill again before too long.

Top review

Andrew

Dined 4 days ago

Have treated ourselves visiting the Nailers Arms for the second time. Ordered the carvery and found it to be fantastic quality. Staff are very friendly giving excellent customer service. Atmosphere in the pub is good as locals are also friendly.

The Rose and Crown

4.4

4.4 (1541)

£25 and under

British

Birmingham

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Rose and Crown Bar and Restaurant in Solihull.
Enjoy food and drinks in our comfortable bar area, beautiful restaurant or our large garden with lots of seating.

We serve a wide range of food from bar snacks, sharing plates, our Signature steaks, burgers and wood fired pizzas plus lots more of favourites and our bar is stocked with a comprehensive selection of beers and wines.

On Sundays we have our very popular Sunday Roast with menu changing weekly using the finest ingredients for great Sunday Roasts the perfect way to spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon.

We’ve created a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, open seven days a week at affordable prices with menus freshly prepared on site everyday by our expert chef. Perfect to enjoy a relaxed lunch, dinner or drinks with friends, family or business.

Top review

Karen

Dined 7 days ago

I met up with a couple of friends for lunch. The food was lovely and there was plenty of choice. It wasn’t busy at the time but the service was very good

Temper & Brown

4.4

4.4 (50)

£25 and under

Caribbean

Jewellery Quarter

About the restaurant

Temper & Brown is your Jewellery Quarter local with Caribbean soul. Run by Roifield Brown and the Brown family, our welcoming neighbourhood bar brings together bold Caribbean food, carefully chosen music and a love of good company. From breakfast and brunch with Allendale Café to afternoon tea, cocktails and evenings soundtracked by reggae, soul and house, there’s a reason to settle in at every stage of the day.

Set in a Victorian pub dating back to 1850, formerly the George and Dragon and later The Pig and Tail, Temper & Brown combines historic character with a personality of its own. Colourful seating, light-filled rooms and a hidden courtyard provide the setting for everything from a quiet coffee to a gathering of friends or a special celebration.

Top review

Heidi

Dined on 24 Oct 2026

Staff were excellent, very professional, friendly & good fun. Great atmosphere with quality music. Curry goat & rice was very tasty, well seasoned but could have been served warmer. Fried chicken & Cajun fries were superb & plenty of it.

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Experience

Afternoon Tea

Experience

Temper and Brown Bottomless Brunch

Experience

Tuesday Grill Night

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