Top 12 places to eat in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham

Monday, 22 April 2024

Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter is a lively central hub of diverse restaurants. From classic comfort food, bold international cuisines and indulgent street dishes - you’ll find it all here.

Satisfy your appetite after a day of shopping, wine and dine your other half, or kick off a big night out with a group of friends at Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Since its first jewellery shop opened in the 16th century, this historic area has blossomed into a vibrant hotspot with a blend of high-quality eateries, trendy bars and bargain buying opportunities.

Located on the outskirts of the city centre, eating at the Jewellery Quarter is an easy option after visiting Brum’s biggest attractions. Amongst the old-world charm of cobbled streets is a diverse selection of modern and traditional restaurants that cater to every palate. Settle in and stay a while for after-dinner craft beers, creative cocktails and evening entertainment.

Hop on a train to Birmingham New Street or Birmingham Jewellery Quarter and treat yourself to a mouth-watering meal out.

Discover the atmospheric eateries with menus that are authentic, affordable and delicious in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Here are our top 12 favourite places:

1000 Trades

This trendy, edging-on alternative eatery has a classic rustic pub feel from its wooden furnishings, exposed brick walls and warm cosy lighting. To keep diners on their toes, the kitchen constantly rotates with guest visits from up-and-coming local culinary entrepreneurs who work alongside the resident chef. Anything from Korean rice bowls to Caribbean curry could be on the menu – whatever the cuisine, it’ll be top quality from 1000 Trades .

On Sundays, they serve a mean roast and ‘posh’ sandwiches are on the menu for weekday lunch. Warm up on a drizzly day with a craft beer by the crackling fire. Keep an eye out for the decorative trinkets, which are a nod to this pub’s trade history as a jeweller and badge collectable badge manufacturer since opening its doors in 1870.

  • Best for: Craft beer enthusiasts looking for laid-back vibes and a surprise cuisine.
  • Price: Lunch sits around the £8 mark, dinner £14 and Roasts £18.
  • Opening hours: between 12:00 - 15:00 and 17:00 - 21:30.
  • Distance from Jewellery Quarter station: 0.3 miles.

Otto

Retaining its reputation as one of the best pizza places in Birmingham, Otto has mastered the art of a crisp crust and thin flavourful centre of their wood-fired pizzas. Savour the flavours of the fresh, high-quality, locally sourced toppings of your choice.

Grab a table and tuck into your Neapolitan-style pizza in the relaxing restaurant with natural wooden textures, earthy green decor and an overall rustic feel. Or order a takeaway and find a sunny spot in a nearby park.

  • Best for: Pizza fiends who are searching for the best slice around.
  • Price: Starting at £10 for a classic Margherita.
  • Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 17:00 - 21:00, Friday and Saturday 12:00 - 15:00 and 17:00 - 21:30.
  • Distance from Jewellery Quarter station: 0.4 miles.

@ottobrum

Damascena

Damascena is more than just the coffee house it may appear to be at first. Step inside and soak up the Middle Eastern atmosphere with ornate furnishings, elegant lantern lighting and rich colours. Alongside an order of Arabian coffee or a sweet, spicy or aromatic tea from around the world, you can feast on authentic Middle Eastern dishes.

Fragrant and herby flatbreads, manakeesh, meze small plates and platters are best shared for a traditional Middle Eastern experience. Wraps, sandwiches and snacks are available for a light bite. Finish off with some tempting oven-baked pastries or homemade baklava.

  • Best for: Sociable dining with authentic Middle Eastern sharing boards.
  • Price Around £5 for individual meze plates and up to £15 for large sharing dishes.
  • Opening hours: Between 9:00 - 21:00 Monday to Thursday, 9:00 - 22:00 Friday and Saturday, then 10:00 - 18:00 on Sundays.
  • Distance from Jewellery Quarter station: 0.2 miles.

The Rectory & 180 Club

Kick off the ultimate games night with a timeless cocktail and some British pub food at The Rectory & 180 Club before some darts in the basement. Satisfy your hunger pangs with quick and easy small plates like salt and pepper squid, loaded fries or tater tots. Nibble on a sharing portion of wings in spicy buffalo, spicy Korean or bacon bbq style. Or choose a comfort food classic like fish and chips, burgers or steak from the large plates menu.

Beneath the lively buzz in the casual dining space is where the competitive games begin. Spotlights illuminate the dartboards, ready for you to try your hand. Team up for some friendly rivalry or go one-on-one. For an unforgettable experience on a special occasion, book a fabulous boozy brunch for £35.

  • Best for: Evening games after a hearty pub dinner and cocktails.
  • Price: Small plates cost around £6.50, wings are 12 for £15 and large plates from £9.
  • Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 12:00 - 15:00 and 17:00 - 21:00, Friday 12:00 - 15:00 and 17:00 - 23:00, Saturday 12:00 - 23:00, Sunday 12:00 - 17:00.
  • Distance from Jewellery Quarter station: 0.5 miles.

Hen & Chickens

In the historic heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, the aromas of sizzling Indian desi from Hen & Chickens will entice you. Follow your nose into the contemporary and stylish restaurant with wooden furnishings, ambient lighting and artwork which captures the essence of Indian culture.

Sip a cold beer while you browse the menu of mixed grill and curry dishes. From mild and creamy delights to eye-watering fiery creations, every dish delivers rich and authentic flavours. While you’re there, you won’t miss a moment of sporting action as the large TV screens dotted around the venue show key annual events. If you’re planning a visit with your family, it’s important to note that children must be aged 10 and over.

  • Best for: A guaranteed great curry in a welcoming restaurant.
  • Price: Mains cost upwards of £10.50.
  • Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 12:00 - 22:00, Sunday 12:00 - 21:30.
  • Distance from Jewellery Quarter station: 0.6 miles.

Cappadocia Restaurant

Named after the historical region of Turkey, Cappadocia Restaurant recreates authentic Turkish dining in its decor and menu. Cooked by chefs trained in traditional Turkish cuisine in Istanbul, the balance of rich aromatic spices, refreshing herbs, cooling yoghurt and fragrant garlic in each dish is spot on.

The restaurant has a contemporary feel with a splash of tasteful Turkish art. Choose from organic hot and cold small plates, char-grilled kebabs, pasta, and platters with plenty of dips and breads. A kid's menu with simple dishes like chicken nuggets is available for the little ones.

  • Best for: Indecisive eaters can try a bit of everything with the platters and selection of small plates.
  • Price: Main courses start at £14.90.
  • Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 12:00 - 22:00, Friday and Saturday 12:00 - 23:00.
  • Distance from Jewellery Quarter station: 0.2 miles.

Hockley Social Club

Hugging the outskirts of the Jewellery Quarter, this former 10,000-square-foot printing factory has been reborn into a buzzing street food venue. Variety is at your fingertips from the competing pop-up independent food sellers at Hockley Social Club .

It’s also a great place for a laid-back coffee outside in the daytime or if you’re in the mood for partying it’s a popular late-night drinking spot. On a Friday, there is live music, and they host a comedy night every month.

  • Best for: Lots of street food options in a buzzy venue.
  • Price: Prices vary, but a main usually costs around £10.
  • Opening hours: Thursday and Friday 17:00 - 00:00, Saturday 12:00 - 01:00, Sunday 12:00 - 19:00.
  • Distance from Jewellery Quarter station: 0.6 miles.

The Pig & Tail

Environmentally conscious dining is at the core of The Pig & Tail . This chilled-out, cosy eatery uses renewable energy and sources ingredients from local supplies within the British Isles to reduce their impact on the planet.

Grab a cocktail at the bar with rustic and contemporary decor or share some British and European-inspired small plates or a platter in the hidden courtyard.

  • Best for: An eco-friendly eating in a cosy, characterful setting.
  • Price: Small plates are around £6 and burgers cost £8 or £9.
  • Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday 12:00 - 22:00. Friday and Saturday 12:00 - 23:00.
  • Distance from Jewellery Quarter station: 0.4 miles.

24 Carat Bistro

Tucked away in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter is the independently run 24 Carat Bistro where you can choose from a range of lovingly made Carribean dishes. Light bites and filling platters are on the menu – and don’t miss their irresistible house specials like a Goat curry and jerk chicken.

Visit on a Friday or Saturday night for a Caribbean a la carte which comes with rice and peas or fried dumplings. Wash everything down with a punchy rum cocktail or sample their collection of over 20 rums.

  • Best for: Next-level Indian cuisine.
  • Price: A three-course meal from their set menu is £44.95
  • Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday 10:00 - 16:00, Friday 11:00 - 21:00 and Saturday 11:00 - 22:00.
  • Distance from Jewellery Quarter station: 0.2 miles.

The Jam House

Since Jools Holland set the standard of live music on its opening night in 1999, big names in the jazz world have torn the roof down in this historic Georgian music and dining venue. On the third floor of The Jam House , you can sit down for some food from the seasonal gastro menu.

For some after-dinner entertainment, let your hair down at an intimate live performance with an ‘unplugged feel’ – you’ll be up close and personal to the musicians.

  • Best for: Dinner and dancing.
  • Price: A two-course meal is £32 or three courses for £40 per person.
  • Opening hours: Friday and Saturday 18:00 - 02:00, Wednesday 18:00 - 00:00, Thursday 18:00 - 01:00.
  • Distance from Jewellery Quarter station: 0.5 miles.

Cucina Rustica

Cucina Rustica serves hearty dishes from north to south Italy which they cook using traditional techniques and family recipes. Ingredients are sourced daily from the local market and plenty of dishes cater to dietary requirements. It’s very well priced for the quality delivered.

Expect slow-cooked meats, flavourful salads, complex risottos and tapas-style sharers to be served to you at a well-dressed table in this sleek and dimly lit restaurant.

  • Best for: An intimate and romantic Italian dining experience.
  • Price: Main courses start at £12.50.
  • Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 12:00 - 22:00, Friday and Saturday 12:00 - 23:00.
  • Distance from Jewellery Quarter station: 0.3 miles.

The Rolling Mill

Dating back to the early 1900s, The Rolling Mill has kept its character from its early days as a rolling steel factory with a stylish and trendy industrial-chic ambience. The large open-plan interior and outdoor space are perfect for gatherings with friends or family.

Craft cocktails go down easy with the gastropub-style dishes, which are simple but divine, with high-quality ingredients. Mix and match the small plates, fight over a platter or sink your teeth into your own juicy burger.

  • Best for: A sociable setting with a delicious but straightforward menu.
  • Price: Small plates from £9.50 and large plates from £16.50.
  • Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00 - 21:30, Friday and Saturday 9:00 - 23:00, Sunday 9:00 - 20:30.
  • Distance from Jewellery Quarter station: 0.3 miles.

Handy tip: When you travel with West Midlands Railway, you can get exclusive 2FOR1 deals, 1/3 OFF savings and many other great discounts available at top attractions in and around Great Britain. You can get into your favourite places to eat for even less cost as well with our Off-Peak tickets.

You can purchase your ticket via the West Midlands app . Also, be sure to check out our Evening Return Tickets (for any two stations in West Midlands rail zones 1-5)