Latest reviews in Birmingham, United Kingdom

Cafe Ikon - Delicious food at great prices by Sarah_W

Sarah_W — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:25:18 +0000

Review by Sarah_W

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0121 248 3226

Website: http://www.ikon-gallery.co.uk

I recently met two friends for dinner in Birmingham, and on the recommendation of one of them we booked a table at this Spanish restaurant in the Ikon Gallery. It calls itself a cafe, which reflects the ambiance to some extent, and the prices for sure, but not the food, which is of a good restaurant standard.

We started with a basket of wonderful rosemary scented bread and good quality olive oil for dipping. We then chose a selection of "raciones" to share - similar to tapas but in larger portions and some of them at least a bit more substantial. Our selection included two fish dishes - salt and pepper squid (my personal favourite) and monkfish in a delicious white wine sauce. We also had two meat dishes - meatballs and some beautifully cooked lamb cutlets (and, a nice touch: we asked what a portion of the latter consisted of, and were told two, which would have been hard to split between us, but the waiter persuaded the chef to add a third to the plate for us!) Finally, we added two vegetable dishes - green beans (the one dish that let them down, being a little over-cooked for my liking) and wild mushrooms.

We resisted the lure of the dessert menu but got through two bottles of good red wine (I don't remember which, so I must have drunk my fair share). The bill came to just Â£62 for the three of us, with service - excellent value, especially given the quality of the food.

I wouldn't come here for a romantic tete a tete, but for any other occasion its excellent location, tasty food and great value for money make it unbeatable!

By the way, do book a table - we were here on a Wednesday evening and the place was full by 7.00 PM.I recently met two friends for dinner in Birmingham, and on the recommendation of one of them we booked a table at this Spanish restaurant in the Ikon Gallery. It calls itself a cafe, which reflects the ambiance to some extent, and the prices for sure, but not the food, which is of a good restaurant standard.

We started with a basket of wonderful rosemary scented bread and good quality olive oil for dipping. We then chose a selection of "raciones" to share - similar to tapas but in larger portions and some of them at least a bit more substantial. Our selection included two fish dishes - salt and pepper squid (my personal favourite) and monkfish in a delicious white wine sauce. We also had two meat dishes - meatballs and some beautifully cooked lamb cutlets (and, a nice touch: we asked what a portion of the latter consisted of, and were told two, which would have been hard to split between us, but the waiter persuaded the chef to add a third to the plate for us!) Finally, we added two vegetable dishes - green beans (the one dish that let them down, being a little over-cooked for my liking) and wild mushrooms.

We resisted the lure of the dessert menu but got through two bottles of good red wine (I don't remember which, so I must have drunk my fair share). The bill came to just Â£62 for the three of us, with service - excellent value, especially given the quality of the food.

I wouldn't come here for a romantic tete a tete, but for any other occasion its excellent location, tasty food and great value for money make it unbeatable!

By the way, do book a table - we were here on a Wednesday evening and the place was full by 7.00 PM.

The Church Inn - Great Beer by I_Love_Pubs

I_Love_Pubs — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:37:08 +0000

Review by I_Love_Pubs

Rating: 4.00

Tags: friendly, traditional pub

After a troubled recent history, this pub is under new friendly management. Very welcoming, and good beer! Holden's Mild.After a troubled recent history, this pub is under new friendly management. Very welcoming, and good beer! Holden's Mild.

Zorba's Greek Restaurant - pete by tokeludo

tokeludo — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:37:04 +0000

Review by tokeludo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0121 7064709

Tags: lively, good value, greek-mediterranean

After friends' recommendations, reserved a table last Saturday for family and friends to celebrate my wife's birthday. We were not disappointed..... excellent food and excellent, friendly, informative service. Will return!
After friends' recommendations, reserved a table last Saturday for family and friends to celebrate my wife's birthday. We were not disappointed..... excellent food and excellent, friendly, informative service. Will return!

Ulysses Greek Restaurant - katerina by katie124

katie124 — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:25:51 +0000

Review by katie124

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0121 622 3159

Website: http://www.ulyssesrestaurant.co.uk/

Tags: greek, live music, takeaway

We had a fantastic night last week we held our Birthday Party at Ulysses.

The restaurant is really Authentic Greek, stylish all refurbished amazing bar.

The food fantastic we had Kleftico the lamb just fell off the bone.

The entertainment was fatastic it is the best Greek restaurant i have been to in the UK

We will definately be regular customers,we have booked another party for AugustWe had a fantastic night last week we held our Birthday Party at Ulysses.

The restaurant is really Authentic Greek, stylish all refurbished amazing bar.

The food fantastic we had Kleftico the lamb just fell off the bone.

The entertainment was fatastic it is the best Greek restaurant i have been to in the UK

We will definately be regular customers,we have booked another party for August

Star Tandoori - I feel like I was mugged! by nuke

nuke — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:43:54 +0000

Review by nuke

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0121 4556618

Had a meal delivered and now I feel like I was mugged in my own home!
The food tasted like it has been cooked several days before. The chicken tika and onion bhaji was chewy and over spiced.

It was Indian Jim but not like we know it.

I would strongly urge the owners of this restaurant to eat some of the food, that should hopefully make them realise that reasonably priced doesnâ¬"t have to be tat!
Had a meal delivered and now I feel like I was mugged in my own home!
The food tasted like it has been cooked several days before. The chicken tika and onion bhaji was chewy and over spiced.

It was Indian Jim but not like we know it.

I would strongly urge the owners of this restaurant to eat some of the food, that should hopefully make them realise that reasonably priced doesnâ¬"t have to be tat!

Jewel - Closed now by nuke

nuke — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:36:29 +0000

Review by nuke

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0121 212 1411

Tags: indian, takeaway

Closed nowClosed now

Bella Italia - Cold food, microwaved food and no atmos by Brunetteandred

Brunetteandred — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:52:29 +0000

Review by Brunetteandred

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0121 328 9696

Website: http://www.bellaitalia.co.uk/locations_restaurant.php?id=72

Tags: italian, pretentious, expensive

I took my daughters here for a birthday celebration. Never again.

The place is cold, has no atmosphere and the service is slow and sloppy.

My meal (a Penne Alpini - chicken and bacon in a creamy sauce with penne pasta) was stone cold. When I complained, the waitress took it away saying I'd get a fresh dish and returned five minutes later with the exact same dish that had been microwaved - and the plate had loads of fingermarks around the edge too. And they wanted Â£9.25 for that!

My daughter's soup had been microwaved just prior to coming to the table as the bowl was so hot you couldn't touch it and the soup was still bubbling around the edge of the bowl.

I paid in cash and the waitress did not return my change; I had to ask her for it.

Don't bother.I took my daughters here for a birthday celebration. Never again.

The place is cold, has no atmosphere and the service is slow and sloppy.

My meal (a Penne Alpini - chicken and bacon in a creamy sauce with penne pasta) was stone cold. When I complained, the waitress took it away saying I'd get a fresh dish and returned five minutes later with the exact same dish that had been microwaved - and the plate had loads of fingermarks around the edge too. And they wanted Â£9.25 for that!

My daughter's soup had been microwaved just prior to coming to the table as the bowl was so hot you couldn't touch it and the soup was still bubbling around the edge of the bowl.

I paid in cash and the waitress did not return my change; I had to ask her for it.

Don't bother.

Shere Khan Star City - My Hell at Shere Khan by thetaster

thetaster — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:07:11 +0000

Review by thetaster

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0121 3260691

Tags: indian

I recently took my wife down to star city for a meal. We decided to go to Shere Khan as it was Halal food or so we thought.

I started with a cup of coffee and was given a funny looking water and a jug full of solid stale milk that was like cheese. This put me off the restaurant but thought i would give them the benefit of the doubt as this could have been a mistake.

We went on to order a chicken saag and a chicken curry with a sweet naan.

The food arrived some 15 minutes later and we eat the food. About 10 minutes passed when i had a bad stomach cramp and couldnt move. After this i went straight home and was sick and had a headache that knocked me out. The next day i asked my wife if she was ok and in the morning she said yes but by the middle of the day she was sick and had to leave work and go home with stomach cramp.

I knew that the food was bad at this restaurant and if i was a child it would have probarbly killed me.

I advice people sincerley from my heart that if you going to spend your money on Halal food, ensure it dosent kill you and the people behind the kitchen are compitent in not cutting corners to save money at the risk of killing you or one of your family.

I recently took my wife down to star city for a meal. We decided to go to Shere Khan as it was Halal food or so we thought.

I started with a cup of coffee and was given a funny looking water and a jug full of solid stale milk that was like cheese. This put me off the restaurant but thought i would give them the benefit of the doubt as this could have been a mistake.

We went on to order a chicken saag and a chicken curry with a sweet naan.

The food arrived some 15 minutes later and we eat the food. About 10 minutes passed when i had a bad stomach cramp and couldnt move. After this i went straight home and was sick and had a headache that knocked me out. The next day i asked my wife if she was ok and in the morning she said yes but by the middle of the day she was sick and had to leave work and go home with stomach cramp.

I knew that the food was bad at this restaurant and if i was a child it would have probarbly killed me.

I advice people sincerley from my heart that if you going to spend your money on Halal food, ensure it dosent kill you and the people behind the kitchen are compitent in not cutting corners to save money at the risk of killing you or one of your family.

Hawthorn Cafe - Fantastic farmhouse by Brunetteandred

Brunetteandred — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:28:19 +0000

Review by Brunetteandred

Rating: 5.00

Tags: crowded, proper food, good brew

Simply the best farmhouse breakfast for miles. Perfectly cooked every time and all for Â£3.95. They also do a vegetarian breakfast.

They have an extensive menu and the staff are always friendly, even when busy. Can get very busy at lunchtimes on Saturdays and is popular with senior citizens (who have special meals deals).

Children catered for amply.

Open on Sundays until 2pm.Simply the best farmhouse breakfast for miles. Perfectly cooked every time and all for Â£3.95. They also do a vegetarian breakfast.

They have an extensive menu and the staff are always friendly, even when busy. Can get very busy at lunchtimes on Saturdays and is popular with senior citizens (who have special meals deals).

Children catered for amply.

Open on Sundays until 2pm.

Mongolian Bar & Restaurant - Uugghh by Brunetteandred

Brunetteandred — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:24:22 +0000

Review by Brunetteandred

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 0800 294 2032

Tags: bar, oriental, crowded

Didn't like this place at all. The idea is that you choose your own ingredients and they are cooked in front of you on a large hotplate. In rotation, along with everyone else's.

It tasted like a generic mess and I felt decidely ill the following day. Ok if you get hammered with the office party I guess; you wouldn't notice what you are eating then.Didn't like this place at all. The idea is that you choose your own ingredients and they are cooked in front of you on a large hotplate. In rotation, along with everyone else's.

It tasted like a generic mess and I felt decidely ill the following day. Ok if you get hammered with the office party I guess; you wouldn't notice what you are eating then.

Pasta Di Piazza - Never had a bad meal here by Brunetteandred

Brunetteandred — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:21:28 +0000

Review by Brunetteandred

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0121 236 5858

Tags: italian, romantic, good value

Situated just off historic St. Paul's Square, this is the perfect venue for whatever occasion. Romantic meal for two? Family birthday? Mothers/Fathers Day? Parents celebrating a special anniversary? The welcome is always warm and the food is superb. Authentic Italian food served by Italian staff in a venue that is Italinate without being too contrived.

Service is swift and polite, prices around medium and the menu & wine lists extensive.

I have eaten here with colleagues, my young family and as a couple with my partner and have enjoyed the experience greatly every time. Children are made welcome and not frownded upon, which is a huge bonus for parents looking for a decent family eating experience.

Pre-booking is essential as this place is very popular!Situated just off historic St. Paul's Square, this is the perfect venue for whatever occasion. Romantic meal for two? Family birthday? Mothers/Fathers Day? Parents celebrating a special anniversary? The welcome is always warm and the food is superb. Authentic Italian food served by Italian staff in a venue that is Italinate without being too contrived.

Service is swift and polite, prices around medium and the menu & wine lists extensive.

I have eaten here with colleagues, my young family and as a couple with my partner and have enjoyed the experience greatly every time. Children are made welcome and not frownded upon, which is a huge bonus for parents looking for a decent family eating experience.

Pre-booking is essential as this place is very popular!

The Sheldon - the sheldon still strong by NicolaPark

NicolaPark — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:21:24 +0000

Review by NicolaPark

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0121 7432112

Tags: cool, trendy, friendly

The sheldon is a cool pub with great people, a little quiet at the moment as its due to close for a refurb into an english pub/thai menu.The sheldon is a cool pub with great people, a little quiet at the moment as its due to close for a refurb into an english pub/thai menu.

Shimla Pinks - Classy indian with a new twist by oogywawa

oogywawa — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:35:56 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0121 633 0366

Website: http://www.shimlapinks.com

Tags: indian, lively, expensive

It's not hard to see why this is popular. We went on a Tuesday evening and had to wait 20 minutes to get a table due to the vast hordes that were sampling its wares.

It's a classy joint, tastefully attired with Indian themes, dark woods and glowing little capsules full of diners as well as the traditional long table with parties of 10 or more.

All the food is a step above your average Indian, delivering lighter and more delicately spiced dishes with a bit more class. Even the mint yoghurt to accompany the poppadums was actually "foamed" to ensure lightness. The nan's and chapatis were cooked traditionally in full view of the dining room and service though a bit slow (due to the sheer weight of numbers)was charming and friendly without being familiar.

We had a selction of dishes including some vegetarian dishes with the emphasis on flavour rather than heat - apart from a Chicken Vindaloo which did not live up to others I've had elsehwere. This though was the only dud and everything else was tickety boo...It's not hard to see why this is popular. We went on a Tuesday evening and had to wait 20 minutes to get a table due to the vast hordes that were sampling its wares.

It's a classy joint, tastefully attired with Indian themes, dark woods and glowing little capsules full of diners as well as the traditional long table with parties of 10 or more.

All the food is a step above your average Indian, delivering lighter and more delicately spiced dishes with a bit more class. Even the mint yoghurt to accompany the poppadums was actually "foamed" to ensure lightness. The nan's and chapatis were cooked traditionally in full view of the dining room and service though a bit slow (due to the sheer weight of numbers)was charming and friendly without being familiar.

We had a selction of dishes including some vegetarian dishes with the emphasis on flavour rather than heat - apart from a Chicken Vindaloo which did not live up to others I've had elsehwere. This though was the only dud and everything else was tickety boo...

Athens Greek Restaurant - Hot Greek main course served on cold plates by peaceplis

peaceplis — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:08:28 +0000

Review by peaceplis

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0121 643 5523

Tags: greek, live music, vegetarian dishes

Great food..but spoiled by cold plates, busy waiter, slow service, NO price list on Main Menu list.Great food..but spoiled by cold plates, busy waiter, slow service, NO price list on Main Menu list.

The Thai Orchid Restaurant - Tasty Thai Treat by dom7

dom7 — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:22:00 +0000

Review by dom7

Rating: 3.00

Tags: thai, buffet, quick

Not a bad Thai, basically. We went there for a business lunch and they do a great tasty buffet; yum. All the trimmings - just about everything - special note goes to the thai green curry and fish dishes.

Beautifully decorated and a fun place to go.

It's quick and easy really, thats the good thing about it. And good value.

Not a bad Thai, basically. We went there for a business lunch and they do a great tasty buffet; yum. All the trimmings - just about everything - special note goes to the thai green curry and fish dishes.

Beautifully decorated and a fun place to go.

It's quick and easy really, thats the good thing about it. And good value.

Purnells - Modern british dining by dom7

dom7 — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:02:19 +0000

Review by dom7

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0121 212 9799

Website: http://www.purnellsrestaurant.com/

Tags: expensive

Birmingham's first Michelin starred chef Glenn Purnell has left Jessicas and moved to open this eponymous restaurant in the heart of Birmingham's business district.

The food is ultra-modern British, to start, we both had the Goat's cheese jelly with crispy sticks which was fabulous.

Service is excellent and unobtrusive, portions are nouvelle-cuisine but not so small that you feel you need to stop for a kebab on the way home.

My only criticism would be the wine list and it is not unique to Purnells - why can't you get a bottle of wine that hasn't been marked up by 4 times? (otherwise it would get 5 stars).

Birmingham's first Michelin starred chef Glenn Purnell has left Jessicas and moved to open this eponymous restaurant in the heart of Birmingham's business district.

The food is ultra-modern British, to start, we both had the Goat's cheese jelly with crispy sticks which was fabulous.

Service is excellent and unobtrusive, portions are nouvelle-cuisine but not so small that you feel you need to stop for a kebab on the way home.

My only criticism would be the wine list and it is not unique to Purnells - why can't you get a bottle of wine that hasn't been marked up by 4 times? (otherwise it would get 5 stars).

Diamonds Showbar & Restaurant - Cant Wait!!! by diamondsshowbar

diamondsshowbar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:43:00 +0000

Review by diamondsshowbar

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0121 666 6756

Website: http://www.diamonds-showbar.co.uk

Tags: live music, cool, american

This venue as been to long coming, but the planning and problems we have had will help us to offer you a better venue when we open, which we hope will be in August 2008.
The venue will be amazing, keep an eye on the website for plans to be revealed May 2008
This venue as been to long coming, but the planning and problems we have had will help us to offer you a better venue when we open, which we hope will be in August 2008.
The venue will be amazing, keep an eye on the website for plans to be revealed May 2008

Syriana Restaurant - lunch time as well by lizzy

lizzy — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:06:07 +0000

Review by lizzy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0121 2369444

Tags: middle eastern, good value, business

I'd just like to add the it's good place for lunch time break as well, different type of coffees, sandwiches or salalds. wide variety of options.I'd just like to add the it's good place for lunch time break as well, different type of coffees, sandwiches or salalds. wide variety of options.

San Carlo - Simply Excellent by Thomasinho

Thomasinho — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:15:39 +0000

Review by Thomasinho

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0121 633 0251

Website: http://www.sancarlo.co.uk

Tags: italian, good value, lively

The times once said this was the best restaurant outside of London, I agree.. I have been here a number of times, and the menu has remained the same, and the quality of the food has remained equally excellent.
I travel to alot of places with my work globally, and this place seriously has the best staff attention to customers, I have ever witnessed.
My recommendations, have a small pasta dish for a starter, the veal is excellent, as is the fish, and meat.
The place is pricey, but excellent quality, you really do get what you pay for.
For desert the Torte flambe, is excellent, lit sambuca, poured over dark chochlate ice cream incradible.
Amazing Amazing Amazing...The times once said this was the best restaurant outside of London, I agree.. I have been here a number of times, and the menu has remained the same, and the quality of the food has remained equally excellent.
I travel to alot of places with my work globally, and this place seriously has the best staff attention to customers, I have ever witnessed.
My recommendations, have a small pasta dish for a starter, the veal is excellent, as is the fish, and meat.
The place is pricey, but excellent quality, you really do get what you pay for.
For desert the Torte flambe, is excellent, lit sambuca, poured over dark chochlate ice cream incradible.
Amazing Amazing Amazing...

The Warehouse Cafe - SUPERB by d23ward

d23ward — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:03:26 +0000

Review by d23ward

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0121 633 0261

Website: http://www.thewarehousecafe.com

Tags: vegetarian, takeaway, good value

An amazing cafe, where you feel a true connection with the people around you. The food was great, the service was brilliant and the price was easily affordable. An amazing cafe, where you feel a true connection with the people around you. The food was great, the service was brilliant and the price was easily affordable.