Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Birmingham

Although many balti restaurants lay claim to be the first of their kind to be established in Birmingham, this has perhaps the most right to do so. The usual balti fare abounds, but the chicken balti jalfrezi is especially good—hot and succulent. You might be best advised to leave the green chili bhajis alone though, unless you're a professional fire-eater. Customer parking is a handy addition in an area teeming with similar establishments. Expect to pay for a filling two-course meal, one that should certainly be of superior quality.

The Jam House is backed by ex-Squeeze keyboarder and TV presenter Jools Holland. The club is spread over three airy floors, the top one being an open-plan restaurant serving modern world cuisine. The menu is set, although it changes regularly. Music, however, is the driving force with live acts nightly, and even a traditional Louisiana gospel brunch on Sundays.

All your favorite balti dishes are here at Celebrity, and there are some appetizing chef's specials too. A popular dish is the Dhamaka Balti- a chicken curry with chilies, capsicum, tomatoes and brandy. There are seven veggie baltis, five different naans and papadums and dips are complimentary.

Thespians specializes in Bangladeshi food, Northern Indian dishes and Kashmiri baltis. Located in the heart of Stratford close to the tourist areas, Thespians' spacious, stylish ambiance is enhanced by excellent service and an extensive menu. Choose from a variety of fish dishes, balti specials, chicken or lamb entrees, tandoori specialties and house recommendations such as a mouth-watering 'Jinga Masala'.

Egon Ronay recommended this 18th-century pub—a pub where there is every chance of rubbing shoulders with Shakespearean actors and that is only 100 yards from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. This two-name pub has two separate areas. The Black Swan side is very like a pub would have been in the 1700s: a rather austere drinking-bar look preserved with simple tables and old settles. The Dirty Duck side of the pub—the name by which the Black Swan is affectionately known throughout the world—is also a restaurant with bar snacks available.

The Garrick Inn was built in 1594. It acquired its current name from the Shakespearean actor David Garrick in 1769. Today, the Inn boasts a delightful 50-seat restaurant. Old wooden beams surround you, and the only modern touches here are those that add to the comfort of its guests. There are two small bars, one for non-smokers and the other for smokers. The menu offers great quality and excellent choices.