We all know the feeling of the post-breakfast stomach growl which only a great little midday spot can satisfy. Fortunately, there are an array of lunch destinations around the city, perfect for breaks at work, meet-ups with friends, and light bites with the family. From restaurants that serve delicious South American plates to classic British pubs primed for burgers and chips, there are plenty of places to keep the hunger monster at bay. Check out our recommendations for some of the best places for lunch in Birmingham.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 16th May 2025
Isaac's Restaurant, tucked beneath The Grand Hotel Birmingham, serves guests a brasserie-style British menu enhanced by French flair.
Emphasising locally sourced ingredients and eco-conscious practices, it offers standout options like succulent rump of lamb with gratin potato, Roquefort blue cream, and red wine jus, in addition to steaks, Sunday roasts and artisan cheeseboards.
If you're looking for something a little different that also happens to be one of the best places to eat lunch in Birmingham, then why not try the adventurous delights of The Lost and Found?
You'll be transported to a whimsical, bygone era where charm and elegance intertwine, and the Victorian-inspired decor, complete with plush furnishings, antique touches, and quirky details, sets the stage for lunch. On the menu? British small plates like pork and black pudding sausage, 8oz rump steaks, pepperoni pizzas and scrumptious desserts (our favourite is the sticky toffee pudding).
The Button Factory is a fun place to stop by for a bite to eat around midday. Situated in the vibrant Jewellery Quarter, this modern den serves up a mouthwatering menu of seasonal dishes, with the majority influenced by the robata grill located in the heart of the venue.
For tender meats cooked over an open flame, this is the place for you. Look forward to 250g Bavette steak, chicken thigh shish, whole green chilli seabass and more, plus there's a droolworthy roast come Sunday. The interior is a perfect balance of industrial chic and cosy charm, with exposed brick walls, stylish furniture, and plenty of natural light - making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a laid-back yet sophisticated lunch with your friends.
Looking for a midday pick-me-up? Indico Mailbox is delivering the goods with its mouthwatering North Indian street food menu. Stepping into this restaurant, you're immediately immersed in the hustle and bustle of the streets of India, with the warm, inviting atmosphere and the rich, bold flavours that make the region's cuisine so special.
The restaurant is a tribute to the artistry of street food vendors who pour their hearts into their craft, believing in the principle of 'Atithi devo bhava' - the guest is God. On the menu? Think Dhaba-style curries, traditional thalis and smaller sharing plates washed down with a selection of thirst-quenching beers and Asian-inspired cocktails (ours is the Delhi Daiquiri).
On the lookout for a cheap lunch in Birmingham? Enter BrewDog. Sitting in the city's former industrial heartland, this bold and unapologetic beer haven combines exposed metal girders with neon lighting. Whether you're after a hoppy hit of Punk IPA, the session-friendly Dead Pony Club, or one of their ever-rotating guest taps, its lineup doesn't disappoint.
On Wednesdays, you can feast like a king or queen with bottomless chicken or cauliflower wings, and then throughout the week there are great deals on burgers (starting from £12.50 each) and you can also bag two sides (think fries and mini mac 'n' cheese) for £7.
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Located in Resorts World, TGI Fridays is a popular spot for laid-back dining and celebratory meals alike. Whether you're hoping to fuel up half way through a shopping trip or just fancy treating yourself to lunch, there's plenty to choose from here.
Their extensive American menu features the likes of mac 'n' cheese bites, sesame chicken strips and hearty glazed beef burgers. Plus, there are two-for-one cocktails to wash it all down.
Bank Restaurant Bar & Grill is a great shout for a lunch set menu that won't break the bank. The restaurant's interiors are sleek and modern, setting the scene for a classy feast, and it offers two pretty terraces with canalside views, should you fancy eating outside and enjoying the sun.
Enjoy two courses for £23 or three for £28.50 and wolf down truffle and leek croquettes or crispy duck salad to start, followed by tikka sea bass or an Angus beef burger, then a burnt Basque cheesecake for dessert.
Known for its theatrical cocktails and alchemy-inspired décor, The Alchemist Colmore Row and Brindleyplace brings a little magic to Birmingham's dining scene. Set in a grand, Grade II-listed building, the Colmore Row outpost blends Victorian elegance with modern, moody interiors, making it a stylish escape in the heart of the city's business district.
When it comes to lunch, the menu is as inventive as its drinks. Expect bold flavours and creative twists on classics, with options ranging from pulled beef on brioche and tempura prawn lollipops to start, to indulgent mains like the katsu curry or crispy curried fish.
Leave the desk lunch in the communal fridge and head over to The Lobby On Hill Street at the Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre. The modern and multifunctional interior provides a welcoming atmosphere, allowing you to lounge and graze in comfort throughout the day.
The food menu focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients prepared to perfection. Drawing on traditional British food trends and giving a modern twist with their signature style, each dish promises to surprise and delight. Enjoy the likes of buttermilk chicken wraps, tiger prawn arrabbiata pasta, and a honeycomb-dusted chocolate bomb for dessert.
The Distillery is located along Birmingham's scenic canals and it's the city's first gin distillery, combining a unique setting with delicious food and drink. Inside, you'll find gorgeous, industrial interiors such as exposed brick walls, wooden beams and dainty pendant lighting setting the scene for a snug pub-style lunch.
The venue spans two levels, each with its own charm. Downstairs, you'll find a cosy den with an open kitchen, where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals made from high-quality ingredients. From grilled jerk chicken with fries to vegan cheeseburgers and Dan Danielle ham-topped pizzas, the menu has plenty to satisfy your lunch cravings. Upstairs, there's a vibrant gin bar and a stylish event space, ideal for post-lunch cocktails or a relaxed afternoon drink.
The best lunch in Birmingham? The Botanist Gas Street Basin and Temple Street are certainly up there. These pretty, foliage-adorned restaurants not only specialise in very aesthetic, botanic decor but also boast a great range of international eats, including its famous hanging kebab.
From Monday to Friday, 11am 'til 4pm, all dishes from its lunch menu are £7.95 each - what a bargain. Grab your friends and head down to enjoy crispy halloumi pitas with a sweet chilli dip, or a salt and pork belly affair in a kimchi dressing. Wash it down with one of its signature cocktails and you've got yourself a fantastic feast.
As far as lunch in Birmingham goes, Hockley Social Club, brought to you by the brains behind Digbeth Dining Club, is supreme in the street food department, fronting delicious eats from traders like Buddha Belly, Only Jerkin, Brúm Mì and more.
Open four days a week (but only from midday on weekends), you can swing by to dive into a world of incredible eats, entertainment, and fun. Get your weekend vibes going with classical tunes courtesy of the CBSO, bust out laughing at their monthly comedy nights, or get your weekend shopping fix at their Sunday morning lifestyle market.
Looking for an affordable but sophisticated lunch destination? Then head to EN Steak & Cocktail Bar in the Mailbox, a sleek restaurant that looks out over the canal. The interiors are complete with an open kitchen, boasting state-of-the-art charcoal ovens and dry-ageing cabinets.
Their lunch offer is not to be missed, promising a two-course steak meal for just £17 per person - available from 12 to 4.30pm every single day. These are premium meats selected by butchers, and you can pair them with £6 classic cocktails or a £5 glass of prosecco.
Browns Brasserie & Bar Birmingham is a perfect spot for a leisurely and stylish lunch in the city. Located in the heart of Birmingham, this elegant yet relaxed brasserie combines classic British dining with a touch of European flair, offering a menu full of fresh, seasonal dishes that cater to every craving.
As part of its lunch and early evening set menu, you can bag two courses for £18.95 or three for £23.95 and delight in duck and plum salad to start, and mains of steak frites, chicken and leek pie, and butternut squash and sage risotto.
From chicken and beef doner kebabs to Caesar salad-inspired burgers, you'll be treated this lunchtime when you head down to the Bristol Pear. Situated in the heart of the city, this charming pub provides cracking lunch deals including a main and drink starting from £7.
Whether you're in the mood for a traditional British meal, something lighter or a delicious seasonal dish, there's something for everyone, including stone-baked pizzas topped with smoked chicken thigh strips and BBQ sauce, and healthy buddha bowls.
A must for the best lunch in Birmingham city centre, Bodega Cantina is a unique place to savour the taste of South America. Whether you're craving something light or hearty, their menu has you covered, with everything from tasty small plates to filling mains. During lunchtime, you can grab tacos (think Baja fish, chipotle beef, or halloumi) and any soft drink or mocktail for just a tenner (or a quesadilla for £11 and burrito for £12).
They even offer a great selection of vibrant cocktails that will transport you straight to the tropics, making it an ideal place to elevate your lunch break. As for the interiors, Bodega Cantina has a bright and fun atmosphere and the space is filled with colourful, eclectic decor - think vibrant wall murals, neon signs, and rustic touches that create welcoming vibes.
If you're craving something a little more lush when it comes to lunch, Birmingham has just the ticket with this gorgeous number. A feast for the stomach and eyes, this restaurant is covered head to toe in pretty foliage, bird wallpaper and geometric light fixtures.
The Ivy Temple Row's menu promises the likes of roasted scallops with creamed spinach, or The Ivy 1917 cure smoked salmon on dark rye bread to start, followed by its signature shepherd's pie, lobster linguine, or blackened cod fillet.
On the hunt for good lunch places in Birmingham? This restaurant will leave you satisfied with a taste of Lebanese, North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. Swing by Comptoir Libanais for a vibrant meal in equally bright surroundings - think mosaic walls, trinkets dotted about and a gorgeous, rich colour scheme.
Whether you're hankering for hot or cold mezze, grilled eats or tasty tagines, this eatery is an excellent shout. Begin with smoky baba ghanuj served with warm flatbread for dipping, before moving on to a lamb kofta burger or a rice bowl filled with chicken shawarma. For dessert? it's all about mango and vanilla cheesecake, or a moreish baklawa selection.
Opheem isn't just a lunch destination - it's a Michelin-starred journey through centuries of Indian culinary history, brought to life by Aktar Islam. Inspired by the progressive cooking of India's royal courts, this Summer Row gem blends heritage with modern innovation, serving up a refined yet bold dining experience.
The Friday and Saturday lunch menu (£75 for two courses, £85 for three) is a masterclass in flavour and technique. Start with the Great British Menu-winning Kekda, where soft-shell crab meets caraway seed tempura, before diving into dishes like Allepy, featuring day boat fish in raw mango and coconut, or the rich and spiced Chakandari Gosht with Herdwick hogget and beetroot. Round it off with the decadent After Eight - a Valrhona chocolate and pine ice cream delight - and you've got a midday feast fit for royalty.
If you happen to be in Harborne and spot The Plough, make it your destination for a casual lunch in Birmingham. This charming pub combines an airy atmosphere with a top-notch food offering, making it the perfect spot for a midday meal.
Known for its mouthwatering seasonal dishes and high-quality ingredients, its menu features club sandwiches, Buffalo chicken burgers, and freshly made pizzas starting from £14 each. The best part? It boasts outdoor seating, perfect for sunny days. Plus, their drinks menu features a great selection of local beers, ciders, and refreshing cocktails to complement your lunch.
For a luxurious lunch with a touch of Argentine flair, Gaucho Birmingham is the place to be. Nestled in a stylishly artistic space, this steakhouse brings together Birmingham's rich manufacturing history and Argentina's legendary beef culture.
The set lunch menu (served Monday to Friday, featuring two courses for £19.50 or three for £24) lets you indulge in starters like beef tartare tacos or tostada de superstraccia, followed by mains such as the Cuadril steak with chimichurri or pumpkin ravioli with sage and walnuts. If you're dining on a Friday or Saturday, the Long Lunch (from midday 'til 3pm) kicks things up a notch with scallops galore.
If you're on the hunt for the best places for lunch in Birmingham city centre, head to Dishoom, a love letter to Bombay's rich history of trade, independence, and culinary tradition. Inspired by the spirit of Swadeshi (self-reliance), this stunning eatery pays homage to those who laboured for India's freedom, all while serving up some of the most delicious Bombay comfort food you'll find on this side of the Arabian Sea.
Open all day, every day, it's the perfect place for a midday feast. Indulge in a paneer roomali roll, or a vada pau - a street food staple featuring hot potato vada and chutneys inside a soft homemade bun. A bit of the house chaat wouldn't go amiss either.
Tattu Birmingham is where modern Chinese dining meets breathtaking design, making it an unforgettable lunch destination. Located in the basement of the Grand Hotel, this visually stunning restaurant takes inspiration from the ancient philosophy of Yin and Yang, blending dark, moody elegance with fiery vibrance.
Beyond the stunning interiors, the lunch menu at Tattu is a journey of contemporary Chinese flavours, offering two courses for £29.90 and three for £34.90. Inhale wild mushroom and black truffle spring rolls, balsamic teriyaki salmon, kung po tofu, Asian pear sticky toffee pudding and so much more.
If you fancy nabbing a little seat by the canal for lunch then head to Ju Ju's Cafe. Born out of a passion for good, old-fashioned, home-cooked food, it's become a favourite for its comforting, hug-on-a-plate dishes.
With a menu made from fresh, high-quality ingredients - including locally sourced, free-range, and sustainably farmed products - every meal is prepared with care and love. Tuck into the likes of honey-glazed pork ribs, shakshuka, cod and chips and more. Add to that a great selection of classic wines, cocktails, and a beautiful canal-side setting, and it's clear why Ju Ju's Cafe is one of the best lunch spots in Birmingham.
