Our guide to Birmingham restaurants and takeaways.

Birmingham is a cultural melting pot, and nowhere is this reflected more than in its cuisine, with over 200 restaurants in the city centre, serving up tasty treats from 27 different countries. What Birmingham is best known for, however, is its coveted curries. Some of the favourite Indian restaurants in Birmingham include UK Curry Award winners Asha’s (Newhall Street), Itihaas (Fleet Street) and Lasan (James Street) or there’s the unique Balti Triangle, an area just south of the city centre which buzzes with over 50 lively Indian restaurants, cafés and takeaways. And as is the case with so many of Birmingham’s restaurants, there is no licence, so bring your own beer and wine.

Birmingham is also fast becoming one of the best shopping destinations in Europe, with its iconic Bullring Centre, a range of glitzy shopping plazas and high-end department stores, including Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. If you’re looking for refreshment after your spending spree, there are some excellent eateries dotted around the city centre, from family-friendly chains to hip bars. For a real treat, head to Michelin-starred Purnell’s on Cornwall Street: undoubtedly one of the finest restaurants in Birmingham.