Restaurant History and Concept
Founding Story
Itihaas came to life out of a sincere love of Indian cooking. Its founders are motivated both by a wish to show Birmingham what’s out there in the world of flavors. What they created was nothing short of spectacular, born from hard work and a passion for time-honoured culinary practices.
The founders faced numerous challenges, from sourcing genuine spices to designing a space that could encapsulate the essence of India within an English setting. Having overcome these obstacles, they ultimately fulfilled their dream of creating an artistic culinary oasis that has developed into a Birmingham institution.
The growth story of Itihaas is dotted with notable milestones, including hosting high-profile events and receiving accolades for its outstanding contributions to the local dining scene.
Unique Dining Concept
Dining at Itihaas is more than just a meal. It’s a cultural experience. The restaurant promises a completely immersive journey through the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine.
With each dish, stunning flavours are accompanied by beautiful artistry that’s sure to tantalize the tongue and the eye. The ambience really takes this experience to the next level. Elegantly appointed interiors and thoughtfully planned mood lighting provide an intimate yet energetic vibe.
To please all palates, Itihaas features a menu with a blend of classic Indian fare and modern preparations. It’s this marvelous marriage of the old and the new that keeps every guest enchanted. Seasoned aficionados and curious newcomers alike will discover a rich and rewarding experience.
Cultural Influence
Indian culture is deeply imbued into the ethos of Itihaas, informing every aspect from the menu offerings to the dining experience. The restaurant’s menu features food inspired by the complex spices and traditional cooking processes that define Indian cuisine.
Traditional artifacts fill the new space, adding to the cultural ambience and providing diners an artistic visual treat with their culinary one.
A Family Affair
Itihaas is all about celebrating Indian festivals and culinary traditions. They hold public events, bringing the colorful and joyous spirit of Indian festivals to their community.
These activations highlight one-of-a-kind menu items. The latter offer you a wonderful opportunity to relish the seasonal and celebratory delights that form the crux of India’s diverse culinary treasure.
Distinctive Features
Tucked away in the historic jewellery quarter of Birmingham, Itihaas promises an experience like no other. What sets it apart and makes it a cut above the rest? First, let’s get these awards out of the way. Diners and critics alike have hailed Itihaas as the best Indian restaurant in the country.
Its long list of awards and accolades underscores its place as the country’s premier destination for Indian cuisine. More than just a nod to the flavour profiles the restaurant is cooking up, this recognition acknowledges the overall dining experience that the restaurant delivers.
What Sets It Apart?
The magic of Itihaas is rooted in a few distinctive features. At the heart of it is a commitment to be real. Each dish is prepared with the freshest, highest quality ingredients, carefully sourced for authentic flavours that will take you right to India.
This strong commitment to craft is matched by a one-of-a-kind culinary scene that seamlessly marries age-old cooking traditions with an innovative, contemporary flair. This combination results in dishes that feel comfortable while feeling refreshingly innovative.
Itihaas isn’t just about the food. That commitment to customer service is evident the moment you enter their doors. The team’s mission is to make the Visitor Center a warm and welcoming place, where every visitor feels like a longtime friend.
Whether you’re in for a quick lunch or an important meeting, the atmosphere is sophisticated yet warm and inviting. Our special Business lunchtime menu is designed for people on the go. Plus it’s the kind of place that provides fast, decadent comfort food without skimping on ingredients.
Signature Offerings
When it comes to the menu, Itihaas really stands out. Patrons can’t get enough of other standout dishes, including the rich and decadent lobster curry and the all-comforting, all-delicious butter chicken.
In the process, these dishes have become local favorites, luring diners back again and again. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss the inventive gajarhalwa cheesecake! It’s a gorgeous fusion of the age-old classic carrot pudding reinvented for a new age.
Catering to every palate, Itihaas has a multitude of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes on offer. This guarantees that anyone who dines with us—meat eaters, herbivores, and everyone in between—can find a delicious meal.
The varied menu is a strong testament to the restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity, resulting in Itihaas being a place that everyone can enjoy and eat at.
Culinary Experience
1. Appetisers to Start
At Itihaas, the experience starts with a wonderful array of appetisers that start to open the palate. Now imagine that plate piled high with goat cheese samosas, their pastry exteriors crackly and golden, surrounding a warm, gooey interior.
The aloo tikka chana is an amazing dish! It blends the hearty, homestyle goodness of potatoes with a mix of spices and real ingredients that really wake up the senses.
Here’s a bullet list of must-try appetisers to kickstart your meal:
- Samosas
- Sheekh kebabs
- Aloo tikka chana
- Goat cheese samosas
Not only does it maximize flavor, every dish is carefully plated to accentuate the beauty of the food. This type of attention to detail is what makes the culinary experience at Itihaas so memorable.
2. Main Course Highlights
The main courses at Itihaas capture the richness of Indian cuisine with dishes like chicken biryani and methi chicken curry. The menu offers a full range of options, from the juicy lamb chops to the fragrant prawn masala.
Every plate is a musical composition of taste, with spices masterfully orchestrated to produce an authentic flavour profile. With saffron-infused rice mingled with tender pieces of chicken, the chicken biryani brings a pretty fragrant aroma.
In contrast, methi chicken curry offers a distinctive combination of fenugreek leaves and spices. These deeply flavorful dishes come alive served alongside freshly baked naan or a mound of buttered steamed rice.
When combined, they make for a beautiful and fulfilling culinary adventure.
3. Dessert Delights
To conclude this culinary experience on a sweet note, Itihaas provides a bevy of homemade desserts, both classic and creative.
Here’s a bullet list of signature desserts to tempt your taste buds:
- Rasmalai
- Chai masala mousse
- Creamy puddings
- Almond biscotti
The artistry behind each dessert is evident, with every bite providing a perfect blend of sweetness and texture. Rasmalai is milky and soft, and it deliciously melts in your mouth.
The chai masala mousse brings a contemporary angle with its playful spicy undertones. Fresh, quality ingredients are central to these inventive creations, making an already unforgettable dessert experience truly one-of-a-kind.
Customer Insights
Itihaas Restaurant in Birmingham, winning Best Restaurant in Birmingham, takes diners on a culinary journey from the streets of India to the fine dining capital of the world. Guests often come back with pictures from their visits, creating a rich tapestry of what one might experience.
The restaurant is very welcoming and cozy. Its decor seamlessly blends old world and new South Asian classiness. Customers can’t stop talking about the outstanding service. The staff really makes an effort to ensure you have a special dining experience!
Another guest complimented the staff’s acute attention to detail while celebrating their anniversary. They wanted you to know just how grateful they were for the personal touches that went into making the evening so special.
Dining Experiences
At Itihaas, food is the heart of everything, whether it’s a casual gathering or an extravagant celebration. Whether it’s a boisterous family gathering or an intimate business meeting, the restaurant skillfully accommodates both, producing the right environment for any occasion.
Whether it’s a quiet meal for two or a large family gathering, Itihaas ensures each occasion is treated with care. Customers go gaga over the ability of the restaurant to turn large groups with ease.
They appreciate the customized menus that address the needs of diners’ varying preferences. The atmosphere, with its dim lighting and luxe decor, contributes to the memorable experience.
Itihaas is a perfect accompaniment for any event! Whether you’re envisioning an intimate dinner for two or a raucous family reunion or birthday party, it can do it all.
Guest Feedback
Online reviews are a testimony to the consistent quality of work and high standards that Itihaas has maintained for years. Whether for good or ill, most reviews are a result of extreme customer satisfaction or lack thereof.
Customers love to hear about how the restaurant is listening to feedback and are particularly impressed to hear about changes made at their suggestion. This dedication to constant betterment is an important part of Itihaas’s renown.
Dishes like the fragrant lamb biryani or the rich butter chicken consistently earn rave reviews from customers. As all of our guests consistently mention in their comments, the quality of the food and the service-oriented nature of our staff is why many come back again and again.
Location and Accessibility
Located in the vibrant city center of Birmingham, Itihaas presents a dining experience that is both convenient and unforgettable. The location couldn’t be more convenient as the restaurant is walking distance from all major transport centers. This orientation to it makes it easy to navigate to it for both locals and visitors alike!
Look for the distinctive, graceful arch of New Street Station. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the conference venue. This makes Itihaas the ideal spot to enjoy a delicious meal after adventuring through the colorful downtown area.
How to Find the Restaurant
Here are some essential details to keep handy:
- Address: 18 Fleet Street, Birmingham, B3 1JL
- Telephone: 0121 212 3383
It’s very easy to visit by public transport, with multiple bus routes serving the area and the tram route providing very easy access. If you prefer to drive, ample parking will be available on-site. The big Snow Hill Car Park is only a five-minute walk away from the restaurant though!
With these new options, it’s easier than ever to get to Itihaas, whether you’re hopping off a train or parking your car! The surrounding area is filled with exciting attractions that can help make your trip even more memorable.
The beautiful Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery couldn’t be more conveniently located, just around the corner. See its intriguing exhibits while you’re getting hungry, so you can enjoy a great meal afterward. The historic Jewellery Quarter provides a picturesque backdrop for a beautiful walk.
After dining at Itihaas, have fun discovering this lively section of your Birmingham experience.
Opening Times
Itihaas invites guests to enjoy their unique and authentic cuisine with an accommodating atmosphere, open for lunch or dinner any day of the week. The restaurant opens its doors from 12 PM to 2:30 PM for lunch and 5:30 PM to 11 PM for dinner, Monday through Saturday.
On Sundays, it’s open from 12 PM to 10 PM, making it ideal for a leisurely weekend meal. Holidays always have reduced hours, too. Plan ahead to ensure you don’t miss out on a festive spread!
This kind of flexibility makes it easier to catch that quick lunch when you can. Or, savor your time with a relaxed dinner, all while having it seamlessly integrate into your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Itihaas Restaurant in Birmingham?
Itihaas Restaurant started in Birmingham in 2003. Its mission is to introduce authentic regional Indian cuisine, fusing the vibrance of the cultural heritage with the elegance of contemporary dining. The restaurant’s name, “Itihaas,” means ‘history’ in Hindi, and that’s what the restaurant intends to be — a place that preserves traditional recipes.
What makes Itihaas Restaurant unique?
Ithihaas combines the best of traditional Indian recipes with a modern twist. Restaurant’s extravagant décor includes hand carved furniture and artefacts from the culturally rich India. The result is an immersive and vibrating dining experience. Experiences world-class chefs to guarantee that every dish is a culinary masterpiece, inviting you to embark on an unforgettable culinary journey.
What culinary experience does Itihaas offer?
Itihaas will spoil you for traditional Indian fare. Their menu includes an array of vibrant regional dishes, from peppery curries to fragrant biryanis. The chefs pay close attention to use of high-quality ingredients, ensuring the most authentic flavours possible. The luxurious plating and meticulous service only makes the experience that much more special.
Why do customers love Itihaas Restaurant?
Customers rave about Itihaas for its authentic flavours, elegant atmosphere, and exquisite service. First-time diners rave about the deep, rich flavor and spice of the dishes. The restaurant’s commitment to tradition, quality, and customer satisfaction has earned it a reputation as one of the best dining destinations in Birmingham.
Where is Itihaas Restaurant located in Birmingham?
Itihaas is situated in Birmingham’s city centre, just off the main high street and round the corner from New Street Station. That is 18 Fleet Street, Birmingham, B3 1JL. Its fabulous city centre location means it’s very easy to get to by public transport or car, with lots of parking options nearby.
How accessible is Itihaas Restaurant for visitors?
Itihaas is located near a public transit opening point, making it a great destination for all visitors. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and has plenty of space between tables for a relaxed dining experience. Its location in the heart of the city makes it easily accessible by public transport, and nearby parking options are convenient for visitors traveling by car.