Despite British food not always having the best reputation (unfairly?), the UK has a surprising number of foodie destinations outside of the capital. From Cornish seafood restaurants to the markets of Edinburgh, if you love good food, there are endless places to explore.

But one city is emerging as the UK’s top foodie destination, and it’s not exactly the first place you’d consider when booking a weekend break. However, outside of the capital, it has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in a single city, with five of its eateries boasting the prestigious award.

Birmingham has quietly become the most exciting foodie destination in the UK, according to Conde Nast Traveller, which cited the huge variety of bakeries, bars, high-end restaurants, and revamped pubs cropping up across the city.

In 2024, Opheem, a fine-dining restaurant serving elevated Indian cuisine, became the first restaurant in the city to earn two Michelin stars. Other awards have been given to Simpsons Restaurant, a long-running British restaurant set in a beautiful Georgian townhouse, and the contemporary, sleek Adam’s Restaurant.

Newer spots that have made a big impact on the city include Albatross Death Cult, which made it onto Harden’s top 100 restaurants guide at number 12. Featuring just 14 seats, this intimate seafood restaurant offers an impressive ten course menu that’s an unforgettable experience.

Riverine Rabbit, which also opened in 2024, has also become an icon in the city. While getting a reservation is incredibly difficult, those who manage to snag a seat heap praise on the place, with one review saying: “This was not just a meal but an experience in what good, creative food should be.”

In the south of the city, you’ll find the famous Balti Triangle, where the popular curry featuring garlic, onions, turmeric, and garam masala was invented in the 1970s. Some restaurants have been in the area for decades, such as Shababs, which still makes balti using the same method developed all those years ago.

The Jewellery Quarter is home to Saint Paul’s Market, an indoor market with independent food outlets, cocktails, and craft beer. Also, look out for Digbeth Dining Club, which hosts a number of street food events throughout the city where local traders selling everything from artisanal cheese toasties to burgers and brownies come together in a celebration of Birmingham’s food scene.

Many independent bakeries have sprung up in recent years, but perhaps the most successful has been Medicine, which now has nine locations across Birmingham and Wolverhampton. The Ikon Gallery branch is one of the most popular, serving brunch both on the terrace and inside this Victorian art gallery. Whether you opt for one of its unpleasantly named Cruffins - a cross between a croissant and a muffin - French toast, or a loaf of sourdough, you can be sure everything has been freshly baked to perfection.

Levain and Cherry in Kings Heath also comes highly recommended. One review claims it offers: “The best pastries I've had outside of France and definitely the best in Birmingham”. In addition to baguettes and loaves, you can find perfectly-crisp pain au chocolate, apple turnovers, and other French-inspired treats.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com