These are our top 10 visitor-approved food spots in Birmingham

Take a break from pesto pasta

7 months ago | UPDATED 7 months ago

Your parents are coming to visit, and you need to impress them with some top tier grub. But let’s be real, they’re paying and you don’t want to eat at Infusion. So, we’ve done the hard work and found you some glorious places to eat within walking distance from campus. From burgers to cream tea, there’s something for everyone.

Boston Tea Party

Top Dish: Salt beef hash

Coming in strong we have Boston Tea Party, if you are looking for a cute brunch date then Harborne is definitely worth a visit. The menu ranges from avocado on toast to homemade american pancakes. The lemonade slushie is definitely worth a try to quench your thirst. After brunch, browse the charity shops and of course pop into Maddison to look at the adorable Jellycats they sell. With Harborne only a 20-minute walk from campus, or four minutes in the car, it should definitely be on your list.

Mowgli

Top Dish: Picnic potato curry

If you find yourself picking up your parents from New Street, take the escalator up to the top of the station for a bite to eat in Mowgli. This Indian street food inspired menu has plenty of options that it may be a good idea to order lots of smaller dishes. The monkey wrap is top tier, and the mango tonic is super refreshing – the perfect pair!

Medicine Bakery

Top Dish: Tomato and pesto focaccia

Next up is Medicine Bakery, with locations in the city centre and the Mailbox, it is certainly worth a visit to accompany a bit of shopping. The green goddess smoothie is delicious, and slaps even harder on a Thursday after a rather rough sports night. Alongside the many options of caffeinated or non-caffeinated drinks, the menu has options for everyone. The Medicine Breakfast Sandwich is a favourite, however if you fancy something sweeter, you can never go wrong with the French toast.

The Plough

Top Dish: Roast dinner

Heading back to Harborne now, The Plough is a warm and vibrant pub serving an incredible roast dinner on a Sunday. If you don’t fancy the full works, the caesar salad, bar burger or club sandwich will certainly hit the spot. With a fully stocked bar and your usuals on tap there’s plenty to keep you going well into the evening.

Orelle

Top Dish: Filet steak

Now if your visitors are feeling particularly generous, then Orelle could be the place to go. On the pricier side, the menu is filled with vegan, vegetarian and meat options. Slap bang in the city centre, with panoramic city views from the 24th floor on Colmore Row, it could be the perfect farewell meal before the journey home. If you’re feeling fancy, the ‘saumon’ paired with a side of triple cooked new potatoes is a stand out. There are lots mocktails and cocktails on offer- it’s got to be the caleño dark n’ stormy. My mouth is watering just writing this.

Indico

Top Dish: Punjabi choley

If you fancy some Indian cuisine, then look no further that Indico. If you’ve started with breakfast at Medicine Bakery, and shopped until you dropped, refuelling at here would be the best decision. With a prime location in the Mailbox, but only a 30 minute walk along the canal from the Vale its the perfect place to grab an afternoon bite. The highway chicken tikka is a safe option wash it down with the malabar sunset.

Winterbourne House and Gardens

Top Dish: Cream tea

Winterbourne House and Gardens is perfect for a wholesome afternoon, as a student you get free entry (so make sure to take your student ID card!) Bit of a bonus too if you are on meal plan, you can pick up the bill for your guests and feel super generous for the rest of the day. Located on the edge of campus, it’s a perfect end if you’re giving a whole university tour. The cream tea or brummies’ meat platter is a good choice, great for sharing.

Fat Hippo

Top Dish: Yankee

Next up is Fat Hippo, in the centre of town, commutable by car, bus or even the train – if you like burgers this is the place for you. The hangin’ burger is very tasty alongside the dirty waffles and mars attack shake – thank me later. You can even branch out and have an alcoholic milkshake if you fancy that.

Tattu

Top Dish: Red belly pork

Another favourite, but surpassing the student budget, would have to be Tattu. Located near Snow Hill station, within the city centre, it is really accessible. The red belly pork is super tasty, paired with the skull candy drink – you cannot go wrong. Whilst you’re in the area pop by Mr Simms Olde Age Sweet Shoppe, and take some pick and mix for the trip home.

Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana

Top Dish: Carni Pizza

If you fancy a spot of Italian, Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana located slap-bang in the city centre is perfect for a spot of dinner. With plenty of options for all dietary requirements, it has the added bonus of being pet friendly. Play it safe with a margarita or branch out to the porchetta. The caesar salad would be the perfect accompaniment, finish off the meal with the tiramisu for the full experience.