Ten Best Places to Eat Out as a Student in Birmingham

We all know that studying is hungry work, and as Napoleon once said, an army marches on its stomach.

That’s why we believe it’s essential that while you’re at uni in Birmingham you should get to know some of the best places to eat out.

Here’s our top ten best places to eat out in Birmingham at the moment (although in reality the list is endless!)

  1. Dishoom

This chain of Indian restaurants has, quite rightly so, gained massive popularity over the last few years.

It’s easy to see why when you sample some of their absolutely mouthwatering takes on Indian traditional dishes.

The Summer Houses in Birmingham are a new addition to their outside space, where you can reserve a table for up to six people – makes for an ideal location for a summer graduation dinner!

  1. Bonehead

Lovers of fried chicken and beer will be in heaven in Bonehead.

It has an unassuming decor, set in the city centre in grungy, dive-bar-style surroundings – it’s all part of the experience.

In Bonehead you can get your hands on all the finger-licking faves such as chicken wings and strips, as well as mountainous ultra-stacked burgers coated in crispy, flavourful batter. All served alongside waffle fries and flavourings ranging from Nashville hot seasoning to buffalo pepper sauce with blue cheese.

To wash down these treats you can ask for one of their craft beers, amongst them, Bonehead’s easy-drinking own-brand lager.

The ideal place to let loose with mates after a long week at uni.

  1. Browns Brasserie & Bar

Set smack bang in the middle of Birmingham in the Bullring, Brown’s is undoubtedly one of the best places to eat out in Birmingham.

The menu is chockablock with a broad selection of British classics, brunch dishes and yummy veggie-friendly options.

As if the delish food weren’t enough, you can pair it off with a cocktail or three!

  1. The Ivy

Located on Temple Row, The Ivy is a more upmarket dining experience, and makes for a great place to have a romantic date or celebrate a special occasion.

Your jaw will drop when you see the stunning decor, with its lively patterned wallpaper and colourful botany prints. Definitely worth getting your camera out to snap a few pics for your Instagram account!

Ah yes, and the menu! Whatever time of day you arrive, you’ll leave a satisfied customer. Earlier on in the day, you can get hold of a fancy brunch menu, before the main menu kicks in later on, offering some smart takes on British dishes.

  1. Land

The Great Western Arcade is home to a range of independent bars, shops and restaurants, and that’s where you can find Land.

Plant-based dining is the order of the day here, and it will blow you away!

Using mainly seasonal ingredients to create dishes based on various cuisines around the world, you’ll be surprised at just how delicious an all-plant plate can taste!

You’ll love the interiors too, with its hardwood floors, green-hued walls and comfy seating.

The great thing about the menu here is that, even if you’re not sure where to start, you can try various dishes. They have tasting menus, which offer a set of four or six plates for a very affordable sum.

Some examples of the scrumptious dishes on the menu are: soy and furikake aubergine, hispi cabbage with satay sauce and chilli and broccoli topped with almond and zhoug.

The wine here is also sourced locally in independent vineyards and is chosen to complement the dishes.

If you prefer beer, there’s also an excellent range of craft ales. What’s not to like?!

  1. Rudy’s

If you don’t already know it, then we’re here to tell you that Rudy’s is the number one place to eat out in Birmingham for pizza fans!

The Bennetts Hill kitchen can satiate your desire for all things Neapolitan, with its huge range of pizza toppings and combinations, as well as their delicious Italian cocktails – you’ve simply got to try the Blood Orangecello.

  1. The Meat Shack

What can you expect at the Meat Shack? Massive burgers, that’s what!

This venue is super cool, edgy, and fun, and if you don’t leave with a tummy full to the brim we’ll eat our hat!

Their decadent stacks, of chicken and loaded fries, are super popular, as are their smashed patties. The Hell Shack will knock you for six, try it if you dare!

If you’re veggie, you don’t have to feel left out as there’s also a gorgeous cheese and mushroom beast called Bella Emberg to get your teeth into!

With so much food on your plate, you’ll need to take a breather to take in the designed graffiti-strewn walls and backstreet theme – a pic or two wouldn’t go amiss, either!

  1. Mythos Taverna

The Arcadian – a tiered ring of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and shops in the Chinese Quarter – is where you’ll find the Mythos Taverna.

Mythos is a family-run Greek restaurant that instantly transports you to the warmth of the Mediterranean.

Traditional souvlaki and moussaka are popular dishes that are well worth trying, but for something different, there’s also a tapas-style selection on the menu. We recommend the loukaniko (sausage) and spanakopita (spinach pie).

  1. Bar Estilo

If like us, you’re partial to a bit of Spanish grub, then Bar Estilo is calling your name.

They are masters in tapas and paella and you’ll be spoilt for choice with all of the meat, fish and vegetarian dishes on offer.

Cocktails and sangria make for the ideal accompaniment to the tapas. So sit back and soak up the relaxed atmosphere, and recharge your batteries before the new academic year begins.

  1. Lulu Wild

Who doesn’t like a bit of Chinese cuisine?

Lulu Wild is a fantastic East Asian restaurant located in Brindley Place.

The art and creativity of the dishes are what makes this place stand out, and these guys hold the traditional belief that food is medicine as well as sustenance and indulgence.

After having sampled some of their dishes, we have to say it’s just what the doctor ordered!

Some of their dishes include fresh and succulent dim sum, light stir-fries, and more creative inventions such as strawberry sweet and sour sea bass.

There you have it. That’s our selection of the top ten best places to eat out in Birmingham – so far!

With so many places to choose from to eat out while you’re a student, you won’t need anything else to make you feel at home. Except for your university student halls, of course. You can opt for private student housing in Birmingham, and try to wow your flatmates by recreating some of the recipes you’ve sampled at these incredible restaurants in the UK’s second city!