The Canal House in Birmingham (Photo: Danilo D'Agostino/Unsplash)
Cover The Canal House in Birmingham (Photo: Danilo D'Agostino/Unsplash)

Here's a quick guide to dining in Birmingham, the host of this year's Commonwealth Games

Birmingham is the host of the Commonwealth Games 2022, making it the third time England has hosted the international multi-sport event. Known for its canals and Industrial Revolution landmarks, there's plenty to see in the bustling city, including a great number of Victorian pubs, trendy cafes and Michelin restaurants. In fact, it is the only British city outside London to have five Michelin restaurants. 

Also, did you know that Cadbury’s and HP Sauce originated here? You’ll also find a collection of breweries and microbreweries like Aston Manor Brewery and Two Towers.

See also: Inside Royal Salute’s Exclusive Platinum Jubilee Party in the Tower of London

Here's where you can find the best bites in Birmingham.

Folium

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Arctic char, nori and chives (Photo: @restaurantfolium/Instagram)
Above Arctic char, nori and chives (Photo: @restaurantfolium/Instagram)

Located in the Jewellery Quarter, Folium has been serving elegant Modern British cuisine since 2017. The innovative dishes are curated using locally-sourced ingredients, bringing out the best that Britain has to offer.

The simple yet refined menu is curated around what produce are available. Highlights on its spring/summer menu include Warm Savoury Custard wWth Roast Chicken and English Truffle, Native Lobster With Ponzu and Fried Bread, and Wagyu Beef With Yeast Béarnaise Sauce and Spent coffee, the latter residue from the bean grinding process. 

Folium | 8 Caroline Street, Birmingham, B3 1TW | +44 121 638 0100 | Lunch: Friday-Saturday, 12pm-4pm; Dinner: Wednesday-Saturday, 5:30pm-12am

San Carlo

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Ravioli lobster and Tagliolini lobster (Photo: sancarlo.co.uk)
Above Ravioli lobster and Tagliolini lobster (Photo: sancarlo.co.uk)

Counting David Beckham and Angel Di Maria of Juventus among its celebrity guests, the family-owned San Carlo is a modern Italian restaurant along Temple Street. It's renowned for its impeccable service as well as important Italian ingredients.

Satiate your cravings for Italian food with Gamberoni alla Diavola (tiger prawns sautéed with garlic, fresh chilli, white wine and served with Altamura bread), San Carlo Antipasto (chef's selection of antipasto from all over Italy), lobster risotto, and Zitoni Toscanini (long pasta tubes with Tuscan spiced sausage, tomatoes, and Tuscan pecorino). 

San Carlo Birmingham | 4 Temple St, Birmingham B2 5BN | +44 121 633 0251 | Monday-Sunday, 12pm-10pm

The Canal House

Located along the historical canals, this cosy country-style tavern is the ideal spot to enjoy classic British nosh—think Cumberland Scotch Egg, Whole Baked Camembert, and Steak, Stout and Stilton Pie. It's a great place to hang out, enjoy a good meal and listen to live music. And if you happen to stop by on a Sunday, partake in its hearty Sunday Roast. 

The Canal House | 12 Bridge St, Birmingham B1 2JR | +44 121 643 8829 | Monday-Wednesday, 12pm-11pm; Thursday, 12pm-12am; Friday, 12pm-1am; Saturday, 9am-1am; Sunday, 9am-12am

See also: A Food Lover’s Guide to Copenhagen

Malaysian Delight

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Pan-fried fish with sambal (Photo: @malaysian_delight/Instagram)
Above Pan-fried fish with sambal (Photo: @malaysian_delight/Instagram)

If you're feeling homesick, a visit to Malaysian Delight on Ladywell Walk will remedy that. This humble eatery serves beloved Malaysian staples from assam laksa and curry laksa to teh tarik and white coffee.

Malaysian Delight | 8 Ladywell Walk, Birmingham B5 4ST | +44 121 622 3909 | Monday-Sunday, 12pm-10pm
 

Simpsons

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Simpsons offers an impeccable dining experience in an equally impressive setting (Photo: @simpsons_restaurant/Instagram)
Above Simpsons offers an impeccable dining experience in an equally impressive setting (Photo: @simpsons_restaurant/Instagram)

Feeling posh? Head to Simpsons, housed in a regal Georgian villa. The establishment has been awarded a Michelin star annually for over two decades and chef-patron Andreas Antona had even been named the Chefs' Chef of the Year by the Craft Guild of Chefs. 

Simpsons | 20 Highfield Rd, Birmingham B15 3DU | +44 121 454 3434 | Lunch: Wednesday-Sunday, 12pm-2pm; Dinner: Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday, 7pm-9pm; Friday-Saturday, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Pulperia

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A 300g grass-fed Argentine ribeye, served with bone marrow mash and fresh chimichurri. (Photo: @pulperia_asado/Instagram)
Above A 300g grass-fed Argentine ribeye, served with bone marrow mash and fresh chimichurri (Photo: @pulperia_asado/Instagram)

Argentinian restaurant Pulperia is famed for its steaks. Everything on the menu is prepared fresh daily and the meats are aged for at least 30 days before they are cooked on the restaurant's special Argentinian v-shaped charcoal and wood-fired grill. Highlights include Argentine Ancho Ribeye, Galician Prime Rib, and Smoked Pulpo (octopus) served with paprika roasted potatoes.

Pulperia | 3 Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2JB | +44 121 546 0594 | Wednesday-Friday, 5:30pm-9:30pm; Saturday, 12pm-9:30pm; Sunday, 12pm-8pm

See also: Villa Frantzén, Chef Björn Frantzén’s Newest Restaurant, Opens in Bangkok

Purnell's

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Cheese and pineapple ‘Emotions of Soixante – Dix’ (Photo: Purnell's)
Above The signature cheese and pineapple ‘Emotions of Soixante – Dix’ (Photo: Purnell's)

Michelin-starred Purnell's serves sophisticated modern British cuisine, delighting diners with its refined flavours and textures. Chef-patron Glynn Purnell's signature cooking style incorporates influences from all over the world.  

Purnell's | 55 Cornwall Street, Birmingham B3 2DH | +44 121 212 9799 | Tuesday, 7pm-9pm; Wednesday & Thursday, 12pm-1:30pm & 7pm-9pm; Friday & Saturday, 12pm-1:30pm & 6:30pm-9pm

Adam's

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Squab pigeon cooked on the barbecue, served with dates, turnips and black olives (Photo: @restaurantadams/Instagram)
Above Squab pigeon cooked on the barbecue, served with dates, turnips and black olives (Photo: @restaurantadams/Instagram)

Chef Adam Stokes' modern cuisine restaurant on Waterloo street ensures a dining experience complete with first-rate service and an extensive selection of wine. Cooking methods here focus on classic techniques but presented in contemporary manner. This season features pigeon, blood orange and Cornish skate on its menu. 

Due to the Commonwealth Games, road closures are effect in parts of city centre. The restaurant advises diners to arrive at a small drop-off area at the end of Waterloo Street to access the restaurant. 

Adam's | New Oxford House, 16 Waterloo Street, Birmingham B2 5UG | +44 121 643 3745 | Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm-2pm & 7pm-9pm

Chakana

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Chakana's Cusco corn cake is part of the new snacks available on the a la carte menu (Photo: @chakana.restaurant/Instagram)
Above Chakana's Cusco corn cake is one of the new snacks available on the a la carte menu (Photo: @chakana.restaurant/Instagram)

Named after the ancient indigenous Peruvian symbol of the Andean cross, Chakana promises a fun and lively time complemented with dishes that taste as vibrant as they look.

Helmed by Chef Robert Ortiz, who helped Lima in London earned a Michelin star, must-haves here are Sea Bream Ceviche, Beef Short Rib, and Cusco Corn Cake. Don't forget to order a cocktail made with pisco, as it has one of the largest ranges of pisco in the country. 

Chakana | 140 Alcester Road, Moseley B13 8HT | +44 121 448 9880 | Wednesday-Friday, 5pm-10pm; Saturday, 12pm-11pm; Sunday, 12pm-4pm

See also: 9 Food Skewers To Try From Around The World

La Fibule

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Scallops on spinach with spices (Photo: @life_of_a_coeliac_/Instagram)
Above Scallops on spinach with spices (Photo: @life_of_a_coeliac_/Instagram)

Fans of Moroccan cuisine will find La Fibule to be an absolute delight. Its interior recalls the vibrancy of Morocco and its food will practically transport you there. A favourite with the locals, it boasts a vast menu, with the starter alone boasting a whopping 18 selections. The main course features four varieties of couscous, seven types of tagine and six other meat dishes. 

La Fibule | 31 Woodbridge Rd, Birmingham B13 8EH | +44 121 449 3289 | Monday-Sunday, 5pm-11pm

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