1.Itihaas
Itihaas isn’t merely a restaurant; it’s an odyssey laced with tradition and grace. Itihaas has been a leader of the Indian restaurant revolution sweeping the Midlands. Its excellence has won many awards, such as the 2007 Cobra Good Curry Award for Best UK Restaurant and the British Curry Award in 2012 for Best Restaurant in the Midlands.
The culinary traditions here are inspired by the magnificent Moghul Era. It was an era when dining was an experience of accoutrement and extravagance. The restaurant itself is a true work of art where Old World design meets New World flourishes.
Two million pounds was invested in producing this stunning public space. You feel the devotion to history and craftsmanship the second you enter. That adventure starts with the menu. It’s an exploration of creative dishes that weave together the bold flavors of North India, a bit of Kenyan spice, and the bright, spirited flavors of Mumbai’s street food.
Each culinary masterpiece has been designed with great care to provide you with a true Royal Indian dining experience, infused with culinary warmth and perfect hospitality. Creating such memorable experiences is only the beginning for Itihaas – with one mission, the team makes dream events become a reality.
Whether small and private or a grand party of nearly 1,000…they can accommodate them all. With style and panache, they make magic happen, changing environments to suit your vision and aesthetic. From the cuisine to the table settings, every detail is crafted to create an unforgettable experience.
2. Dishoom
Dishoom’s energy and vibrancy, combined with their trademark warmth and welcome, make the restaurant a worthy standard bearer for Bombay’s spirited café culture. To indulge in a cocktail is to enter a magnificent homage to Bombay’s legendary permit rooms and beer bars. It’s where the city’s spirit of freedom and togetherness truly comes to life.
The interior design and ambience foster communal warmth and welcomed connection, producing an environment of collective consciousness—a place where dissimilarities are not just accepted, but honoured. It’s not just a meal, it’s an immersive cultural experience wrapped in the colours and flavours of India’s struggle for independence.
The extensive menu—inspired by the home cooking of the owners’ grandparents—features richly spiced and flavorful dishes reinterpreted Indian cuisine, available throughout the day. Breakfast here is an even bigger treat! Dig into the likes of the Bacon Naan Roll, Kejriwal or The Big Bombay, each punchy, hearty and packed with a proper flavor wallop.
Don’t miss the Akuri, a wonderful spiced scrambled egg dish. It’s delicious paired with crispy, crunchy Brun Maska, a sweet, buttery bread that everyone eats! Savor all the delicious flavors of Bombay’s street food with the Paneer Roomali Roll, filling Biryani and snackable Bhel. These flavorful dishes make for a great lunch or dinner!
Each morsel is imbued with the glow of reminiscence, whether it’s drinking chai with chiselled pavs or tearing Vada Pau with companions. Drinks here are just as magical, inspired by classic Indian flavours. The Masala Chai encircles you in warmth like a hug in a mug.
Other singular concoctions go out of their way to inject an element of surprise into old favorites. At the same time, Dishoom exhibits a remarkable devotion to philanthropy. They’ve served over 20 million meals, thanks to their long-standing work with partners like Magic Breakfast and Akshaya Patra.
3. Asha’s
Next, Asha’s infuses the rich, melodious sounds of Indian music with the colorful, aromatic spices of its cuisine. This combination makes for an incredibly dynamic and immersive dining experience. This is more than a meal; it’s a journey through India’s rich culinary heritage brought together with a contemporary flair.
The restaurant’s heritage comes from the iconic Indian singer Asha Bhosle. Her love of cooking was what inspired the whole idea. Her culinary philosophy, as it harkens to every dish, perfectly embodies this balance between authenticity and innovation.
Their menu draws upon the rich diversity of north-western Indian cuisine that produced famous dishes like tandoori kebabs and indulgent, fragrant curries. Each flavour is intricately layered and engineered to perfection, a tribute to India’s rich culinary tradition. Experience the tender lamb seekh kebabs, bursting with a blend of aromatic spices.
Be sure to get the butter chicken with its silky tomato-based sauce. These dishes are only some of the many shining stars! Asha’s has really enchanted the palates of foodies worldwide. Even King Charles, Ed Sheeran and PINK can’t resist its charm!
Inside, the warm and inviting decor combines chic decor and ambiance, creating the perfect setting for a laidback but still elevated dining experience. Soft lighting, deep hues, intricate details transport you to a world that calms you down and puts you at peace.
It’s the ideal setting in which to experience flawless service and the restaurant’s celebrated culinary creations. It’s no surprise that Asha’s has a 90% customer satisfaction rate.
Asha’s is known for having 14 locations worldwide, including one in Birmingham. Immerse yourself in the colorful and contemporary world of India’s diverse culinary arts!
4. Indian Brewery
What really sets Indian Brewery apart is an inventive fusion of Indian cuisine and craft beers. The new menu showcases the vibrant flavors of Indian street food. It more importantly pairs them with locally brewed beers, taking you outside of your comfort zone.
Now picture washing down spicy masala fries with a bracing pint of Birmingham Lager. Or imagine enjoying a fragrant chicken tikka naan with a zesty IPA on the side. The pairings are artfully blended to warm your spirit and set the mood for the night ahead. They temper that heat and spice by chasing it with the refreshing crispness of beer.
The drinks menu is equally as thrilling as the culinary offerings. You will be introduced to an outstanding diversity of craft beers, from aromatic ales to intense stouts, each carefully brewed to pair perfectly with their unique dishes.
For something more refreshing, their mango lassi provides a sweet, floral counterpoint to the menu’s spicier options. Hophead lovers, get ready to rejoice! If lush, toasty malt character is more your speed, a different dream beer is in store.
The overall vibe is energetic and buzzing, the type of settlement where you genuinely feel you can let loose and revel. It’s a great spot to spend an afternoon with friends, celebrating life’s big and small moments.
The bold decor, high energy music, and infectious atmosphere will have you wanting to move from the second you walk through the door. Allotted seating under the sun or the stars fills most nights making it obvious that the story continues and the great feeling here is infectious.
5. Zindiya
Besides, Zindiya is the place where colorful, exciting Indian street food is found inside a fun, upbeat atmosphere in chic Moseley, Birmingham. Walking into the restaurant instantly transports you to the lively spirit of Indian culture. Enjoy authentic, home-style Indian food including chaat, gol gappe and the famous Bombay sandwich. Each taste brings the energetic spirit of India’s streets right to your plate.
The menu features fare inspired from all over the subcontinent, taking diners on an exciting culinary ride. Find out which cocktails pay tribute to local taste buds! Sip the quirky “From Ooty With Love” or savor the soothing “Chai Wala” cocktail.
For those looking for a more interactive experience, Zindiya’s thalis offer a delightful option. Known for their colorful, flavorful street food, these curated platters delight the senses with rich aromas, spices and flavors, perfect for sharing family- or friend-style. It might be the best way to try a variety of flavors, all at once, for the first time.
Pair that with their super cute tropical vibe, complete with covered rickshaw booths and a colorful bar area. You develop an atmosphere that just oozes chill and focus. With seating for 90+, there’s enough space to soak up the colorful art and lively environment.
Zindiya isn’t just the go-to for delicious Indian cuisine, it’s the best choice for bang for your buck as well. Independent Birmingham Members can get 50% off the full curry menu here, Tuesday to Thursday, between 5pm and 6pm. At all other times of the week, they can still enjoy a full 20% off their meal ticket.
When sipping chai, relishing street food, or enjoying a thali turns into joyful experiences of connection and understanding, magic happens. These types of encounters inspire friendships within a friendly space.
6. The Indian Streatery
The Indian Streatery whips up classic Indian street food with an Indo-Canadian twist. They deftly combine traditional flavors with a fresh edge, resulting in an unforgettable delicious experience. Their menu is a culinary celebration of that variety, featuring tapas, street food classics, and authentic Punjabi dishes like the curry house would serve.
Whether it’s their signature chaat or a variety of hearty curries, every dish is thoughtfully prepared and served to highlight their bold spices, paired with fresh ingredients. They offer their complete menu, breakfast and lunch, all day. They even serve focused lunch service, so it’s an adaptable place to visit no matter the meal.
Their relaxed, casual vibe makes it perfect for a quick bite on your lunch break or unwinding with friends after a long day. This space is inclusive of everyone. Snack on a small bite or get comfortable for a full meal!
The welcoming atmosphere is a tribute to the familial origins of this establishment. It started out as street food vendors operating under the banner The Indian Rasoi. Their story started 8 years ago on the explosive food movement of Birmingham, particularly as hits at the Digbeth Dining Club.
That energy and passion for food is still very much present in the restaurant today. Making things even more interesting, they hold special events themed around Indian culture and cuisine, making it an experience unlike just the food they serve.
The restaurant has gone on to gain Royal patronage, with a visit from Prince William and Princess Katherine occurring in 2023. The accolades didn’t stop there, as they secured back-to-back awards in 2024, taking home Best Indian Street Food Dining Experience.
7. Curry Corner
Curry Corner will quickly become your destination for authentic Indian comfort food from a charming, half-timbered corner of Mountain Brook’s English Village. You’ll enjoy favourites such as Butter Chicken, Paneer Masala, Tikka Masala and aromatic Biryani. Every plate is a symphony of traditional Indian spices.
To begin with, gorge on their crunchy Pakoras or a blistering Tandoori platter. Putting a hearty spin on healthy cooking, the majority of the menu cuts out the fryer making way for flavour. Although fare seems to be on the rise, affordable pricing still allows you to pig out without breaking the bank.
With a seriously low per–plate price point, there’s no skimping on quality or flavour. Whether you’re in the mood for meltingly tender Lamb Rogan Josh or a nice seafood speciality, each dish appears sculpted with care and served in hearty measure. Pair your meal with a drink from their extensive full bar.
Go for something that will enhance the robust flavors you’re sure to have on your plate. The cozy space gives off Maine charm and hospitality, making anyone feel like a regular on their first visit. Owners Bhuwan Bashel and Bir Thapa have added their own spirit, sharing their family roots through food.
Open daily from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM, Curry Corner hits the sweet spot for both lunch and dinner. Regular hours extend slightly later, closing at 9 PM Monday to Thursday, 10 PM Friday and Saturday, and 8:30 PM on Sundays. Conveniently located at 2037 Cahaba Road, Curry Corner is the answer for your Indian cuisine craving in the region.
Customer reviews praise the warm ambience and unforgettable flavours.